Public Art Committee Meeting

June 16, 2026 | 5:02 PM – 5:44 PM | Waukesha City Hall, Training Room

Overview

The Public Art Committee of Waukesha convened to review 19 submissions received from a second mural Request for Proposals (RFP) for Friedman Alley. The committee discussed the top-ranked proposals, narrowed the field to three artists, and planned next steps including consultation with the building owner and a follow-up meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Call to Order & Roll Call: Meeting called to order at 5:02 PM. Members present: Beth Moulton, Roseline, Gwenda Hilgerts. (Full roll not recorded in transcript.)
• Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the December 2, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously.
• No Public Comments were offered.

Staff Report

• Previous Mural Update: Staff reported that the first Friedman Alley mural (featuring a fox) has received positive feedback. A second artist is beginning panels for a window on the side of the building; the window is being repaired due to insurance issues with the owner. The artist added whimsical footsteps leading from the river, which were not part of the original approval.

Discussion Items

Review of Mural Submissions (New Business)

The committee reviewed scored rankings of 19 submissions. The top six were presented:

1. First-place submission (artist James Barany? – name not definitively stated): Depicted stork figures, Les Paul in the center, and immigrant children. Concern raised about permission for Les Paul’s image and that Thomas Press’s sign might be obscured. Some members liked the Waukesha-specific content and noted the artist is a Waukesha resident.
2. Second-place submission (artist unclear – likely Melissa Hillmer or Rebecca Bird): A nature-themed mural with flowers and animals. Described as “safe” and “basic Wisconsin” but lacking human or Waukesha-specific elements. Some members liked its broad appeal.
3. Two tied for third place:
   • Jenna Brownlee (sculptural proposal): Proposed 3D additions to the building. Members liked the creative style but expressed concerns about snow removal, bird droppings, vandalism, and damage from trucks. Suggested the artist might be better suited for a higher location. The committee later proposed asking her to create a painted river-meadow design instead.
   • Second tied artist (unclear): A unique, stylized approach. Also shown as an option.
4. Tilt Vision Art: Historic postcard style. Some felt the style has been used extensively in Waukesha.
5. Sixth-place submission (artist unclear): Depicted elements from the river. Limited discussion.

The committee also reviewed three additional lower-ranked submissions (7–9) but found none preferable to the top six.

After discussion, the committee agreed to select three artists to advance:

1. The artist of the nature/meadow mural (second-place), with a request to fill in background with more elements and replace a badger with a local animal (e.g., fox).
2. Jenna Brownlee, with a request to pivot from sculptural to a painted river-meadow design (based on her painted examples shown).
3. Tilt Vision Art, the historic postcard style.

Communications

• No additional reports from staff or committee president.
• The new committee member (starting June 30) will be included in future meetings.

Key Outcomes

• Three artists selected to move forward: the nature/meadow artist (name to be confirmed), Jenna Brownlee (with revised design direction), and Tilt Vision Art.
• Next Steps:
  • Staff will contact building owner Thomas Press to discuss design compatibility and scalability.
  • The committee will provide feedback to the three artists regarding requested modifications.
  • A follow-up meeting will be scheduled within 2–3 weeks (before the next City Council meeting) via a poll.
• Motion to adjourn carried at 5:44 PM.