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Baird Center grand stair

When EUA approached us about doing a mural for a massive expansion of the Baird Center in downtown Milwaukee, we knew it was going to be a big project—literally. The 95-ft-tall piece would serve as backdrop for the grand stair, an open, four-story focal point that connects all levels of the new addition.

 

We crisscrossed the state over the course of a year to capture thousands of images. We'll often capture a subject from street or water level and from a helicopter, so the image looks up and down at the same time. I like to mix perspectives to show familiar elements in a new context, and to address the past while looking forward. The scale of this piece was perfect for that approach.

 

“Always” takes a non-linear upward path through industry, agriculture, nature, recreation, and civic institutions, ultimately arriving at expansive joy. I’m a maximalist, so there’s a crazy amount of detail in there. I want repeat viewers to discover new things in the image for years to come.

 

Always art map

The thumbnail below includes callouts for the individual and composite images that make up the full mural. Click here to view a pdf that includes all the images with descriptions for each.

Always art map for tsdc.jpg
© Tommy Sweeney
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