SafeGrowth Initiative Brings New Public Art to Historic Downtown Corridor

Since 2010, Perkins has been running a blog devoted to reviewing artists' accordion books. Inspired by the stencil works of both Chant Avedissian (1951-2018) and Felipe Ehrenberg (1943-2017), as well as Sonia Delaunay's 1913 accordion work La Prose du Transsiberian et de la Petite Jehanne de France, he started making his own during the summer of 2024 using spray paint and stencils.

Social practice artist duo Laurie Beth Clark and Michael Peterson, who go by Spatula&Barcode, have been on the street - literally in parking stalls - engaging residents in conversations and events about Gilman Street and producing six newsletters called the Gilman Street News throughout the summer.

Their work aims to shine a spotlight on the area's significance and transform perceptions of this important Madison corridor. They have conducted interviews about Gilman Street's history, partnered with REAP food group to distribute free ice cream, and distributed granola bars that say, "What's Eating Gilman Street?"

They also worked with Mark Fitzgerald, a graphic designer for the City of Madison's Department of Planning, Community and Economic Development, to create historic banners that celebrate West Gilman Street's rich heritage.