Hotel Alexander Proudly Sponsors “The Archer” by Minnesota Sculptor Linda Marsh on Mankato’s CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour

In downtown Mankato, art has become part of the community’s identity — transforming streets, sidewalks, and gathering spaces into an open-air gallery through the nationally recognized CityArt program. This year, Hotel Alexander is proud to sponsor The Archer, a striking bronze sculpture by Minnesota artist Linda Marsh as part of the 2026 CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour.

Presented through CityArt Mankato, a program of the Twin Rivers Council for the Arts, the annual sculpture tour brings large-scale public art installations to City Center Mankato and North Mankato, celebrating creativity, culture, and community connection.

For the owners of Hotel Alexander, sponsoring The Archer was more than supporting public art — it became a deeply personal story rooted in small-town Minnesota connections, shared history, and admiration for another woman pursuing a bold second chapter.

The sculpture itself is both graceful and commanding. Standing 80 inches tall, The Archer depicts a life-sized female archer holding a bow complete with arrow and string. The bronze sculpture explores themes of strength, resilience, sacrifice, and self-determination — all central themes throughout Linda Marsh’s body of work.

What makes the sponsorship especially meaningful is the unexpected connection between the artist and Hotel Alexander’s co-owners, Dr. Julene Nolan and Michelle Schooff.

Linda Marsh’s husband Pat grew up in Sargeant, Minnesota. Dr. Julene Nolan grew up nearby in Adams, while Michelle Schooff was raised in Rose Creek. All three communities shared the same Southland school district and generations of overlapping relationships. Today, Dr. Julene remains close friends with Linda’s sister-in-law Charlotte, while Michelle has maintained a long-standing friendship with Linda’s sister-in-law Cathi.

For Julene and Michelle, the connection felt like Minnesota at its best — proof that small communities and lifelong relationships continue to shape meaningful opportunities years later.

Linda Marsh’s story also deeply resonated with the Hotel Alexander partners. After graduating from college in 1987, Marsh chose a military career, eventually retiring in 2021 as a Major General after 34 years in the United States Air Force. As she neared retirement, she turned fully toward art, dedicating herself to bronze sculpture that reflects the resilience and determination she witnessed throughout military service.

“The Archer represents the strength it takes to move forward with purpose, even when the path is uncertain,” said Linda Marsh.

“Throughout my military career, I witnessed incredible resilience, sacrifice, and determination in the people around me. Through sculpture, I hope to honor those qualities while also showing that strength and grace can exist together. It means a great deal to have support from women with shared small-town Minnesota roots who understand the value of perseverance, community, and reinvention.”

Today, Marsh serves as a Fine Art Painter & Sculptor and Lead Designer at PALM Designs, LLC in

Minneapolis, creating bespoke furnishings and fine art. She and her husband Patrick personally complete every step of the lost wax bronze casting process, allowing her to maintain complete artistic integrity throughout the work. “There is something incredibly inspiring about watching another woman pursue a new passion with courage, discipline, and authenticity,” said Dr. Julene Nolan, partner at Hotel Alexander. “Linda’s work reflects resilience and strength in such a graceful way, and we are incredibly proud to support both her journey and the CityArt program that brings art into the heart of our community.”

The sponsorship also reflects Hotel Alexander’s broader commitment to supporting arts,culture, and downtown revitalization in Mankato. As a women-owned boutique hotel founded by Minnesota State University alumni, the hotel was created to celebrate creativity, connection, and local pride.

“Coming from small farming communities, you understand how important it is to support people who work hard to build something meaningful,” said Michelle Schooff, partner at Hotel Alexander.

“Linda’s story and The Archer embody perseverance, beauty, and strength. We’re honored to support her work and to be part of a program like CityArt that makes Mankato such a vibrant destination.”

Visitors exploring downtown Mankato during the 2026 CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour will have the opportunity to experience The Archer alongside dozens of sculptures installed throughout the city. The program continues to elevate Greater Mankato’s reputation as a destination where art, hospitality, and community intersect.

About The Archer

Artist: Linda Marsh

Medium: Cast Bronze and Stainless-Steel Wire

Dimensions: 80” x 48” x 15”

Footprint: 12” x 30”

Series Theme: Self-determination, sacrifice, and resilience