The Milwaukee Public Library announced the two artists commissioned to create two public art installations in the East Library, which is currently being remodeled. The two winning local artists are Santiago Cucullu and kathryn e. martin.

Cucullu, a long-time resident of the city's East Side, has been working as an artist in Milwaukee for the past ten years. He works as an adjunct faculty member at MIAD and as a young artist mentor with the Milwaukee Artists Resource Network. His work has been displayed both nationally and internationally, both as solo artist and as a part of a group.

His proposal involves a mural series using imagery gathered from architectural elements found around existing Milwaukee libraries, with the goal of representing the diversity and shared experience of library visitors. His proposal and submission can be found on the Milwaukee Public Library's website.

martin, a lecturer and head of the 3-D Design in the First Program at UWM, has had her work displayed and exhibited throughout the U.S. Her proposal for the East Branch is called "Ivy," which uses ivy-like covered walls and the specific topography of the East Side. Her proposal and submission can also be found on the Milwaukee Public Library's website.

The Milwaukee Public Library's search for artists began this past year in late June. They received 19 submissions, which were then narrowed down to five finalists. The finalists then pitched their artistic concepts to a committee at a public meeting last month.

The East Library is currently under construction. The new building is expected to open in December next year. Until then, a temporary library is operating at 2430 N. Murray Ave.