The Fosston Arts & Culture Commission enhances community life by supporting public art, cultural activities, creative placemaking, and artistic opportunities that strengthen Fosston’s identity and quality of life.
Established in 2017, the Commission advises the Fosston City Council on arts and culture initiatives, helping guide investments in murals, sculptures, events, and gathering spaces throughout the community.
The Commission’s work is guided by the City’s Public Art Master Plan and the 2024–2027 Arts & Culture Strategic Plan.
Public art helps tell Fosston’s story—celebrating our people, landscape, history, and hopes for the future. Here are a few of the recent projects supported by the Arts & Culture Commission and community partners.
A bright new mural now brings color to downtown Fosston! Created by Trey Everett and Ross Hier, it features prairie and woodland wildlife — plus hidden words and animals for a fun search-and-find experience. Funded by the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council.
The historic mural along Highway 2 was refurbished in 2023. Original artist Ta-Coumba Aiken returned to lead the restoration alongside art instructor Mike McColl and local students. Funding from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council and the Arts & Culture Commission helped preserve this beloved piece of Fosston’s visual history.
This large-scale mural welcomes travelers along Highway 2 with bold letters spelling FOSSTON, each filled with scenes celebrating the area’s landscape, agriculture, and community pride. Created by artist Kirby Vossler and funded in part by the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, it has become a favorite photo stop and a distinctive city landmark.
After a temporary reprieve for artist Michael McColl to make structural and artistic modifications, Flight of the Deco has returned to its home along the FIT Trail. Inspired by aeronautic design, the sculpture rises above the landscape as a symbol of movement and innovation. The project was supported by the City of Fosston and the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council.
Created by Jeff Olson, a Fosston area resident and blacksmith, Viking Ship is an interactive sculpture located along the Fosston Inspiration Trail (FIT Trail). The piece invites visitors to engage with public art while enjoying one of Fosston’s community trail spaces.
With three murals all close together in downtown Fosston, the Commission saw a vision. If continue the alleyway art, we can create a a colorful, pedestrian-friendly public art corridor in downtown Fosston. The mission is actively pursuing grants to develop our Art Alley. Concept plans include large-scale murals, seating, and interactive artwork inspired by Fosston’s culture, landscape, and history.
A new mural for the alley has already received funding and is scheduled for installation in 2026, with more projects to follow.
Fosston is home to several organizations that contribute to a vibrant creative community:
Visit their websites for upcoming classes, exhibits, performances, and volunteer opportunities.