Waupun, Wis. – On December 1, 2024, Create Waupun, a nonprofit whose mission is to obtain sculptures and murals for the betterment of Waupun, announced that their community campaign, “We Can Do It” aimed at raising funds for the permanent acquisition of the iconic Rosie the Riveter sculpture is near matching funds. This initiative not only celebrates the strength and resilience of women in the workforce but also embodies the spirit of community collaboration that Create Waupun champions. To date, the community of Waupun has successfully raised $9,800 of $15,500 in match funds with National Rivet & Mfg Co. With only $5,700 remaining, the urgency to secure this inspiring piece of art is greater than ever. The “We Can Do It” sculpture will not only beautify Waupun but also serve as a reminder of the vital contributions women have made, both historically, and in
our contemporary society. According to Bur Zeratsky, President of National Rivet & Mfg Co, “Waupun was a major hub for rivets critical to the war effort. The sculpture memorializes this unique history and celebrates the women who left home to work at National Rivet during this critical time.” 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. According to sculptor Sherri Treeby, “women had to step up when men were away at war. Women found their power. This sculpture represents a little girl and understands that she has a lot of power.” The Rosie the Riveter sculpture, a symbol of empowerment and determination, embodies the contributions of women during World War II and serves as a powerful reminder of the role they continue to play in our society. By bringing this sculpture to Waupun, we aim to inspire future generations and enrich our community’s cultural landscape.
Campaign Goals:
Our goal is to raise $31,000 by the end of the year to secure the “We Can Do It” sculpture for permanent display in the Waupun Sculpture Tour. Funds raised will not only cover the cost of the sculpture but also contribute to its installation and ongoing maintenance. Join Us in Making a Difference: We invite everyone-community members, local businesses, and organizations-to join us in our mission and meaningful campaign. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a di ference and brings us closer to bringing this inspiring work of art to Waupun.
End-of-Year Giving:
As we approach the end of the year, we encourage our supporters to consider including Create Waupun in their charitable giving. Donations made before December 31st are tax-deductible, making it an ideal time to support our mission. Those interested in donating can do so by visiting Horicon Bank, 807 W Main Street, Waupun, WI 53963 or online at
https://givebutter.com/WeCanDoIt-CommunityChallenge. “We believe that art has the power to transform communities and inspire change, “ said Jeni
Maly, president of Create Waupun. “The Rosie the Riveter sculpture represents not just a historical figure, but a call to action for all of us to embrace our potential and work together to achieve our goals. We are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received so far and are hopeful that our community will rally together to reach our final goal. Together, let’s make history and bring Rosie home!”
ABOUT CREATE WAUPUN
Create Waupun is a community-driven organization dedicated to promoting the arts, culture, and creativity in Waupun. Through various events and initiatives, we aim to enhance the quality of life in our community and foster a vibrant cultural environment. For more information about the “We Can Do It”Community Campaign, please contact us at createwaupun@gmail.com.
ABOUT THE WAUPUN SCULPTURE TOUR
The Waupun Sculpture Tour is an affiliation program between Create Waupun, a nonprofit whose mission is to obtain sculptures and murals for the betterment of Waupun, and the Eau Claire Sculpture Tour. The tour is designed to bring new rotating public art exhibits to Waupun. In 2024, five new sculptures, each with a historical connection to Waupun were installed throughout the downtown as part of the Downtown Collection. The sculptures remain on display through Spring of 2025 when new exhibits will be installed. More information can be found at www.cityofwaupunwi.gov/visitors/page/waupun-sculpture-tour.
