Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo gets a mural in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – A new mural captures the iconic Milwaukee Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo. A local artist put the final touches on the mural Thursday near Milwaukee’s Bayview area.
The mural is located on the corner of Clement Ave. and St. Francis. (Warnimont Ave.) on the side of the Corner Market Deli. Artist Fred Kaems put the final touches on the mural Thursday after months of planning, 25 hours of spray painting, gallons of paint and 50 spray cans.
“I think it came out pretty well, I'm stoked,” Kaems said.
Mural of Milwaukee Bucks Player Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee neighborhood
Brendan Jones lives across the street. He funded the project and was part of the planning.
“This is the first contemporary superstar we've had in this city so I figured what better way than to celebrate it with a cool art piece,” Jones said.
The bright colors that fill the wall show the Greek Freak’s vibrant energy. The blue and white colors behind him, which are the colors of the Flag of Greece, represent the player’s roots.
“One of the things we liked about Giannis is that he represents a lot of growth and a lot of energy in this city anyway, he's just one guy but he's a great encapsulation of that,” Kaems said.
Artist Fred Kaems (left) and Brendan Jones (right)
Next to the building where the Giannis mural was painted, is the Clement Avenue Elementary School. Students at the school’s summer camp program say the mural is motivating.
“It inspires me, I try to have good sportsmanship like him and be nice to the players that I'm playing with,” Student Savannah said.
Student Nathan and Savannah high-fiving during their game
As for Jones and Kaems, they hope this mural will mark a piece of Milwaukee history that will continue to inspire others.
“Basketball is cool, Giannis is cool, he's got a great story and he's someone kids can look up to,” Jones said.
The Milwaukee Bucks Senior Vice President of Communications Barry Baum said in a statement:
We are thrilled to see the fan support and the community continuing to rally around him.