Milwaukee County Historical Society has released the names of the four finalists for its 2026 Public Art Award and they are “Reflection of Memories” by Richard Haas, “We Are the Power of Society” by Amelia Bader, “Birds of Knowledge of Good & Evil” by Magdalena Abakanowicz and “People Helping People” by Edward Cathony.
The finalists were selected by a jury that includes Linda Marcus, John Riepenhoff and Jeffrey Morin, and the winner will be announced at a ceremony at MCHS, 910 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. on April 15, at 5 p.m. The event is open to the public.
Works inspired by the history, people, values and public spirit of the city and that enhance the landscape and foster pride, belonging and connection, were selected for the awards, which are now in their second year.
Here are descriptions of the finalists, as shared by MCHS:
“Reflection of Memories” by Richard Haas
This mural, created in the trompe l’oeil hyper-realistic style, reflects Milwaukee’s architectural and cultural past by evoking buildings that are no longer part of the cityscape, including the Pabst Building, Lakefront Depot, and Gimbels. Through layered imagery, Haas invites viewers to see the city reflecting upon itself. Having spent part of his childhood in Milwaukee, Haas brings a personal sense of nostalgia to the piece, which has become widely recognized.
“We Are the Power of Society” by Amelia Bader
Commissioned by the Muslim community arts organization Fanana Banana, this vibrant mural
stood out to jurors for its grassroots origins and strong community support. Funded and championed by the public, the work celebrates Milwaukee’s diversity and highlights the city as a welcoming home for immigrants. Visually striking and rich in symbolism, the mural amplifies the voice of the Muslim community and stands as a powerful statement of unity and pride.
“Birds of Knowledge of Good & Evil” by Magdalena Abakanowicz
Commissioned by the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin as a gift to the city, this sculpture by internationally acclaimed artist Magdalena Abakanowicz creates a contemplative and meditative space in the heart of Downtown Milwaukee. Jurors were impressed by the Woman’s Club’s commitment to the long-term preservation of the work and by how the sculpture’s symbolism reflects the organization’s mission and civic values.
“People Helping People” by Edward Cathony
Completed in 1970, this large-scale mosaic mural has been on display for more than half a century at 803 W. Michigan St., a site that is part of the new Iron District development. Crafted with distinctive TEGA ceramic tile manufactured by Milwaukee’s Allen-Bradley Company, the work reflects an important moment in mid-century modern public art and connects to Milwaukee’s industrial and design legacy. Commissioned by the Milwaukee Insurance Company, the mural’s message of cooperation and service continues to embody the city’s strong civic spirit and commitment to community care, even as the building’s future within the changing development remains uncertain.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he lived until he was 17, Bobby received his BA-Mass Communications from UWM in 1989 and has lived in Walker's Point, Bay View, Enderis Park, South Milwaukee and on the East Side.
He has published three non-fiction books in Italy – including one about an event in Milwaukee history, which was published in the U.S. in autumn 2010. Four more books, all about Milwaukee, have been published by The History Press. A fifth collects Urban Spelunking articles about breweries and maltsters.
With his most recent band, The Yell Leaders, Bobby released four LPs and had a songs featured in episodes of TV's "Party of Five" and "Dawson's Creek," and films in Japan, South America and the U.S. The Yell Leaders were named the best unsigned band in their region by VH-1 as part of its Rock Across America 1998 Tour. Most recently, the band contributed tracks to a UK vinyl/CD tribute to the Redskins and collaborated on a track with Italian novelist Enrico Remmert.
He's produced three installments of the "OMCD" series of local music compilations for OnMilwaukee.com and in 2007 produced a CD of Italian music and poetry.
In 2005, he was awarded the City of Asti's (Italy) Journalism Prize for his work focusing on that area. He has also won awards from the Milwaukee Press Club.
He has been heard on 88Nine Radio Milwaukee talking about his "Urban Spelunking" series of stories, in that station's most popular podcast.
