Heritage Hollow
Flamingo Swirl Mural
Madison Flower Flash, 2021
Describe your image.
Mural Installation View. Photo courtesy of Madison Public Art Project
Photo credit: Jan The Voyager
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On permanent view
Installed August 3rd, 2025
849 East Washington Ave. Madison WI 53703​​​
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The artist Janson Rapisarda, who paints under his moniker Jan the Voyager, is a Wisconsin-based painter. He was assisted by artist Drew York. In this piece his visual language honors the heritage of the Gardner Bakery and pays tribute to the rich cultural past of East Washington reflecting the history of the neighborhood. This permanent 13' by 20' mural in the alleyway mews space is located between the newly developed residential buildings. Faded "ghost signs" depict the history of this neighborhood which showcases street maps, old fashioned street lights, the Mautz paint icon, and a loaf of bread from the famed bakery in this historical, yet contemporary, mural.
​"Ghost signs" were painted throughout Madison in the 1900’s onto buildings that, over time, weathered away. You can still see some signs downtown, along Williamson Street, and across East Washington that are faded, yet partially visible. Bakers Place restored the original text lettering on the brick building facade, which was the original Gardner’s Bakery building. The art mural further illuminates this iconic Madison building’s history. ​​
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This project is commissioned by Neutral and managed by the Madison Public Art Project. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Artist, Jan the Voyager, painting the Mautz paint icon in the "Heritage Hollow" mural at Bakers Place.
Photo credit: Cut the Deck Creative
Artist, Jan the Voyager, painting the "Heritage Hollow" mural at Bakers Place.
Photo credit: Cut the Deck Creative
Artist, Jan the Voyager, painting and old fashioned street light in the "Heritage Hollow" mural at Bakers Place.
Photo credit: Cut the Deck Creative
Artist, Jan the Voyager, painting the "Heritage Hollow" mural at Bakers Place.
Photo credit: Cut the Deck Creative
About the Artist @janthevoyager
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Jan is a muralist working in the public space for over a decade. He works with themes and subjects to create a lively, playful, detailed, and engaging compositions that engage the viewer. His process of storytelling visually celebrates themes of adventure, independence, and wonder. Within his work are embellishments and adornments to figures and elaborate on the content within the work. His impressive and engaging murals can be found throughout Milwaukee, Chicago, Baltimore, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Indiana.
About Bakers Place
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Bakers Place
Bakers Place is a 206-unit market rate development consisting of a new 14-story residential building
with 206 units and a full restoration of the existing building. The building is located at 10 S Paterson St in downtown Madison and is situated on the former site of the Gardner Bakery on East Washington Avenue which closed in 2019.
Famous for its bread and buns, the original bakery opened in 1928 and served the neighborhood
for 90 years. The building pays tribute to the site in architecturally significant details by
renovating the original structure of the bakery and re-purposing it into lofted residential units and
by partnering with local bakers. The construction of this building was built to the LEED certification using
mass timber construction which helps reduce carbon emissions.
The Bakers Place development features natural materials with exposed timber ceilings, a rooftop
garden with fresh herbs, weekly organic deliveries from Vitruvian Farms, fitness amenities, a library with 1000 handpicked books, indoor spaces that overlook Lake Monona, Copa Vida café coffee market, and a health wellness lab. Visit to learn more about the building and rental amenities at: https://livebakersplace.com
Neutral is a multifamily real estate developer focusing on healthy and intentional living.
Learn more about Neutral at https://neutral.us
Gardner Bakery​
Photo: Addition to Gardner Bakery, located at 849 East Washington Avenue
From the archives of the Wisconsin Historical Society Collection
Gardner Bakery Truck ​
Photo: Gardner Bakery Truck
From the archives of the Wisconsin Historical Society Collection
Photo of completed "Heritage Hollow" mural on August 7th, 2025
Photo Credit: Frank Juarez
Art & Music
The artist enjoys listening to music when he is painting in his studio. Listen to the curated music playlist by @JantheVoyager here that inspired the creation of this impressive mural!
FREE Coloring Book Pages!
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Download the coloring book pages, created for this project and some that are even designed by the artist. You can paint and design your own "ghost sign" wall inspired by the gorgeous mural art!
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Upcoming Mural Art Walk!
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Stay tuned for upcoming events to meet the artist, and learn more about these impressive murals.
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All Photos â“’ Madison Public Art Project