Elvias Arte
Join Art Start in celebrating the opening weekend of The Artist Statement public exhibition, a showcase of the personal and creative identities of Milwaukee youth artists; their unique, dynamic, and evolving artist statements come to life beyond the page through original artworks and photographic portraits. Light bites and refreshments provided while supplies last. This project is produced in collaboration with Nick Collura, Pathways High School, The PEAK Initiative, and the MIAD department of Youth and Community Programs, presented in partnership with the Estee Lauder Writing Change Initiative, MPS, MAB, and WAB.
Augmented History Walking Tour | Augmented History is a groundbreaking augmented reality project that breathes new life into Milwaukee’s Third Ward by restoring the lost art of historic billboards. It offers a unique blend of history and technology, allowing people to witness Milwaukee’s storied past through the lens of the present on their smartphones.
At the end of the 19th century, the Third Ward was a manufacturing powerhouse; a bustling hub of activity and industry. Today, it has transformed into the city’s vibrant arts and entertainment district. Amidst this modern evolution, the ghost signs on the sides of buildings remain as a silent testament to the area’s rich industrial heritage. These faded advertisements offer a glimpse into a bygone era, standing as historical markers that tell the stories of businesses and communities of the past.
Dubbed “Augmented History,” the project is an ambitious effort to digitally recreate these iconic ghost signs. The digitally recreated signs are now accessible through an augmented reality experience, enabling users to see these pieces of history restored to their original glory on their smartphones.
To engage with Augmented History, users can visit augmentedhistory.org for a unique walking tour. Immediately, their device becomes a window to the past, overlaying the vibrant, restored sign over today’s scenery.
“Near and Far” is a celebration of former Historic Third Ward Association (HTWA) Board member and neighborhood visionary Andrew Wadsworth, who passed away in 2023.
The HTWA — in partnership with Andrew’s wife, Tracey — commissioned Milwaukee artist Brandon Minga of House of RAD to create a sculpture that is a true reflection of Andrew’s unique perspective, vision and passion for the Historic Third Ward.
Big and bold, this 22-foot wide, 7-foot tall powder-coated steel sculpture has found a permanent home overlooking an eye-catching stretch of Broadway in Catalano Square. Modeled off of Andrew’s signature glasses (from neighborhood eye care facility and boutique, Metro Eye), his legacy lives on — watching over our neighborhood in a whole new way.
Learn more about the project and artist by visiting andrewwadsworth.com.
Impenduum
Impenduum is a multi-platform design exhibit.
Jill Kenehan-Krey