Community Art Projects

This summer, the Trout Museum of Art launches a new initiative to bring art outside the museum walls and engage Fox Cities residents in community-wide art projects. Our goal is to engage thousands of residents each year in fun, educational art projects that leave a visual impact and a lasting impression on our community.

With the help of our lead partner, SECURA Insurance Company, TMA’s Community Art Projects grow to be bigger and better each year! We are grateful for their partnership to establish this new tradition. Our first projects are in June, July and October 2021. Don’t miss the fun!

July 10 | 8:30AM – 12:30PM
What You’ve Got with Katie Ries
Due to rain on June 26, this project has been postponed to July 10

Artist Katie Ries will make one thousand clay seedballs with regionally-specific wildflower seeds.
Guests will exchange a seedball for “what you’ve got” in your pocket.

How it works!

  1. Join us outside TMA on July 10. Take a seedball and leave something in place of every one you take.
  2. Throw the seedball somewhere it will not be mowed or trampled.
  3. Return to that place often as you watch the wildflowers grow.
  4. Artist Katie Ries will create a piece of artwork with all of the objects traded.
  5. Keep us updated on your seeds, and we’ll keep you updated on Katie’s progress with your “What You’ve Got” items!

Traded items, St. Norbert College, 2014

Orange Consumables – SGCI – Knoxville, TN, 2015

July 24 & 25 | All day at Art at the Park!
City Park, Appleton

This year at Art at the Park, join us for TWO Community Art Projects
led by local artists, Tyla Heilfrich and Nate Hatch.

Sculpture Welding with Nate Hatch
Co-sponsored by Miller Electric and Sculpture Valley

Watch Nate Hatch weld a sculpture live with cutting-edge welding technology. See first hand how large-scale public art is made. Art at the Park visitors and families can try welding for themselves at Miller Electric’s pop-up welding center.

Nathan Hatch is a Door County artist with a Masters in Sculpture from the University of Kentucky.“My work derives from memory, passage of time, and the mystery of the everyday.”

You can find public sculptures by Nate at the Northwest Technical College’s Green Bay Campus, the Peninsula School of Art, Cardinal Stritch University, Eastern Illinois University, and more.


Steamroll Printmaking with Tyla Hilfreich
Co-sponsored by Miron Construction

Watch as artist Tyla Heilfrich creates GIANT prints using ink, paper, and a steamroller! Art at the Park visitors and families can try their hand a printmaking using stamps, foam sheets, and paint.

Tyla Heilfrich is an Appleton artist and entrepreneur, creating art and events of many expressions in and around the Fox Valley. Tyla works in many mediums including printmaking, sculpture, painting, and multi-media.

October 30, 2021 | 8:00am – 12:30pm
21st Century Dream Catcher with Oneida Storyteller
Debra Morningstar and artist Kay Kobussen

Learn about the cultural significance of the Dream Catcher from Oneida Storyteller, Debra Morningstar and artist Kay Kobussen. Help Kay sculpt a large Dream Catcher from materials supplied by Nature and the Earth, and listen to Debra explain the significance of the Dream Catcher and the materials you use.

The final Dream Catcher will hang in TMA’s Atrium throughout Native American Heritage Month (November). More details coming soon!

Past Community Art Projects

In collaboration with the Museum of Wisconsin Art and arts organizations from around Wisconsin, we took to the sidewalks! In July of 2020, community members chalked their sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots to create bright, joyful art and spread positive messages.

TMA and Appleton’s Farm Market guests chalked with artist Irineo Medina, covering Houdini Plaza and the Museum windows.