UWM’s Home Rink, The Ponds, Adds New Art

The Ponds of Brookfield, an ice rink at 2810 N. Calhoun Road, Brookfield, has upped its cool factor with the installation of 3D art murals.

The installation of five anamorphic art murals, by world-renowned street artist Leon Keer, includes depictions of a rocket ship, superhero costumes, a giant trophy and more.

The murals are intentionally painted with distortion to give a multidimensional effect. And, soon, the murals will feature augmented reality for interactive opportunities.

The rink has more of a hockey slant, despite its other uses, said Timothy Fox, owner and founder of Zamboni’s – Rotisserie Grilled Chicken & Pork, and Rob Perry, owner of The Ponds of Brookfield.

 

“It is limiting, but the facility can do so much more,” Fox said.

Fox and Perry decided to add the artwork to all the walls around the rink, which are huge canvases for an artist. They put out a call for artists and explained they wanted to bring more social cause, charity and educational events to the facility. Out of the blue emerged Keer, a Dutch artist known for his anamorphic street art.

“Leon has always ranked in the top 10 3D artists world wide. We were shocked,” Fox said.

Scheduling was difficult since Keer and his team were supposed to be in Australia. But they got to work in Brookfield in the last two weeks of August.

 

“I’m shocked and amazed at the work they got done in 11 days,” Fox said.

Keer and his team created five anamorphic art murals.

Fox said the images are even better close up as opposed to seeing it online.

“This type of art is meant to look one way in person and look a different way on the phone,” he said.

Fox said this type of art was what the rink wanted to accomplish. The hope is for visitors to take pictures or selfies next to the artwork.

Fox said there are plans to add more artwork in the future. There are still walls available.

Fox said they are open to hearing from any artist, whether local or from far away.

“It is an open environment. If anyone wanted to come in and propose something, we would be interested,” he said.

 

The public will have an opportunity to see the new artwork during an open house from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at The Ponds of Brookfield, 2810 N. Calhoun Road, Brookfield. The event is free and everyone is free to drop in and see the murals. Also offered are youth, special needs and college hockey games/exhibitions and free “Try Hockey,” EYHA Eagle Fest. There will also be a hockey equipment donation/exchange and Zamboni’s Rotisserie Grill food and a chili cook-off. 

 

Credit: https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/west/news/brookfield/2019/09/13/ponds-brookfield-unveils-3-d-murals-street-artist-leon-keer/2298907001/