Madison Public Art Project (MPAP) will unveil Siempre Aprendiendo, a new public art mural created by Guatemalan-American painter Richie Morales on Saturday, May 31, 1 p.m., on Madison’s East Side.
Siempre Aprendiendom, translated from Spanish, meaning “always learning,” is a 25-foot-long and 12-foot-high vibrant and imaginative mural that integrates visual art with music and nature commissioned and organized by MPAP. Debuting alongside Siempre Aprendiendo will be a new community-created pollinator garden, according to a press release from MPAP, that “brings nature, ecological life, and beauty to the site year-round, providing a space that encourages people to slow down, pause, and reflect.”
Morales, a native of Guatemala, is a self-taught painter who regularly reflects on the role of art in social justice. He has been living and working as an artist in Madison since 2018. MPAP commissioned Morales to create this exciting new mural in the Emerson East neighborhood.
(Photo by David Dahmer)
“We are delighted to see how this art initiative will contribute to the dynamic energy of the Emerson and Eken Park neighborhoods. It is an exciting time with the opening of the Madison [Public] Market coming soon,” said Jillian Talarczyk, MPAP founder and creative director, in a press release. “This was a very ambitious project. The immersive elements of music and the garden plantings, in addition to the 25-foot-long mural, will further transport the viewer and enhance the art experience for all who visit.”
Saturday’s mural unveiling and special opening day celebration at 2200 Pennsylvania Ave. will feature opening remarks from city officials, art-making activities for all ages, a curator-led guided mural tour, artist-created coloring book pages, and light refreshments, including a special Guatemalan drink which is often served at celebrations. Free tickets for the opening day celebration are available through Eventbrite.
