Questioning the Locals | Mona Lisa

What exactly are you staring at all day?

Eric Rasmussen |

WHO: Mona Lisa, 491
WHAT: Art icon, occasional advertising model
LIVES: Lake & Barstow, Fifth & Broadway, Fifth & Water, Eau Claire & Barstow, East Grand Ave

From the immortal Louvre in Paris to the streets of Eau Claire, Mona Lisa adds a little highbrow culture to the city’s landscape. While some aren’t thrilled that this masterpiece woman is here to hawk noodles from Mona Lisa’s restaurant, she has certainly become a part of the community.

What exactly are you staring at all day?  You know, the future, the rich tapestry of possibility that faces Eau Claire, the curiously complex character of the community, and that college guy throwing up behind The Pickle.

Could you lay to rest an ongoing debate and tell us what you’re smiling about? I’m not going to ruin the mystery, but there are theories that I am a painting of Da Vinci imagining himself as a woman. I find it amusing that I could be the world’s most popular and beloved drag show.

How tall do you think new construction on Water Street should be allowed to be? Honey, I yearn for stories! The taller the better! Slap me up on a skyscraper, and I’m happy – maximum exposure.

What about your stomping ground on Barstow? Anything you’re hoping for with the reconstruction next year? How about some more public art. I could really use a few friends/cohorts.

What did you think of The Da Vinci Code? I was riveted! Tom Hanks could make an honest woman of me any day. Or did you mean the book? I didn’t get to that. You’d think I’d read more, wouldn’t you …

If you could be on any building in the Chippewa Valley, what would you choose? Pizza Ranch. Just kidding! I am so snarky today. I would have to go with the library.

Besides Da Vinci, who’s your favorite Leonardo? The easy answer is DiCaprio, but my actual favorite is the ninja turtle.

What is your favorite cultural experience you’ve had in the Valley? I adore all the art events we have – shows at the library, university, various galleries, projects. We really have a fairly art-rich community. No millennial-caliber masterpieces, except for me, of course, but I love that everyone is trying!

Death bed, one meal from a local restaurant, what would it be?  Uh oh! This one is going to get me into trouble! OK. It’s Kwik Trip corn dogs. It’s so embarrassing!

Water Street or downtown? Oh, Water Street. I love to let loose, shed the 16th century dress, get all dolled up, and turn some heads with my girls.

What part of town have you never visited? I have not been to the mall in I don’t know how long. Or the North Side, or the West Side. Apparently those parts of town don’t enjoy pasta.

If you could rename Eau Claire a different French name, what would it be? How about Italian? Eau Claire would be something like Acqua Chiara. I think that has a definite ring.