WHEN PEOPLE BRAINSTORM ways to build a stronger, better community, then implement those ideas, beautiful things happen. I see that each time I visit Montgomery, a community of some 3,200 in Le Sueur County.
Montgomery’s latest project, The Montgomery Wings Mural Walk, adds yet another artsy element to this self-proclaimed Kolacky Capital of the World. Beyond promoting its Czech heritage, Montgomery celebrates the arts, centered at the Arts & Heritage Center of Montgomery.
Now the Arts & Heritage Center has joined with the Montgomery Community Foundation and Tri-City United High School ARTeam to create and paint wings displayed throughout town and at an area winery. The wings are a colorful addition to the community, yet another reason to visit a place known for its bakery, its brewery and much more.
That “much more” includes a creative community that collectively creates. Locals of all ages met at the Montgomery Farmers’ Market, at Memorial Park, at Next Chapter Winery, at an Art Night to paint the colorful wings that have taken flight throughout primarily the downtown area. While visiting Montgomery recently, I searched for those wings.
From vivid flowers at Posy Floral & Gifts to paint splotches at the arts center to an eagle at the Legion to scissors at PinCurls Salon to baked goods at Franke’s Bakery, the wing art often fits the location. It is symbolic, colorful and meaningful. Eye-catching, ideal for photo ops.
The wings, in many ways, tell a story. A story not only of specific place, but of community. Of ideas and talent merging to create this beautiful thing, this public art that brings joy to visitors like me. I admired. I smiled. I delighted. And I felt this sense of unity that comes from people working together on a common goal—to brighten their community with public art.
It was a bit of a treasure hunt to find the wings given I didn’t have a map to guide me. But that’s OK. I like exploring. Local barber, Steve, tipped me off, though, to the newest one, song-themed angel wings—including the song “On Eagle’s Wings”—at St. John Lutheran Church.
Every visit to Montgomery leaves me feeling happy, uplifted, impressed by this small town that hosts an annual Kolacky Days in July, honors veterans in photo displays downtown, cheers on the Mallards baseball team, showcases art in the town’s gallery and more, much more. I feel and see the spirit of community here.
As I was about to leave the downtown business district, I watched an older man exit Posy Floral & Gifts, a bouquet of pink roses in his arms. And I thought to myself, I really ought to photograph that scene. But, rather, I watched, taking in the magic of the moment. I wondered about the recipient, the reason for the flower purchase. My thoughts took wing. Were these roses to celebrate, to encourage, to thank? Or were they simply a “just because” way to brighten someone’s day? Just as the Wing Walk brightens the community of Montgomery, brightened my day.
© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Recent Comments