Milwaukee County Historical Society Announces Winner of Second Annual Public Art Award
People Helping People, Edward Cathony.
Milwaukee, WI — The Milwaukee County Historical Society proudly announced the recipient of the second annual Public Art Award, generously presented by Janice and Stephen Marcus, during a public ceremony held on April 15, 2026. The award was given to “People Helping People” (1969–1970), a ceramic tile mosaic by American designer and muralist Edward Cathony.
Held at the Milwaukee County Historical Society, the event welcomed approximately 100 attendees and celebrated the artists, organizations, and community members who contribute to Milwaukee’s vibrant public art landscape. Among those in attendance was Reynaldo Hernandez, recipient of the inaugural Public Art Award, along with representatives connected to each of this year’s finalists. Selected by a distinguished jury – Linda Marcus, John Riepenhoff, and Jeffrey Morin – the award reflects both expert evaluation and strong community engagement, with nominations submitted by the public.
Located at 803 W. Michigan Street, “People Helping People” is a large-scale ceramic tile mosaic created using TEGA tiles developed by Milwaukee’s Allen-Bradley Company. The work is a striking example of Milwaukee’s mid-century public art movement, when artists and industry often worked in close collaboration. Originally commissioned for the Milwaukee Insurance Company building, the mural blends abstract and figurative imagery to explore themes of labor, unity, and civic cooperation, ideas that continue to resonate today.
Cathony, known for integrating industrial materials into public art, created a composition that bridges human form and geometric structure, reflecting both Milwaukee’s manufacturing legacy and its belief in collective progress. The piece stands as an important example of corporate-commissioned public art from the era, and a lasting expression of the city’s creative and industrial identity.
Members of Cathony’s family were present to accept the award on his behalf, including John Cathony, Janice Ulbert, and Ann Dufkis. Speaking at the event, Dufkis reflected on the meaning of the work and her father’s connection to the city: “The mural’s message is one of cooperation and service. Dad said Milwaukee was always good to him and his artwork, and that Milwaukee always welcomed him… It is our hope that the mural will continue to enhance Milwaukee’s landscape even as the building’s future remains uncertain. Dad would have been extremely proud to have been awarded this.”
This year’s finalists also included:
• “Reflection of Memories” by Richard Haas (represented at the event by Gary Haas)
• “We Are the Power of Society” by Amelia Bader (with support from Fanana Banana)
• “Birds of Knowledge of Good & Evil” by Magdalena Abakanowicz (commissioned by the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin)
Jurors emphasized both the award recipient’s significance and the importance of public awareness in its selection. “It was a discovery for me,” said John Riepenhoff. “To nominate this piece is to remind Milwaukee of our history supporting innovative public art and supporting one another, and to draw attention to “People Helping People” in the hope that it will inspire care and preservation for future generations.” Jeffrey Morin echoed this sentiment, noting, “Public art sometimes needs the help of the public.”
In recent years, the work has become a focal point for preservation conversations. Although its future was uncertain in 2023 due to proposed demolition tied to the Iron District development, the building remains standing as of 2026. Preservation advocates, including Docomomo Wisconsin, have supported efforts to protect and ultimately relocate the mural when needed, ensuring that important works like this remain part of Milwaukee’s public memory.
The Public Art Award recognizes works that hold exceptional historical significance while enriching Milwaukee’s landscape and strengthening community identity. By elevating these works, the program celebrates not only artistic achievement, but also the shared stories embedded in the city’s built environment. The winning artwork will be formally recognized again at the Milwaukee County Historical Society’s Annual Awards Dinner on May 14, 2026.
For more information about the Public Art Award and upcoming programs, visit MilwaukeeHistory.net.
About the Milwaukee County Historical Society
The Milwaukee County Historical Society was founded in 1935 and has become the place for people to learn about and to celebrate Milwaukee. Through education programs, exhibitions, the research library, our historic sites, and special events, MCHS offers Milwaukeeans and visitors to Milwaukee a chance to connect with the heritage of Milwaukee County. MCHS preserves more than one million documents and photographs and more than 80,000 artifacts.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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