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Creating Brighter Futures

Celebrating the investment from
We Energies during MYAC's capital campaign efforts,

this collaborative mural expresses the innovation, creativity, and potential that the young people

and artists of the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center

produce each day.

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MYAC partnered with community arts leaders Arts@Large, a local nonprofit based on Milwaukee's south side committed to providing equitable access to educational experiences that include the arts.  Together, MYAC, Arts@Large, and We Energies recruited a variety of Milwaukee-based artists to pitch a community art project that would engage the young people of MYAC and build a permanent expression of the values that make MYAC unique.

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At the top of the priorities list for this project was collaborating with members of the MYAC Student Advisory Board, a representative team of young leaders from various MYAC program partners such as MYSO and First Stage.

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Members of the Student Advisory Board who provided leadership to this project included:

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  • Joelle Askew

  • John Eash-Scott

  • Claire Fifarek

  • Sam Freund

  • ​Lauren Gooden

  • Maya Lindner

  • Rehann Mugeet

  • Alice Rivera​

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MYAC Student Advisory Board members in a workshop session discussing mural themes and intended outcomes.

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CREATING BRIGHTER FUTURES was designed by community artist John Kowalczyk, who describes his art as "shrine-like, shiny, symmetrical, and seductive figurations that become maps of my mind combining myth, math, and magic." His work is comprised of mixed media paintings and larger than life installations that incorporate vintage fabrics, thrift store treasures, gift wrap, shelf liner, string, ribbon, repurposed drawings, glitter and gold. The collaged elements of his paintings become more than the sum of their parts exhibiting a spiritual nature.

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Born in Chicago in 1988, John Kowalczyk currently lives and works in Milwaukee, WI as an artist, curator, and educator. Kowalczyk received his BFA in painting from Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design in 2010, and began a three year residency with RedLine Milwaukee soon after, where he curated gallery shows and taught workshops. He currently is the Artist in Residence Program Director for Artists Working in Education, where he facilitates and oversees large scale community and public art projects throughout the city of Milwaukee. Kowalczyk’s work has been exhibited at the Sienna Art Institute in Italy, The Charles Allis Art Museum, The Harley Davidson Museum, The Cedarburg Cultural Center, and The Museum of Wisconsin Art along with other galleries across the U.S.

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During design discussions between the artist, students, MYAC staff, and We Energies leaders - themes emerged about the design.  

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The team gravitated towards a multi-media mural, one that played with light and integrated elements of nature with unique aspects of the MYAC student experience.  

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Through revisions, the final design celebrated the intersection of creativity, growth, and expression.

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Click the slideshow to the right to view the inspiration board, the mural design through revision, and up close views of individual elements during fabrication.​

Throughout "Creating Brighter Futures" are a number of special call-outs and references, including:

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  • A musical staff

  • A stage proscenium 

  • Interpretation of the lighting grids from Youth Arts Hall and Goodman Mainstage Theater

  • Objects that 'take flight' through creativity

  • ​Items that amplify voices

  • .... and whatever you see!

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The design team was also inspired by the "You Will Make A Difference" mural located across the Burke Commons, designed by artist Carrie O'Malley with the help of (different!) MYAC students.  Dedicated to the tremendous legacy of Richard Burke, this piece celebrates Milwaukee area landmarks and Richard's personal mission of 'growing young people.'

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Most keenly represented by the vibrant flowers that grow through the skyline, this imagery is intentionally reflected in 'Creating Brighter Futures' - connecting both pieces visually, thematically, and emotionally.

Completed and installed in fall of 2024,

CREATING BRIGHTER FUTURES now engages all MYAC visitors in a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and community building. 

 

It reflects the deep commitment of We Energies across Southeastern Wisconsin, and inspires every young person, artist, and caregiver at

MYAC to do their best work.

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