Crowned In Color: Bronzeville ArtWalk 2025
/
“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
