Oak Creek’s town square is home to a splash pad, the seasonal Farmers Market and numerous other events, and now an art installation featuring two flame-like stainless steel sculptures by local artist Bruce A. Niemi. 

Niemi, a Kenosha County resident, produced his first sculpture at age 12 and continued to cut, twist, and polish stainless steel and bronze into unique works of art for the next 54 years. His sculptures have graced local venues such as the Milwaukee Art Museum and Kenosha’s Harbor Park and other well-known locations such as the West Bend Mutual Insurance Company headquarters and the Northern Illinois University (NIU) campus.  He has over 50 public sculpture installations in the United States and Europe, with many other pieces of his work in private and corporate collections.

The sculptures in Drexel Town Square, titled “Wind Whisperer V” and “By Faith,” are on a two-year lease from Niemi. On October 13, 2022, they were installed on the south side of the square, directly across the street from the Civic Center. These majestic sculptures mark the beginning of Oak Creek’s Public Art initiative, ArtOC, dedicated to creating memorable experiences for residents through art expression in the City of Oak Creek.

“The Common Council has outlined a public art initiative as a strategic community goal since 2017,“ states City Administrator Andrew Vickers. “The results of last year’s Public Art Survey and the Community Canvases project showed people wanted to see public art in Drexel Town Square, a place so many of our residents and visitors frequent. The City is working towards a more formal public art program and hope interested residents will get involved in these efforts. For now, we thought a lease with an option to purchase Bruce’s art was an appropriate step for introducing a few notable artworks to the community and to get the public talking about what public art expression means for Oak Creek.”

A new beginning is on the horizon for Niemi, as well: he is stepping away from the art form he has mastered over the years due to health concerns. “I have heavy metal toxicity, and it has affected my health, so I will find new ways to explore and discover new mediums for my creative outlet,” says Niemi.

In light of Niemi’s departure from his original craft, the City is extremely honored to bring two of Niemi’s original sculptures to Oak Creek for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.

Niemi and his wife Suzi assisted Oak Creek Department of Public Works staff with the installation of the sculptures and are pleased with how they look in their new environment. “They appear to be floating from behind the bushes,” remarked Suzi.

We invite you to take a moment to check out and be inspired by these magnificent sculptures the next time you visit the Civic Center or Drexel Town Square.