Experience the Murals

Artist John Kowalczyk  

johnkowalczykart.com    @johnkowalczyk  

Spray Paint 

2023

Mural location: 126 E. Main St.   South west corner

Artist Inspiration:“Take Flight” depicts monarch butterflies, colorful birds, and a set of large hands forming the butterfly symbol in sign language set against a colorful sky and grassy prairie. Port Washington is also known as Monarch City and Bird City which is why they are the focal point of the mural. I hope this mural uplifts and inspires people to let their dreams take flight. I also hope you find joy in the beautiful nature that surrounds us. Spread your wings and take flight.

Lead Artist Rodrigo Santamaria 

with artist participants from Balance Inc. and Prime Horizon Inc. Both are local facilities that support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

@rojo00 

Acrylic paint 

2023

Mural Location: 528 W. Grand Ave  retaining wall

Artist Inspiration: This 900+ sq ft mural was created by over 30 adults with disabilities from 2 local organizations that offer adult day programs under the direction of Lead Artists, Rodrigo Sanatamaria. The mural consists of a sunrise where the sun rays crash against lake Michigan waves. Every color and shape in the mural is formed by smaller intricate shapes. Each shape represents diverse elements of the state of Wisconsin, such as famous landmarks, food, traditions, lifestyle, sports, heritage, history, animals, lake life and more.

Every element came from the inspiration of these 30 artists that were involved in each process of the mural, from sketching, cleaning and priming the wall, tracing and painting.

The completion of this mural was made possible through the help of many volunteers,local artists and members of the Paint on Port program.

A community united by the ideals of compassion and creativity has incredible power. 

Art of all kinds—music, literature, traditional arts, visual arts —- can lift a community.

– Martin O’Malley

Tribute to Port Washington’s Maritime History

Artist James Barany 

https://jamesbarany.com     FB: @James Barany

Acrylic paint

2025

Mural location: Jackson Street retaining wall East of Franklin Ave

This grand panoramic mural is designed not only to highlight key historical elements unique to Port Washington but also to embrace the dynamic ecosystem of Lake Michigan and its fishing industry, all set within a transitional weather system.

On the far left, the mural introduces native fish species, including lake trout, northern pike, walleyes, and alewives, weaving through the remnants of a historic shipwreck: Niagara (1845), This wreck was selected based on its well-documented archival records. Above, a flock of seagulls scatters over the breakwater, while the iconic Port Washington lighthouse withstands the impact of an incoming wave. As the scene transitions to the right, the waters calm.

Lower on the mural, a tribute to the area’s indigenous heritage emerges in the form of transparent apparitions of indigenous women in a canoe. Above the horizon, a schooner sails in calmer waters, leading into a scene featuring local fishermen. They celebrate their catch while a young boy and his dog look on, hoping for better luck. The mural’s final section on the far right highlights the coal dock, fish charters, and a recognizable part of a local boat repair shop, paying homage to the region’s rich maritime history.

“The Niagara” was a “freedom ship,” meaning it transported freedom-seekers to Canada through the underground railroad. The Niagara hired a crew that included 20% blacks so freedom seekers could “hide in plain sight.”   It was also a glamorous “palace steamer,” luxuriously appointed with stained glass, sweeping staircases like the titanic.  It carried many immigrants on its journey south, the journey I depict in the story.  Before the Niagara left Collingwood, there was a note on the steward’s desk: “There will be a fire.  Everything is in place.  Take care of yourself.”  Captain decided it was a hoax.  As the ship left Sheboygan the captain took a nap and was awakened by gun shots and an explosion.  No life jackets and not enough lifeboats.  Congressman Macy was at the railing on the top deck with a little French boy (2 years old) and a black deckhand.  He cried out, “One hundred thousand dollars to anyone who can save me!”  The deck hand was one of the few on board who could swim.  Instead of Macy, he grabbed little Frank Willette and swam to a floating plank, then the shores of Port.  Macy, wearing a huge money belt full of gold, himself a gigantic man, jumped from the top deck into a lifeboat filled with women and children.  He broke the ropes and everyone died.”     Excerpt by Barbara Joosse.

Learn More on Youtube

1929 Ozaukee Theatre Mural

Artist Kelly Meredith               

Acrylic on ACM   

2025

Mural location:116 W. Grand Ave Old Theater Square Building 

Inspiration for the Mural

In the late 1920s, a night at the movies was the height of entertainment in Port Washington. The Hoffman-Adams Theatre, later known as the Ozaukee Theatre, brought the magic of Hollywood to town. On February 24, 1929, locals gathered here to see something brand new — the very first “talkie” movie shown in Ozaukee County.

This mural captures that moment in time: neighbors lining up under the glow of the marquee, dressed in the fashions of the day, waiting to step inside and experience history. Many of the faces are inspired by real Port Washington residents, weaving the community itself into the story.

Though the theatre’s doors eventually closed, its spirit lives on as a reminder of how film, style, and shared experience once brought the town together.

Residents portrayed in the mural listed how they appear.

South Wall 

Gerry Kultgen   As a lifelong Port Washington resident, Geraldine (Stone) Kultgen was actively involved teaching children (47 years) in the district, as a religious education teacher, leading Girl Scouts, and passionately supporting the disabled. Married to Ray Kultgen (59 years), they had 6 children, and Gerry spent many years gardening, canning vegetables and making wonderful desserts for family parties.

Main Wall

Adolph N. Ansay  Ozaukee County Supervisor for 32 Years, Local Banker at Port Washington State Bank and founder of Ansay and Associates. Adolph was a loving grandfather to 14 grandchildren and father to Mike Ansay, Elizabeth Cyganiak, Mary Hultgren, Attorney Jean Ansay, and  A. John Ansay.

Jon Neitzke   Jon, was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and a friend to many.

He was kind, fun, and caring. A huge movie buff, having an extensive collection of his favorite films.  He was a local restaurateur who loved Port Washington and serving others.  1977-2018

Coach Sam DeMerit  Sam DeMerit came to Port Washington high school in 1926 to develop an athletic program and to teach Industrial arts. He coached football, basketball and track which won numerous state championships. He also developed the athletic field, and recreation dept. Sam was inducted into the Stout University Hall of Fame and the Wisconsin Football coaches Hall of Fame. Sam was a beloved coach to many. Sam was father to Jim, Sam (Bud), Nancy and John DeMerit. John played baseball for the Milwaukee Braves when they won the 1957 World series. Sam was the grandfather to Wendy, Gary and Nina Klever. Also to Cathy, Susan, Jean, Paul, Tom, Steve, Joe DeMerit and John, David and Jim DeMerit.

anonymous man

anonymous woman

anonymous ticket seller

Nick R. Didier Nick Didier was a lifelong resident in the Port Washington area. He was a well known farmer, Realtor, and auctioneer.

Rosalia Johannes Roob  Rosalia, wife of William Milton Roob, was a central figure in Port Washington’s downtown life. She was known for her cooking at Roob’s Grill and Restaurant and also owned the Rainbow Room Ballroom, both lively gathering places for the community. Together, Rosalia and William operated the Ozaukee Theatre, located just across the street from their other businesses, making the Roobs a cornerstone of entertainment and hospitality in town.

William Milton Roob  From 1917 until its closing in March 1958, the Roob family, led by William,  managed and operated the theatre, which took on the name Ozaukee Theatre in 1926. Beyond the silver screen, William and Rosalia Roob also ran Roob’s Grill and Restaurant and the Rainbow Room Ballroom across the street, making them central to Port Washington’s dining, dancing, and entertainment scene.

Through the Roobs, the Ozaukee Theatre became more than just a building. It was a place where work, family, and community came together — a stage not only for movies, but for the lives of the people who kept it alive.

Lawrence George Verheyen     On July 15, 1941, Lawrence married Esther Roob, daughter of William and Rosalia. Soon after, he was drafted and stationed at the Santa Ana Army Airbase, where he inspected airplanes during World War II. When he returned home, Lawrence went to work at the local electric company and at the Ozaukee Theatre, where he stayed until its closing in 1958. The theatre was more than just a job for him — it was a family place. He often brought his children along to help, weaving them into the life of the theatre just as generations of Port Washington families had been before.

Esther Catherine Roob Verheyen Esther was the daughter of William and Rosalia Roob. She grew up above her parents’ restaurant and ballroom, where she first learned to cook and often lent a hand at the theatre. Building on those early experiences, she pursued a degree in dietetics at Mount Mary College and went on to work in hospitals after leaving Port Washington. In 1945, following World War II, Esther returned home to raise her family and once again became involved with the theatre.

Building History:   Hoffman – Adams Theatre later called the Ozaukee Theatre and also known as the Old Theater Square

The former Ozaukee Theatre, on Grand Avenue in Port Washington’s historic Old Town, was located in the Hoffman-Adam Building. The theatre was designed in Mediterranean Revival style and originally served as a vaudeville and movie house.

Built in 1926 as a single-screen 550-seat theater. Chain Theatres Corp. took control of both the Ozaukee Theatre and the Grand Theatre in 1927.  By 1936, the Ozaukee Theatre was only open on the weekends, and it closed in 1939. Fox Corp. remodeled the theater and it was reopened on April 21, 1946. The theatre closed in 1958 and was converted for other use.