Outdoor Paintings Initiative

In October 2024, the Historic Third Ward Association (HTWA) and Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) partnered to bring four new outdoor paintings to the Third Ward.

The 6-by-8-foot paintings were created by MIAD alumni John Kowalczyk ’10, Caroline Ferrero ’23, Erin Eastham ’24 and current MIAD student Rachel McNeilly. Visitors can view the new works on the exterior walls of Café Benelux (326 N. Broadway), MIAD (273 E. Erie St.), Broadway Theatre Center (158 N. Broadway) and Ascension Third Ward (174 N. Broadway).

This is the second time the HTWA has unveiled outdoor paintings during Gallery Night MKE. In 2019, the event launched four outdoor paintings sponsored by Joy Engine (formerly Black Box Fund). Milwaukee artists Fred Kaems, Nova Czarnecki, Ben Talatzko and Emma Daisy created large-scale paintings that were hung on the exterior walls of prominent neighborhood buildings, where they continue to hang today.

For the 2024 installment, HTWA partnered with MIAD to host an open call for artists earlier this year. In celebration of MIAD’s 50th anniversary in 2024, the call welcomed the MIAD community to submit their ideas for the four new works of art. With dozens of artists vying to create the paintings, a team of judges from the HTWA and MIAD ultimately selected the four finalists for their creativity, skill and the inspiration behind each piece.

Each painting is sponsored by an individual or business committed to seeing the neighborhood’s art scene grow and flourish. The four 2024 sponsors include the new 333 Water modern luxury residential tower, as well as residents Tim and Sue Frautschi, Brian and Laura (Armstrong) Montgomery and The Krei Family (Ken, Andrew and Margaret).

The 2024 outdoor paintings include:

John Kowalczyk’s “Foxes and Friends”
Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway
Sponsored by 333 Water
Artist Statement: “Foxes and Friends features some of the beautiful wildlife you might find along the lakefront in Milwaukee. Foxes are extremely adaptable and can thrive in various environments inspiring us to embrace change with grace and playfulness. Monarch butterflies are symbols of rebirth and transformation. It is delightful to encounter both in our urban environment. I believe in the power of art to connect, build community and spread joy.”

Caroline Ferrero’s “Flying Colors”
Ascension Third Ward, 174 N. Broadway
Sponsored by Tim and Sue Frautschi
Artist Statement: “I appreciate the unique details of the birds that find residence in Wisconsin at various times of the year. Seeing two or more species together is always a special event, because they bring beauty along with their distinctiveness. My mural brings together the Robin, Northern Cardinal, American Goldfinch, Evening Grosbeak and Baltimore Oriole to represent the diverse people who fly to and from Milwaukee. The hands represent the people of Milwaukee reaching toward and welcoming these visitors. That is the beauty of Milwaukee — a mix of people that come and go. However, it is the culture and community, bound by different colored swirls, that influence and inspire us to learn more about each other.”

Erin Eastham’s “Birds of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes”
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, 273 E. Erie St.
Sponsored by Brian and Laura (Armstrong) Montgomery
Artist Statement: “I have always enjoyed seeing animals and incorporating them in the pieces I make. Since moving to Milwaukee I was surprised by how many bird species and waterfowl visit Wisconsin for the waterways and the lakes. We see seagulls and other birds almost every day in the city, and I wanted to showcase the beauty of these animals that I feel is often overlooked.”

Rachel McNeilly’s “Milwaukee Strong!”
Café Benelux, 326 N. Broadway
Sponsored by The Krei Family (Ken, Andrew and Margaret)
Artist Statement: In April 1945, a lone duck nest was found under the Wisconsin Avenue Bridge, nine eggs nestled within. Despair, exhaustion and uncertainty fogged Milwaukee as WWII neared its end. However, this little nest, alongside the duck who built it — lovingly named Gertie — had shone a new light of hope into the city. The nest was carefully watched over by Boy Scouts and a Wisconsin Humane Society Officer, and eventually six of the nine eggs hatched, each duckling receiving their own name. Gertie and her family became a Milwaukee sensation, visited by over 2 million fans. In this painting, Gertie is recreating the iconic Rosie the Riveter pose to symbolize her significance in reigniting the hope and strength to the Milwaukee community during the final moments of WWII.”

Arts & Culture Abound in the Historic Third Ward

In 2024, the Historic Third Ward was named the #5 “Best Arts District” in the United States by the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. According to USA Today, this award recognizes inspiring arts districts that “culturally enrich their cities and those who visit.”

The neighborhood is also home to myriad art galleries (including dozens in the Marshall Building alone) as well as eye-catching public art. Murals — like the bold Brighten the Passage works near the Milwaukee Public Market and the dynamic “Unsung Hero,” among others — dot the landscape alongside historic ghost signs and rotating sculptures by Sculpture Milwaukee. In 2023, it also became part of the Milwaukee Theatre District.