Marianne Rice was excited to unveil 5 portraits gifted to the city of Sparta, Wisconsin and its citizens. The project took a year in the making. The portraits will be displayed in the City Hall chamber until the completion of the Sparta Free Library expansion project, where they will hang on permanent display.

"I am a life-long resident of Sparta, raising four boys here with my husband Jake, as generations of our family have done before us.  We have a deep sense of connection to this place we call home and have witnessed as the Shovelmen’s vision and hard work, aided by the support of our city administrators, has transformed our little community.  The span of covered and pedestrian bridges, the bustling Mueller’s Square farmer’s market, Kriskindlmarkt, and various buildings that house our summer concerts in the park, have become the crown jewels of our city.  I initiated this project because I think it is important to commemorate the good work and contributions of the Shovelmen for posterity.

I am asking the council to thoughtfully consider accepting this gift.  Classical portraiture is regarded as one of the noblest forms of painting, with long standing historical importance.  I hope these paintings will grace our community for generations to come, honoring the Shovelmen and emblematic of the values of volunteerism, civic pride, community service and hospitality they embody."