A community-wide project about three years and $300,000 in the making so the fruits of its labor spring to life at the end of June. Murals in Menomonie, a first-time collaborative effort between the city of Menomonie's major players – the University of Wisconsin Stout-Polytechnic, the City of Menomonie, Community Foundation of Dunn County, Dunn County Historical Society, Downtown Menomonie, Explore Menomonie and the Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce – and international muralists organization, The Walldogs, took over the Dunn County city with a near-tangible energy from June 24-28. 

The Walldogs, a large group of skilled sign painters and muralists from around the globe, became part of the Menomonie community during those five days of Murals in Menomonie. Local business owner and artist Wade Lambrigsten, a Walldog himself, largely spearheaded the overall initiative. 

Their "mark" – a total 15 large-scale murals completed by about 200 artists; each inspired by the rich history of the city and wider area – on the community will be felt for decades to come. 

"It's a great way to celebrate what's good about America."

SUSAN KIRCH-THIBADO

MENOMONIE RESIDENT, ON THE MURALS IN MENOMONIE PROJECT

Locals were encouraged to visit with the muralists and see the creation process up close, and attend the Murals in Menomonie art auction and gala held on June 27. According to a social media post following the event, the auction was among the top-fundraising Walldogs Festival events ever.

Mural themes, locations

1. Menomonie Blue Caps at Hoss's Pub (516 Broadway St.) • led by artists Niko Alexander, Minn. and Amy Zaremba, Wis.
2. Ludington Guard Band at the Menomonie Theater Guild (502 2nd St. W.) • led by Jeff Lang, Penn.
3. Coca-Cola Ghost Mural at 617 1/2 Broadway St. S • led by Nancy Bennett, Iowa
4. UW-Stout Polytechnic at campus administration building (712 Broadway St. S) • led by Tom Seibert, Calif.
5. Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa at 618 3rd St. E • led by Joy Hernandez, Ind.
6. Lumberjacks at Simple Sports (400 Main St. E) • led by Joe Diaz, Ill.
7. Bolo Country Inn at Stitched Up (710 4th St. E) • led by Joy Kjer, Neb.
8. Kraft State Bank at BMO Bank N.A. Branch - the Hintzman building (438 5th St. E, Menomonie) • led by Kelsey McClellan, Ill., designed by Elaine Wallis, Canada
9. Menomonie's History at 614 Main St. E • led by Russell Kelly, Canada, Sonny Franks, Ga. and Eric Skinner, Canada
10. Golden Submarine at Auto Value Menomonie (709 Main St. E) • led by Kurt Gaber, Wis.
11. Dunn County Fair at Dunn County Faigrounds • led by Christopher Lovelady, Fla.
12. Hmong Story Cloth (final display location TBD) • led by Gao Pretti Zhong Thao, Minn. and Angelina Yang, Minn.
13. Boyceville Mural (final display location TBD) • led by Andy Goretski, Wis.
14. Ridgeland Fair (final display location TBD) • led by Christine Brunk Deshazo, Ill.
15. Anderson Cigars at Adoray’s Treasures from the Heart (521 6th Ave. E, Menomonie)* • led by Dan Luckin, England and Phil Schultz, Ill. 

*This mural will be installed later this August, following building preparations for the mural.

The expansive project was funded through donations and sponsorships contributed by locals, businesses and property owners. Funds that may not have been used during the mural festival will go toward an endowment fund, to be used for mural maintenance and upkeep in the future.

For those that weren't able to see the murals come to life in person, you only have to look to social media for a taste of the gratitude and excitement from locals and traveling artists alike. Some even likened the experience to "magic." 

One area resident, Susan Kirch-Thibado, commented, "It was fun to walk around and talk with some of the (artists)....they feel welcomed to our town.... great job and applause to those in town spearheading this fun addition to 2026 in Menomonie. It's a great way to celebrate what's good about America... happy 250!"

Surely, more post-event information and community joy is to come. Keep up with the project, Murals in Menomonie, online.