Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution approves the design, engineering, fabrication, delivery, and installation of an additional art piece for the State Street Campus Garage/Hawthorne Court Percent for Art Project (capital project #14145). Funding for public art is calculated as an additional 1% of the eligible project budget as called for in the Percent for Art ordinance (MGO 4.30). Construction estimates in the schematic design phase were approximately $47.7 million; an additional 1% for art was calculated at $477,069. Legislative file 94047 previously authorized an agreement for artwork for up to $320,000. This proposed resolution authorizes an agreement with Hagens Upah DBA Steph Hagens LLC, Emily Balsley DBA Bluestar Ink LLC and Julie Freyholt DBA Julie Vornholt LLC for up to $24,800, utilizing remaining Percent for Art budget available for the project. No additional City appropriation is required.
Title
Approving a mural design for the State Street Campus Garage/Hawthorne Court Percent for Art Project, authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute agreements with Stephanie Hagens Upah DBA Steph Hagens LLC, Emily Balsley DBA Bluestar Ink LLC and Julie Freyholt DBA Julie Vornholt LLC (District 2)
Body
WHEREAS, multiple plans adopted by the Common Council over the last twenty years, including the Public Art Framework and Field Guide for Madison, Wisconsin (2002) (the “Public Art Framework”), the Madison Cultural Plan (2013), and the Comprehensive Plan (2018), recommend that the City integrate and fund public art as part of City capital projects as a primary way to introduce public art into the life of the community; and,
WHEREAS, in 2017, the Common Council adopted the Percent for Art Ordinance that requires that one percent (1%) of the City funding for capital projects with a total budget of at least $5 million be designated to integrate public art into the project; and,
WHEREAS, in RES- 23-00721, File ID #79408 from November 21, 2023, the Common Council approved city staff issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQu) to seek artist(s) and the creation of the Ad Hoc State Steet Campus Garage/Hawthorne Court Public Art Committee to review proposals and recommend an artist(s); and
WHEREAS, on March 17, 2026, the Madison Arts Commission voted to approve the Ad Hoc State Street Campus Garage/Hawthorne Court Public Art Committee’s recommendation to select StudioKCA’s Cheerio for the State Street Campus Garage/Hawthorne Court Percent for Art Project and directed staff to look for additional opportunities to incorporate local artists into the project; and
WHEREAS, on April 14, 2026, the Madison Arts Commission approved staff inviting local artists Steph Hagens, Emily Balsley, and Julie Vornholt to create designs for an interior mural for the public parking entrance to the State Street Campus Garage because their team was the top scoring local applicant for the Percent for Art RFQu.
WHEREAS, on September 9, 2026, the Madison Arts Commission reviewed and approved the “Community Quilt” mural design by Steph Hagens, Emily Balsley, and Julie Vornholt, provided feedback to the artists, and empowered staff to confirm the final design met their requirements; and
WHEREAS, Steph Hagens, Emily Balsley, and Julie Vornholt will be contractually required to collaborate with appropriate City of Madison staff and commissions in finalizing the design details and installation of the State Street Campus Garage mural; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Madison Common Council approves the design of “Community Quilt” by Steph Hagens, Emily Balsley, and Julie Vornholt.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Finance Director or their designee is hereby authorized to execute agreements with Stephanie Hagens Upah DBA Steph Hagens LLC, Emily Balsley DBA Bluestar Ink LLC and Julie Freyholt DBA Julie Vornholt LLC for all costs associated with design, materials, fabrication, delivery, and installation of the proposed artwork not to exceed $24,800.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Finance Director or their designee is granted the authority to approve additional project costs, change orders or amendments funded by the State Street Campus Garage/Hawthorne Court Percent for Art Project Budget.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that any unspent funds upon completion of associated projects shall be transferred to the Arts Aggregated Fund or the Art Maintenance and Conservation Fund.