Heron exhibition celebrated tonight, while more art on way this summer in La Crosse

Ten years ago, a group of big heron statues was placed around La Crosse as a public art display.

To mark that anniversary, nearly a dozen more herons were brought together last month on a walkway near the Radisson. At 5 p.m. today, nine more will be unveiled for the official exhibition between Front and 2nd streets.

Director Toni Asher thinks the herons have been good for promoting art in the city.

“It’s really raised visibility about what a public art project can really do for a community,” she said.

More old artworks could be brought out of mothballs soon, as well.

The city arts board is expected to talk today about once again displaying a scroll sculpture which used to stand outside the Tribune building on 3rd Street.

And, even more art will be on the way throughout the summer — notably, a three-story mural planned for a corner of the Main Street parking ramp.

It’s good for giving La Crosse an identity, according to Asher.

“There’s lots of placemaking pieces that go with public art, too, and to really promote La Crosse as an arts destination,” she said.