Two local artists have gotten the go-ahead to install two temporary art installations proposed for downtown Milwaukee this summer.
One of the projects -- pictured right -- will create a wood and steel arch structure at the intersection of Old World Third Street and W. Wisconsin Ave., modeled after the off-kilter downtown street grid.
The proposals were selected from a pool of more than 160 entries. Architectural Designer Paul Bestul and MIAD student Ayla Boyle made their winning pitches last week before a jury of local artists. The pair will receive a $50,000 grant from ArtPlace America to coordinate the design and installation process.
Bestul said he drew inspiration from the rivalry between two of Milwaukee's founders, Kilbourn and Juneau, and their well-documented rivalry known as Milwaukee's "bridge wars." The structure will pay homage to that dysfunctional piece of Milwaukee's history, and this summer, it will invite visitors to gather downtown and pass underneath, Bestul said.
The temporary pieces will be installed in June of 2014. It'll coincide with an outdoor camp-out event planned by local arts advocacy group ArtMilwaukee.
Click the podcast player to hear an interview with Bestul. And listen next week for an interview with Boyle.
