Public Art for Newville Park

Project Details

Artist - Babette Wainwright

Babette Wainwright started as a painter, but in 1998 found a passion for working in clay. Her sculptures are informed both by her African roots, and by the work of the pre-Colombian people of Haiti, the Arawaks. In 2000, she earned an MFA in Ceramics at UW Madison. She has since been working in both mediums, using the female image as a vehicle for conveying her sense of uprootedness, and her spirituality.
Design Proposal

Designs will not be prepared until Summer 2026
Community Feedback

Upcoming engagement opportunities will be listed here. A Neighborhood Meeting will be hosted in July/August. The artist will meet with various stakeholder groups in Fall, 2026 to launch the design process.
To share comments now, email madisonarts@cityofmadison.com

Madison Arts Commission Initial Vote Completed
October 12, 2022
At their meeting on October 12, 2022 the Madison Arts Commissions voted to have staff prepare a proposal for a mother & child sculpture, to replace one once on this site.
Community Engagement Active
Summer, 2026
The artist will provide an artist talk and connect with neighborhood residents and other stakeholders to receive input on the project.
Design Review Upcoming
Summer/Fall 2026
Staff will present concept of Babette Wainwright's work to the Madison Arts Commission and receive feedback from Commissioners and community members. MAC may vote to proceed with the project as proposed.
Design Updates Upcoming
Fall 2026-Spring 2027
After Babette receives community and commissioner feedback on their initial concepts, she will prepare an updated design proposal for final comments (if needed).
Review and Approvals Upcoming
Winter, 2027 - Spring, 2028
The final design will need to be approved by the Madison Arts Commission, as well as possibly the Board of Parks Commissioners, Finance Commission and the Madison Common Council.
Fabrication Upcoming
2027
Installation Upcoming
2028