Out Of The Ashes. Benefit for the Artists Affected by the Riverwest Fire

I, with the help and support of MARN, am organizing a benefit show for the artists and galleries affected by the fire in Riverwest yesterday. I know there are a few things in the works right now across the city fundraising-wise, but one thing I haven't heard of is a quality themed show (including some work of the artists affected?) with a strong focus on the art that would show the talent of the Milwaukee art community while also raising some money to help the people who lost their supplies, spaces and homes.

I don't want to create competing charity events, but I do think an event that focuses on the ART would be a good partner to a more general fundraising effort. I have been offered a space in riverwest and have been talking with people from MARN about options and possible further support. The date should be set in the coming days, along with more specifics as to what the show will actually be (show/auction/sale/etc...).

Initial thoughts were something like "Out of the Ashes: Work inspired by or related to the Center Street Fire. For the benefit of those directly affected."

Much more to be figured out, but if you'd like to leave a comment or idea or are interested in participating, let me know. I am meeting with people throughout the week who have shown interest and have possible help to offer.


I'd appreciate any thoughts on the subject. As of now, we are moving forward with the idea and will work on setting a date asap. Any and all thoughts/questions are welcome, any help would definitely be appreciated. 



If you are currently trying to work a benefit out on your own, let me know and maybe we can consolidate the events. There are a number of possibilities that reach a number of different groups of people, so there's plenty of room for hammering out details for the best possible solution. 


The donations, fundraising and community activism so far has been great to see and have totally blown me away, but with this we have a chance to show off not only the generosity of the community, but the vitality of the art being created in the city and the ability of that art to heal and bring people together. 


A tragedy like this can help build our city's culture and history more than any museum expansion, public sculpture, or a major exhibit could ever dream of or it can be a low point for a big part of our art community. It all depends on what we do from here on out.

If you are interested in taking part, keep checking in.  More info should be coming daily.