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The Native Heritage Celebration 

When: Friday, September 26th

Where: Marcus Performing Arts Center Outdoor Grounds, Milwaukee, WI

By Anna Rose Menako 

The inaugural Native Heritage Celebration at the Marcus Performing Arts Center brought together tribal representatives, artists, and educators from Wisconsin and beyond, including Ho-Chunk, Potawatomi, and Anishinaabe nations. 

The “Living Village” highlighted how Indigenous communities historically used natural resources with reverence and ingenuity to create items that are aesthetically beautiful as well as functional. Deer, moose, and buffalo hides became soft-sole moccasins, moss provided insulation, and smoke dyed leather. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Artist in Residence Rachel Jeske explained how these techniques varied from tribe to tribe, shaped by their environments. 

Learning about the knowledge and techniques that were passed down Native Ancestors always makes me wonder how much more Native American knowledge was lost through genocide and colonization. 

The displays also revealed how certain items and tropes that are positioned as being quintessentially “American”, actually have Indigenous roots. For example, black ash woven baskets, associated with old-fashioned picnics, are made using techniques that predate colonization. The bald eagle, treated as a patriotic mascot, is deeply sacred in Native traditions and is seen as a messenger to the spirit world. The contrast between traditional reverence and appropriative “mascotification” felt like a microcosm of how colonization and cultural erasure continue to impact Native communities. 

The program closed with Supaman, an award-winning Apsáalooke performance artist and educator whose music blends hip hop with traditional elements, including flute. His work is a reminder that Indigenous art is living and evolving and powerful. Not only in the past, but present and future as well. 

This celebration honored the endurance of Native traditions while showing how they continue to shape and inspire our shared present. 

Left to right: "The Subtraction of Children” by David Najib Kasi, “Wild Bill” by Brent Schoonover and Hannah Tews

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Doors Open Mural Festival

When: Saturday, September 27th

Location: Black Cat Alley, E Ivanhoe Place, Milwaukee WI

By Nicole Baillargeon

As a part of Milwaukee’s Doors Open event, vendors filled the street corner as a part of Mural Fest. There are 9 new murals to find in and around the iconic Black cat alley. A common theme within some of the artwork is family, community and the things which unite us as a city.  These art pieces have brought new color, light and perspective to Milwaukee’s East Side.

One such mural is “The Subtraction of Children” by David Najib Kasir. The image uses geometric shapes to display a mother holding her child close to her.  This mural stands out because of the current anxieties around our immigrant neighbors that make Milwaukee the beautiful diverse city we love. The painting reminds one of what a privilege it is to hold our loved ones.

Another mural “Wild Bill” by Brent Schoonover and Hannah Tews, depicts an amine style portrait of two-time all-star Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contraras. In the background of the painting, you can see at least two iconic Milwaukee symbols, the Milwaukee Art Musem and of course the American Family Field. The unique art style makes it pop among the other paintings.