Beyond O’Keeffe: Sun Prairie’s Mural Fest and the Artists Who Are Transforming the Town

Known as the birthplace of the legendary Georgia O’Keeffe -- Sun Prairie has always had creativity in its DNA. But this summer, the city has truly outdone itself with its first-ever Mural Fest, an awe-inspiring celebration of public art that is transforming the heart of downtown into a vibrant canvas. Nine extraordinary artists, each inspired by O’Keeffe’s spirit of strength, innovation, and connection to nature, have come together to create a series of murals you simply have to see for yourself.

These murals aren’t just beautiful — they’re powerful, thought-provoking, and deeply personal. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of local businesses and organizations, these talented artists have given Sun Prairie a gift that will inspire residents and visitors alike for years to come.

A row of colorful murals on a long wall, each depicting different subjects including flowers, faces, animals, and nature scenes.

A person wearing a black hat and white shirt holds a spray paint can toward the camera, standing in front of a colorful wall with pink, red, and yellow stripes.

Lena Ugren (Sponsored by Bank of Sun Prairie)

Lena’s mural reflects her own journey from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Wisconsin, exploring the layers of identity we all carry. Her work is a moving reminder of how art can bridge cultures and tell the stories we often can’t put into words.

A person with curly hair wearing a black shirt stands in front of a colorful mural featuring large green leaves and yellow shapes.

Amy Zaremba (Sponsored by Hallman/Lindsay)

Amy brings her trademark bold colors and community-driven imagery to Sun Prairie, inviting us to see our surroundings through a lens of joy, connection, and collective imagination. Her mural radiates energy and warmth, much like Amy herself.

A woman wearing a black face mask and a dark cap stands in front of a colorful mural featuring a large portrait of a person's face.

Audifax (Sponsored by Rotary Sun Prairie)

Having painted on the streets of Europe before street art was even celebrated in the U.S., Audifax creates striking, photo-realistic murals that awaken something deep within us. Her work reminds us that the beliefs we hold can either build us up or tear us down — and challenges us to choose wisely.

Man wearing large glasses and a teal and blue jacket stands in front of a colorful mural, looking to the side with a slight smile.

Congo (Sponsored by Dewey Street Neighborhood)

With roots in Peru and a career shaped by graffiti and graphic design, Congo’s mural is a mesmerizing interplay of macro-scale natural forms and vibrant colors. It invites you to stop and feel something — whatever that might be for you.

A woman with brown hair smiles in front of a colorful mural featuring flowers. She wears a black t-shirt that says "J.V. Murals Paintings.

Julie Vornholt (Sponsored by The Traveling Cheesehead)

Julie’s murals celebrate the delicate strength of flowers, freehanded and alive, growing into the urban landscape. Her joyful use of natural elements brings beauty and calm to busy streets.

A smiling man in a dark shirt holds and sprays a yellow aerosol can in front of a brick wall.

John Kowalczyk (Sponsored by Nowlan Personal Injury Law)

John’s mural, Her Hands Move Mountains, is a tribute to O’Keeffe’s resilience and artistry, featuring her hands — inspired by a photograph taken by her partner Alfred Stieglitz — over a southwestern landscape. “We make awesome things with our hands,” John says, and his mural is living proof.

A woman wearing asymmetrical sunglasses stands in front of a colorful graffiti wall, looking slightly upward with a neutral expression.

Nico Cathcart (Sponsored by Sun Prairie Lions Club)

Nico’s mural explores cycles of life, change, and resilience, blending striking skull motifs with lush depictions of flora and fauna. As a hearing-impaired artist and advocate for accessibility, Nico uses her work to amplify underrepresented voices and spark meaningful conversations.

Smiling person holding a paintbrush and green paint stands in front of a colorful mural, wearing a white tank top and black hoodie.

Rebekah Rose (Sponsored by Beans n Cream)

Rebekah’s mural uplifts mental health, mindfulness, and belonging through soft, inviting imagery that centers queerness and nature’s healing power. Their work feels like a gentle hug — one that stays with you long after you’ve walked on.

A young person with shoulder-length dark hair and a blue striped shirt stands outdoors in front of green trees, looking at the camera with a neutral expression.

Trudy Tran (Sponsored by Sun Prairie Education Foundation)

Trudy’s mural weaves together stories, traditions, and identities with an enchanting blend of styles and techniques, inviting viewers to rekindle their sense of wonder and imagination.

A Celebration of Art and Community

These murals are just one part of Sun Prairie’s larger commitment to the arts. The city already boasts over a dozen murals throughout town, with art seemingly around every corner — from coffee shops to historic buildings. The inaugural Mural Fest is not just about beautifying the city; it’s about creating spaces where art can spark conversation, connection, and pride.

The murals grace the historic Washington Mills building — a nearly century-old landmark that once kept the community afloat during the Great Depression. Now, with its colorful new face, it continues to serve as a hub for farmers markets, car shows, concerts, and everyday magic.

Plan Your Visit

Sun Prairie is proving itself to be a destination for art lovers and curious souls alike. Whether you’re a local or visiting from afar, come experience how the city is honoring O’Keeffe’s legacy while showcasing the contemporary voices she inspired.

Don’t just take our word for it — grab a friend, bring your camera, and explore Sun Prairie’s incredible art trail for yourself. The city has made it easy to find every mural and more with this handy art tour map.

Final Thoughts

These artists have poured their hearts into their work, leaving a mark not just on the walls of Sun Prairie but on everyone who stops to take it in. Their murals are more than paint — they’re stories, emotions, and dreams made visible. So go see them. Feel them. Let them inspire you. Georgia O’Keeffe would be proud.

Sun Prairie’s muralists have shown us that art can indeed move mountains — and now it’s your turn to be moved.

Traveling Cheesehead, Dannelle Gay

I am Dannelle F. Gay, AKA The Traveling Cheesehead, and hail from Sun Prairie Wisconsin - Groundhog Capital of the World.

A Gen Xer with a Baby Boomer husband means we focus on 50+ travel and the life of the empty nesters when not spoiling our Australian Shepherd service dog: Tazuna.

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