Mister, and his contemporary illumination represents communities of Milwaukee; the perpetrators of culture who bring to life a memorable experience with something to offer to everyone regardless of the length or purpose of their stay. The distinct and electrifying aura that Mister radiates is impressive, returning visitors to their homes with a sense of having found America’s own “Knight in Shining Armor“ and with the impression of having found the good fortune to experience a world class city such as Milwaukee.

In tandem with this worldly representation, Mister draws inspiration from folks within our professional, creative, and entertainment industries. A combination of twenty-two internationally recognizable patterns have been inlaid in his attire, giving power to his busted threads which in turn evoke particular emotions in visitors to the Good Land. But what in our city does the Mister represent above all else? One cannot deny that the most important aspect of any place is the experience of the culture within.

Through his advocates and emissaries, Mister’s performance is never ending – ever changing. He sing’s Milwaukee’s beckoning call. I know that you can hear it.
The Paper Doll series originated in 2008. Inspired by Marilyn Monroe, Baylor wanted to create an African-American version of a cultural icon. The Paper Doll series now consists of eight characters and can be found in various iterations in multiple pieces created by the Reginald Baylor Studio.

Mister Paper Doll incorporates 30 cultural icons that represent Milwaukee and Wisconsin.

1. Charm: state of Wisconsin.
2. Charm: wedge of cheese- Wisconsin is the dairy state.
3. Charm: Milwaukee Bucks championship trophy.
4. Charm: Milwaukee’s Allen Bradley Clock.
5. Charm: Milwaukee’s area code, 414.
6. Charm: Money symbol, the economic past, present and future of Milwaukee
7. Eagle feathers: the indigenous communities of Wisconsin, and the USA’s national bird.
8. African beads: strong African American community in Milwaukee.
9. Cowboy boot: African Americans and the origin of Southern and Western American musical tradition.
10. The Wood Violet: Wisconsin’s state flower.
11. Work goggles: history of the blue collar/manufacturing workforce.
12. Bow tie: educationally innovative – a professional asset of our city.
13. Hops: Milwaukee’s beer brewing history.
14. Spark plug: Milwaukee’s machine and manufacturing roots.
15. Wood grain: history of the logging industry in Wisconsin.
16. Grass green: the many natural parks and nature preserves in Wisconsin.
17. Water waves: freshwater science and the Great Lakes.
18. People’s flag: Milwaukee’s people’s flag symbol.
19. Charm: Football, Wisconsin Green Bay Packers.
20. Charm: Soccer ball, Milwaukee’s upcoming soccer team and stadium.
21. Charm: Tennis, Health and Sports arenas/parks in Milwaukee.
22. Charm: Watermelon, the migration of the best watermelons from down South to Milwaukee.
23. Charm: Golf, Wisconsin is a golf destination.
24. Charm: Baseball, Milwaukee Brewers.
25. Charm: Rubik’s cube, a teaching tool for structural components and moving parts.
26. Platform shoe: fashionable shoe worn by many performers and musicians.
27. Ruffle collar: Fashion and royalty.
28. Red, white and blue pattern: USA symbolic colors.
29. Purple textiles: color worn by Kings and Queens.
30. White tab: paper doll tabs representing the change of costumes and cultures.

The piece also incorporates regionally influenced patterns from around the world to show Milwaukee’s cultural diversity.

Lady, with her contemporary illumination represents communities of Milwaukee and Wisconsin as a whole, her vibe is that of ambition and
distinction-welcoming you in. The charming and inviting bestowal that Lady beams is notable and profound, allowing you to partake in all 5 senses- especially sight and sound. She will let you in on the experience of the booming low base beat, the clickety-clack of the keys – all in a city that chimes and bellows.

In all of Lady’s glamor and acumen, she represents sisterhood, innovation, entrepreneurialism and originality in Milwaukee. She stands tall, her head scarf tied “just so”, as a leader. She sports a combination of twenty-two international design patterns in her costume, aligning with Mister in representing all of the ethnicities. She reveals herself as being international and broad. What does Lady stand for? She would tell you- it’s the communities, the culture and lifestyle that she holds up for us all to treasure.

Lady is buoyant, keeping us all afloat. We acknowledge her strength and join her congregation. Lady’s abilities are limitless and she stands for what is admirable and magnificent in us all. You have to see it, hear it- see the charm and pay attention to the beat.

The Paper Doll series originated in 2008. Inspired by Marilyn Monroe, Baylor wanted to create an African-American version of a cultural icon. The Paper Doll series now consists of eight characters and can be found in various iterations in multiple pieces created by the Reginald Baylor Studio.

Lady Paper Doll incorporates 23 cultural icons that represent Milwaukee and Wisconsin.

1. Head Scarf: Semi-trucks, the trucking industry and the blue-collar workforce.
2. Earrings: Native WI fish- favorite pastime to many in WI/sportfishing.
3. Tie and Collar: American Flag- stands for freedom and liberty.
4. Accordion: typewriter grill- first typewriter invented in Milwaukee in 1874.
5. Accordion: typewriter keys- Milwaukee’s peoples flag symbol.
6. Accordion: diamond pattern- classic mid-century modern design.
7. Accordion: bellows- boombox representing hip hop culture.
8. Buttons: Construction sign- improvement and development prevalent in Milwaukee.
9. Boots: lightbulb pattern- innovation and entrepreneurialism in Milwaukee.
10. Clover: Faith, hope and love.
11. Magnolia Flower: Mississippi state flower- represents the “Late Great Migration” for African Americans from Mississippi to Milwaukee in the 1950’s.
12. Charms: Bowling Ball. Milwaukee is known to be the bowling capital of the United States.
13. Charms: Badger- WI state animal.
14. Charms: Cranberries- WI state fruit.
15. Charms: Honeybee- WI state insect.
16. Charms: Milk Carton- Wisconsin is known to be “the Dairy State.”
17. Charms: Robin- WI state bird.
18. Charms: Clown- “The Great Circus Parade” held in Milwaukee for 29 years.
19. Charms: Clock- iconic clock hung on City Hall.
20. Charms: Thumbs up- the famous Arthur Fonzarelli statue in downtown Milwaukee, “The Bronze Fonz.”
21. Charms: Weinermobile- Designed by Milwaukee native, Brooks Stevens.
22. Afro Pick: African American beauty.
23. Watermelon: Square watermelon- efficiency in urban agriculture.

The piece also incorporates regionally influenced patterns from around the world to show Milwaukee’s cultural diversity.