Public art installation to debut as part of Imagination Center at Reindahl Park grand opening

posted 

The City of Madison will dedicate The Passage of Being, a new public art installation by artist Nate Page, at 4:30pm on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park, 1814 Parkside Dr, Madison WI. The public is invited to attend the dedication as part of the grand-opening ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new library and park pavilion. 

The Passage of Being was selected by the Madison Arts Commission in partnership with the Parks Division and Madison Public Library through a robust public engagement process. That process included a community survey completed by more than 1,200 residents, as well as direct engagement with students at Sandburg Elementary School, who took part in classroom workshops with library arts staff as part of the project. 

The Passage of Being has a two-sided presence. When seen from the Imagination Center, the front represents the strength of community opening a pathway toward nature. The community is represented by the layered planes of color, which are drawn from the national flags of prominent immigrant communities in Northeast Madison. On the reflective side, the sculpture opens outward, reflecting the surrounding park and its activity onto the library's architecture. The sculpture measures approximately 16 feet high, 10 feet wide, and 30 inches deep. It stands tall in the parkland immediately behind the Imagination Center. 

  • A triangular sculpture with a silhouette of a person's head in the center with a multi-colored outline.
    Image credit: Nate Page

    "The Passage of Being" by Nate Page (day view)

    Image credit: Nate Page
  • An illuminated triangular sculpture with a silhouette of a person's head in the center with a multi-colored outline.
    Image credit: Nate Page

    "The Passage of Being" by Nate Page (night view)

    Image credit: Nate Page
  • A triangular sculpture with a silhouette of a person's head in the center with a reflective steel surface.
    Image credit: Nate Page

    "The Passage of Being" by Nate Page (day view)

    Image credit: Nate Page
  • An illuminated triangular sculpture with a silhouette of a person's head in the center with a reflective steel surface.
    Image credit: Nate Page

    "The Passage of Being" by Nate Page (night view)

    Image credit: Nate Page

City leaders praised the project and the collaborative process behind it. Common Council President Sabrina Madison and District Alder Julia Matthews, whose district includes the library, were both strong supporters of the installation.

The Passage of Being reflects what library and park users told us they wanted most: something colorful, welcoming, and reflective of the community. Thousands shared their thoughts through community surveys and classroom workshops at Sandburg Elementary. Public art is a rewarding but challenging process, and I am grateful for all the community partners who helped make this possible. We are excited to see the finished piece installed in its permanent home at the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park.

—

Meri Rose Ekberg, City of Madison Community and Cultural Resources Planner

A public library is one of the few places left where everyone is welcome, no matter who you are. I want The Passage of Being to feel like an invitation to enter, expand beyond our boundaries, connect with nature, and imagine together.

—

Nate Page, artist

The project was funded through the City's Percent for Art program, which dedicates 1% of eligible construction budgets to public art, as part of the overall construction of the Imagination Center. Foundation construction services provided by Seven Generation Contractors and fabrication by Gallas Metalworks.  

Members of the public are encouraged to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication to celebrate the opening of the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park and view Passage of Being in person.

Event Details

  • Dedication of The Passage of Being

    Part of the Imagination Center Grand Opening Celebration

  • Friday, September 25, 2026

  • 4:30pm

    Grand Opening Celebration runs from 3:00pm - 8:00pm

  • Imagination Center at Reindahl Park

    1814 Parkside Drive, Madison, WI 53704

About the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park 

The Imagination Center at Reindahl Park represents a groundbreaking partnership between the Madison Public Library and Madison Parks. This 17,500 square-foot building will serve as both a library and community gathering space, featuring indoor and outdoor programming, free Wi-Fi, public computers, and resources for health, wellness, work, and education.   

This is Madison's first park-based library, serving residents in the northeast area of the city. The Imagination Center aims to be a hub for social interaction, civic engagement, and cultural expression, making this public art commission particularly significant for community identity and pride. See Imagination Center at Reindahl Park to learn more. 

About the Madison Arts Commission 

The Madison Arts Commission works to encourage artistic activities and performances throughout the city, supporting both emerging and established artists while enhancing the cultural landscape of Madison through public art initiatives.   

Interested in news and opportunities from the Madison Arts Commission? 

Departments:

Categories:

Was this page helpful to you? * required