Annette Hochstein is a mosaic artist and has been instrumental in the creation of all the mosaics in town. She tells the story of instructing more than 100 novices in the art of mosaics to create public art.

In 2013, the Battle Lake Art Advisory Committee asked if I’d lead a mosaic project as part of a $10,000 Lake Region Arts Council grant to the city for public art. I’d led other mosaic projects, so excitedly said yes!

Little did I know all that would entail!

We wanted to tell the story of what makes Battle Lake—Battle Lake! Three mosaic benches would depict three themes-- natural resources, recreation, and agriculture. Two planters would symbolize waves on our area’s lakes. As our motto says, “Battle Lake, Heart of 1,000 lakes”. I worked with two artists on the committee, Jonathan Hartman and Joanne Cress on design ideas, then drew them up.

The plan involved inviting individuals aged 12 and older to participate. I’d teach the basics- glass cutting, edge smoothing, adhering, and grouting. I emphasized how choice of color, texture, and “movement” helped create an image.

We held three workshops every week, three hours each. We started out in the school’s industrial arts space.

Education was an important element of this project, so every session began with a lesson in mosaic history and styles for the new participants. A dozen or more people showed up each session, eager to create art for Battle Lake’s downtown! We worked through the summer, fall, and deep into winter, having to move locations when school started.

In February 2014, nine months after beginning, we finished all 20 mosaics! In total, 133 different people helped create the mosaics—locals, visitors, even international visitors! People of all ages worked on them, including a class from Underwood School. Some came once, others nearly every session!

This bench – recreation—is a favorite. It shows fun things to do, summer AND winter! In the middle of creating the summer mosaic, the Glendalough Trail was announced. In mid workflow, I added a trail and cyclists! The winter mosaic represents the point of view from the railing across from Shoreline Restaurant. It’s fun to really look them over, finding all the different details included.

Also…notice the map of Minnesota… all roads lead to Battle Lake!