For the 12th year, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation awarded free paint to local organizations through their annual “Picture It Painted” program. This year more than $7,600 worth of free paint is helping to beautify communities across the 20-county region.

The historic St. Paul Clothing Co. Building in downtown Albert Lea will get some paint as a result.

PIP, a partnership between SMIF and Valspar Corp., is designed to support collaborative community beautification and restoration projects throughout southern Minnesota.

“Picture it Painted reminds us of how much collaboration shapes and improves our communities and neighborhoods,” noted SMIF President Tim Penny. “The projects are a way to get more people involved in their communities.”

This year 13 community organizations will receive approximately 332 gallons of free paint. 

They include Eyota, six gallons for painting an exterior mural; Lanesboro Child Care Center, 12 gallons; Under the Rainbow Child Care Center in Red Wing, 23 gallons; and Stepping Stones Learning Center of Fairmont, 60 gallons for interior murals and walls; the History Center of Olmsted County, 39 gallons for painting the historic Ralph Stoppel farm outbuildings; Martin County Library, six gallons for interior walls; Presentation College/Minnesota West Community and Technical College in Fairmont, 12 gallons to paint interior student commons; Hesper-Mabel Area Historical Society, 31 gallons for its Newberg Township Building; Leisure Education for Exceptional People’s Design on a Dime of Mankato, 13 gallons for a facelift for its recreation center; the Arts Center of St. Peter, 11 gallons for its Arts Center Building Revitalization Project; Owatonna Arts Center, 36 gallons for repainting interior walls; AZ-1’s Cornerstone Project, 52 gallons to restore a historic downtown Albert Lea building; and 31 gallons for renovation and restoration of the Carnelian Masonic Lodge Building in downtown Lake City.

PIP targets collaborative efforts that are advancing economic development, community branding, early childhood education, or engaging elders, youth or new immigrants.