2010 Special Events

2010 Public Art Event: “Best Seats in the House”
Presented by the Shorewood Foundation and produced by the Shorewood Business Improvement District
June 5-August 15, 2010


“Best Seats in the House” engaged Shorewood’s attractive, walkable community this summer in a celebration of discovery as residents and guests strolled the business district to discover our fabulous benches!
“Best Seats in the House” was the talk of the town and attracted visitors from all over the Milwaukee area to visit Shorewood. The 41 custom-decorated benches featured the talents of local artists who used a variety of media, including paint, mosaic, ironwork and mixed media, to create amazing works of art! “Best Seats in the House” came to a close on Sunday, August 29 when 39 of the benches were auctioned off in a public auction at Hubbard Park Lodge to benefit the Shorewood Foundation, the event’s presenting sponsor.

Thanks to our sponsors!
“Best Seats in the House” was presented by the Shorewood Foundation and produced by the Shorewood Business Improvement District. Additional sponsors included:

  • Village of Shorewood Marketing Program
  • Shorewood Men’s Club
  • Shorewood Department of Public Works
  • Gloss Photography Studios
  • Our many businesses, community groups and private citizens that sponsored a bench!

In addition, thanks to Paul Schierl of Chilton, Wis. for custom building the cedar benches (www.schierlwoodworking.com) and to Mike Schmidt and Schok’s Auto Body and Refinishing (5701 W. Burleigh St.) for applying the auto body clear coat on all the benches.

Artist Award Winners

  • First place: Greg Dich-Brookfield, Wis. Bench #1 “Sitting on a Song”
  • Second place: Kathy Hoffman-Whitefish Bay, Wis. Bench #35 “Dynamical Systems”
  • Third place: Amy Thomas-Shorewood, Wis. Bench #6 “Unfolding”
  • Honorable mention: Heather Corley-Brookfield, Wis. Bench #32 “Sunny Day Getaway”
  • Honorable mention: Elizabeth Bender-Wausaukee, Wis. Bench #26 “Rest Awhile”

The two remaining benches, #27 and #32, will be auctioned off at the annual Shorewood Foundation Dinner/Auction on Saturday, November 6 at Hubbard Park Lodge. For information about this event, call the Customer Service Desk at Shorewood Village Hall, 414.847.2700.

SPECIAL PURCHASE: Notecards and posters still available at Village Hall!
You can commemorate the event by purchasing notecards featuring color photographs of each of the 41 benches. The notecards are packaged in four groups of 10 cards each (the last pack has 11 cards to equal 41 benches). Cards can be purchased for $12 per pack (including envelopes) or save $8 and buy all 4 packs for only $40. Posters are also available for only $3 each. Visit the Village Hall Customer Service Desk (3930 N. Murray Ave.) on Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.– hurry, cards and posters are available in limited quantities. Cash or check payable to the Shorewood Foundation are accepted.