Geologically speaking, we live in the era known as the anthropocene—a fancy term denoting the fact that, since the Industrial Revolution, human activity has begun to materially affect the Earth’s ecosystems. Scientists and entrepreneurs are hard at work on technology that will mitigate the potentially disastrous consequences, but, one wonders, how are artists to contribute?
“Eddee Daniel: A Year in the Valley,” May 29 through July 11 at Walker’s Point Center for the Arts, suggests an answer to this question. During his 2014 tenure as the Menomonee Valley Partners Artist in Residence, Daniel documented the revitalization efforts underway in the Menomonee Valley. With a keen eye for the harmonious coexistence of natural ecology and community infrastructure, Daniel provides beautiful photographic evidence that lively industry need not come at the cost of environmental calamity.
To keep the conversation going, there will be a panel discussion on the past, present and future of Menomonee Valley revitalization from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, June 18. Daniel will be joined by representatives from Milwaukee Riverkeeper, the Urban Ecology Center and other community partners. The exhibition opens with a reception on Friday, May 29 from 5-9 p.m.
Monument Square Art Festival
Monument Square, Main Street between Fifth and Sixth streets in Downtown Racine
Summer and outdoor art festivals go together like beards and Pabst. The Monument Square Art Festival is one of Wisconsin’s oldest and most respected juried fine art fairs. On Saturday, May 30 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and Sunday, May 31 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), 85 artists from across the country will descend upon Downtown Racine’s picturesque Monument Square to display and sell their arts. MSAF also offers art activities for children from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, half-price admission to the Racine Art Museum, live music, a variety of food trucks and silent auctions to benefit the Racine Arts Council.
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Grand Opening of Gallery No: 105
Gallery No: 105, 5706 W. Vliet St.
On Wednesday, June 3, Milwaukee welcomes a new gallery to the vibrant Vliet Street artist area. Gallery No: 105 is dedicated to showcasing Wisconsin artists working in wood, glass, fiber, ceramics, jewelry, painting, photography and mixed media. In addition to the diverse arts, Gallery No: 105 is committed to displaying artists of diverse races, ethnicities, genders and orientations. The gallery is the latest project by arts advocate and educator Jody Alexander, who has tirelessly promoted local artists and the introduction of art into Milwaukee’s daily life. Gallery No: 105 will be open Monday and Tuesday by appointment; Wednesday and Saturday from 11-5:30 p.m.; Thursday 12:30-7 p.m. and Friday 12:30-5:30 p.m.
