A new piece of art from Madison’s mysterious artist known as “The Artist” will be unveiled to the public at the Southwest Madison Employment Center on Juneteenth.
On Wednesday, June 19, the Urban League of Greater Madison will celebrate a new art installation from Madison’s mysterious artist, known best as “The Artist,” which will feature scenes from the Civil Rights Era.
“The Urban League is honored that The Artist has chosen to gift this powerful work of art to the Southwest Madison Employment Center,” said Ruben Anthony Jr., CEO of the Urban League of Greater Madison. “We believe it will serve as a reminder to the community of how far we have come, and how much work remains to be done in the fight for economic justice.”
The Southwest Madison Employment Center was established in 2019 and was the city’s first neighborhood employment center. The Urban League, in partnership with the employment center, hosts all of its job training, placement and coaching services at the location.
The work from The Artist will debut this Juneteenth on the third anniversary of it becoming a federal holiday. On June 17, 2021, President Biden passed a bill making Juneteenth the 11th federal holiday. The new artwork, fittingly unveiled on the holiday, depicts a scene from the Civil Rights Era, which the Madison Arts Commission (MAC) calls “fitting” for the center.
“It is fitting that The Artist’s series depicting scenes from the Civil Rights Era was placed in proximity to the employment center,” Nick Pjevach, chairperson at the MAC. “May it serve as a reminder that fair wages and safe working conditions are an essential right.”
The event will take place Wednesday, June 19 on Juneteenth at the Southwest Madison Employment Center, 1233 McKenna Blvd., from 6-7:30 p.m. The unveiling is free to attend with no registration required.
