feature image: Image credit Jan the Voyager.
Submitted
The Madison Public Art Project (MPAP) is pleased to announce the opening of two new art murals located at the new Bakers Place residential development, located at 849 East Washington Ave. Madison, Wisconsin. The artist known as “Jan the Voyager” was commissioned by Neutral to create the art murals managed by the local non-profit Madison Public Art Project.
The artist Janson Rapisarda, who paints under his moniker Jan the Voyager, is a Wisconsin-based painter. In this piece, his visual language honors the heritage of the Gardner Bakery and pays tribute to the rich cultural past of East Washington, reflecting the history of the neighborhood. This permanent 13′ by 20′ mural in the alleyway mews space is located between the newly developed residential buildings. Faded ghost signs depict the history of this neighborhood, which showcases street maps, old-fashioned streetlights, the Mautz paint icon, and a loaf of bread from the famed bakery in this historical, yet contemporary, mural.
Ghost signs were painted throughout Madison in the 1800s-1930s onto buildings with letters that, over time, were weathered away by the sun and the passage of time. You can still see some signs downtown, along Williamson Street, and across East Washington that are faded, yet partially visible. Bakers Place restored the original text lettering on the brick building facade, which was the original Gardner’s Bakery building. The art mural further illuminates this iconic Madison building’s history, offering increased awareness and appreciation. This project is commissioned by Neutral and managed by the Madison Public Art Project.
We enjoyed partnering with Neural on the art scope for this important property. I am excited about this project because it is the first paid rotating mural wall in Madison!” said Jillian Talarczyk, MPAP Founder and Creative Director, about the Bakers Place project. “The mural walls are open 24/7, free to enjoy, open to all, and the large rotating gallery wall will offer ongoing professional opportunities far into the future for many artists,” said Talarczyk, the driving force behind the art murals in this ambitious project. “Jan was an amazing artist to work with as the inaugural artist selected for this ambitious project. His richly layered artistic language, imagination, and creative energy that are on display for both murals, in particular the monumental scale of the large canvas, demonstrate his incredible talents and artistry”, Talarczyk said.
About the Artist @janthevoyager
“Jan is a muralist working in the public space for over a decade. He works with themes and subjects to create lively, playful, detailed, and engaging compositions that engage the viewer. His process of storytelling visually celebrates themes of adventure, independence, and wonder. Within his work are embellishments and adornments to figures that elaborate on the content within the work. His impressive and engaging murals can be found throughout Milwaukee, Chicago, Baltimore, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Indiana.” You can learn more about the artist at: www.cerastreetart.com.
Jan was assisted by artist Drew York for both mural walls. York’s artist statement reads: “I paint big, bold murals that bring spaces to life. My work is rooted in street art, nature, and urban landscapes, blending movement, energy, and intricate details with bright colors and dynamic compositions. I’m passionate about using art to transform blank walls into landmarks— pieces that stand out and connect with people in a real way.” York can be found @1000beans and https://1000beans.com.
About Bakers Place
Bakers Place is a 206-unit market rate development consisting of a new 14-story residential building with 206 units and a full restoration of the existing building. The building is located at 10 S Paterson St in downtown Madison and is situated on the former site of the Gardner Bakery on East Washington Avenue which closed in 2019.
Famous for its bread and buns, the original bakery opened in 1928 and served the neighborhood for 90 years. The building pays tribute to the site in architecturally significant details by renovating the original structure of the bakery and re-purposing it into lofted residential units and by partnering with local bakers. The construction of this building was built to the LEED certification using mass timber construction which helps reduce carbon emissions.
The Bakers Place development features natural materials with exposed timber ceilings, a rooftop garden with fresh herbs, weekly organic deliveries from Vitruvian Farms, fitness amenities, a library with 1000 handpicked books, indoor spaces that overlook Lake Monona, Copa Vida café coffee market, and a health wellness lab. Visit to learn more about the building and rental amenities at: https://livebakersplace.com.
Neutral is a multifamily real estate developer focusing on healthy and intentional living. Learn more about Neutral at https://neutral.us
“Neutral is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Madison Public Art Project on these two beautiful murals. Jillian and the Madison Public Art Project team helped us curate an exceptional artist in Jan and guided us gracefully through the mural design process in partnership with the city and our neighbors. We’re thrilled with the result. The murals celebrate the dynamic history of the city, greater Madison and Dane County, while highlighting the connection to nature that we aim to nurture in all our projects” says Nate Heblach, co-founder and CEO of Neutral, developer of Bakers Place.
About Madison Public Art Project
MPAP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization. We present innovative contemporary art in the public realm to a diverse audience throughout Wisconsin. MPAP’s exciting free public art exhibitions strengthen and educate communities while supporting social justice and fostering local arts and culture. Our art installations inspire civic participation and encourage artistic imagination. To make a donation or learn more please visit: www.madisonpublicartproject.org.
Follow MPAP social @madisonpublicartproject for upcoming guided art walks, artist talks, community events, and more!