A huge piece of installation art has been unveiled in Downtown Milwaukee aimed at sparking conversation about future economic and creative development, specifically in the area west of Water St. known as "Westown."
The piece -- created by local artist Reginald Baylor -- hangs on the side of a parking structure near 4th and Wisconsin Ave., directly across the street from the Wisconsin Center.
The fabric banner depicts a "creative formula" for the area, complete with whimsical and thought-provoking illustrations. The artwork is titled, "The Answer to the Area…A.) Persons B.) Places C.)Things D.) All of the Above E.) None of the Above" and stands 60 feet tall by about 160 feet wide.
The mural was commissioned by Zilber Property Group, the brand name under which Zilber Ltd. works.
“This is about the arts and private business community coming together to do something positive for the city," said Zilber Ltd. Executive Vice President John Kersey. “We recognized this as a unique opportunity to give back to the community by adding some visual interest to a brick and mortar landscape.”
Baylor said the piece will remain in place for at least 18 months, and his studio will continue the conversation with the public during that time.
A formal dedication is planned for tonight, Sept. 16, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., coinciding with the NEWaukee Night Market hosted on the parking lot at the site.
Click the podcast player above to hear Baylor's thoughts on the state of public art in Milwaukee, as well as details about the mural.
Audio editing by: Tyler Nelson
