OSHKOSH — Phase 1 of the Algoma Alley Activation Project in the 400 block of Main Street is complete.
The first phase included creation of nine new murals by local artists, seven of whom are from Oshkosh.
Artist Coordinator Jessica Lomena said in an email last week that “There has already been an influx of visitors to the area — especially in the way of people getting family and senior photos taken.”
The second phase of the project will begin in spring and include 3D elements to complete the space, Lomena said.
Algoma Alley is along the alley on Algoma Boulevard between North Main Street and Division by the 400 W. N. Main St. public parking lot. It is designed to serve as a place for community events, including pop-up art galleries and local musical groups’ weekly meetings. The Downtown Oshkosh Business Improvement District and Oshkosh Art Collective are collaborating on the project.
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The alley was selected for the project based on public ownership of the alley, support of the surrounding business and property owners, and the general need for improved public spaces throughout downtown Oshkosh, the project’s website states.
The hope is the investment in the alley will bring visitors and future residents to the 10 businesses and 15 residential units surrounding the space.
The theme for the alley is a “Wisconsin Native Nature Flow,” which incorporates native animals, plants and other wildlife that flows from land on the eastern walls to water to air/sky on the west side of the alley.
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In addition to public art, the Downtown Oshkosh Business Improvement District will oversee the installation of wayfinding/entry signage, lighting, 3D art, planters and seating, the project website states.
The Algoma Alley project is a continuation of the City of Oshkosh’s Imagine Oshkosh plan, which encourages the expansion of arts and culture in the central city area.
Contact Brandon Reid at 920-686-2984 or breid@gannett.com. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @breidHTRNews.
