Art Walk Albert Lea unveils final piece in city sculpture walk

Published 6:20 pm Wednesday, September 3, 2025

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After unveiling the final sculpture of Art Sculpture Walk Albert Lea Wednesday, a ribbon cutting was held to celebrate the completion of the first phase of sculptures. Pictured is Albert Lea Economic Development Agency executive director Phillip Johnson, Albert Lea Convention & Visitors Bureau executive director Holly Babcock, and Art Walk Albert Lea representative Shane Koepke. Ayanna Eckblad/Albert Lea Tribune

The final installment of this phase of Art Sculpture Walk Albert Lea was unveiled Wednesday. Located in New Denmark Park, the picture frame sculpture was made by students at Riverland Community College. Ayanna Eckblad/Albert Lea Tribune

Matt Maras and Albert Lea Mayor Rich Murray become one of the first people to take a photo at the newest installment of Art Sculpture Walk Albert Lea. Maras attended the ribbon cutting Wednesday as a representative of United Employees Credit Union, which sponsored a rock in front of the sculpture for people to sit on. Ayanna Eckblad/Albert Lea Tribune

Art Walk Albert Lea on Wednesday unveiled the final sculpture of phase one of the Art Sculpture Walk Albert Lea program, which has brought a total of 11 pieces to the community so far.

The sculpture, a large picture frame with the words “Albert Lea” included in the corner, is a collaboration between Art Walk Albert Lea and other community partners. It is located in New Denmark Park.

Albert Lea Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Holly Babcock said the idea of having a sculpture collection in the city was envisioned in 2018 when she and Shane Koepke, another Art Walk Albert Lea organizer, attended the Blandin Community Leadership program.

It was there that Art Walk Albert Lea was formed, she said. The organization, which is run through the Albert Lea Convention & Visitors Bureau, first organized a few murals in the city, but did not introduce the first sculpture until about two years ago.

The Art Sculpture Walk’s first sculpture was unveiled in August 2023 at Fountain Lake Park. The sculpture was made by Charlie Graham. Since then, the project has grown into a collection of diverse works across Albert Lea, creating a cultural walking experience that highlights the creativity of local and regional artists, according to a press release.

It was Koepke’s idea to have a picture frame, Babcock explained about the latest sculpture.

“I like the idea of art that’s engaging,” Koepke said. “A picture frame automatically kind of sets you up for taking a picture and including the community you’re in.”

The picture frame itself was built by students at Riverland Community College, and the lettering was done by Brandon Yost of 2Bent Metal Creations.

To add to its durability, the sculpture was sent to Blooming Prairie to be powder-coated, Babcock said. The city of Albert Lea helped set up the structure the frame was secured to. Lastly, United Employees Credit Union sponsored a rock placed in front of the frame that people can sit on while taking pictures.

Koepke said he hopes people can use the picture frame to commemorate a vacation or trip to Albert Lea, or even just the first and last day of school.

While the picture frame will be a permanent fixture in the community, Koepke said, the other pieces in the sculpture walk will be switched out periodically to keep things fresh and interesting.

Babcock said Art Walk Albert Lea is working with the History Center of Freeborn County to add the sculpture walk to the PocketSights App.

The app will allow people to find all of the sculptures displayed throughout the city, as well as give them access to information about the pieces. Babcock said she is hoping to have the tour up and running on the app by the end of September.

“I think it’s important that we build some pride in our community, and this is a cool way to do it,” Koepke said.

More information about the Art Sculpture Walk Albert Lea is available at artwalkalbertlea.com.