Madison Reporter

The City of Madison is gearing up for an exciting project as it prepares to transform the 400-600 blocks of State Street into a pedestrian mall this summer. In an effort to engage the community and add a touch of artistry to the area, the city is calling for volunteers to participate in a public painting event.

Local Madison artists, including Rahul Kamuth, Taylor McAda, Sharon Bjyrd, and Jessica Gutierrez, will lead the painting of four original 20-foot circle murals on State Street between Gorham Street and Hawthorne Court on Sunday, April 21. Additionally, volunteers are needed to assist in painting over 150 Madison-themed stencils designed by artist Maeve Makielski.

The event offers opportunities for individuals of all artistic abilities, with two painting shifts available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Noon to 3 p.m. Volunteers can choose to participate in one or both shifts. The success of the event is subject to weather conditions, with a rain date set for Sunday, May 5 as a backup plan.

Interested individuals are encouraged to register in advance to ensure an adequate supply of painting materials for all participants. Even those not directly involved in painting are welcome to visit the area, observe the creative process, and share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #FlockToState.

Following the painting event, the 400-600 blocks of State Street will showcase street art, new benches, planters, and other artistic elements starting in early May. As the pedestrian mall experiment unfolds, these blocks will be closed to traffic after 3 p.m. on weekdays and after 10 a.m. on weekends. More details about the State Street Pedestrian Experiment will be revealed in the upcoming weeks.