The Waukesha Public Library provides an exceptional setting for exhibiting works of art. These works add immensely to the special character of the newly renovated building, inspire joy, provoke thought, and preserve our community's heritage.

After successfully installing works by three local artists, Michael Foster, Philip Krejcarek, and Charles Wickler, in 2006, the Library's Public Art Committee recommended to the Library Board that the following artists be asked to create the second round of art for the building. For a copy of the public art brochure, please click here.

Second Campaign

Amy Cropper, an associate professor of art at Carroll University since 1995, teaches sculpture, drawing, and ceramics. She recently completed a commissioned work of community art for UW-Stevens Point. Cropper will be creating two large pieces specifically for the Reading Room.

Peggy Thurston Farrell, an assistant professor of art at Carroll College since 1991, has been widely exhibited and collected. Over the years, her art has developed from a two-dimensional print medium to collaged, painted, and silk-screened three-dimensional paper and wood constructions. She plans to create art reflecting the evolution of language for the New Books area.

David Fode, an illustrator who heads the traditional glass painting department of Conrad Schmitt Studios, started Haeuser Heil Studios in order to promote the idea of glass as an accessible medium for individualized expression. He will be creating a unique piece for the first floor.

Janet Roberts has exhibited widely and is included in numerous public collections. In the past ten years she has been creating collages that are inspired by old photographs and materials from the 30's, 40's, and 50's. The Library will be purchasing an oil painting on flag and quilt, entitled Tradition on the Line, that Roberts created in 2006.

First Campaign

In 2005, a ten-member Public Art Committee consisting of local artists, art professors, and citizen art lovers reviewed artists' submissions for the Library. The Committee unanimously recommended that three local artists be asked to create the first works of art for the building. The Board enthusiastically approved the following selections:

Michael Stanford Foster, Art Teacher, Waukesha South High School: "Sensing the Whole"; a series of large oil panels for the entry area.

Philip Krejcarek, Professor of Art, Carroll College: "Waukesha Cityscape I & II", and "Waukesha Skyline"; Black & white photographs of landmark buildings in the City of Waukesha and black metal sculptures inspired by the photos.

Charles Wickler, Retired elementary Art Teacher, Hamilton School District, Sussex: "Wordwork/ Waukesha"; Colorful 'word piece' using words relating to our community's diversity.

Funding

The cost of the art has been funded with private dollars donated by community members and by Friends of the Waukesha Public Library.

Donations, which are tax deductible, may be sent to:

Waukesha Public Library Art Fund
321 Wisconsin Avenue
Waukesha, WI 53186

Levels of Support

Copper $20
Bronze $50
Silver $100
Gold $250+

Rotating Art Collection

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