In West Allis, a community-driven art project has brought a symbol of peace and unity to life with the creation of a senbazuru, a collection of 1,000 origami cranes. According to an announcement by the City of West Allis, these cranes were crafted by residents of the city through workshops at various local venues such as the West Allis Public Library and OPE! Brewing Co. Each crane represents a heartfelt contribution to the broader narrative of the city.
The senbazuru, linked not only by string but also by shared community endeavors, is set to make rounds across the city over the next year. As it was stated by the City of West Allis, "This community creation will journey across the City over the coming year, sharing our collective spirit in every place it visits." In a touching tribute, the artwork includes cranes folded by Madeline Mishefske, a local who left an indelible mark on the community before her untimely death at the age of 25, whose brother Eric provided her handiwork to the project, bridging the past with the present in a moving fashion.
The installation began its public voyage on September 10 at American Science & Surplus, a significant venue that celebrates Madeline’s birthday and her association with the store. The display will subsequently move through diverse locations across West Allis, including City Hall Art Gallery, Inspiration Studios, and the West Allis Senior Center, among others. The schedule is put forth to envelop the community in the fabric of its shared artistic achievement, as reported by the City of West Allis.
The initiative by ENGAGE West Allis has been met with enthusiasm among locals, who find in the folds of each crane a token of resilience and community ties. It is evident in their statement, with Madeline's cranes included in the mobile exhibit, that "we not only honor her memory, but also affirm that our community’s connections can span both time and generations," as stated by the City of West Allis.
The origami installation will be available for public viewing according to its itinerary, touching down next at MAC Costumes in April after its March exhibition at the West Allis West Milwaukee Recreation Center. It remains a living canvas adorned with the aspirations and remembrances of those who call West Allis home, as per the City of West Allis.
