Main Street Coffee in Oakland for Byway of Art Project

Many Oakland citizens, business owners, members of the Oakland-Craig High School Art Club, and others interested in the Byway of Art project, attended the Main Street Coffee on Monday.

The coffee took place next to the Masonic Lodge in Oakland. The setting resembled a cozy living room, furnished with a couch, chairs and a coffee table in the middle.

The Center for Rural Affairs has received a grant to create an art project, not only in Oakland, but also in Lyons, Decatur and Macy as well. Artist Matthew Mazzotta will lead the way in creating an art project to be on display in each community, based on each towns own identity, qualities and history. Matthew will have many other artists to assist him, such as local artists and art students from the schools in each area.

There were questions handed out to each person at the coffee to help in formulating the type of art project by way of discussion during the afternoon.

One of the most prominent questions asked was “What do you thing about your town’s identity?” Everyone there agreed Oakland is known as being Swedish. There were those voicing concerns over the Swedish Festival and how it has dwindled in previous years. Everyone agreed more people need to step up and help with it, as there are those that do so much, and others helping would be appreciated, and hopefully, boost the festival back to what it use to be. Karl Lundquist is in charge of the next festival. If interested in assisted Karl, please call him.

Former Oaklander Tom Wallerstedt has moved back to Oakland. He is the new curator at the Swedish Heritage Center. “He is doing a wonderful job. We are glad to have him as curator. More and more people are now visiting the center,” Joanne Peterson said.

Another question involved keeping the town alive, and how to do so. Many consider the school as a factor in the town’s livelihood. It isn’t just the school that keeps the town alive though. “The town thrives based on population base and businesses. There are also many commuters that choose to live here,” stated Rachel Wise, also the State Board of Education President.

The conversation took on a life of it’s own after that. “People feel safe here. We don’t have to worry about being shot at,” stated Joanne Peterson.

Where the project will be located in Oakland is still a mystery. “We will be doing the art project next summer. We don’t know where yet, but it will be designed specifically to Oakland,” Matthew said.

For those who missed the coffee, Matthew will be back in about three weeks. When and where hasn’t been decided yet, but when the decision is made, Kat Country Hub will let everyone know.

Debbie Anderson of Oakland was one of the organizers for this event. For further information, or if you would like to answer the questions pertaining to the art project, contact her. They are also available on the Byway of Art Facebook page.

Matthew Mazzotta, from left, Garrett, Debbie Anderson, organizer, and Rachel wise at the Main Street Coffee. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Betty and Ed Hanna have been prominent citizens of Oakland for many years and enjoyed discussing the community at the Main Street Coffee. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Jeff Troupe, back and Ben Murray along with others in the picture, such as Ed Hanna and art students, attended the Main Street Coffee. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.