Randy Horejsi of Fuel Graphics Company of New Ulm shows off the new community collage on display at the New Ulm library. Fuel Graphics help produced the collage banners. The photography was done by Josh Madson. The collage was unveiled during library’s birthday celebration for famous illustrator and New Ulm native Wanda Gág. Photo by Amy Zents

NEW ULM — The New Ulm Public Library unveiled a new community collage Saturday, a public�’art installation combining portraits of local residents with illustrations inspired by New Ulm native Wanda Gág’s, “Millions of Cats.”

The project features photography by Josh Madson and production by Fuel Graphics.

The collage is installed in the hallway leading to the children’s room. It is part of a Downtown Action Team initiative to expand public art and history displays in New Ulm.

Yvonne Weber, representing the Downtown Action Team, said the project supports the group’s mission “to create a more vibrant downtown,” adding that public art and history displays are a key part of that effort.

Weber said more than 200 individuals and groups participated in free photo sessions for the collage. 

“In this collage, we are bringing together Josh’s art photography and the artistry of Wanda Gag,” she said.

Drawings from Millions of Cats were incorporated alongside Madsen’s cat logo. 

“When you see the cats, you can notice that they are in two different artistic styles,” Weber said.

Madson, who was in Los Angeles, provided a written statement read during the event. 

“I am so honored to be a part of this community and thrilled to release our new Wanda Gag collaborative mural,” he wrote. “Thank you for your continued support of Community Collage and for creating a welcoming space for all, while celebrating the heritage that is here.”

Library Director, April Ide said the installation aligns with the library’s mission. 

“The community collage supports the library’s mission to invite and inspire learning, imagination, discovery, and connection,” Ide said. She also noted the library’s long�’standing ties to Gág, saying, “She’s an important author and artist in our community and special to the library.”

Funding for the installation came in part from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund of the Minnesota Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment through the Traverse des Sioux Library System.

Ide thanked taxpayers for supporting arts and history programming, saying, “Thank you for your support of arts, arts education, and Minnesota history through the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.”

Additional sponsorship came from the New Ulm Area Foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, Citizens Bank of New Ulm, Domeierr’s German Store, MNI Transportation Services, Rodney’s Tavern, the Grand Center for Arts & Culture, Walmart and Fuel Graphics. The House of Print donated the newsprint used for the unveiling.

Children were invited to remove the newsprint covering the collage during a countdown led by Weber. 

“Today, this one time, say this one word, let’s be really loud,” she said before the group shouted “Collage!” and pulled the paper down.

After the unveiling, Randy Horejsi, owner and founder of Fuel Graphics Co., explained the printing process. 

“We start out with just a big roll of white banner material,” Horejsi said. Because of the size, “we actually had to print two halves.” 

He said the sections were taped together, seamed and grommeted. “It’s not too complicated, a couple hours’ worth of work,” he said.

Attendees viewed the collage and pointed out familiar faces and illustrations incorporated into the design. Weber said the location near the children’s room was intentional, noting Gág’s significance as a children’s author and the upcoming 100th anniversary of “Millions of Cats.”

The event concluded with a birthday celebration for Wanda Gág in the library’s lower�’level meeting room, hosted by the Wanda Gág House Committee.