RACINE, WI (CBS 58) -- Kelly Kruse is the Executive Director of Downtown Racine Corporation and joined us in studio to promote an upcoming live music series and more!
This summer, Downtown Racine will be transformed into a colorful and uplifting outdoor art gallery as the Downtown Racine Corporation unveils its 24th annual public art project—featuring 30 stunning, six-foot metal kites! From June through mid-September, these unique works of art will add whimsy and wonder to our downtown streetscape.
The official unveiling of all the kites will take place on Friday, June 6 during Downtown Racine’s First Friday event. Visitors are encouraged to explore the installation, meet some of the talented artists, and take part in a special kite-themed scavenger hunt.
“We are thrilled to continue this long-standing tradition of public art in Downtown Racine,” said Kelly Kruse, Executive Director of the Downtown Racine Corporation. “This year’s kite project lifts our creativity to new heights—each kite is not only a beautiful piece of art but also an opportunity to connect, explore, and celebrate our community in a truly interactive way.”
This year’s kites were designed and welded in collaboration with Gateway Technical College’s Welding Program, under the leadership of Professor Kyle Worzala, and painted by a wide range of local artists.
“Gateway Technical College’s Welding Program is honored and excited to once again partner with the Downtown Racine Corporation on this year’s project,” said Professor Worzala. “Projects like this allow our students to apply their skills in a real-world setting while contributing to the community. It’s a source of pride and inspiration for our students and the public.”
In addition to enjoying the artwork, attendees of all ages are encouraged to participate in the Kite Scavenger Hunt! Complete the fun questions about each kite and receive a $5 Downtown Racine Gift Card as a reward. Scavenger hunt forms and kite maps can be picked up at the DRC office (425 Main Street) or downloaded at racinedowntown.com.
During the June 6 First Friday unveiling, kite artists will be stationed at various locations throughout downtown, ready to engage with the public and share the stories behind their creations. Artists will be on-site at the following participating businesses:
Artists Gallery, Corner House, Courthouse, Dimple's Imports, Divino Gelato, Hotel Verdant, Joey's Yardarm, Johnson Financial, Johnson Financial, Lakeview Pharmacy, Plumb Gold, Smoke'd on the Water, Sugar Shack, Toad Hall, Uncorkt, Unraveled Creative Studio.
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind public art experience that celebrates creativity, community, and the power of art to uplift and inspire.
For more information, a map of kite locations, and to download the scavenger hunt form, visit racinedowntown.com.