Grab a seat! . . .you have 41 to choose from in Shorewood’s newest public art project, “Best Seats in the House.” This exciting event, following in the footsteps of last year’s successful “Butterflies in Flight,” will engage the entire community this summer. Beautifully decorated cedar benches, featuring the talents of local artists, are on display throughout the Shorewood Business District along Oakland Ave. and Capitol Dr., and other landmark Shorewood locations including the library, Village Hall, Shorewood Police Department, Shorewood Fitness Center and Shorewood Post Office. Meet and greet the artists from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, June 5 at designated bench locations, when they will talk about their work and answer questions.

According to Barb Caprile, marketing director for the Shorewood Business Improvement District which is producing the event, “Public art projects enrich communities culturally and create a synergy among residents, community groups, businesses and artists. Shorewood’s 2010 project will showcase Shorewood’s shops, restaurants and beautiful business district and Village by attracting new visitors/customers to the area throughout the summer months.”

Many of the artists featured in this year’s event live in Shorewood, Wis., including Melinda Fishman, Donna Burdge, Don Berg, Amy Thomas, Leann Wooten, Dave and Mary Jo Thome, Jenny Steinman Heyden, Bruce Seeds, Cindy Shuelke and numerous students from both Atwater School and the Shorewood Intermediate School. The benches have been creatively decorated using paint, mosaic, ironwork and mixed media. Brochures listing each bench location and artist are available at each sponsoring business and Village Hall, or by visiting www.shorewoodwi.com.

The Shorewood Foundation is the major underwriting sponsor of “Best Seats in the House.” The event will be on display from June 5-August 15 and a public auction will be held on Sunday, August 29 when the benches will be sold to benefit the Shorewood Foundation. Please call 414.962.7002 or e-mail barb@shorewoodwi.com for more information.