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Check out the making of video here.

I was invited to paint the Summerfest smile representing my community, and I had no idea how big of a part they would play in making it happen!

US Cellular’s Big Smile Vote Contest was underway between 5 Wisconsin Artists, and your vote could help me win $5K! What will I use the money for? A film project I’ve been wanting to do for years, that sheds light on how art changes lives and brings the importance of community to the forefront. Your vote could change the world (no big deal).

Wanting the design to properly represent our community, I asked a local lady who I met working at a street art festival here in Madison (Hi Nicia!) if I could paint her in the image. She was ecstatic and honored. After the design was set, US Cellular asked “where can we drop off this 500lb sculpture? At your studio?” Uh… My first thought was to ask the shelter if I could work with spray paint outside at their facility and they were happy to let me set up there. After the truck unloaded it in the driveway I thought “5 days is a time crunch to get this done, but I can do it!” While mapping the design and getting the base coat done, a local business owner stopped by and said “You realize there won’t be a sidewalk or road here come Monday, right? You’re going to have a serious dust problem.” Uh… my 5 days dropped to one, as the realization of the construction in front of where I was working was about to get hardcore. I got up at the crack of dawn Sunday and got to work painting the smiley. Fortunately the local art store, Artist & Craftsman had all the colors I needed and in 12 hours, I painted the piece from top to bottom in all spray (aside from the calligraphy and my name). PHEW! I did it! But that Monday the road and sidewalk were gone, so there was no way to get the sculpture out. I stopped by the former street, now construction site to check in. The surveyor called the foreman who assured me they would have it filled in and leveled by 6pm Thursday, so we could get a truck in the driveway. And they did! What city does that!? MADISON!

The community proved the beautiful representation of the city, it’s passion and support ring true. From the woman (Nicia) in the image being from Madison, the supplies to make it coming from here, the shelter hosting the space for it’s creation, to the city contractors creating a pathway for it to get to it’s destination- this piece deserves to win! Thank you Madison, MUCH MUCH LOVE!

And thank you US Cellular and Summerfest for the opportunity! You can find this piece (and the other 4) at Summerfest Thusday June 23rd - Saturday July 9th. In the meantime, cast your vote!

Meaning of the piece:
The people of Madison’s passion for our community is what makes the city so special. The woman is tranquil, sending out rays of positivity (represented by calligraphy) that extend like waves. This has the ability to affect the city as a whole, represented by the capitol. Our lakes, (represented by the wave), provide serenity and have been a draw for cultures throughout the ages, creating a diverse history we hold dear. The sunflower at the bottom shows our pride in local vendors, supported in the many festivals and of course, the Dane County Farmer’s Market on Capitol Square. MADISON RULES!

If you’re at Summerfest, check it out in person! You can find the sculpture along the lakeside.