Our Murals
"Now I See in Color" On the 400 Block
The Now I See in Color mural was created by RISE UP Central Wisconsin in partnership with Lakeside Recovery Treatment Center at North Central Health Care between 2018 and 2020. The project brought together individuals in recovery, artists, staff, and community members to use art as a tool for healing, reflection, and connection. Through the collaborative mural process, participants were able to share their experiences, build relationships, and help create a lasting visual representation of hope, resilience, and transformation. The mural reflects RISE UP’s mission of using participatory public art to reduce stigma, strengthen community, and give voice to individuals whose stories are too often overlooked.
"The Healing Light" On the Whitewater Music Hall
From 2019 through 2021, RISE UP Central Wisconsin partnered with The Women’s Community domestic violence shelter to create a collaborative mural that was ultimately installed on Whitewater Music Hall. The project was intentionally designed to go beyond painting alone, incorporating multiple forms of creative expression including poetry, drum circles, storytelling, and other participatory arts experiences. These activities created opportunities for survivors and community members to reflect, connect, and contribute their voices to the larger artistic process in ways that felt meaningful and empowering. The completed mural became a public expression of resilience, strength, healing, and hope, while also helping raise awareness about domestic violence and reinforcing RISE UP’s commitment to using the arts to reduce stigma and build community.
"Written in the Stars" At the MCDSS Office
RISE UP Central Wisconsin partnered with Marathon County Social Services to create a collaborative mural designed to reflect the strength, resilience, and experiences of the children and families served by the agency. Through a participatory art process, community members, staff, and individuals connected to Social Services were invited to contribute ideas and help shape the imagery and message of the piece. The mural was intended not only to beautify the space, but also to create a more welcoming and hopeful environment for families navigating difficult circumstances. The project reflects RISE UP’s broader mission of using public art to reduce stigma, build connection, and give visibility to the voices and experiences of people within the community.
EEA Mural At the WOW Building
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From 2018 to 2019, RISE UP Central Wisconsin partnered with the Enrich Excel Achieve Academy at Wausau East High School on a collaborative mural project that brought students into the creative process from concept through completion. The project gave young people an opportunity to express their ideas, experiences, and hopes through art while building confidence, teamwork, and a stronger sense of connection to their community. Students worked alongside artists and mentors to help shape the mural’s imagery and message, creating a piece that reflected themes of growth, identity, resilience, and possibility. The completed mural was installed on the WOW building, where it became a visible celebration of youth voice and creativity and an example of RISE UP’s commitment to using public art as a tool for engagement, empowerment, and community connection.
"Learn, Live, Hope" At Aspirus Hospital
RISE UP Central Wisconsin partnered with Aspirus on a community mural project focused on health, wellness, and the many ways people experience healing. Through RISE UP’s participatory process, community members, patients, staff, and artists helped shape a mural that reflected both physical and emotional well-being while emphasizing connection, resilience, and hope. The project created opportunities for participants to share their experiences and perspectives through art, helping broaden the conversation around what it means to be healthy and supported. The completed mural serves as a lasting visual reminder that health is not only about medical care, but also about belonging, creativity, relationships, and community.