Wrapped in Warmth

By Ellie Burns

This installation is part of the Milwaukee Public Market’s Holiday Window Display, a collaborative project with the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) that transforms St. Paul Avenue into a festive public art experience. Until January 31, ten large-scale, student-designed window installations light up the block between Broadway and Water Street, each offering a unique reflection on winter, creativity, and community.

About the Art: Wrapped in Warmth represents the comforting feeling of togetherness during wintertime. The design evokes the imagery of quilts—handstitched and passed through generations—as symbols of love, warmth, and shared memories. Burns drew inspiration from her own family’s quilting tradition, recalling childhood moments spent wrapped in handmade blankets during cold nights by the fire.

The design is inspired by a quilt made by Burns’ grandmother when she was a baby, which includes fabrics worn by her cousins. Her mother also quilts, bringing out these heirlooms during winter. These personal connections inspired Burns to create a traditional quilt-inspired design that celebrates family, friends, and the beauty of connection.

About the Artist: Ellie Burns is a graphic designer and photographer whose skills include visual design, brand design, website design, and art direction. She enjoys collaborating with others and creating distinctive, meaningful designs. Burns is also an experienced portrait photographer who enjoys capturing each person’s unique personality.

Portfolio: ellieburnsdesigns.cargo.site
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ellie-burns1375