We recently welcomed Zosia Eppensteiner, CEO of the Community Foundation of Marquette County, and MAPS art teacher Jake Fether to discuss a vibrant new addition to the downtown landscape. What began as a simple conversation quickly evolved into a collaborative plan to transform a blank parking lot wall into a public art piece. Eppensteiner highlighted that the foundation acted as a vital conduit for resources, aligning with their mission to connect donors with community needs and foster long-term sustainability. By investing in youth-driven initiatives—with the foundation distributing over $10 million in local grants and scholarships over the last five years alone—the project gives young creators the agency to shape their community's physical and cultural future.
Fether shared insights into the creative journey, noting that the initiative brought together students from five different high schools across the county. Mentored by a professional local muralist, the students embraced the theme of "reciprocity" to reflect how community members support and elevate one another. This concept was brought to life in a personal way: every single figure depicted in the final mural is a stylized portrait of a participating student artist. Fether emphasized that this level of mentorship fosters long-term career paths and empowerment, proving that the true impact of public art stretches far beyond the paint on the wall.
Public Radio 90's Kurt Hauswirth spoke with Eppensteiner and Fether about the celebration:
The transformation required a collective effort, turning potential logistical barriers into a shared civic investment. Highbridge Property Management entrusted the youth with their property's visible identity, while Midway Rentals provided essential scaffolding and storage.
The public is invited to celebrate this achievement this Friday, July 3rd, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at 228 W Washington Street. The celebration will feature a neighborhood potluck and an official student awards ceremony.
Visit the Community Foundation of Marquette County's website at cfofmc.org for more information.
