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Redefining “Street" Art | #CROSSWORDSNORTH Community Interview
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There is art in these streets. LITERALLY!
Beautification projects have been popping up all over Milwaukee. Sculptures, murals, installations, and more have become a part of the growing public narrative that art has a significant impact on the community.
However, even though some forms of art create aesthetic dialogues, others work as functioning methods of civic engagement. A new street mural project between the crosswalks bordering North Avenue, on Palmer St. and Hubbard St., addresses a real problem we all have noticed; reckless driving.
The project entitled Cross/Words/North “is a unique community-based art project that brings together students and families from nearby St.Marcus Lutheran School, neighbors living in the Harambee and Riverwest neighborhoods near North Avenue, and several community organizations, to create four pieces of crosswalk-framed art that express their feelings about the neighborhood.”- their press release noted.
Each crosswalk features an image that is symbolic of a distinct word: Empowerment, Love, Unity, and Diversity. Throughout several weeks of virtual workshops with partnering organizations Artists Working in Education (AWE) and Safe & Sound, the words and images were selected in collaboration with community stakeholders including students, parents, and residents. CopyWrite joined this amazing group of community members on installation day (July 17th, 2021) to see why this form of street art is more than what meets the eye.
Three youth artists D.J. White, Joshua Fuentes, and Jazale Hill gave us their perspectives on why the Cross/Words/North project is worthy of their time and space in their community.
CW: “You are all here working very hard on this community project. Why did you decide to be a part of this?”
D.J.: “I really like art. I like all of the colors and how the pictures tell a story.”
Jazale: “I decided to be a part of this to address the safety of driving. It’s also something positive to do in the summer that I actually like.”
Joshua: “I just really like helping.”
Not only did these youth artists help in the physical application of the painted murals but also were extremely involved in the design of the crosswalks. Both Joshua and Jazale released artist statements about their designs.
"The houses represent Diversity, as we live in a community where we are all individuals but we are uniquely different. The houses I drew are all homes but each is unique. I wanted to include details such as the porches because, in neighborhoods like mine, this became a space during the Covid-19 Pandemic of togetherness. We were able to talk to our neighbors from the porch and wave to each other while being safer at home,” - Joshua Fuentes
“I feel that the infinity sign and lotus flower conveys the word empowerment well. The infinity sign symbolizes a forever bond. As a community even through tough times we will always be together and work things out in order to live better. The lotus flower symbolizes the work that still needs to be done that will eventually bloom into a greater City of Milwaukee, a better place for us. As a resident of Milwaukee, I want things to be better for my younger siblings, family, friends, and even just people in general. I want my work to make a difference and empower others to feel safe during their everyday life. Being involved by addressing safety concerns of reckless driving in Milwaukee is a start to doing that. This way I know I helped people I care about be a little more safe. I know my work is a part of something bigger than myself.” - Jazale Hill
D.J added that though he was originally coerced into being a part of the project once involved he began to understand how the project could be a service to others and enjoyable.
DJ: “This project matters because you get to be creative while helping against reckless driving. The project was inspired by ourselves and what we wanted to see. It’s important because we are drawing them and that makes it personal.”
As reflective as these youth were about the visual imagery of the project they also had thoughts on the safety of their community when it comes to “trendy '' dangerous driving habits plaguing our city. The colloquial word for reckless driving is baselining. The act of baselining and increase of delinquent car theft has made fatality by motor vehicle and incapacitated injury surge over the last few years. Milwaukee’s Traffic Safety Unit (TSU) reports that year to date there have been 215 incidents that have drastically changed someone's thread of existence, with harm or death (2021).
Joshua: “I usually feel safe but at the same time I don’t go outside a lot because there have been two accidents by my house already.”
CW: “Why would that keep you from going outside?”
Joshua: “I’m afraid that I might get hit.”
Though the narrative may always unfold with negative statistics tabulating real-world issues as numbers, this “street” art is a reminder to ease up on the speed, the dangerous maneuvers, and focus on the world around us.
Jazale: “I think it will inspire people to slow down in a positive way and look at the beauty.”
But what sparks this plan for communally combative street art?
Greg St. Arnold, a resident and “avid biker”, too had noticed the risk of traveling on city streets. People swerving in and out of traffic, near misses, and stories of collisions are all enough to make any commuter wary. Listening to the City-County Carjacking and Reckless Driving Task Force report, Greg realized that the issue was something that needed actionable attention and could possibly be addressed through collaborative means. He then reached out to Mark Lisowski, community organizer for Safe & Sound, to see how they could create something in the neighborhood that would make the highly traveled streets more bike and pedestrian-friendly.
With a solid idea in hand, they were awarded the City of Milwaukee’s Reckless Driving Mini-Grant, which allowed them to facilitate creative community development workshops through AWE and Lead artist Stephanie Krellwitz.
Greg: “From there on I was a participant in the process. The Zoom sessions were awesome and a good discussion of what each community stakeholder would like the art to represent.”
In the same way, the youth artists were reflective of reckless driving in our community, Greg too shared thoughts on the impact it may have on them.
Greg: “Who are the people that are reckless driving? It’s young people. So what better way to address that than have them involved”.
He also cited that projects like this have been pitched in other parts of the city-backed by real research that suggests arts ability to curb more dangerous driving activity. However, not all projects get approved and many people want to know why.
Greg: “Some people don’t think that the money the city is giving out to address reckless driving is enough. But as a community member, I’m excited to get a grant like this even if it's small. This is an opportunity to directly connect with local government and do something that can actually serve the community.”
As stakeholders in the creative community and supporters of the local, we had to ask Greg if he too has noticed an increase of public art in Milwaukee as a method of civic engagement and where it may be coming from.
Greg: “I have noticed more public art and I’m seeing more murals around. I think there has been an uptake in awareness, engagement, and activism. There seems to be a link between that and now people are more continuous on how it creates impact. I hope that's the case. I hope I'm not just imagining this.”
As society shifts into more public acts of accountability, so must the way we combat negative actions like reckless driving and practice acts of social responsibility. A part of this shift is using language and symbolism to communicate what we stand for as communities. Redefining “street” art as a way to slow down baselining, bring comfort to our residents, and save a few more lives, is just one way we can cross the road together.
See you in these streets.
Lexi S. Brunson /CW
Milwaukee Police Department Traffic Safety Unit. (2021, June 9). TSU Statistics. Traffic Safety Unit. https://mpdtsu.org/tsustatistics/.
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Meet The /CW Fam!
/It's our Anniversary!
As of July 15th, 2021, CopyWrite Magazine has been in business for six years [& eight years in the game]. For this years celebration we thought it only fitting to re-introduce ourselves, have you meet the /CW Fam, and learn more about the people behind the mission!
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WE STAND FOR ALL THINGS URBAN.
As an unapologetic group of creatives, CopyWrite is in business to change the community. Our promise is to always remember where we started from. We do this by telling the stories that need to be told, showcasing the unrealized artistic potential throughout our community, all while doing what we love: create.
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We are not your “average” media company. Our magazine is not dominated by ads, unrealistic figures of beauty, or filler content. We tell stories about people you know; the ones you live by, go to school with, or are sure to meet at your favorite community events. We don’t let the status quo control the way we express ourselves. We keep it authentic to who WE are. We break the molds of tradition and stay current without over saturating the market. Our pitch is not to sell you on a vision of aspiration but to ask you to be a part of real community cultivation. We don’t look for validation from people who only support our community on paper [tuh, ya’ll cute] or people who live their life for the “likes”. Our beginnings are humble. Our lifestyles triumph over adversity. Our song, some fire track with hella bass. Many people we know gave up on their creative dreams but we still breathe the worth of our passion.
The narrative will shift. One story at a time.
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/CW FAM | SQUAD | TEAM | STAFF
Lexi S. Brunson - Owner | Editor-in-Chief
“If they said I did it, I DID IT.”
Lexi is obsessed with all things Urban. She believes that there is a beauty between every sidewalk crack and alleyway. She is outspoken, confident, and her creativity allows her to view the world WAY outside the box. She is a multifaceted professional with a BFA in Interior Architecture & Design and MA in Media Studies. Her passion for social equality, freedom of expression, and goofy wit makes her just the right combo of kick a** to get any job done. She makes "it” happen!
Fun Fact about Lexi: “If you don’t keep a bottle of hot sauce at the crib, you might as well pack my food up to go. I put that ‘ish on everything!”
Favorite /CW moment: “Our first anniversary party we hosted at 88Nine. There had never been so many Black & Brown faces in that space before that moment. I like to think we helped changed that narrative. Plus it was poppin’ ”
Vato Vergara - Fashion Editor | Creative Director
"It all starts with a Look!”
Vato is the Renaissance man in every sense of the word. Whether he is styling clients, hosting events, maintaining online thrift shop, or creative directing for CopyWrite, Vato brings new and innovative ideas to the table. HIS fashion + style expertise is what makes /CW always tastefully in style.
Fun Fact about Vato: “I love cooking!”
Favorite /CW moment: “I didn’t know anything about CW but one day I found out this local publication that was all about supporting the local. So I went out and printed 100 copies at work [this before we offered printed magazine] and handed them out all over downtown. I remember receiving a call about it from the owners. Which is what got me to be apart of this amazing company!”
Tiffany Bean - The People Person | PR Director + Chief of Staff
"What's a bad shot? I never seen one. . .”
Tiffany is a PR pro with authentic links to community, culture, and the mind of corporate america. She has a BA in Corporate Communications and Digital Media. She has also served as a public ally and currently sits on the communications board at the JGCA. With her interpersonal skills, ability to read the room, and “politic” she has never met a stranger. She is The People Person.
Fun Fact about Tiffany: “My favorite movie is Titanic. ‘Never let go!’ ”
Why Support the local?: “I support the local because I am the local. I am a Milwaukee native, Burleigh res and Marquet made. I think it is important that the voice of the city from all angles is heard. We deserve it! ”
Carrie “Noni Juice” Mahone - Head Broadcast Journalist
"Its Noni Juice.”
Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, Carrie Noni has her Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Communication. She has always had her eyes set on the entertainment industry and isn’t afraid to create her own opportunities to get there. So far in her career she has worked with 103.7 Kiss FM, Journal Sentinel, v100.7, and currently has a full-time role as a Producer for 101.7 The Truth. Her love for natural hair led her to creating her YouTube channel, “Natural Noni,” and she created a top 5 music countdown show, “N’fluence.”
Fun Fact about Carrie: “I love Milkshakes. I swear I’m a milkshake connoisseur lol. ”
Why Support the local?: “I support the local because I would want the local to support me. I understand what it feels like to be on a mission to change your community for the better, and all you need is support from your city. That’s why it’s always #414 love to my city!”
Imani Ortiz - Specialized Content Journalist
"A wise man once said, ‘Bees don’t waste their time explaining to flies that honey is better than shit’.”
The best way to describe Imani would be nothing less than “the Jill of all trades”. Her comedic energy and enthusiastic personality is hard to match. One of her biggest goals is to help connect different generations to Urban culture through media, specialized projects, and interpersonal encounters. While embracing and cultivating her own versatile creativity, she hopes to not only strengthen the local community with opportunities to voice their own stories but to encourage others to speak, stand and live in their own truth.
Fun Fact about Imani: First generation college graduate. #thefinesser
Why Support the local?: “Selfishness is what really makes me #supportthelocal. Sounds crazy right? Let me explain. We want people to support us in our endeavors and want people to crave whatever you we do creatively yet it’s so hard for people in the city to pour into others. Why is that? That never made sense to me. We have to hold each other accountable and uplift each other on the way up. There’s no reason why the Milwaukee creative scene should be as segregated as it is. It’s always love here at CopyWrite and that’s all we (as in everyone) should be pouring into the community. Inspiration, support and love. Das it.”
Tanasia Shaw - Journalism Intern
"Forever a student at life.”
Tanasia Shaw is a senior a UW-Milwaukee majoring in journalism and minoring in Africology and communication. Tanasia is best described as charismatic, humble and creative. Her interests in culture, art and social issues are the perfect combination for a compelling story. Her goal is to create content that accurately represents underrepresented people and cultures.
Fun Fact about Tanaisa: “In 2020, I started a decor and graphic design business.”
Why Support the local?: “I support the local because the local has always supported me! I wouldn't be able to story tell or create if it wasn't for my Milwaukee Native mentors, colleagues, and friends that constantly inspire me”
Adrienne Davis - Media Journalist Intern | Producer in Training
"It’s not about being the best, it’s about getting the job done.”
Adrienne Davis has an associates degree in E-Production from Milwaukee Area Technical College. She is currently attending UWM to obtain a BA in Journalism. This social introvert has a passion for journalism, culture, and creativity. She has also done work in movie production and is interested in continuing to hone those skills in the future.
Fun Fact about Adrienne: "“I love food, that’s the key to my heart.”
Favorite /CW moment: “When I got my first spread in published in a magazine, only right it was for CW.”
/CW OFFICE + STUDIO [CAMP LOCALS] IS NOW OPEN!
KEEP ON THE LOOK OUT FOR INVITES TO THE SPACE, COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITIES AND MORE!
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We Outside!!! Keep up w/ your /CW Fam as we cover #OutOfTheBoxMKE
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Join us this summer as we provide authentic /CW style media coverage at Out Of The Box, six-week summer series. Your /CW Fam will be in the field catching all the vibes that change the narrative, highlight the community, and looking at everything through a creative lens. Tag us at @copywritemag and #copywritemag #OutOfTheBoxMKE #BlackBoxFund so we can help show off the local every step of the way!
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Juneteenth Celebration Press Interview w/ Vedale Hill
//CW Editor-in-Chief, Lexi S. Brunson spoke to lead artist for the Juneteenth Mural in Milwaukee WI, Vedale Hill, on how art elevates the holiday & its history.
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