Our
Projects
Jackson Center for the Arts has led several community-focused art initiatives that brought residents together through creativity and connection. In 2021, with funding from the Minnesota State Arts Board, the organization partnered with community members and local artists to create four public murals in downtown Jackson. Residents of all ages participated in the paint-by-number mural project during the pandemic, helping strengthen community engagement through art. The grant also supported a series of 10 interactive paintings displayed in local businesses to encourage downtown foot traffic and community participation. In 2026, Jackson Center for the Arts collaborated with regional partners to host “A Peace of My Mind” featuring John Noltner, a program focused on reducing loneliness and promoting healthy social connections through workshops, exhibits, and community events attended by 315 residents.
Murals
In 2021 during the pandemic, we were funded by Minnesota State Arts Board to meet with a representative group of community residents and choose topics and locations for 4 murals to be designed by a local artist, painted by number by the public in small family groups at the Jackson Center for the Arts, and be installed in the downtown area of Jackson, Minnesota. The project was a great success with residents of all age groups participating.
Paintings
The 2021 Minnesota Arts Board Grant also funded a series of 10 interactive paintings that were created by local artists in coordination with local businesses to increase foot traffic to our downtown area. Signage was made to promote the businesses so that customers could take "selfies" with the art in each of the locations, and send it by email to Jackson Center for the Arts.
A Peace of My Mind with John Noltner
Jackson Center for the Arts in collaboration with Des Moines Health and Human Services along with several other local and regional agencies to bring John Noltner to Jackson and Cottonwood Counties April 20-24, 2026. Our goal was to reduce loneliness and isolation in our communities by promoting a culture of healthy social connections. A total of 315 residents participated by attending the writing workshops, exhibits, studios and a keynote presentation.
The highlight of the week was a film created by John Noltner in which 90 local residents with diverse lived experiences shared a time when they felt a sense of belonging.
