Commission approves Art Alley frames installation; sponsor to underwrite fabrication

The Madison Area Arts Alliance (MAA) presented the Art Alley Project to the Madison City Public Arts Commission on Nov. 6, 2025, and the commission approved the installation of seven permanent frames in the alley between Main Street and the Kindness Mural Plaza by voice vote.

Kim Nyberg, representing the Madison Area Arts Alliance, described the project as a permanent, rotating exhibit using framed vinyl panels attached to plates fastened in mortar (the installation will not require drilling into brick). "I work for the Madison Area Arts Alliance," Nyberg said when she introduced herself and the project. She told the commission the group tested a prototype and that the mounting system is designed to be both horizontal and vertical.

Nyberg said the Alliance has secured a sponsor to "underwrite the fabrication of all 7," and that the same sponsor will assist with the first exhibit, which the Alliance plans to feature works by Harland Hubbard. The frames are intended to be approximately 4 feet by 6 feet; the vinyl panels will be produced locally and the Alliance expects to run two exhibits per year, swapping vinyl panels as programmed. Nyberg described coordination with property owners and said at least one commercial tenant (the taproom) has been supportive during preliminary talks.

Commissioners asked about durability and vandalism. Nyberg said the Alliance previously installed oversized vinyl pieces that remained in good condition for two years, and she noted that the frames sit close to the wall (about a third of an inch gap) to limit tampering. A prototype frame is currently installed in the alley for review.

The commission recorded a motion to approve the frames installation; the motion was seconded by Tracy Wine and approved by voice vote. The motion text on the record was: "I move that we approve the public arts project of the frames installation, in the activation alley." No roll-call tally by name was recorded in the transcript; the chair announced the motion passed.

Clarifying details: seven frames planned; frames approx. 4 ft x 6 ft; mounting plates fastened to mortar (no drilling into brick); sponsor will underwrite fabrication and assist with first exhibit; prototype already tested in the alley; plan for two rotating exhibits per year; commission approved installation by voice vote.