WAUPUN — Waupun’s place as Wisconsin’s “City of Sculpture” was officially recognized by Governor Tony Evers, commending the community for its historic tradition of public art.
Jeni Maly, who organized Waupun IceFest and runs Imagine That! Art Studio in downtown Waupun, brought this to the City Council Tuesday evening.
“I am very excited to address the City Council tonight,” said Jeni Maly, holding a paper that sported a seal from the State Capitol. “This is a Certificate of Commendation ‘honoring the City of Waupun as the City of Sculpture.’”
Maly went on to read the text of the letter, which noted several of Waupun’s great art pieces including The End of the Trail, The Recording Angel, and The Citadel, acknowledging Clarence Shaler’s work in curating and creating Waupun’s public sculptures. It also recognized Waupun for its work in celebrating its public art with regular events.
It concludes, “Whereas: on this occasion, the state of Wisconsin joins the city of Waupun in recognizing the importance of public art and wishes “The City of Sculpture” many more years of success. Therefore, I, Tony Evers, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, do hereby congratulate the city of Waupun for its success as a vibrant art community and thank everyone involved for their service and support for art in the state.”
The letter was dated February 23, 2024.
Maly explained that she had received the letter after applying for recognition through the state’s website, saying, “Just this recognition alone will give us more insight to have more sculptures and advocate for the art here.”
It will be framed and publicly displayed at City Hall.
This Commendation comes in no small part due to Mayor Rohn Bishop’s work to bring back Waupun’s branding as the City of Sculpture, which had previously been set aside for more abstract branding in the last decade.
“It’s an honor to have been recognized by the Governor as Wisconsin’s City of Sculpture,” said Mayor Bishop in a statement. “I’m blown away at how this community has embraced Shaler’s legacy, and that the City of Sculpture is adding to it. Kudos to Jeni for all her efforts for both Ice Fest and the new sculpture tours that will begin this spring.”
The timing of this letter couldn’t have been better after the success of Waupun IceFest, which celebrated both the existing art of Waupun along with modern artists who made nearly 50 ice sculptures which were displayed two weeks ago.
The committee planning the Sculpture Tours program will be holding a meeting on March 14 to work on plans. While the final decision on location has yet to be made, the sculptures are expected to be set up in the first week of June and will be on display in Waupun for eleven months.
Next year’s IceFest is scheduled for February 15 and 16, 2025.
