Beyond the Canvas in the Menomonee Valley

Blowing in the Wind

It is billed as a "non-traditional plein air event" and called Beyond the Canvas to indicate that participating artists may use a wide variety of media in addition to painting, which is usually associated with plein air--traditionally outdoor, on-the-scene--methods.

What a great idea! Art and the environment. I've been out in the Menomonee Valley, one of my favorite places, for the past several days, shooting and creating photographs for the event. The annual contest and exhibition is sponsored by MARN, the Milwaukee Artist Resource Network.

This year's event schedule is as follows:
o Exhibition opening – October 19, 5-9 pm
o A Silent Auction opens on Gallery Night
o The exhibit runs Monday, October 22 to Thursday October 25, hours are 12:00 to 5:00 pm
o Closing reception, silent auction closing, awards, ceremony, live music, refreshments, Oct. 26, 5-9 pm

 All of the above activities will take place at the
Pedal Milwaukee Building, 3618 W. Pierce Street

I hope you'll join me there!

More information on the MARN website.


This is the first of a suite of 12 images of the Menomonee Valley that I shot for Beyond the Canvas 2011. The handmade book, called "Palimpsest," that I created from them won the first place prize in the Photography category last year. To see the whole suite go to my website and choose the Palimpsest portfolio from the drop down menu.

The triptych, Blowing in the Wind (above), also won an award in Beyond the Canvas 2010.

MARN brings “Beyond the Canvas” to the Menomonee Valley

You are invited! Artworks fresh from the field and stream – and industrial sites.

October 15 – gallery night: preview and auction, 5 – 9 pm.
October 16 – gallery day: preview and auction, 10 am – 4 pm.

Also on October 16, at 3 pm MARN director Melissa Musante will give a talk about collecting art and, in the evening, the big event…

Artists reception, Public Auction, and Party featuring Trio DeJaneiro, 4 – 8 pm.

It all takes place at Helios in the Menomonee Valley at 1207 W. Canal St. Details at MARN.

Soo Line

The Milwaukee Artist Resource Network (MARN) and the Menomonee Valley have something in common: they have both seen significant growth in the past ten years. After decades of economic decline and environmental degradation, the Valley is seeing new industries and jobs return. Restoration projects and planned parklands also will make the Menomonee River a major component of Milwaukee’s urban wilderness. As a tribute to these developments MARN has devised a special event that will bring artists to the Valley. MARN, which has likewise been experiencing an exciting surge in membership and influence, has also distinguished itself with creative ideas for bringing together artists and the public. Like this one!

It is billed as “Beyond the Canvas: A Plein Air Event Celebrating the Transformation of the Menomonee Valley.”

Artists working in any medium were invited to produce art works in the Valley between October 1 and October 11. (I was out bright and early – sunrise – on October 1 myself. Hey, I have to admit this is one of my favorite subjects in Milwaukee!) Each registered artist may submit two pieces to be exhibited, auctioned, and judged for prizes. Last I heard there were over 40 artists registered. Since I’m involved I’m biased, but I think this is going to be outstanding.

I’ve spent a lot of time in the Menomonee Valley over the years and I’ve seen firsthand the transformation that is ongoing. It wasn’t so long ago that very few people went there (except to the old County Stadium.) Now Miller Park, Potawatomi, Harley Davidson, and the Hank Aaron State Trail are just a few of the good reasons to visit. If you haven’t been in the valley – or even if you’re one of the growing numbers of regulars – come to Helios and see it in a new light, through the eyes of painters, sculptors, photographers, and other artists of all types.

Urban Wilderness revisited

The two images that accompany this post are from my forays during this event, but are not the two that you will see at Helios. Let’s make that a surprise. I hope you’ll come find out what they are.

Click here for more information about MARN and “Beyond the Canvas.”