Pages of Port Washington

Contributing individual artists: Jeanne Azoff, Colin Binsfeld, Amy Boehm, John Colston, Katie Feyereisen, Kaylee Goodman, Becky Grover, Joan Hester, Rebecca Hust, Sherri Kultgen, Lauren Kultgen, Elizabeth MacCrimmon, Madisyn Phillips and Rodrigo Santamaria

Contributing community groups: St. John XXIII Parish, Port Washington High School Students, Prime Horizon, Inc., Harbor Campus residents, Port Washington Adult Community Center, and the Port Washington community at large.

Thanks to the Port Washington Historical Society for their research support, knowledge, and resources.

Artist Statement

The Background – A Land Discovered

This mural begins with a feeling — what it may have been like to come ashore in the early 1800s from Lake Michigan and step into what is now Port Washington. Imagine a breathtaking landscape: rolling hills, dense maple and oak trees, and skies awash in brilliant sunrises and sunsets. This scene captures that first, timeless moment of awe — nature unspoiled and full of possibility.

The Foreground – A Witness to Time

At the heart of the mural stands a 100-plus-year-old maple tree, its autumn leaves caught in a swirling breeze. The tree symbolizes strength, endurance, and the deep roots of this community. As its leaves skate across the ground, they carry stories and seasons — reminders that even as things change, some parts of us remain grounded.

The Story – History in the Hands of the Young

Beneath the great tree, a young girl reads a book filled with the history of Port Washington. As the wind blows, pages lift and float across the landscape — each one filled with illustrations of the past. These flying pages connect the girl to the land, and the past to the present. They remind us that history is alive in the hands of those who imagine, explore, and remember.

This mural is a celebration of Port Washington’s beauty, history, and future — seen through the eyes of discovery, rooted in community, carried on the wind through generations, and shared with everyone who calls this place home.

A Celebration of Heritage: Pages of Port Washington

Pages of Port Washington is a tribute to the rich history, culture, and enduring spirit of our city. Inspired by the theme “Spirit of Our Ancestors,” this mural celebrates the legacy of innovation, industry, and the natural beauty that defines the Seven Hills region.

This public artwork honors the key elements that shaped our community:

• The Spirit of Our Ancestors – A tribute to the strength, vision, and traditions of those who came before us.
• Industry and Innovation – Showcasing the transformative industries and creative ingenuity that built our town and guided its future.
• Seven Hills Landscapes & Farming – Celebrating the scenic beauty and agricultural heritage that remain central to our identity.
• Historic Cream City Brick Buildings – Honoring the distinctive architecture that connects us to our past.
• The First Man-Made Harbor in the U.S. – Recognizing the engineering marvel that transformed local commerce and transportation.
• Commercial and Charter Fishing – Highlighting the enduring impact of the fishing industry on our economy and way of life.

Pages of Port Washington is a visual archive — preserving the stories, values, and achievements of our ancestors for generations to come. It invites us to reflect on where we’ve been and inspires us toward the future.

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