Talking with Steve Bickis about his new “mural for America” project, you just can’t help but feel uplifted and hopeful. The guy just wants us all to get along! He has a vision for an our country that is diverse, accepting, loving and inclusive. Recalling the song I sang every week at Sunday school, Jesus loves the little children of the world, and they are ALL precious in his sight. Steve is reminding us that kind of inclusive love is what makes America strong, and he’s doing it with the medium he knows best. His art.
Steve has left his mark on Madison in ways too numerous to count. As a muralist he’s had a hand in executing several of the large installations we see every day, like the big Kindness Heart mural on Mulberry Street (based on a Jane Vonderheide design) and the vintage scene on the side of Rogers Corner at Main & West, just to name a few. As a painter his works grace the walls of collectors throughout the region, myself included. But this mural project, which he has dubbed “Our American Rainbow” might be his most ambitious undertaking to date.
The mural depicts four happy children, representing the many diverse groups that make up American life. There’s a rainbow element, which is “the universal symbol of hope, promise, and renewal, a reminder that the storm is over and brighter days are possible,” explains Steve. “And there is a border of stars, which embodies patriotism, a love for America that embraces its culture and heritage, encouraging civic participation, and calling us to hold this nation accountable to our stated ideals.
“My thinking is to make this mural art available to all communities and organizations across the country,’ explains Steve, “free of charge for the design, with the hope that it will help bridge some of the negativity and divisiveness that has darkened our discourse in recent times. Everyone who sees this positive and idealistic image will hopefully be uplifted and encouraged to start embracing the better virtues of our great nation. I guess it’s just my way, as an artist, of trying to make a difference.
“The project is deeply personal for me. My father was a first generation American, born in Romania, who came to the U.S. very young, fought in the second world war, then made a life here for himself and his family. His immigrant story represents what is great and strong about this country, and I wanted that spirit to live on through this mural project.
“I’ve started a website that explains the whole program and makes it super easy to request the mural design files. Once you receive the art file you can get it printed at whatever large scale you need for the wall or billboard you want to cover. It’s really very simple and straightforward. The website is SteveBickis.com.
“Some folks may question whether a simple mural can actually make a difference, but I have to believe it can and will. It represents the founding ideals of America, and serves as a reminder of what binds us together, no matter which side of the political spectrum we might be on. I’m working with a couple of churches and the local arts group right now about getting it up here in Madison, so hopefully keep an eye out for it very soon. And please share it with any out of town friends you have who might be interested. Let’s all work together and push something positive and joyful out into the world for a change!”
HOT TIP OF THE WEEK
One of the things I do each week when I look at the music calendar is see if there are any new names on the list. Not that “new” necessarily means better in any way. In fact, the names we see on the calendar every week are there for a reason – they consistently put on a good show and please the crowd. But it’s cool to see fresh faces up on our stages from time to time, just for variety, and on the off chance you might catch lightning in a bottle and discover an amazing new talent. The Lighthouse down on the river has several unfamiliar (to me anyway) names this week, on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. You might want to check them out. And The Central has a “Mike Stricknyne” which is an awesome name! Maybe he does all Poison covers?! Anyway, lots of music this week, as always. Get out there, and don’t forget to tip the band!
Leave a Reply