Sculpture Milwaukee: It’s What Everyone Will be Looking At This Summer

Art & Design

Just over two years ago, our client VISIT Milwaukee asked Jigsaw for some help on a top-secret project spearheaded by Steve Marcus, the Chairman of the Marcus Corporation. We, of course, said yes even though we knew very little about what we were getting into. Mr. Marcus had a vision. He was going to lead the renaissance of Milwaukee’s Wisconsin Avenue, starting by making it one of the world’s largest outdoor sculpture galleries. Sculpture Milwaukee was to be an open-air, urban, free art experience. Many people were skeptical that such a monumental dream could become reality. But with the help of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, former Milwaukee Art Museum Executive Director Russell Bowman, Milwaukee Downtown BID #21 and countless volunteers, supporters and sponsors, Sculpture Milwaukee was brought to life.

Now in Sculpture Milwaukee’s second year, Curator and Project Director Marilu Knode has brought 21 museum-quality sculptures to our fine city. The sculptures currently adorn Wisconsin Avenue from the Northwestern Mutual Gardens to the Wisconsin Center District at 6th Avenue. Works from famed artists such as Kiki Smith and recently deceased Robert Indiana are on display for the public to enjoy for free, through October 21.

Jigsaw is proud to be a Sculpture Milwaukee founding partner and 2018 Leadership Sponsor. We crafted a new brand strategy and designed a clear visual communication platform including a logo, website, collateral, and an integrated ad campaign. Additionally, our team members serve on the marketing and steering committees. You could say we helped cast Sculpture Milwaukee.

So when we were asked what we’d do at the VIP Sneak Preview Party at the Pfister Hotel on May 31, our reaction was, “We need to bring the experience indoors.” We created a unique photo opportunity where partygoers donned sunglasses revealing the reflection of a prominent sculpture from the 2018 show. VIPs struck a pose and moments later, their photos were projected larger than life on stage. The images replicate this year’s ad campaign, but for this important night, they are the faces and reactions of the people who make Sculpture Milwaukee possible — sponsors, volunteers and city officials.

It was truly a night to remember. Jigsaw is grateful for the opportunity to support Sculpture Milwaukee and all the strength and beauty it brings to our neighborhood, Wisconsin Avenue.

All of the photographs are available to download and share at the Sculpture Milwaukee Facebook page. For more information about Sculpture Milwaukee, visit the website, or contact Cory Ampe.