Last year, Wisconsin Avenue saw new life thanks to the first annual Sculpture Milwaukee, scattering eye-catching world-class art all the way down the city's main drag that turned even the most pedestrian walk to or from work into a delightful art adventure. And thankfully, it's coming back.
Today, Sculpture Milwaukee announced that it will return to Wisconsin Avenue this summer, with new works from more than 20 local, national and international artists on display starting in June through Oct. 21.
"We’re thrilled to once again disrupt the urban landscape with pieces that engage both our cultural and built environments," said Marilu Knode, project director of Sculpture Milwaukee, in a press release. "These artists represent a broad range of generations, working practices, materials and styles."
Some of the featured artists whose pieces will be peppered along Wisconsin Avenue between 6th Street and O'Donnell Park this year include Magdalena Abakanowicz – the famed Polish artist behind the "Agora" public installation in Chicago's Grant Park – Liz Glynn, Mel Kendrick, Hank Willis Thomas, Erwin Wurm, Milwaukee-based collaborators Shana McCaw and Brent Budsberg, just to name a few.
"Sculpture Milwaukee is an all-season, all-access opportunity to view some of the finest art in the world," said Steve Marcus, chairman of the board for the Marcus Corporation and founder of Sculpture Milwaukee, in a press release. "Thanks to the support of our donors and Milwaukee businesses, we are delighted to share this gift with the community and drive business along the avenue through activation events."
Plus, if you've recently won the lottery and really feel like going big for your Mother's Day or Father's Day gift this year, almost all of the art pieces on display for Sculpture Milwaukee are available for purchase – with a percentage of each sale going to funding future Sculpture Milwaukee displays. Sure would beat another tie for dad or coupon for free back rubs for mom!
Installation will begin on May 10, with several Sculpture Milwaukee tours, activities and workshops to follow throughout the summer and fall. For more information on this year's outdoor exhibit, visit Sculpture Milwaukee's official site.
As much as it is a gigantic cliché to say that one has always had a passion for film, Matt Mueller has always had a passion for film. Whether it was bringing in the latest movie reviews for his first grade show-and-tell or writing film reviews for the St. Norbert College Times as a high school student, Matt is way too obsessed with movies for his own good.
When he's not writing about the latest blockbuster or talking much too glowingly about "Piranha 3D," Matt can probably be found watching literally any sport (minus cricket) or working at - get this - a local movie theater. Or watching a movie. Yeah, he's probably watching a movie.
