The | PAID | Write-Up: Supporting Independent Arts Journalism Together
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After 10+ years of writing about music, art, and creativity with passion and zero pay, we’re making an important shift. As of September 2025, we will no longer be offering free reviews or write-ups for media submissions. Instead, we have introduced The | PAID | Write-Up, a journalism-based creative asset review program that provides write-ups for a modest fee of $25 [+ tax] for artist features and creative coverage.
This change allows CopyWrite to continue providing honest, thoughtful, and constructive coverage — while finally giving value back to the writers and editors who have kept this platform alive all these years. More importantly, it opens the door for artists who may have previously fallen under the radar to access guaranteed high-quality editorial attention.
How It Works:
EMAIL COPYWRITE.MKE@GMAIL.COM | ATTN: THE PAID WRITE-UP
SUBMIT [1] CREATIVE WORK [EX. 1 SONG, 1 VIDEO | NO ALBUMS]
PAY $25 [+TAX] INVOICE
RECEIVE POSTING LINK CONFIRMATION ON COPYWRITEMAG.COM
WRITE-UPS MAY TAKE 2 TO 4 WEEKS TO POST
Every review will continue to be transparent, thoughtful, emphasizing locally based talent and “all things Urban”, just as our readers and artists have come to expect.
To all the artists who’ve shared their work with us over the years: thank you. You’ve helped us sharpen our pen, expand our perspective, and stay rooted in the creative community. We're proud of what we’ve built together, and hopeful about where it's heading next.
We appreciate your support as we move into this new chapter — one where independent arts journalism is valued, sustained, and open to more voices [& talent] than ever before.
Love & All Things Urban
/CW FAM
Crowned In Color: Bronzeville ArtWalk 2025
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“The Sugar Shack” By: Ernie Barnes
/CW Fam, take a moment to reflect on the image pictured above. What do you see? What emotions come over you? What place does this painting take you to? Ever heard of the phrase, “You just had to be there?” For the first time in my life, I felt that this statement did not apply to me in relation to Ernie Barnes’ The Sugar Shack.
Saturday, (August 9th, 2025), taking place in the heart of Bronzeville, Food For Health, located at 2007 N Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Milwaukee, WI, presented Crowned In Color: Bronzeville Artwalk. Within the first two steps of walking into the historic venue, a feeling of being transported into Barne’s The Sugar Shack occurred, and it no longer felt like modern day.
The textured tan walls, grand coffee brown stairways, emerald green conversation pits, and speakeasy-inspired dim lighting heightened the ambiance and expectations for the evening ahead. Many may have assumed it would be like any art gallery, where there’s a smooth volume level, a serene musical buffet, and three thought-provoking questions asked to the guests by the welcoming curator. Although that describes a successful art gallery, the Crowned In Color: Bronzeville Artwalk was a unique night for not only the people of Bronzeville, but also for the undying substance of art.
Growing up throughout the city, I was in every after-school club you can think of; heavily exposed to the different mediums of art such as painting, spoken-word, drawing, and music. Hence why I was as confident as Jordan in game 6 of the 1991 NBA Finals, walking into the showcase thinking I knew exactly how the event would look and feel. I couldn’t have been more wrong as it felt as if I stepped into a modern Harlem Renaissance. What is your definition of art? Is it a form of escapism and peace from your reality? A creative activity you do with your friends or boo as a hobby? This is the question that was continuously spinning in my mind at the beginning of the artwalk, so the only thing that made sense was to ask the sources who were brewing the curiosity and questions inside me—the artists themselves.
“Art is living and not existing. It is beauty in pain but richness in happiness.”-Graphic Designer Savvy Breaux
A sense of euphoria and regalness overcame my spirit and mind as I viewed Savvy’s art pieces throughout the night. As the jack of trades and I talked about their pieces, I observed the deep appreciation and admiration for both bright colors as well as Asian culture that Savvy incorporates into their catalog. Since the age of eight years old Breaux knew the significance of what art is and how it is one of the engines that keeps not only communities going but individual journeys as well. With inspiration as Andy Warhol, life has always been Savvy’s muse when it comes to creating, which is why when asked the question, “Why is art important to Bronzeville culture?” no hesitation occurred.
Artwork By Savvy Breaux
“Representation is born through our art. There’s a massive correlation between Bronzeville’s community members and the city. Walking in spaces like this, it never feels like you’re in Bronzeville or Milwaukee period. We need to change that and start making spaces and places like tonight the norm for Bronzeville’s culture.”-Savvy Breaux
“We are art. Everything we do, from the swag we wear, relationships we have, and interests that make us different from one another, is the bed of art. We don’t even know the type of foundation constantly laid out for art by just being.”-Artist, Tierra Bender
Bender had a light in their eye the entirety of our conversation. Fascination ran through my veins as they outwardly showed excitement and passion for their art being displayed, Untitled.17. From the moment I witnessed the self-portrait, I was at a loss for words. The continent of Africa immediately struck my mind. Bender then shared how the piece they chose to showcase at this year’s artwalk was a work in progress from the years of 2019-2022. Pieces of Tierra’s parents, Princess Diana’s funeral, and even an old resume of Bender’s made the project whole.
“Finding yourself is a process. I incorporated things such as what I know love to be in my piece because that is the journey I am constantly on; finding out who I am and where I am going. Art is my coping mechanism.”- Artist, Tierra Bender
Untitled.17 By: Artist, Tierra Bender
This year’s Bronzeville Artwalk was not only the conclusion of a competition between all the artists. Each of their artwork was displayed in businesses in the neighborhood of Bronzeville, and everyone in the community had the opportunity to vote for which piece was their favorite. However; the evening served much more purpose than that. A student scholarship was given to one of CopyWrite’s very own, Arianna Theresa Shelander. The 21-year-old Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design was a featured artist in the artwalk and was completely shocked by her tear-jerking win. She received $500 as her award to continue pursuing her artistry and maintaining the balance of being a full-time mother but also an artist who has a story to tell.
Ari claiming her Student Artist Award alongside her son and artwork
“Art is my only way of coping. I don’t know where I would be without it. Besides my children, Riley and Huey, art is the only time I see light and positivity so clearly. When creating my artwork, I was inspired after birt,h seeing my stretch marks, a revelation came to me. They reminded me of roots underneath trees that give birth to life. Tonight’s piece is a visual representation of that. ” -Artist, Arianna T. Shelander
Artwork by Artist: Vedale Hill
For the last fifteen years, Bronzeville week has celebrated, uplifted, and anchored the acknowledgement of African-American cultu re, art, history, entertainment, and businesses. I don’t know how to explain it, but the city always seems to have a bright spotlight shining down as well as care-free energy around this time every year. Energetic and proud curator and visual translator of the night, Dante Nash, founder of AVRA, wanted to keep this momentum going by concluding the event with a special thank you to a legend in our city. Another one whose hands help build CopyWrite to what it is today……drum roll please! Vedale Hill, professor at MIAD, teacher, and community leader, was given his flowers to close out the night. Hill has voluntarily taught and mentored countless youth who want to do something productive and motivating to themselves. Vedale is never one to boast; he always remains humble but has been on a mission that nobody talks about for over the last decade.
He left a message to all the guests in the building that I believe is my duty to share with you:
“Never change who you are, your morals, values, or purpose in life for anyone. Yes, you are all dope artists but now what do you do after you’ve learned you are dope? Our young brothers and sisters need to know how to never be taken advantage of and to start fulfilling our own communities by helping each other. I take on all responsibility when it comes to teaching and helping all generations of my people. We are all we have! Let’s not lose sight of that!” -Artist, Educator, and Mentor Vedale Hill
Comment down below which art piece or artist spoke to you the most in this article.Will you be attending the Bronzeville Artwalk next year? Share some of your favorite moments from this year’s celebration of Bronzeville week in our comment section of all our socias @copywritemag.
Support the artists with a follow on Instagram or purchase of their work from the event:
@savvybreaux_
@tierrabender
@vedalehills_artstudio_mke
Lastly, go show love to Ari, the student artist award recipient of the night and donate what your heart desires after reading her story here:
Desriana Gilbert | Entertainment & Social Journalist for /CW
Community Arts & Funk Festival Announces 15th Anniversary Celebration: A Vibrant, Family-Friendly Showcase of Art, Music, and Unity in Downtown Milwaukee
/*INFO PROVIDED BY Community Arts & Funk Festival
MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Get ready for a spectacular summer celebration! The Community Arts & Funk Festival is thrilled to announce its 15-Year Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, August 16, 2025, taking place at the iconic Peck Pavilion and South Grounds at the Marcus Performing Arts Center, located at 929 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI. This milestone event, celebrating visual and performing arts, along with the distinct funk genre of music, promises a dynamic and family-friendly cultural experience for all ages in the heart of downtown Milwaukee. The festival will highlight local artists with vendor showcases for guests to support and purchase local artwork, as well as a fine arts competition for local artists to win a $1000 prize!
Set against the backdrop of downtown Milwaukee, the Community Arts & Funk Festival provides a unique opportunity to promote intergenerational dialogue between emerging, established, and underground performing artists who share common performance and musical roots. The festival's musical focus on the funk genre, made popular by legends like James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone, and Parliament-Funkadelic, aims to educate the broader listening public about its rich history, inspirations, and evolution from R&B, Jazz, Gospel, and Rock, and its profound influence on the Hip Hop generation. This powerful combination of funk music with local, regional, and national visual artists creates a cross-cultural, demographically diverse, family-oriented community event rooted in authenticity and intentionality.
"We are incredibly excited to mark 15 years of the Community Arts & Funk Festival," says Brad Bernard, event organizer. "This anniversary is a testament to the power of art and music to bring people together, foster creativity, and celebrate our shared community. We've poured our hearts into curating an unforgettable day that highlights exceptional talent and promotes positive connections."
Festival Highlights
Star-Studded Musical Lineup & Performances
Prepare for an electrifying day of music and performances. The event will be hosted by esteemed radio and TV personality, Andrea Williams.
The official performance schedule includes:
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM: Youth Dance Performances
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Youth Poetry Slam
2:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Live Music Performances by:
Act 1: B.Wyzdom (2:30 PM - 3:15 PM)
Act 2: Trace Ellington Experience (3:30 PM - 4:15 PM)
Act 3 (Headliner): Switch (4:30 PM - 6:00 PM)
The headlining act, Switch, is a legendary American R&B and Funk band, celebrated for iconic hits such as "There'll Never Be" and "I Call Your Name." Intermissions of 15 minutes will occur between acts, during which a DJ will keep the funk music playing.
Prestigious Fine Arts Competition
Visual artists are invited to participate in a judged fine arts competition, vying for a $1,000 'Best of Show' award, along with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes. The announcement of artist awards will take place from 12:35 PM - 12:50 PM. This competition will showcase a broad spectrum of talented urban and suburban visual artists, encompassing both academically trained and self-taught individuals, presenting a wide variety of subject matter, concepts, and technical approaches from across the local and regional art scene.
Local artists are strongly encouraged to apply for this exciting opportunity to showcase their work and compete for cash awards and prizes. Find more information and the application form here: https://www.artsandfunk.com/call-for-artists-1000-prize
Engaging On-Ground Activations
In addition to the main stage performances and art competition, attendees can enjoy:
Free 3D Photobooth by The Booth Mke
T-shirt Design station provided by Fruition MKE
Community Mural led by artist Ken Brown
Kid-Friendly Art Activities by Artists Working in Education
Local Food & Drink Vendors (Saz’s & more)
Local Artists & Creator Vendors
Publishing/Copyright and Royalties Workshop provided by MuSample Music Business Consultant
Local Flavors and Unique Finds
Attendees can explore a diverse array of offerings from local vendors and food trucks, providing a variety of food and beverage options available for purchase throughout the day.
Local art and food vendors are encouraged to apply to be a part of this vibrant community event: https://www.artsandfunk.com/vendor-booth-payment-form
Media Sponsors
The Community Arts & Funk Festival is proud to partner with our media sponsors:
RadioMilwaukee 88.9 FM
WMSE 91.7 FM
V100 100.7 FM
About Community Arts & Funk Festival
The Community Arts & Funk Festival (CAFF) is dedicated to celebrating the rich tapestry of visual art, R&B, and funk, highlighting the profound power of live music and artistic expression. Each year, the festival strives to create a memorable experience that showcases talent, fosters community engagement, and promotes cultural awareness. The festival is a testament to the idea that when the power of funk music is combined with the works of local, regional, and national visual artists, it provides the perfect combination for curating a cross-cultural, demographically diverse, family-oriented community event rooted in authenticity and intentionality.
For more information and future updates, please visit: https://www.artsandfunk.com/
TOGETHER WE CAN HELP ARI WITH COLLEGE TUITION & CHILDCARE
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We asked Ari to write her own story. . . But as a community, we can turn the page together. It takes a village.
From the /CW Fam
My name is Arianna Theresa Shelander. I am 21 years old. A single mother of twin boys, Huey & Riley, who are one year old. They were born on June 17th, 2024. I delivered at 35 weeks, one month premature. I was confined to the hospital for a week after having them. Huey, my firstborn, came home when I did. Riley, the younger twin, stayed in the NICU for a week due to having difficulties swallowing. The experience was depressing. The separation anxiety and guilt I had only been able to take one of my children home, was devastating. I was a first-time mother of twin premature babies, which requires a different amount of care compared to a full-term birth.
At first, I was unaware of the need. I had no guidance on true motherhood . Postpartum had gotten to me, and again I was unaware. My kids weren’t dressed properly for the weather at their first appointment [who knew that babies needed layers even in June?]. They dropped in weight after leaving the hospital. My mother wasn’t around to let me know. I was 20 with 2 babies. It was scary. I constantly questioned myself: Am I doing this right?
I eventually found out that I had been experiencing postpartum psychosis. It’s similar to PPD (postpartum depression). I was not in my right mind after having my kids. Also, due to the drop in hormones I fell into a psychotic episode. Once Riley came home from the hospital, I was hospitalized for 3 days to stabilize my mental condition. After having two seizures post birth, due to high blood pressure, extreme blood loss, and hospital negligence. [This is a narrative many Black women face during maternity, and some instances even result in death]. But I don’t want to be just another sad story. I want to face the battle head-on, earning a better life for myself, so I can provide my children with the stability & foundation I never had.
I’ve been trying my best, but I still struggle with some depression, guilt, unhealed trauma, and attachment issues. Due to domestic violence, I am a single mother [Again, a narrative that seems repetitive in my community]. Overcome by his alcoholism, the father of my children got blackout drunk one night, and tried to kill me [the twins were 3 weeks old]. He trashed my apartment, broke my phone, a window, and almost choked me to death. This was not his first time putting his hands on me. He was controlling me, my decisions, and finances. I made so many sacrifices for a man who wasn’t willing to change. That’s still hard for me to stomach.
I have found a few places that had resources, and a small village has started to grow. WE have just barely made it. A full-time student, a mother of 2, with a tumultuous childhood. My mother, Lisa, a bi-racial woman in a white family, passed away in a car accident when I was 16. She had 8 kids. I'm the 7th of that 8. Four boys, four girls. . . .Brandon, Jackie, William, Derek, Brianna, Azaria, Arianna, and Keaton. I, being one of the youngest, have always felt the most abandoned. She struggled with addiction and became a crack addict.
My siblings all have similar messed-up stories. We all have different dads [take that how you want]. Six of my siblings were adopted into the family, and two were adopted out of the family. I was adopted by my aunt Penny. For years, I hated my mother; I blamed her for everything. Until I got older and understood things differently. She died before I knew her for real. Now again, my aunts and uncle are all white…My uncle was raping my momma for years. I can’t imagine what my mother went through growing up. My aunt Penny, who “raised” me, is my mother's older sister. The “scandalous” details of her birth, a white woman [my biological grandmother] cheated on her husband [with a black man, my biological grandfather], then released allegations saying she was raped.
But it doesn't end there, my father is incarcerated due to the sexual assault of me and his niece. I was in foster care and group homes till the age of 18. I am now Arianna Jane Petrie [a name that still feels like an eraser of my true identity]. My aunt changed it because she felt my name was “ghetto”, when she adopted me at 4 years old. The last name Petrie has no kin to me. I’ve been unable to change my name back to my original [the cost that has always been too steep for my financial situation].
I was abused mentally, physically, and emotionally by my aunt & family. I was being racially attacked, beaten, and starved. Which did cause mental distress. I started self-harming at the age of 11. When I was 11, I was sexually assaulted for the second time. By my cousin’s boyfriend. I self-harmed until I was about 16. Around that time was my first suicide attempt. I was taken from my aunt's house at the age of 13, because she beat me with a mental cane, and even though there were multiple police reports/ cps visits, I finally got removed from her care after she fractured my wrist and broke my finger.
From the age 13-18 I was moved pretty much every month. I was placed in a group home after, group home. No “parents”, just staff 1st shift, 2nd shift, 3rd shift. . . then the owners. We were the kids everyone gave up on, for whatever your circumstances. Every adult in my life who was supposed to protect me did the exact opposite. The things I saw and experienced as a child, as a teen, as a human needing guidance, still affect me to this day. I had to teach myself what I know now, learning the hard way, making mistakes, attempting not to be what the world expects me to be. I had to choose, and it’s still a choice every day to not become a statistic. A statistic of the Black community and of my family. I chose better, I’m choosing better.
Despite all of this, I graduated from high school. I completed my freshman year at MIAD (Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design). My 2022-2023 year, I took a leave, because in the school environment I experienced microaggression, very obvious discrimination, and other situations that felt racially charged. To this day, I struggle with identity issues, mental health, and some traces of postpartum. I still have PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, and a fear of abandonment. But I have to succeed for my kids.
Since MIAD is a private school, the state of Wisconsin won’t approve my childcare. They are also trying to cut my financial aid, due to my grades dropping from unforeseen circumstances. My car broke down before I started school again in January. When my kids were only 6 months old. So the only transportation I had was the bus. Frigid temperatures, raining and snowing, my babies had RSV twice. The school wasn’t too accommodating to the situation. But the choice to be a good mother over coming to classes was a slap in the face. But it's my reality. I can’t leave my kids with my mother or father. No family to step in. No true support system to offer care. For months, not even their dad was around. It was all on me.
So here I am asking for help. Putting it out into the world to see if anybody is willing to assist. To add to my efforts, to do great things. I will graduate from college, so that I can have a career that will allow me to support myself. I will secure a dependable car so that I can transport my children safely. I will work hard to maximize my skills in art & use my professional development that I am learning as a mentee in THE CREATIVE COLLAB | Bronzeville Artist-in-Residency Mentor Program. I will continue to develop my poetry as I use it to tell my story & walk in my truth. I will be the best mother for Huey & Riley. I will be the guidance for them that I never had. I will protect them, provide for them, and love them.
All I need is for you to hear my story & be willing to invest in me, as a member of your community, a fellow human being, and a person who plans on paying it forward, tenfold.
THE NEXT BAR IS ADDING TO MILWAUKEE’S NIGHTLIFE EXPERIENCE
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Get ready for a refresh in your Milwaukee nightlife rotation. The Next Bar is coming to the scene with classic beer taps, cocktail favorites, a diverse selection of spirits, authentic vibes, and a hospitality/entertainment experience the city didn’t know it was missing.
Located at 1732 E. North Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53211, The Next Bar has taken hold of prime real estate in the hopes of cultivating the next positive entrepreneurial venture that is rooted in legacy, built on purpose, fostered in community, and championing a good time, all in one space. Founded by a dynamic uncle-nephew duo, James Chappel & Alex Edwards, The Next Bar isn’t just opening its doors — it’s making a statement.
“We are bringing a new, fresh identity to the space, with creative ideas that expand the past potential of this location”, said Edwards as he discussed his aspiration for opening The Next Bar.
Edwards notes that, beyond being a great spot to socialize, it is also meant to serve as inspiration for his family investment club, piloted this year. When the location came on the market, the pieces just seemed to be the perfect fit, with Edwards' background in real estate and Chapple’s interest in owning a bar, the site allowed for intentional customization of the turnkey space to serve a community that wants a down to earth environment that still holds Instagram worthy style.
Thus, The Next Bar is reclaiming space. The building has seen wine bars, college bars, and everything in between — but this time it’s Black-owned, community-driven, and here for the long haul. No more “just opening a bar” — they’re opening the door to fellowship, ownership, and opportunity [with extensive research on the location & target customer base]. Even though Edwards has no previous bar ownership experience, he is confident that his previous work revolving around community, mentorship, crisis stabilization, management, and his time as a career entrepreneur will lend itself well to overseeing the bar environment.
“I started my first venture at nine years old. . . I had a candy store, selling out of the window of my grandma’s house. Of course, it was all in my grandmother’s name [sales permits, etc], but it was all my idea. At eighteen, I purchased my first property and have been real estate investing ever since”. - Edwards shared.
Other pieces of Edward’s entrepreneurial portfolio include Car sales, a vending machine business, and a consulting company. This, in combination with Chappel's history as a silent investor in other local nightlife establishments, heightens the partnership's nuance for success.
The bar will be open to patrons 25+, with both bar & plush leather booth seating [designed with comfort in mind], an entertainment nook available for DJ’d events and live music [think saxophone, piano, or guitar vibes], chilled glasses, and an exterior water bowl for our four-legged friends passing by. Edwards is hoping the bar will be a spot for a thriving mix of urban business owners, ambitious professionals, community neighbors, and, of course, an intergenerational hangout spot for nights out with the fam.
The grand opening celebration will take place, Saturday, June 14th, 2025, starting at 5:00 PM, with a ribbon cutting at 5:55 PM [symbolic of positive change in transformation]. The owners hope that the community will join them for a first-hand experience of what The Next Bar has in store.
“We’re building something that reflects who we are and who we serve,” says Alex. “Just give us one drink, one chance to stop in. We promise you’ll come back.”
For press inquiries and interviews, please contact Alex Edwards at therealnextbar@gmail.com.
To stay up to date with The Next Bar, special events, and more, follow on Instagram @thenextbar_.
This Press Release was produced by /CW Creative Services
The Ethereal Collection | Youth Music Experience
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The Ethereal Collective is where sound meets soul and youth voices take the stage! This isn’t just a show it’s a space made for you to express, create, and be heard! Whether you rap, sing, play an instrument, produce beats, or do spoken word, this is your moment to
shine solo or collab with others. Ages 11 to 20, this is your time to show up and show out, surrounded by people who appreciate your talent. Think talent show, open mic, and a mini music fest all combined into one
This event is also raising funds for THE CREATIVE COLLAB Bronzeville Artist-in-Residency Program and helps build your creative rep along the way. Even if you're not performing, come to support, vibe with the crowd, and check out /CW Creative Studios + Shop. Tickets start at just $5 for students, so don’t miss it. Music, community, and food, what more could you want?
