You may have noticed giant, colorful alien creatures at towering over the sand Bradford Beach earlier this month. No, Milwaukee didn’t recently have an alien invasion—that we know of. Unless you’re counting the Republican National Convention. In fact, it was an art installation by FuzzPop Workshop created for and debuted at the launch of a brand-new event series called ArtBlaze from Joy Engine. The event featured an epic drone show over the lake created by Ray Chi and Firefly Drones in collaboration with Villa Terrace Art Museum, performances from Wave Chappelle, Roxie Beane, and Trapper Schoepp, live DJs and an interactive hip hop workshop from Your Move MKE. If you missed out, don't worry. Every few weeks, Joy Engine will be putting on ArtBlaze events on Milwaukee’s Bradford and Shore Shore Park beaches: a brilliant move from one of the most innovative and impactful arts organizations in town.
Recently, I spoke with Joy Engine’s Executive Director Steph Salvia about the new series, the significance of it and what the community can expect from ArtBlaze.
Milwaukee is known for its incredible natural spaces. How will these events activate the site-specific assets of the park spaces of Bradford Beach and South Shore Park?
While we are known for our natural spaces, we don’t often activate or celebrate them. What better way to remind the community that these spaces shouldn’t be taken for granted than by hosting a series of free family-friendly events?!
What kinds of arts will be part of the events-- and will there be any footprint/trace of the arts activities beyond the actual day of the happenings?
A variety of arts will be represented at the events including local music and dance plus hands on art experiences from additional arts organizations and artists. At Joy Engine we use the term “arts” to cover a widely diverse array of creative skills and imaginative talents. Other than taking a turn at creating some of your own original art, we will leave no trace of our activities on the beaches. That’s just part of recognizing that our lake is a gift and we have a responsibility to take care of it.
Why do you think public art initiatives are having a moment in Milwaukee?
It seems as if arts organizations are starting to collaborate now more than they ever have before. We all know that Wisconsin ranks nearly last in arts funding so it’s important to collectively work together rather than fighting for limited funding. There’s a lot of new energy in the arts and culture space and people who understand the power of banding together to change the narrative. People recognize that the arts have the power to break barriers, spark meaningful human connections, and create equitable access and belonging and that energy extends across the organizations themselves.
What can the public expect from ArtBlaze events?
The public can expect to be wowed by larger than life original art created by local artists from the Fuzz Pop Workshop in the form of giant creatures. They can also expect to see and hear an amazing lineup of performances. The amount of sheer talent in this city should not be taken for granted. Additional activities include hands-on art-making, tie-dye, yoga, a silent disco, s’mores, and even professional sand sculpting at our finale event on August 21st.
How can people support the future of happenings like this?
Donate funds or even your time to our amazing arts organizations. They are doing such important work. Continue to show up to events that celebrate local artists that pay them fair wages so they don’t take their talent to another city. Milwaukee seems to finally be having its moment. Let’s support the artists that helped get us here - it’s about time!
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The next ArtBlaze event from Joy Engine takes place on Wednesday, July 31 at South Shore Park Beach, from 3-10 pm. The event will include interactive art, music from Lil Rev, Tigera and De La Buena, free yoga from MKE Yoga (register here), dancing, a performance from Karlies Kelly from Pandanza, s’mores, vendors, beverages and more!