Celebrating the Public Art That Tells Milwaukee’s Story

Milwaukee is a city shaped by its history, creativity, and the people and communities who have called it home. From historic monuments and architectural details to bold murals and contemporary installations, public art is woven into the fabric of Milwaukee County, turning everyday spaces into places that tell a story.

The Milwaukee County Historical Society’s Public Art Award recognizes public artworks that have become meaningful parts of that story. Now in its third year, the award honors works that hold exceptional historical or cultural significance, connect people to place, and reflect the character and values of the communities where they are found.

Public art can preserve history, spark conversation, celebrate a neighborhood, or simply become part of how we experience a place. Because these works are created for and experienced by the public, community involvement is at the heart of this award.

Nominate a Public Artwork

Nominations are open November 1–December 31, 2026.

Do you know a public artwork that deserves recognition? We want to hear from you.

Nominate a work that you believe has made a lasting impact on Milwaukee County: whether it’s a historic mural, a sculpture you’ve passed for years, a contemporary installation, or another work that has become part of the community.

Eligible artwork must:

Be located within Milwaukee County
Be publicly accessible; private or restricted works are not eligible
Be permanent or temporary and accessible throughout the award selection period
Be created by an artist of any nationality
Be eligible for nomination by the artist or a member of the public

Meet the 2027 Jury

As president of the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), Jeffrey Morin brings nearly 40 years of higher education experience to the jury. An award-winning artist, printmaker, book artist, curator, and lecturer, he maintains an active artistic practice alongside his leadership at MIAD. His work spans multiple mediums, with interests in art history and social justice.

Dr. Kim Sajet is the Donna and Donald Baumgartner Director of the Milwaukee Art Museum and an internationally respected museum leader and curator. Previously, she served for 12 years as director of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, where she championed inclusive storytelling, expanded public engagement with the arts, and brought contemporary voices and perspectives into the collections.

Julia Taylor is co-owner and gallery director of JK Art House, a contemporary fine art gallery in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward representing local, regional, and national artists. A longtime civic leader and working watercolor artist, she previously served as president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee for 20 years and as president of the YWCA of Greater Milwaukee for 16 years.

2026 Public Art Award

The 2026 Public Art Award recognized People Helping People by Edward Cathony, a large-scale ceramic tile mosaic at 803 W. Michigan Street.

Created using TEGA tiles developed by Milwaukee’s Allen-Bradley Company, the mural is a striking example of Milwaukee’s mid-century public art movement, when artists and industry often worked together. Originally commissioned for the Milwaukee Insurance Company building, the work combines abstract and figurative imagery to explore themes of labor, unity, and civic cooperation: ideas that continue to resonate today.

Known for incorporating industrial materials into his public art, Cathony created a composition that connects human forms with geometric structure, reflecting Milwaukee’s manufacturing legacy and spirit of collective progress. The work is an important example of corporate-commissioned public art from the era and a lasting expression of Milwaukee’s creative and industrial identity.

2027 Public Art Award Ceremony

Join us as we celebrate the finalists and announce the 2027 Public Art Award recipient.

Thursday, February 25, 2027
5–7 p.m.
Milwaukee County Historical Society

About the Public Art Award

Presented by Janice and Stephen Marcus, the Public Art Award was established by the Milwaukee County Historical Society to recognize public art that helps tell the story of Milwaukee County.

The award reflects MCHS’s mission to collect, preserve, and share our history by highlighting the places and works that help communities connect with their past, understand their present, and shape their future.