A new art piece now adorns the Kolf Sports Center on the UW Oshkosh campus, installed just in time to honor past Titan athletes before Homecoming weekend.
The project, a collaboration between UWO and Discover Oshkosh, was executed by UWO alumnus Josh Marquardt and his wife, Carla, co-owners of the Oshkosh-based company Art City Wraps.
Marquardt, who has previously worked on large-scale installations for events like the Super Bowl and the NFL Draft, called the Kolf project particularly meaningful, marking his first major mural on his alma mater’s campus.
“It is a thrill to come to campus with a crew and be able to showcase local athletes the way we showcase pros on the big stage,” Marquardt said. “This was also my first large mural on campus, despite years of doing projects across the country, which made it deeply meaningful to return and contribute here.”
The wrap, which covers the concrete berms in front of Kolf along High Avenue, makes a striking and unmissable visual statement with dynamic, high-resolution images that showcase the diversity, strength and history of Titan athletics.
“UW Oshkosh athletics has such a powerful history of achievement,” Associate Chancellor of Athletics Darryl Sims said. “The Titans are a great source of community pride. This installation will bring that pride to life in a way that both campus and the community can share and celebrate.”
Discover Oshkosh Executive Director Amy Albright emphasized the project’s role in placemaking, saying how the mural will both enhance a vital community space and inspire future Titans.
“Not only will this add beauty and energy to a significant community space, but it will help future Titans, whether athletes or artists, see themselves at UWO,” Albright said.
Chancellor Manohar Singh said this project is a powerful reflection of what makes UWO and the community so special.
“We are deeply grateful for this partnership, which beautifully blends Titan pride, community spirit and alumni success into a legacy that will inspire generations of students and visitors,” Singh said.
The creation and installation of the mural was a significant undertaking, which Marquardt credits his printmaking background at UWO with shaping his approach to blending fine art with large-scale public installations.
“This layered storytelling through art is exactly what we hope to accomplish with our new placemaking initiatives,” Albright said, highlighting the blend of Titan pride, community spirit and alumni success.
The graphics were printed on a durable adhesive vinyl, cured and sealed with a protective ultra-matte laminate film. This process ensures the artwork can withstand the local climate for years.
For student athlete Evan Peterson, the new wrap is a way to bring everyone together, especially the athletes and the fans who come to the games.
“It shows that the university is investing in the athletic program; I think it adds a lot,” he said. “It brings everyone together—fans, athletes.”
The completion of the wrap on High Avenue was precisely timed to coincide with the university’s 100th Homecoming celebration, kicking off the festivities with a dedication event on Oct. 16.
