An Art Hunt

By Dee Nechkash

Wisconsin’s Driftless region is best known for its scenic hills and valleys, meandering rivers and winding roads that lead you to remote destinations with beautiful scenery. Scattered throughout the region are murals painted on the sides of buildings, retaining walls and parking lots to showcase artistic talents, spotlight a community’s achievements and promote local attractions. Some are clearly visible from the main thoroughfare in the community, but others are hidden down side streets and alleys, available only to those who take the time to explore beyond the highway.

With a well-planned day trip, you can catch a glimpse of all of the Southwest Wisconsin murals in one day. But taking the time to stop and absorb the details in each piece of art, exploring the community it was created for and snapping some photos to share with others is the best way to experience these magnificent paintings. With Viroqua featuring more than a dozen murals of its own, it is a worthy destination for your day trip.

Check out the map of murals in the region and add them to your destination planning. EXPLORE SWWI MURALS Please note that this is not an all-inclusive list; it is just a start. Check back to this link periodically and I’ll add more as I come across them.

Before I started this article, I knew of several murals in the area. Some, like the Muscoda morel scene, I’ve seen many times on my frequent pass-throughs of the community. I love that they feature that artwork every year as people visit that municipal building to buy and sell morel mushrooms. It is great placement in the Morel Mushroom Capital of Wisconsin.

My husband and I took advantage of the beautiful weather on Easter weekend and drove to Viroqua to see some of their murals. We knew there were at least three in the community, but we didn’t have any idea there were so many! We found ourselves driving down every street just to check the alleys for artwork. It was like an Easter art hunt! The artists are extremely talented, too. They implement local faces and attractions in their designs and showcase creative and unique artwork. I was surprised to come across a “Take A Look” sign on a post near the road, then an entire alley filled with mini murals depicting the city.

We knew there was one in Westby, approximately 5 miles north of Viroqua, and another in Coon Valley, another short drive from Westby. Westby’s book scene at their library contains story-inspired artwork that makes you want to re-read the classics. Coon Valley’s wings encourage you to get out and snap a picture of your most angelic moment. Both were painted by Sarah Pederson of Lucid Painting, who also paints murals in many other communities in the Vernon County area.

From business welcomes to historic scenes of the region, the murals are worth a day trip throughout the region. They tell the community’s story, provide a unique experience and create an opportunity for you to stop and stretch your legs while admiring the creative display. Take a moment to connect with the community and learn a little more about their history, their livelihoods, their proud moments and traditions.