“Was the Bowie Mural already there when you bought the building?” is a question we’re often asked and we’re proud to say “No!” McFleshman’s commissioned the mural shortly after we bought the property in February 2016.
Before the 2016 presidential primary, I wanted to paint “Rock the Vote” on our newly acquired building. A friend recommended muralist Chad Brady and thus our friendship was born. You’ve probably seen his other murals around town. (He and a team even salvaged the Butterfly/Bee mural on Gabriel Furniture this past weekend) His reply text: “mind if I jazz it up?” when we asked for just “Rock the Vote.” “Fans of Bowie?” he replied. “Who isn’t?” we responded, and you can see what we got! It was all Chad’s vision; we just supplied the wall. Bowie is now a mainstay in Appleton’s West End.
I think the Bowie Mural, and public art in general, is crucial to a happy society. Art should not be confined to museums or galleries, but should be a part of your daily walk, trip to the post office, and your beer garden experience. The plan is to organically add art to our beer garden. The staircase is slowly being painted by community members, so if you’d like to paint a step, click here!
Appleton has so many great public art events and opportunities. Art on the Town features local artists every third Friday of the month through the summer, all across downtown. We will be hosting many artists, so come by the taproom to check it out! Sculpture Valley’s Acre of Art is responsible for the amazing sculptures you see downtown. We even have one in our Beer garden – Domesticator by Scott Wallace depicts his childhood canine companion.
You’ll also find micro pieces of art by local artists for sale in our taproom via Artiphix. This repurposed, vintage cigarette machine will expend unique artistic expressions with the pull of a knob.
How does this all relate to beer?
Art makes people happy.
Beer makes people happy.
Hanging out with friends makes people happy. Therefore, by some axiom of mathematics,
Art = Beer = Friends,
and you can find all three at McFleshman’s!
Cheers!
