MILWAUKEE — Three large illuminated flowers are coming to Milwaukee’s Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC).
The art installation will be a part of the center’s annual Rainbow Summer series, which will take place from July 14 to 20.
“Lost,” created by Australian artist Amanda Parer, will take up 2,100 square feet and reach heights of up to 16 feet. It calls back to the story of “Alice in Wonderland,” where Alice shrinks and wanders among gigantic plants.
According to Parer, the artwork is also supposed to celebrate nature and humans’ relationship with it. The specific botanical plants used in the artwork are either extinct or endangered species from around the world.
“Lost creates a space where people are immersed in nature’s beautiful forms – a wondrous environment that allows visitors to reflect and play,” Parer said.
In addition to the artwork display, the Marcus Center’s Rainbow Summer even will have free public performances from groups such as the Kids From Wisconsin, Digable Plants and more on each of the seven nights starting at 7 p.m. There will also be vendor marketplaces, food trucks and activities.
A Family Day, complete with fun for all ages, will take place on Saturday, July 19 beginning at 3 p.m. On Sunday, July 20 there were be a special performance from the Milwaukee Police Band at 2 p.m. Each of these events and performances are free for attendees.
“Rainbow Summer continues to be an open invitation for people of all ages to gather, experience something new, and enjoy summer in the heart of the city,” said Kevin Giglinto, MPAC president & CEO. “We are proud to continue our partnership with Milwaukee Downtown to bring this visually stunning art installation and a vibrant lineup of free public performances to our outdoor grounds.”
The Marcus Center has hosted inflatable art installations on its grounds for the past couple of years, starting with “HIGHLIGHT featuring Evanescent” in 2023. Last year featured “Elysian Arcs,” five inflatable archways.