Inspired by Art Nouveau Paris Metro stops, Milwaukee artist Tom Wilson created the intricate, eight-sided kiosk that was installed in front of Hooligan's last year. Wilson has since designed nine, two-sided signboards, all of which will be erected in the North/Farwell/Prospect Avenues area of the East Side on Tues., June 25.

The kiosk and signboards are made from forged and fabricated steel and copper. "I wanted them to be free form and organic," says Wilson, who has studied art in Italy, Amsterdam, and Paris.

The original plan for the kiosks/signboards was to provide maps and information, but due to the highly artistic nature of Wilson's work, the project's mission changed from mere information stations to one-of-a-kind public art. "These kiosks could have been really cold, but instead they are an expression of art," says Jim Plaisted, Executive Director of the BID Association.

The signage will change approximately every six months, Plaisted says. Joe Locher of The Yes Men advertising agency designed the signage on the large kiosk with his wife, Karen, of the Organic Design Co., and is also responsible for the work on the signboards.

"Tom's piece is so beautiful and architectural, and it's similar to the (hand railing) at Hooligan's," says Locher. "We wanted to augment that and make it feel like one gesture."

The BID Association, with the City of Milwaukee, is funding the 1.5 million dollar streetscape makeover project, which not only includes the kiosks and signboards, but new paving and asphalt, lighting and trees. They also contracted Wilson to create 13 benches that will be finished and installed by mid-summer.

"It took Tom a year-and-a half to create the signboards," says Plaisted. "And it was well worth the wait."