By Quinn Andersen, staff intern

The Albert Lea Public Library is keeping the city in suspense as residents wait for the unveiling of a new mural in the non-fiction library.

The mural was painted by Chandler Anderson, who has enjoyed painting all of his life and considers himself lucky that it has become his career. Anderson also painted a mural for the children’s library.

The date for the unveiling has not yet been set.

He said he enjoys painting murals because of the challenge of creating artwork for a fixed space.

Anderson hopes the mural will inspire and ignite an interest in reading, while creating an openness in the space so it is more than just bookshelves.

The goal was to create a piece not totally different from the children’s library mural, that would capture the inner child in all of us.

“I do like working on something geared toward children,” Anderson said.

Though painting in a public library creates the challenge of making something so many people will enjoy, he enjoys painting because of all the different styles.

“You are never stuck doing one thing,” Anderson said.

Time constraints can create challenges for Anderson, but usually people are understanding.

“Artwork takes time,” Anderson said.

Anderson enjoys running, hiking and being outside, and his love of nature has influenced his art.

“I always have my camera with me,” Anderson said. “In case there is something that is going to inspire my next project.”

Anderson loves striking images with great color, shape and energy.

“I’ve never been worried about something not turning out how it should,” Anderson said. “I know that I can keep painting until it’s right.”

Living simply, healthy and happy is all Anderson wants. He grew up in Albert Lea and graduated from the College of Visual Arts in St. Paul where he received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts.

Anderson said he comes from a supportive family that knows how to appreciate art and he said that’s all he could ask for.