Art Works
Downtown Mural Initiative
Launched in 2023, our Downtown Mural Initiative has already made a big splash, raising over $71,000 and completing SIX iconic mural installations in downtown South Milwaukee!
Most recently, a giant bald eagle was completed on the West wall at 920 Monroe Avenue, honoring our veteran community. Also painted this summer was a piece honoring the Aztecan roots of the property owners at 901 Milwaukee Avenue. And, finally, a Seven Bridges Sam mural was installed at the Bucyrus Commons after being painted live during Flip Side Festival of the Arts 2024.
Veteran Mural | Painted 2025
Veteran mural at 920 Monroe Avenue
An American Eagle bearing an olive branch, the symbol of peace, is flying past the American Legion Post 27 (BelleRose Events) located at 920 Monroe Avenue in Downtown South Milwaukee. Painted by artists John Kowalczyk & Fred Kaems, this piece was a collaboration between our team, the muralists, and a group of local veterans. It features a collage of meaningful floral blooms representing the different organizations affiliated with post 27, six emblems representing all branches of the American military, a single red rose for fallen soldiers, and an image of the Congressional Medal of Honor – symbolizing our hometown hero, Gary Wetzel.
It’s truly a tribute to all of those that have served.
We humbly dedicate this mural to South Milwaukee’s Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, Gary Wetzel, and all of the members of Post 27 for their 100+ years of volunteer service to the South Milwaukee community.
To all of our local veterans: Thank you for everything.
About the Artists:
Fred Kaems (Left) and John Kowalczyk (Right) are the muralists for our 2025 veteran mural
Fred Kaems
Fred Kaems is a multi-disciplinary artist from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He works as a painter, muralist, designer, and maker. His work as a designer focuses on sleek modern objects that are often made for a specific function. This part of his practice relies heavily on cutting edge software and technology. This digital work is balanced with his practice as a painter and muralist which are largely self taught. His work as a painter stems from his background as a graffiti artist in his youth. This influence shows with bold colors, hand cut stencils, and the forgotten spaces of man that nature has begun to retake. The large-scale nature of graffiti and spray paint also translate well into his mural work.
He has participated in numerous juried, group, invitational shows, and his recently completed solo show Animals, Patterns, Debris, and STUFF LIKE THAT at Hot Pop in Milwaukee. He has work in private collections spanning the nation from Atlanta, to California. He has created works for scores of large-scale clients, which include many commercial murals.
He has won awards including the Harold Milbrath award for Technical Thinking, The national design award from INFY Makers, and most recently an award for excellence in research at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.
Kaems earned his BFA from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in Digital Studio Practices; this is coupled with a certificate in Digital Fabrication and Design and also a Minor in Art History.
John Kowalczyk
John Kowalczyk describes his art as “shrine-like, shiny, symmetrical, and seductive figurations that become maps of my mind combining myth, math, and magic.” His work is comprised of mixed media paintings and larger than life installations that incorporate vintage fabrics, thrift store treasures, gift wrap, shelf liner, string, ribbon, repurposed drawings, glitter and gold. The collaged elements of his paintings become more than the sum of their parts exhibiting a spiritual nature.
Born in Chicago in 1988, John Kowalczyk currently lives and works in Milwaukee, WI as an artist, curator, and educator. Kowalczyk received his BFA in painting from Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design in 2010, and began a three year residency with RedLine Milwaukee soon after, where he curated gallery shows and taught workshops. He currently is the Artist in Residence Program Director for Artists Working in Education, where he facilitates and oversees large scale community and public art projects throughout the city of Milwaukee. Kowalczyk’s work has been exhibited at the Sienna Art Institute in Italy, The Charles Allis Art Museum, The Harley Davidson Museum, The Cedarburg Cultural Center, and The Museum of Wisconsin Art along with other galleries across the U.S.
Aztecan Mural | Painted in 2025
On the side of 901 Milwaukee Avenue you will find an incredible piece painted by Rosalia Hernandez-Singh. This mural honors the Aztecan roots of the property owners and celebrates their 20 years of operating an award winning Mexican restaurant in Downtown South Milwaukee.
Rozalia Hernandez-Singh | Artist
About the Artist:
Rozalia Hernández-Singh was born and raised in Milwaukee. She is a multi-disciplinary artist with focus on murals, caricatures, paintings and graphic design.
Rozalia has a Bachelor’s Degree of Fine Arts in Visual Communications from Illinois Institute of Art.
Rozalia was featured on TMJ4 as part of “Milwaukee’s Hidden Gems”. Rozalia’s mural work has been recognized in multiple printed and online newspaper articles as well as Milwaukee Lifestyle Magazine.
Rozalia has illustrated two books. “I am a girl of color,” written by Deanna Singh. “Journeys of Home, Stories of migration, perseverance and culture,” published by Sharp Literacy and directed by Adam Carr.
Rozalia has taught art classes to students through nonprofit organizations focusing on schools with limited resources for art.
Rozalia’s goal is to promote diversity and awareness. Her artwork reflects her experiences as a woman of color, a mother and a community advocate.
 |
 |
 |
 |
The Woodstock Hippie Bus | Painted in 2024
The Woodstock Hippie Bus at 907 Milwaukee Avenue
This striking representation of a woodstock hippie bus with larger than life portraits of both Janis Joplin and Carlos Santana was done by Milwaukee Based Muralis, Antonio “Tone” Gomes. His portfolio includes THE Giannis mural in Downtown MKE, Bruce Lee in South Milwaukee, along with other works in Milwaukee, Chicago, Albuquerque, Portland, and other locations around the country! Follow Tone on IG @sketchy_tony to see what he gets into!
@sketchy_tony Art Works 2024 muralist
Seven Bridges Sam | Painted 2024
Who wouldnt want to pose with South Milwaukee Sam at the enterance to our iconic Seven Bridges?! With Sam’s arms wide open, this interactive mural, painted by Antonio “Tone” Gomez LIVE at Flip Side Festival of the Arts, invites you to capture a photo of our beautiful fall season in Grant Park any time of the year. Plus, when you get that pic with the big lovable sasquatch that moved here from the Pacific North West, you’ll have proof that he exists. Find this mural at the Bucyrus Commons at 1100 Madison Avenue.
Little Shop of Horrors | Painted in 2024
Little Shop of Horrors at 1001 Milwaukee Avenue
A sprawling Audrey II from the Little Shop of Horrors is breaking through the wall at 1001 Milwaukee Avenue. Artist Gregory Frederic is the creater of this wildly popular mural at Parkway Floral. Gregory is an award winning artist, guest speaker, live painter and muralist hired by many organizations, including The Green Bay Packers. Inspiration for his colorful acrylic pieces comes from emotion felt through music, human form, injustices and people he meets. After painting murals in his birth country of Haiti, he relocated to Wisconsin where he raises his family and continues adding to his list of satisfied collectors. His unique masterpieces can be seen at The Appleton Public Library, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Austin Straubel Airport and at many fine art galleries. His unique artwork stays immortal in the memory of each viewer as he inspires change and respect for one another.
@crewlart | Gregory Fredrick 2024 Muralist
The Bruce Lee Mural | Painted in 2023
The West wall of the Sorce Martial Arts building, 926 Milwaukee Avenue, is host to our new mural!
Sorce Building | 926 Milwaukee Avenue
Antonio “Tone” Gomeź is a Milwaukee based muralist. Before Bruce Lee, his portfolio included THE Giannis mural in Downtown MKE, other works in Milwaukee, Chicago, Albuquerque, Portland, and other locations around the country ! Follow Tone on IG @sketchy_tony to see what he gets into!
@sketchy_tony Art Works 2023 muralist
From prepping the wall to painting with the community at our mural painting party and finishing the mural in less than one month, Tone Goméz, and assistant Nico Balboa, were an amazing team to watch create a beautiful piece of art across from our office.
Our Mural Fundraisers & Comminuty Engagement Projects
Continued contributions to this program will positively benefit Milwaukee Avenue revitalization efforts and continue boosting energy within our downtown business district.
Join the movement by making a tax deductible donation that would go directly towards creating a mural.