“SMALL POND”
The Pumpkinseed fish is a tiny reminder of beauty in the unexpected and overlooked. Wisconsin waterways are home to over 160 fish species ranging from the smallest Darter to the giant old Lake Sturgeon. The Pumpkinseed is one that many of us recognize, it is a common catch for first-time fishermen and is fixed in the memories of many who grew up enjoying the abundant lakes of the midwest. “Small Pond” is a mural celebrating the natural beauty of this palm-sized native pan-fish. The small fish cannot be overlooked when rendered on this unexpected scale; the shapes and colors of nature are portrayed for us to marvel at with fresh eyes. We must wonder - what other natural beauty is just waiting to be noticed?
This stylized Pumpkinseed fish mural was designed by DAMA artist Amy Zaremba and painted with Madison’s Northside youth and families at “Increase the Peace” events at Warner park over the spring of 2019. This DAMA mural was a collaborative project produced by many hands and intended to inspire creativity and contemplation. The mural measures 8 x 15 feet and is painted with exterior grade house paint on Polytab fabric panels that DAMA artists can permanently install onto a variety of surfaces using acrylic gloss gel medium.