10/03/2018- There’s a push to bring more public art to the M-and-M area. Marinette’s Common Council discussed two potential projects and how they might be funded at their meeting Tuesday night. Mayor Steve Genisot says the first is a sculpture crafted by Jim LaMalfa that would stand near the entrance of Marinette Marine. While LaMalfa has donated much of his own time and material, Genisot says an additional $7000 is required to complete the work. The second project was proposed by Kim Brooks of Rusty Wolfe Studio and involves creating artwork out of benches that could be placed throughout Marinette and Menominee. Genisot says Brooks has asked the City to kick-start that program at a cost of between $3000 and $4500.
Council members also discussed the opportunity for other displays, including murals on some of the city’s downtown buildings. Genisot suggested the funds for public art should come from the Community Development Fund, but noted both the Finance Committee and Board of Public Works would have to sign off on the work. Genisot is hopeful the projects will be included in the city’s FY2019 budget.