Shorewood Sponsors Public Art Project This Summer!

Posted: March 17, 2009

Shorewood will be all “a-flutter” this summer with an exciting public art project designed to involve the entire community. “Butterflies in Flight” is an exhibition of custom-decorated butterfly forms that will be on display throughout the business district from mid-June to mid-August.

 

The idea for public art displays began more than a decade ago with successful programs such as “Cows on Parade” in Chicago and Milwaukee’s “Beastie” exhibition. Public art projects enrich communities culturally and they create a synergy among residents, community groups, businesses and artists. Shorewood’s public art project will showcase its many shops, restaurants and newly renovated business district by attracting new visitors to the area throughout the summer months.

 

According to Barb Caprile, marketing director for the Shorewood Business Improvement District, “Shorewood’s event will be an opportunity to celebrate the uniqueness of our Village and generate publicity, which in turn, will attract new customers for our businesses. It’s also a natural continuation of our business district beautification that began with last summer’s Oakland Avenue streetscaping project.”

 

The theme for this year’s event revolves around a prefabricated fiberglass form in the shape of a butterfly. Artists whose proposals are selected will be paired with a Village business or organization to be their sponsor. The butterfly will be mounted on a pedestal and will reside outside a storefront on public display in the Shorewood business district through the duration of the event. Cash prizes will be awarded for the best three designs. At the end of the public art display, the butterfly forms will be auctioned off at a special auction event, with all proceeds benefitting the Shorewood Foundation.

 

Shorewood’s inaugural public art event is being presented by the Shorewood Foundation, and produced by the Shorewood Business Improvement District (BID). The Village of Shorewood is extremely grateful to the Shorewood Foundation for their generous financial support in helping to underwrite the costs of this event.

 

To request an artist application, or for sponsorship information, please contact Barb Caprile at 414.962.7002 or barb@shorewoodwi.com. “Butterflies in Flight” is open to all artists – and residency in the Village of Shorewood is not required.