Sculpture Milwaukee A Big Success

Milwaukee’s newest art gallery was a success by any measure. The curated collection of 22 sculptures installed along Wisconsin Ave. this summer is being removed now, but planning is already underway for the 2018 installation.

The idea for the massive exhibit came from Marcus Corp. chairman Stephen Marcus. At the unconventional ribbon cutting ceremony for the exhibition, Marcus boldly declared “this is the largest exhibit of museum quality monumental sculpture in the world.”

While I can’t verify Marcus’s claim, the installation sure did transform Milwaukee’s main street. Nearly everyday I would encounter people admiring the sculptures, and when I stopped to ask I learned they were often tourists or visitors from the suburbs. The interest in the project spurred Urban Milwaukee to host two walking tours for the project, both of which sold out. People clearly loved the project.

Three of the sculptures on display have been sold. At the time of the project’s launch, it was announced that a portion of any sales would go towards funding future installations. Marilu Knode, project manager for Sculpture Milwaukee, noted that while that’s true, the sale proceeds represent only “a tiny, tiny portion of the budget.” Knode stated that the bulk of the project’s funding has come from a fundraising effort led by Marcus.

Reached via phone, Knode stated “what’s really so amazing about Sculpture Milwaukee is individuals and businesses putting resources together for residents and visitors of our region.”

Sales

Sources close to the project confirm that Stephen Marcus purchased Deborah Butterfield‘s iconic Big Piney, a horse made from cast bronze that has been installed at E. Wisconsin Ave. and N. Jackson St. The piece was on loan from the Zolla Liberman Gallery in Chicago.

Butterfield, a 68-year-old Montana-based sculptor, is known for her horse sculptures that according to Christie’s Auction House have fetched prices between $37,500 to $425,000. Urban Milwaukee architecture critic Tom Bamberger praised Butterfield’s sculpture and its siting in his piece “Horse Sense” earlier this summer.

In addition to Marcus’s purchase, two more sculptures have been sold. Milwaukee artist Michelle Grabner‘s untitled piece, which hung outside Powers Jewelry at N. Broadway and E. Wisconsin Ave., was sold. It was on loan from The Green Gallery. Will Ryman‘s Rose #2, which has been on display outside the US Bank Center, was purchased. Rose #2 was on loan from the Paul Kasmin Gallery in New York.

Terms and purchasers in all deals were not disclosed by Sculpture Milwaukee.

Asking prices for the sculptures ranged from $25,000 to $1 million. The project was curated by former Milwaukee Art Museum director Russell Bowman. Milwaukee Downtown provided staffing support for the project.

What’s Next?

Knode is hoping that two sculptures are able to stay through the end of 2018. The long-time art professional is working with the artists and dealers to keep Sol LeWitt‘s “Tower” in place on N. Old World Third St. and W. Wisconsin Ave. and John Henry‘s “Zach’s Tower” at at N. 5th St. and W. Wisconsin Ave.

Knode notes that’s she’s already working with dealers and artists to secure sculptures for the 2018 exhibition.

Photos

If you think stories like this are important, become a member of Urban Milwaukee and help support real independent journalism. Plus you get some cool added benefits, all detailed here.