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City of Madison

New “Colorful Characters” Mural Honors Legacies of South Madison Leaders

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A mural on the new Village on Park parking structure shows the portraits of 5 prominent South Madison leaders

The City of Madison is pleased to announce the completion and installation of a new public art piece by renowned artist Michael Ford at the Village on Park.

The mural, titled “Colorful Characters,” is located on the corner of the new parking structure at the Village on Park, adjacent to the Urban League’s Black Business Hub. Ford used the letters in “South Madison” to create vibrant, abstracted shapes, which he combined with photographs from past South Madison leaders to create a four-story mural on the corner of the structure.

Ford’s installation marks the completion of the inaugural project funded through Madison's Percent for Art ordinance. 

Seeing this mural come to life is like watching the heartbeat of South Madison pulse on the side of a building. It’s bold, it’s colorful, and it’s a reminder that everyday heroes walk among us — and now, they look over us, too.

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Artist Michael Ford

The project features the portraits of Madisonians who touched thousands of lives and left a legacy of community service and mentorship in South Madison, including:

  • Wayne Strong, a community advocate who spent decades working to improve opportunities for Madison’s youth through coaching, mentorship programs, and his work with the Madison Police Department;
  • Lori Mann Carey, an education advocate and mentor to many, who helped create the Mann Educational Opportunity Fund and Mann Scholars Program;
  • Earsie Green, who cooked thousands of meals for children at the Boys & Girls Club over the course of 25 years;
  • Ilda Thomas, who founded Centro Hispano in 1983; and
  • Alfonso (Al) Studesville, Jr., who led an active life of service and mentorship through many organizations, including the NAACP, the Urban League, and Madison College. 

On behalf of my family, we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Michael Ford for his incredible vision and the beautiful artwork of our mother. Words can’t fully express how grateful we are. Her legacy will continue to live on, and now, through this tribute, she will remain with us, watching over us and living on in the memories of all those whose lives she touched in so many meaningful ways. I’d also want to acknowledge a few others who’ve had a meaningful impact on my life, Wayne Strong and Mrs. Carey. They meant so much to so many. I didn’t have the opportunity to meet the others featured in this tribute, but I’m sure they had a similar impact on the lives of many.

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Earsie Green’s son, Sedric Morris, Sr.

It is wonderful to be able to see some of our community’s heroes who made a difference in our neighborhood, city, and lives. Gone, but not forgotten.

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District 14 Alder Isadore Knox, Jr.

I believed it was important to have a mural that reflected the diversity of South Madison. Each person depicted in this mural has positively impacted the lives of residents in this community.

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Former Alder Sheri Carter

About the Percent for Art program

The Percent for Art program, established in 2019, designates a small percentage of the budget for city construction projects toward enhancing the city's cultural landscape with public art. The installation represents a significant milestone in Madison's commitment to integrating art into public spaces and celebrating diverse perspectives within the community.

"This initiative ensures that as Madison grows, its visual culture grows with it, creating spaces that inspire and reflect our community's values," Madison Arts Commission chair Nick Pjevach said.

A dedication celebration may be scheduled after the parking structure opens later this summer. 

About the Artist

Michael Ford is an award-winning architect and founder of BrandNu Design Studio, an architecture and design firm known for its culturally responsive approach to community projects. Nationally recognized as “The Hip Hop Architect,” Ford bridges the worlds of design and hip hop to engage communities and inspire the next generation of creatives. His work spans architecture, public art, and youth education, all rooted in storytelling and social impact. 

About the Madison Arts Commission

The Madison Arts Commission (MAC) is an 11-member citizen commission appointed by the Mayor to advise the City about matters of arts and culture. MAC’s mission is to foster arts appreciation by initiating partnerships, developing new audiences, and sponsoring diverse artistic activities by emerging and established artists and arts organizations while preserving Madison’s rich artistic tradition. To support a full creative life for all, the Madison Arts Commission commits to championing policies and practices of cultural equity that empower a just, inclusive, and equitable city.

To receive the latest news from Madison Arts, you can sign up for e-mail updates on the City’s e-mail lists page by entering your e-mail address and checking the box next to “Madison Arts Updates” under the Department of Planning & Community & Economic Development (DPCED) section. 

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