17/07/2026
Several months ago, Tom Seibert asked me if I would help him paint his mural at Stout College in Menomonie at the Wall Dog Festival in June. I agreed, bought my airfare and anticipated the June 23rd date to leave on Southwest, bound for Wisconsin. After several delays, a turbulent ride and a stay in downtown Minneapolis, we drove to Menomonie.
The weather was pleasant and after getting checked in, with a Wall Dog lanyard and a key to the dorm, we started on the Stout Mural that Tom designed. By evening there were volunteers to help put up the scaffold, pounce patterns and paint. The next morning the job was in full swing, and it pretty much went that way till it was finished on Sunday.
The upper part of the mural was painted by Tim Bauman, Steve Monkemeier, Hugo Huerta, KamiKay, an alumnus of Stout College, with Tom painting and overseeing the work.
Laura Johnson, Sean Durham, Sofia Ortiz, Astrid and her friend also worked on the mural. Collin McCarthy finished the trees and artwork and the lower bottom of the sign. Mike Tarr, who owns the Art Supply store across the street, was working all over the mural and helped with supplies besides adding his talent to the job. He and everyone else stayed the course. Collin, Laura and Astrid are alumni of Stout College. All very talented. I painted where I could.
Wade and Rita and all the town volunteers worked hard to make sure everyone was supplied with drinks, paint and amenities. The townsfolk were both grateful and gracious. I had a great time visiting old friends and making new ones. Thank you Wade and Rita and the town of Menomonie for the wonderful memories. Hope to see everyone in Cottage Grove, Oregon next year. Take care everyone, Patrick Smith.
