HomeWorks: Bronzeville Development Initiative is "Re-imagining" Gentrification w/ Artist in Mind

HomeWorks: Bronzeville purchases City-owned foreclosure,

 reviving the decade-long vacancy as part of an artist housing cluster

As renovation will soon be on its way, the Press and community is invited to attend

HomeWorks: Bronzeville “Press Launch”, March 26, 2022 at 10:30am at the north east corner of

N. Vel R. Phillips Avenue & W. Meinecke Avenue.

“Community” development is at an all time high in Milwaukee's Bronzeville Cultural and Entertainment District. While this development spike has several stakeholders, critics, and polarizing advocates, its existence grants opportunity for communal investment that has not been seen since the disruption and displacement of the 1960’s. One group of creatives has taken on the idea of community development as a personal call to action, understanding the plight of gentrification with longing for urban life that respects new and existing neighbors. They call it HomeWorks: Bronzeville.

As of March 15th, 2022 the long anticipated acquisition of the final property in their piloted three building cluster has been achieved. The site was previously a City of Milwaukee foreclosure that has been vacant for over a decade. HomeWorks: Bronzeville can now begin its renovation of the south-facing duplex and quad demolition at 322-340 West Meinecke. The duplex will be rehabilitated into a two-story single, Artist Live-Work Space for Local and Visiting Artists (3-bedroom upper with lower level art studio) with initial tenant Alexia S. Brunson and CopyWrite Magazine. The quad will temporarily become Greenspace for year-round art installations and programs by Jazale’s Art Studio, MKE<->LAX, Food4All, I Am Milwaukee, and CopyWrite Magazine. 

“While others build a place and then find the people, we find the people and then build the place,” said Vedale Hill of Jazale’s Art Studio in discussing the need for this type of creative development.

HomeWorks: Bronzeville is a development initiative based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that emphasizes community development in its physical, economic, and social form by way of authentic arts and culture applications. At the foundation of this initiative are co-owners Vedale Hill, Sara Daleiden, and Mikal Floyd-Pruitt, who are all active members of the arts community. Their collective experiences in navigating real estate for their professional, communal, and personal creative practices have helped them form an effective ideology on creative placemaking and developing community holistically.

HomeWorks: Bronzeville centralizes their development efforts on specific qualities that are meant to challenge traditional practices and emphasize niche community needs including:

• Client Specific - artist and community cultivators who are also entrepreneurs

• Creating Ownership - providing opportunities to add + retain economic, cultural, and influential value 

• Stability - building directional infrastructure for communal longevity 

• Reimagining Gentrification - by changing the “how” not the “who”

• Narrative Shifting - focusing on ownership as a tool for stability and growth

• Transferable value - facilitating experiences that elevate authentic community practices + interest via a creative economy

• Retaining creative talent pool - through genuine opportunity and consistency for artists

“It’s crucial that our shared values and aspirations frame and guide this initiative. If goals and practices aren’t part of the process, they won’t be part of the product. It’s as simple as that.” - Mikal Floyd-Pruitt, I Am Milwaukee

Their collective ideology through real world experience of displacement, eventually led them to find a location in the heart of Bronzeville with a three building cluster that they will turn into the anchor home they all envision [located at the corner of W. Meinecke Ave & N. Vel R. Phillips Ave]. This will be a place that will hold all the programmatic elements of their respective organizations and businesses, residential property for artist housing, rental studios, and community space. As of 2018, HomeWorks: Bronzeville has completed its first fully developed property in the cluster co-developed with Strong Blocks; a fully gutted duplex turned two-story artist live-work space designed for Vedale Hill and family, featuring a public gallery space on the lower level.

“We seek to cultivate Bronzeville by concentrating on properties that surround America's Black Holocaust Museum in the Harambee neighborhood portion of the district. We honor the re-emergence of the museum as a beacon for change and an archive of pertinent history for this community” - Sara Daleiden, MKE<->LAX

Homeworks: Bronzeville notes that without active collaboration reviving the site's decade-long vacancy under this type of incentive would not have been possible. Collaborators include the City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin Preservation Fund, Thurman Grant Architect, CopyWrite Magazine, Toki & Associates, Darren Hill, Jeff Lamar Brown, Gray Development Group, Food4All, Strong Blocks and other cultural leaders from the district and the city. The project has also been guided by City leadership including Alderwoman Milele Coggs, the Bronzeville Advisory Committee, the Department of City Development and the Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation in connection with the City’s Bronzeville Redevelopment Plan, the Bronzeville Artist Housing Report and the Art and Resource Community Hub (ARCH) Loan Program. 

Through support from the City’s ARCH Loan Program, Greater Milwaukee Foundation and Wisconsin Preservation Fund, HomeWorks: Bronzeville is actualizing on this artist housing cluster, in alignment with the neighboring America’s Black Holocaust Museum.

As renovation will soon be on its way, the Press and community is invited to attend HomeWorks: Bronzeville “Press Launch”, March 26, 2022 at 10:30am at the north east corner of N. Vel R. Phillips Avenue & W. Meinecke Avenue.

Always learning from the world around them, challenging the systems before them, and advocating for authentic progression in creative place-making, HomeWorks: Bronzeville believes “Community thrives on cultures.”

HomeWorks: Bronzeville is currently looking for investors for their future development projects. You can support them through their non-profit financing partner Wisconsin Preservation Fund.

Press Inquiries

Lexi S. Brunson, CopyWrite Magazine, Media Relations

copywrite.mke@gmail.com

General & Development Inquiries

Vedale Hill, Jazale’s Art Studio, Co-Owner

(414) 403-3000

Sara Daleiden, MKE<->LAX, Co-Owner

(323) 630-7272

home@homeworksbronzeville.com

www.homeworksbronzeville.com

About: 

HomeWorks: Bronzeville is a development initiative based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Titled by its namesake, the Bronzeville Cultural and Entertainment District, this initiative emphasizes community development in its physical, economic, and social form by way of authentic arts and culture applications. Learn more at: https://homeworksbronzeville.com/CHARTER

Nails | CW Fashion Feature

"I don't see how she can get her nails so long! How can she do anything with those?! Nails with anything more than color and way too long are so unprofessional! Red nails are for Jezebels!"

Did you know both Queen Nefertiti and Cleopatra both wore red nails? The practice of nail expression goes way back to ancient times. Even these historical icons partook in the  ornamentation that is scratched deep into the culture and positive self expression of Black women.

Though nails have evolved overtime, they're still a part of who we are. I fell in love with nail Culture at a very young age. I still remember the very first pair of press-ons my mom had bought me when I was younger. They were from the value beauty down the street from my house and I had begged her each time we went in for this Winnie the Pooh set. The first few times she said no; but I was persistent. I just HAD to have this set. One day, she surprised my sister and I with our own. 

That moment meant the absolute world to me and became the catalyst for my love of the nail culture. 

The act of getting nail enhancements is much more than just sitting in someone's chair and paying them for whatever they give, no. It's a form of self-care; it's that moment a mother finally gets away from the kids, that, I haven't done anything for myself in so long, that, this is a gift to myself; a pure form of self empowerment. 

If you've ever seen a Black woman before and after getting her nails done, you'll see what I mean. The hand gets to going, the keyboard gets to clacking, and she just refuses to do certain things because she just got her nails done. It's nail culture code. I honestly wouldn't have it any other way. 

Nails bring women together and is a very therapeutic experience for most. Every time I service someone, by the time we're down, they feel different, relieved, and enlightened. 

My prayer is that the culture truly stands the test of time, as it's always been more than JUST nails.

/Jeronica Brister | @jbtravelingnailtech

Creatively Directed by Vato Vergara

Styled by Vato Vergara and Kyndal J

Nail Art by Jeronica Brister 

Models Sydney Beason and Emerald Monet

Shot by Chris Spencer

Bee's in Black Cat Alley | an interview with NEW muralist Mi Salgado

The art in Black Cat Alley on the East side of Milwaukee (E Ivanhoe Pl, Milwaukee, WI 53202) is iconic. From breathtaking imagery, bold colors, creative use, and even moments of controversial application, it is a place in the city like no other. If you have been to Black Cat Alley within the last month, you would have surely noticed that a new cohort of artists were selected to create new murals to become a part of its growing narrative of public art. Excited to see the work in action, CopyWrite visited Mi Salgado as she worked on her piece, Life’s Pollinators.

The original design for Mi’s mural was based off of a painting she curated in 2020 during quarantine. Before Covid happened she had been working on a body of work to submit to a gallery show. However, when the world shut down and those opportunities were no longer an option she decided to redirect her creative focus.

Mi: “I wanted to come up with a piece that defined how working hard can turn into something beautiful and working together can [do the same]. In some way we are all connected.”

She pointed out how the bees pollinate, flowers grow, and we sustain life and beauty through those actions. Her mural shows these components together in a larger than life abstraction of honey combs, flowers, and bee’s together in splashes of orange and yellow warmth. 

As a self taught artist who only began to dabble in professional work in 2018, Mi is excited to be a part of the list of names who have blessed Black Cat Alley with their work. Being a professional artist was never really something Mi had considered for herself, but when she had the opportunity to take on a commission it changed her trajectory and pushed her to explore the craft a little more.

Mi: “I started off drawing and doing a lot of pin work. Then that turned into painting. From there I also picked up wood burning. So I have been practicing a lot of different disciplines. 

Though the discussion of public art in Milwaukee has only recently become a priority in the city, Black Cat Alley has been making its way in that arena since 2015.  New to this side of the creative world we asked Mi what she has learned so far as an up-and-coming talent:

Mi: “It’s not easy!” She laughed. “One thing I think I suck at is creating the statements. It’s a whole process. You really need to know how to write.”

Writing about your work is something many artists neglect, thus they leave others to create the narrative for them. Mi has been using her family and friends as resources to make sure what she is writing is being interpreted in the way she delivers it. It’s something she is still learning and working on.

Creating more public art is something Mi plans on continuing to do. Now that she knows the process she constantly looks at mural calls to see if there is one that might fit. With Black Cat Alley being one of her first murals and the space having so much notoriety, Mi has a jump start into a very niche but competitive field. 

CW: “What do you think about the shift in Public art rapidly appearing across Milwaukee in the last few years? Why do you think such a shift is occurring?”

Mi: “I want to say Milwaukee is experiencing a whole new art scene. There are a lot of young professionals and stuff like that. I think that could be a reason. There are so many unknown artists here. I think that’s something Black Cat Alley is trying to do, [give] unknown artists an opportunity. I think it’s also like a new culture.

She also mentioned wanting to experience the public art scenes in other places which may fuel inspiration for more work.

Though this is Mi, first public large scale solo mural she has helped kids create mural work in the past. The difference she notes is having the ability to use your own concept and let it flow freely. Even in her current piece, she modified the way in which the composition wraps the bump out in the alley where her mural is and also the type of flowers the bees will pollinate. These modifications are a part of the process and a part of the story that makes working in public spaces so special.

For any artist thinking about stepping into the public art scene, Mi suggests that practice is everything.

Mi: “Don’t give up. Keep submitting. Your first application will be the crappiest one. Just keep practicing. Try to make that resume and artist statement better. Try to perfect that application.”

And clearly the practice is worth it. 

Next time you're “on the East” make sure to stop at Black Cat Alley to see Mi Salgados piece, Life’s Pollinators, and other amazing murals that are sure to inspire.

Lexi S. Brunson /CW

The Color Block | CW Fashion Feature

Alexa Play “Hey, Mr. DJ by Zhane.”

The song that highlights the energy we represent in The Color Blocking. 

 2021 has brought back a trend straight out of the 70’s. Color blocking started during the age of disco by a black man named Stephen Burrows. Burrows was able to spread this trend throughout Europe and the US. This trend has now been brought to life by designers throughout the world. 

 Color blocking in its simplest form is taking two to three contrasting colors and placing them in the same outfit. Wearing so many colors at once can seem overwhelming and can look messy but Stylist Kyndal J. and Vato Vergara make it look easy in our Color Pop spread.

 CopyWrite Magazine invited Funk 2 Fashion created by Kyndal J.  to bring her knowledge of style and accessories to collaborate for this “Color Pop” spread. Her jewelry is all made by hand and inspired by her creative lifestyle. Vato and Kyndal approach the trend with intention, giving these colorful ensembles structure flow. 

Photographer: ShotbyBasi

/CW

Get “Out of the Box” this Summer with Black Box Fund [Trailer video featuring REbirth by Cracking Art]

Your /CW Fam will be chilling with the “birds” all summer long!

Check out this teaser video to get a glimpse at how we will be helping to activate the arts with Black Box Fund’s Out of the Box series featuring REbirth by Cracking Art!

#Crackingart #historicthirdwardmilwaukee #outoftheboxmke

Click Here to find out more!

/CW

Get “Out of the Box” this Summer with Black Box Fund

Contact: Black Box Fund

Media Relations Represented by CopyWrite Magazine, Media, & Design

Tiffany Bean [Public Relations /CW] - copywrite.tiffany@gmail.com | 414.207.9832

Get “Out of the Box” this Summer with Black Box Fund

Black Box Fund is hosting a six-week

Summer series Out of the Box, featuring Cracking ArtJune 20 to August 1, 2021

Black Box Fund has announced a series of events that is sure to inspire, entitled Out of the Box. Out of the Box is a six-week series of family-friendly performances, workshops and more taking place along Lake Michigan’s shore south of Discovery World at Lakeshore State Park. Over 75 local non-profits, entertainers, artists and businesses will enliven this summer with multifaceted experiences highlighting a range of national and international awareness events—from African American Music Appreciation to World Nature Conservation. These events will run from June 20 to August 1, 2021. [See full Out of the Box schedule at https://blackboxfund.org/].

“Black Box Fund’s team is passionate about artists of all kinds—musicians, dancers, visual artists, poets, whatever art form someone may be doing—and supporting the creative experiences that happen when artists meet their publics. Seeing them do their work in real life and real time is always extraordinary.” - Marilu Knode, Executive Director of Black Box Fund

At the heart of the event is the commissioned sculptural installation REbirth by artistic movement Cracking Art. REbirth features 22 five-foot-tall, brightly colored swallows, made of “regenerable” plastic. Cracking Arts main desire is to create a sense of wonder that can bring pleasure while highlighting the overwhelming presence of plastic in our lives. “We primarily choose urban spaces rather than those dedicated specifically to art in order to trigger unexpected emotions, expel routine from everyday places, and allow for the reflection of a space with new eyes. Our hope is that this relationship can inspire creativity and a different point of view for observing the surrounding reality.” Cracking Art interview Oubliette magazine.

Black Box Fund has committed to bring the community together around art and highlight the broad diversity of creativity that this city has to offer. When asked about the event, Doug McDonald, Board President of Black Box Fund, said “We look at this as moving out of a mental box, not just a physical one, and expanding our connection with the creative community and with the community at large. Our mission is to create welcoming, family-friendly, open gatherings that really draw people from all aspects of the community.”

[Learn more at http://www.crackingart.com].

With live music, guided tours, food trucks and lots of outdoor space for safe communal engagement, there is plenty for the whole family to enjoy throughout the summer. Everyone is welcome. Black Box Fund believes that it is important to engage with all its community, sharing in the multifaceted ways in which we exist.

To learn more about Out of the Box, visit our website, blackboxfund.org. You will find more about the events, activities and performances planned for the summer. You can also find us on Facebook at Black Box Fund and follow us on Instagram @blackboxfundmke. We’ll be sharing more information and posting updates on these pages throughout the event.

The State DNR currently allows a maximum 350 people per event; visitors to Lakeshore State Park can enjoy Cracking Art and Out of the Box performances while maintaining a safe distance, wearing a mask, and otherwise following the State’s guidelines for COVID safety which can be found at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/community.htm

About: Black Box Fund was founded in 2019 with the belief that art can be a positive unifying force to connect community, our mission is to support public art, music and performance that inspires, educates and enhances the well-being of our Milwaukee communities.

To schedule press interviews or any media event coverage, contact:

Media Relations Represented by CopyWrite Magazine, Media, & Design

Tiffany Bean [Public Relations /CW] - copywrite.tiffany@gmail.com | 414.207.9832

Follow us on Instagram @blackboxfundmke

“Shine A Light” Call for Artists

*info provided Kennita Hickman for Imagine MKE

Light the Hoan is looking for artists to partner with participating non-profits to create one of a kind posters for Light the Hoan. 

This call is open to visual artists, graphic designers, animators, and the likes. Your design will be used on limited edition posters sold through Light the Hoan’s website. In the application process, artists will be asked to submit previous work samples (not drafts of designs for this project).

Selected artists will receive $250 stipend for work plus 10% of merch sales during first year.

Participating non-profits will be highlighted for one month each in 2021 beginning in February, and include:
88NINE Radio Milwaukee 
Imagine MKE 
Black Box Fund 
Islands of Brilliance 
Boys and Girls Club  
We Got This 
IC Stars 
Urban Underground 
Wisconsin Humane Society 
ACTS Housing
United Community Center

To apply, interested artists will need to complete our Shine a Light online application found here by Friday, December 11, 11:59 pm.

Artists will be notified by Tuesday, January 8, 2021.  

From there, artists will be matched with a participating nonprofit.

Individuals who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, from the disability community, military veterans, and other marginalized groups strongly encouraged to apply.

Compensation

Selected artists will receive $250 stipend for work plus 10% of poster sales during first year.

Imagine MKE Background

Imagine MKE is the connector, convener, and amplifier of the arts and culture community in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Our work is rooted in the belief that arts and culture have the power to transform Milwaukee and be the catalyst for social, economic, and civic vitality. Driven by this belief, we unite within our sector and across the city around work that sustains artists and arts organizations, positions creatives at key leadership tables, and partners with others to build a thriving and inclusive city.

Light the Hoan Background

A collective of local business and civic leaders, Light the Hoan is a committee of the Daniel Hoan Foundation. In May 2018, the group launched a public crowdsourcing campaign to help raise more than $3.5 million to illuminate the Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge, the iconic tied-arch bridge spanning nearly two miles across Interstate 794.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO