Shorewood board accepts donated AARP Community Challenge grant for mural, will run competitive artist RFP

The Village of Shorewood on July 14 voted to accept a donated AARP Community Challenge grant to fund a public mural project and authorized moving forward with a competitive request-for-proposals to select a local artist.

Jennifer of Milwaukee Riverkeeper, who applied for the award, told trustees the project would “engage the public around water stewardship” and that Riverkeeper would manage the grant and coordinate with village committees including the public art committee and Department of Public Works. “We were successful in getting the grant award,” she said.

Trustees discussed location, visibility and long‑term upkeep. Committee and board members noted Atwater Park had been proposed but that the grant does not require that site; staff said they will consider other locations and return the final site selection to the board for approval. Trustee Stokbrand asked whether the Shorewood Foundation would commit to covering future operation and maintenance; staff and Riverkeeper said the foundation has been asked to consider supporting upkeep but any agreement is not finalized. The board asked staff to prepare clearer donation terms spelling out who is responsible for repainting or replacing the artwork in future years.

At the Village Board meeting the motion to accept the donation and proceed with the RFP and artist selection carried unanimously. The public-art process will include community input and a competitive RFP; project timing is expected to target completion by the end of the year but could extend into spring or summer depending on weather and final plans.

Next steps: staff will draft a memorandum of understanding that clarifies the village’s limited financial responsibility for future maintenance and will return to the board with the RFP package and a recommended location for final approval.