(Waupun) A nonprofit in Waupun has received a donation to help acquire a sculpture that will be a permanent public art installation. Create Waupun, a nonprofit whose mission is to obtain sculptures and murals for the betterment of the city, got $15,500 from National Rivet and Manufacturing Company.
The money will be used to purchase the We Can Do It Sculpture featuring Rosie the Riveter, which was unveiled as part of the Waupun Sculpture Tour in 2024. President of National Rivet Bur Zeratsky says Waupun was a major hub for rivets critical to the war effort and this sculpture memorializes this unique history.
The sculptures in the current Waupun Sculpture Tour are for sale and will remain on display through Spring of 2025, when new sculptures will be rotated into the collection. Sculptures that are purchased through the program will be installed in public areas and become a permanent part of the city of Waupun’s collection.
Founder of Create Waupun Jeni Maly says the Sculpture Tour complements the permanent collection of bronze sculptures donated by industrialist Clarence Shaler and enhances the quality of life for all, through the addition of free public art that encourages active lifestyles, lifelong learning, promotion of local artists, social inclusion, and investment in ongoing community revitalization efforts.
Maly notes that the National Rivet’s match provides the catalyst to increase public art in Waupun. She says they are challenging the Waupun Community to contribute to the We Can Do It Community Challenge to bring Rosie home for all to enjoy.
From now through March 1st, every dollar raised will be matched by National Rivet up to $15,500 to acquire the We Can Do It sculpture. Any funds raised over that amount will be used for future sculpture purchases. Checks can be written to Create Waupun and all donations are tax deductible. Those interested in donating can do so by visiting Horicon Bank, 807 W Main Street, Waupun, WI 53963 or online at by clicking HERE.
The We Can Do It sculpture is cast in bronze by artists Lee Leuning and Sherri Treeby, and is currently located across from the Waupun Public Safety building, at 16 E Main Street, in front of National Rivet’s main production facility.
