Mural Walk

Midwest Mosaic Mural

Artists: 1500 Individuals from the Midwestern states and throughout North America.  http://www.muralmosaic.com/midwest  Digital tile mosaic 2023  Location: Twisted Willow (North Wall) 308 N. Franklin St.

On February 22, 2023 Port Washington was awarded to be the host site for the Midwest Regional Mural of the America Connects project. April 6 of that year the mural was installed in Port Washington.

Branching Out

Mural Title: Branching Out Community Mural Lead Artist: Sherri Kultgen Acrylic, mosaics, polytab 2024 Mural location: Jackson St. retaining wall at Wisconsin St.

This community mural was made possible due to the following amazing groups of people.

Artists: Wendy Braam, Nina Koening, Rodrigo Santmaria, Allie Eichenhofer, Wendy Leece  

Art teachers: Mike Styles, Katie Feyereisen, Keely Welton, Madisyn Phillips, Tyler Nygard, Rebecca Grover, Pam Strohl   

Students: from Port Washington High, Community Art Class, Thomas Jefferson Middle, Lincoln Elementary, Dunwiddie Elementary, Saukville Elementary and St. Johns 23rd schools and many community volunteers.  

Mural Inspiration: To involve thousands of students in a community collaboration showcasing visual art. Port Washington's transformative art initiative continued with our second community mural. The nature based design includes a beautiful rolling landscape with native flora and fauna, which are all so valued by our community.

This mixed medium mural was created in collaboration with K-12 school children, our local art teachers and professional artists. Students used their imaginations to design animals, plants and choose mural colors, make and glaze mosaic pieces, paint flora and fauna, and help with all aspects of muraling. Art leaders worked in the schools with students, and art teachers throughout the process.

The City of Port Washington Public Works prepared the space and planted perennial greenery and flowers above the mural to enhance and connect the mural to the surrounding environment. Friends of Port Washington Parks and Rec and Ahnaleigh Sprang made the metal work piece possible.The students find value in the legacy they will leave in their community!

Roots & Reflections

Artist John Kowalczyk  johnkowalczykart.com  @johnkowalczyk     Spray Paint, Acrylic, polytab 2024 Mural location: West side, in front of  Newport Shores Condominiums at 407 E.  Jackson St. 

Mural Inspiration: Capturing the essence of our heritage, amidst the backdrop of the rolling fields and endless skies, this historical mural was inspired by those who came before us.

The Gilson Family in 1850 started a foundry on these banks of Lake Michigan. Through the years their ingenuity created countless advancements to help local area farmers. The rolling hills of farmland depict our rich farming history. The lighthouse, which was restored by the Luxembourg Royal Family in the early 2000's paying tribute to our long standing nautical history. This mural waves together the threads of Port Washington's history, celebrating the resilience and ingenuity of those who have shaped our community through generations. We pay tribute to those who came before us, honoring the past while admiring the future.

Take Flight

Artist John Kowalczyk  johnkowalczykart.com  @johnkowalczyk      Spray Paint  2023 Mural Location: 126 E. Main Southwest corner

Artist Inspiration:“Take Flight” depicts monarch butterflies, colorful birds, and a set of large hands forming the butterfly symbol in sign language set against a colorful sky and grassy prairie. Port Washington is also known as Monarch City and Bird City which is why they are the focal point of the mural. I hope this mural uplifts and inspires people to let their dreams take flight. I also hope you find joy in the beautiful nature that surrounds us. Spread your wings and take flight.

Everyone Comes to the Water for Some Reason or Another

Artist Britt Flood   brittflood.com  @b.l.flood Britt Flood Art (Facebook) Spray paint, acrylic 2023 Mural Location:107 N. Franklin St.  (South Wall) Artist Inspiration: This is a romantic, expressive, painterly ode to the water, featuring native fish like Chinook Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Steelhead Trout, and sunset and sunrise gradients. The mural is also inspired by the following poem written during my time in Port Washington:

It’s the way the water sparkles back at you Kindred spirits neath a moonlight so rare Murmurations of memories (because of the Night) lulls between waves bring the sweetest song turns out I haven’t been alone all along the shadows still dance across the lake bed for me + you let us echo the reflection of the morning dew a mirror of all the things a bridge can be hope the tide brings you back to me we all come to the water for some reason or another

Freedom is the natural right for every being

Artist Himed @himedreyben Acrylic and Augmented Reality 2024 Mural Location: 108 N. Franklin St. (East side of building) Artist Inspiration: To reflect the beauty and peace of a natural landscape where different species from the area coexist in freedom and balance. In this idyllic setting, the viewer is transported to a world of serenity and connection with nature. On the horizon, the calm waters of the lake extend towards the sky, reflecting the golden light of the sun that hides on the horizon. On the shore, a diversity of vegetation creates a green frame that enhances the beauty of the aquatic landscape. In the air, birds of different species fly in elegant and synchronized formations. each finds its place in the lake's ecosystem, contributing to its balance and vitality. Beneath the crystal-clear surface of the water, brightly colored fish and other aquatic creatures swim in harmony, creating an aquatic ballet that is a testament to the delicate balance of life in the lake.

My hope is to inspire viewers to reflect on the beauty and fragility of nature, as well as to promote the importance of protecting and preserving all ecosystems and all forms of life that depend on them.

People's Wall Community Mural

Title: Peoples’ Wall Community Mural Lead Artist: Rodrigo Santamaria @rojo00  Acrylic paint 2023 Mural Location: 528 W. Grand Ave.  (Retaining Wall)

Participating Artists from Balance Inc. and Prime Horizon Inc. Both are local facilities that support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Artist Inspiration: This 900+ sq ft mural was created by over 30 adults with disabilities from 2 local organizations that offer adult day programs under the direction of Lead Artists, Rodrigo Santamaria. The mural consists of a sunrise where the sun rays crash against lake Michigan waves. Every color and shape in the mural is formed by smaller intricate shapes. Each shape represents diverse elements of the state of Wisconsin, such as famous landmarks, food, traditions, lifestyle, sports, heritage, history, animals, lake life and more.

Every element came from the inspiration of these 30 artists that were involved in each process of the mural, from sketching, cleaning and priming the wall, tracing and painting.

The completion of this mural was made possible through the help of many volunteers,local artists and members of the Paint on Port program. A community united by the ideals of compassion and creativity has incredible power. Art of all kinds—music, literature, traditional arts, visual arts —- can lift a community. - Martin O'Malley