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Artists' touch sought for downtown banners
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MONROE - The Art Banners on the Square project is in full swing.

Jean Tullet, coordinator of the project, reported at Monday's Monroe Main Street Design Committee meeting that the plan of the Business Improvement District and the Sesquicentennial Cultural Coalition to replace the traditional banners on the downtown streetlights is being well-received.

All area artists are invited to participate by submitting an original design in two-dimensional media, including painting, drawing and computerized photos - or any other creative means.

Tullet sent out e-mails to several artists, inviting them to submit their designs for the banners. She said she has had some responses.

Twenty works will be re-produced on seven-foot nylon banners, double-sided in full-color, and displayed around the Square in time for the city's sesquicentennial celebration June 12. Tullet said the banners are made to last up to three years.

The present banners are still in good shape and will be stored until needed again.

Submissions must fit on a 16 1/4 inch high by 6 1/4 inch wide template, and submitted by March 15 to the Monroe Arts Center, 1315 11th St., Monroe.

Full-sized templates are available at the Monroe Public Library, Monroe Arts Center, Wing 'N Pond Gallery or Monroe Main Street office.

More information and full instructions will be also available on the Monroe Main Street Web site, www.cityofmonroe.org/Mainstreet starting Feb. 11.

The committee also:

• Heard from City Administrator Mark Vahlsing on committee structure and open meeting law.

• Discussed a signage ordinance update.

• Decided on a bike rack design for downtown, seven-slot in red.

• Agreed to attach a bike-fashioned end piece to the racks in lieu of signs. Estimates for getting the racks made locally will be gathered before making a decision to purchase.

• Postponed discussion of Ninth Street lighting designs until Public Works Director Kelly Finkenbinder could attend.

• Tabled reports and discussions on Ninth Street committee, Badger State trailhead development and way-finding signs, because of lateness of time.