Three art projects aim for summer debut

Wisconsin Ave. to get a makeover

Three art projects — adorning utility boxes, decorating alleys, and sculptural installations — will premiere in downtown Milwaukee this summer.

The projects commissioned by the Milwaukee Downtown Business Improvement District will be located on Wisconsin Ave.’s downtown stretch from the lakefront to Marquette University.

“The intent is that through arts on Wisconsin Avenue that we will increase the walkability and sense of place along Wisconsin Avenue to Marquette Campus,” said Beth Weirick, CEO for the Downtown BID #21.

Ten utility boxes on Wisconsin Ave. will be decorated by local artists. The call for artists to submit proposals will go out in early January and selections will be made in February.

“Utility boxes will reflect the avenue’s rich history of commerce, diversity of architecture and people and its undoubtedly bright future,” Weirick said. The artist can submit proposals to paint or decorate one box, multiple boxes or all 10.

The group also plans to commission murals in alleys between the Third Ward and downtown. Called Art in the Alley, the project would be similar to Black Cat Alley, a street art project on Milwaukee’s east side between E. Kenilworth Place and E. Ivanhoe Place. The group is currently scouting locations for the project.

Weirick said the murals will need to be “family friendly and appropriate for a center of commerce and focused on economic development and diversity.” A request for proposals from local artists will go out in February.

The third project would bring sculptural installations from internationally renowned artists to Wisconsin Ave. The idea originated in 2013 from Steve Marcus, Marcus Corp. chairman, and was approved last year.

Russell Bowman, who directed the Milwaukee Art Museum for 17 years, will curate the sculpture project, Weirick said. The next steps include identifying art pieces, raising funds and developing a tactical plan.

The group is determining a budget for the project that will be supported by combining funds from adjacent property owners, the downtown business district and grants. The group is trying to establish a baseline budget with artists fees, material fees and other expenses.

Weirick said the hope is for all the projects to be unveiled this summer, calling the timeline “aggressive.”