A side view of an artsy window display at Fleur de Lis Gallery.
STOREFRONT WINDOWS ARE LIKE A CANVAS, a creative space that can cause passersby to pause, then perhaps step inside a business. Or at a minimum, to value the visual efforts of a shopkeeper.
A full front view of that Fleur de Lis window art.
Historic buildings reflect in the front window of Ruf Acres Market, one of Faribault’s newest businesses. Ruf Acres won the 2017 Downtown Faribault Business Challenge to launch new businesses.
A colorful flier promotes Pawn MN.
During a brief walk in the 200 block of Central Avenue in historic downtown Faribault on a recent Sunday afternoon, I discovered visual delights in window displays, splashes of color, wordage, architecture and more.
Nona has created this eye-catching Wash Day window displace at Keepers Antiques.
I appreciate the efforts of local shopkeepers to create window art that enhances our downtown.
In the window of Ruf Acres Market, egg cartons promote eggs from Graise Farm in rural Faribault.
Mallory of Grit & Grace uses a Rolling Stones quote to draw people into her new Faribault shop of merchandise and much more.
At The Upper East Side, Suzanne offers guests the option of painting totes and more. Love this artsy Faribault tote made at the sip and paint shop.
I appreciate those who value and promote local.
Ruf Acres signage highlights historic Faribault.
Markers like this tag historic buildings throughout downtown Faribault.
Historic architecture reflected in the window of a van.
I appreciate, too, those who long ago decided our historic buildings were worth saving. “You have a beautiful downtown,” a woman from Jackson noted to me as she and her friend explored Central Avenue while I shot photos. I welcomed them, invited them to return when shops are open.
I appreciate also the energy and enthusiasm of shopkeepers like Jessica at Fleur de Lis Gallery and Suzanne at The Upper East Side. Both possess a passion for art that adds to the growing art presence in my community.
A close-up of that Wash Day window display at Keepers Antiques with historic buildings reflected in the glass.
Fette Electronics is a long-time business in downtown Faribault.
From the Paradise Center for the Arts to local shops to new public art installations to historic murals, this southeastern Minnesota city is stretching its creativity and emerging as a place for the arts. For that I am grateful.
A section of the 200 block of Central Avenue in the business district of historic downtown Faribault.
It is through the lens of art—whether visual, literary or performing—that we see beauty in a place. And today that place is Faribault.
FYI: Check back for a close-up look at The Upper East Side, a paint and sip business and more.
© Copyright 2018 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
