Turning Up In The Sun With Some Artistic Fun- ArtBlaze 2025
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Photo credit: Samer Ghani
For as long as I could remember, summer has always been categorized as the season of adventure, unity, care-free nights, and daring exploration. However, for inner-cities such as Milwaukee, that never stopped the summer’s #1 question being, “Where can I go and what are things for me to do to live my summer up to the fullest?”. Several young adults described often feeling “aged out” and neglected from constantly seeing programs, events, and opportunities being curated for only kids knee high; specifically designed on the foundation of Arts & Entertainment. Co-Founders Deb Kern and Doug McDonald of one of Milwaukee’s fastest-emerging nonprofits, Joy Engine, paid immense detail to the conversation circulating and used it as fuel for a unique and abstract idea that had been in their vault for years. ArtBlaze, a series of free, family-oriented events designed to be a celebration of community, creativity, and connection, made a splash at its debut last year, with no hesitation or plans of stopping this summer.
The buzz around the city describes ArtBlaze as inventive beach parties, but that is a minimal way to approach the entirety of the artistic series. This year’s stage was our very own [also fully revamped] McKinley Beach- located at 1750 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53202. The three-day series, consisting of Thursdays, July 24th, August 7th, and August 21st, 2025, proudly and equally represented multiple forms of artistic expression, from music, fashion, and hand art. ArtBlaze is a free annual summer event that is open to the public of all ages. Whether you’re a certified foodie searching for your latest discovery, a beast on the dance floor, or a connoisseur of the arts, make this your annual summer move. The sounds of ArtBlaze were inspiring, lively, and created a communal vibe. The lineup consisted of a plethora of MKE favorites as if they were all attending the ultimate class reunion:
DJ Luke Warm
DJ Gemini Gilly
NilexNile
*aya
MKEMe Crew
Tlalok
SHADI
The Quilz
Allison Mahal
Pulpa De Guayaba
Photo credit: Samer Ghani
They each played a pivotal role in sparking passion and translucent lightbulbs inside all guests who were having the time of their lives on the sandy grounds of McKinley. Joy Engine made it their mission to offer a creative and cultural buffet to all attendees with the amount of different activities that were available at this year’s ArtBlaze. The activities included: Tie-Dyes w Spun.Out.Dyes, making a mandala with Sophie Tarantino, Bubbles with Poppy, and hands-on art experiences with Arts@Large and AWE (Artists Working In Education).
“McKinley Beach will be transformed into a haven of artistic wonder and musical delight, shining a light on our amazing parks and local artists. Families can participate in interactive art, engage with local artisans and vendors, make s’mores at the bonfires, or simply relax with friends and family.
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If you missed this interactive and immersive artistic experience, no need to worry. Joy Engine has created ArtBlaze as an annual event that is constantly evolving. Stay tuned for their recap of this year’s biggest moments on their Youtube [Joy Engine] and stay connected with them on all socials @joyengine.
Desriana Gilbert | Entertainment & Social Journalist for /CW
