Art on the Move: Middleton’s Bus Shelters Display Vibrant Creations by Local Artists

Travel by bus or other means around the City of Middleton this summer, and you’ll find flocks of birds, a bounty of summer vegetables, and a monarch butterfly wing have arrived at Middleton bus shelters. Ten locations along Metro Transit Routes now feature artwork by Dane County artists. The project is intended to highlight, encourage, and promote local artists by giving them exposure in the public realm while also compensating them for their work.

“I want to thank everyone who helped to make this project possible. We have worked hard to bring public art to the community through installations like these while supporting local artists,” said Michelle Phillips, Chair of the Arts Committee. “Other ways we bring art to the community is through our pop-up art events for kids, Middleton Youth Center art classes, and Art Walk Middleton. Our committee feels that art is an integral part of life.”

This project was led by the City’s Public Arts Committee, which held a competitive call for local artists, and 56 submittals were received. The Public Arts Committee evaluated the submissions based on the quality of work, creativity, and overall fit for the project and selected ten pieces from seven artists, which will be displayed for up to seven years. The project is part of the city’s overall goal to use public art, especially at city gateways and other streetscaping amenities, to enhance the city's visual appeal. It was funded through the city’s capital budget and tax increment financing (TIF) district.

 “As Mayor of Middleton, I am thrilled to see our city’s commitment to arts and culture come alive through this innovative project. This initiative is a testament to our belief in the power of public art to inspire and connect our community," said Emily Kuhn.

For more information on the Middleton Arts Committee, including additional opportunities: https://www.cityofmiddleton.us/231/Arts-Committee

Artist: Julia Luedtke (Cross Plains, WI)
Greenway Boulevard near Deming Way 

Artist: Barbara Vater (Middleton, WI)|
John Q. Hammons Drive near Greenway Boulevard 

Artist: Julie Vornholt (Madison, WI)
John Q. Hammons Drive near Greenway Boulevard 

Artist: Meghan McCombs (Middleton, WI)
University Avenue near Cayuga Street 

Artist: Meghan McCombs (Middleton, WI)
Parmenter Street near Donna Drive (east side of the street)

Artist: Xizhou Xie (Madison, WI)
Parmenter Street near Lisa Lane (east side of the street)

Artist: Julie Vornholt (Madison, WI)
Century Avenue near Parmenter Street 

Artist: Anna Stieve (Middleton, WI)
Branch Street near Pheasant Lane (west side of the street)

Artist: Maria Amalia Wood (Middleton, WI)
Allen Boulevard near Lake Street (west side of the street)

Artist: Barbara Vater (Middleton, WI)
Century Avenue near Overlook Point Apartments