Local Rhinelander artist Thomas Barnett talks about the importance of fostering public art in rural communities to inspire place making and establishing cultural identity Thomas Barnett is an award winning professional artist and illustrator. Starting his professional art career in Illinois he moved his family to Rhinelander 7 years ago. Ultimately opening his working studio and retail store, Tom's Drawing Board. He teaches classes in his studio, provides a form of art therapy through the Children's Long Term Support program through the Health and human services. In 2020 his business became the first certified Autism Friendly business in the northwoods. Thomas is the district 1 Alderperson for Rhinelander and is currently working with Artstart to create a city arts comission. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx