FAMILIAR FACES
PAINTER MAN Bellissimo Paint & Coating’s co-owner and project manager, Justin Ek, believes in strong community
T Photos by Pat Christman
NAME:
Justin Ek HOMETOWN: Mankato
FAVORITE SAYING?: Let’s go
FAMILY:
My wife and I have been together for 13 years, we have two sons
FAVORITE MUSEUM: Morikami Museum
he summer of 2018 in Mankato brought the community together — at least in Old Town at Bellissimo Paint and Coating. Hundreds of community members flocked to participate in painting a public mural — outlined mandalas on electric blue background on the side of Bellissimo’s building. Driving by the Riverfront Drive site, passersby were sure to be taking Instagram-worthy photos of the emerging project. The mandala mural was just the beginning in community building. Bellissimo’s vision aligns to help create not only a strong public art presence but also one that serves its hometown. Throughout the pandemic, Bellissimo’s team and co-owner Justin Ek has made sure the company has lifted community spirits through various projects and events. Last spring, Ek dressed up as a masked-up Easter bunny, visiting children around town. During the winter holidays, Bellissmo and local small businesses teamed up to host a scavenger hunt. And in the future, the team plans on shutting down Riverfront Drive for a streetwide festival during October. For Ek and the team, these ideas spring to life and, most importantly, serve to brighten up and connect the community. MANKATO MAGAZINE: It’s been a long pandemic so far. Tell us what you have been doing to keep yourself busy during this time. JUSTIN EK: My boys keep me on my toes, my old home keeps me busy. Our painting business is a never-ending journey, and our community work is ever-present. One thing I have been focusing hard on is my personal studio work painting and learning. MM: Bellissimo created many community events, such as the community mural in Old Town and the Easter bunny visits. How were these events created and what did you see in the community as an
10 • MAY 2021 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
