Minnesota community Murals

Murals offer wonderful connections to community history and values, and offer a clear and colorful opportunity to tell a local story, engage citizens, educate viewers, and increase foot traffic and tourism. Below you’ll find more information about this process and I hope you would consider a custom mural for your community!

Meet the Artist

Lili was born and raised in rural western Minnesota and have been painting professionally since 2003. She has been awarded numerous public art commissions by the state of Minnesota, led mural teams at national mural festivals (Walldogs), and has been the recipient of four awards at the Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts exhibition.

**7’x24’ Mural on panels commissioned by the City of Milaca in 2022.**

On a sound and properly prepared surface, a mural painted directly onto the wall should last a minimum of 15 years. Whenever possible, I like to paint on aluminum composite panels as these waterproof panels are equally long-lasting, easy to install, and impervious to weather. Painting a mural onto panels has the added benefit of not needing permanent alteration to the building, and the mural could be moved if the need arose in the future. PLUS, they can be painted and installed year-round!
If the wall surface is smooth and flat, the panels can be screwed directly into the wall. For rougher surfaces, an aluminum frame can be constructed, attached to the wall, and the mural panels adhered or affixed to the frame with hardware.
Consider including these types of items in a custom mural for your town:
Motto
Date established
Events of historical interest
People of interest
Landmarks
Economic strengths
Natural elements
Activities and local festivals
Whatever makes you, you!
An 8’x12’ panel mural starts at $6500, with the price increasing by size and complexity. Murals painted directly onto the wall are priced by square foot and depend on the complexity of the overall design and the wall surface.
The Minnesota State Arts Board offers grants through the Regional Arts Councils that support projects like a public art mural. It’s possible the entire cost of your mural can be covered by a state grant.
The mural creation process is simply separated into two phases: design and production. First, I request the information needed to create a custom design that highlights the characteristics that make your community special, and return to you with a concept drawing for the mural. After the design is approved, I can begin painting the mural on panels in my studio. When finished, the mural is delivered to you for installation by city crews or the building owner.
You’re in luck! My exterior mural season begins in May and runs through October. The winter months are a great time to get your design squared away and ready for outdoor painting in the spring.