Since 2011, Bay View Gallery Night has organized “Milwaukee’s largest annual celebration of art, local business, music, and community.” The massive late spring event brings together talented area artists and musicians, along with an eclectic mix of Milwaukee bars, restaurants and retailers for a large-scale event that has quickly become a part of the Bay View tradition. It’s free. It’s fun. It’s locally-focused. What more can you ask for?
BVGN will return to the neighborhood on Friday, May 31. This iteration will feature hundreds of artists and musicians showcasing their works at approximately 70 (!!!) Bay View and Bay View-adjacent businesses. Moreover, the annual Rollout bike event will return, Bay View Jazz Fest will be in full swing, and “Food Truck Friday” will be up and running. Since that sounds like—and is!—a lot of stuff happening at once, we’ve assembled this quick-hitting and to-the-point guide to tell you what to expect to see, hear, experience, and drink at each participating site during this year’s Bay View Gallery Night festivities. [All descriptions courtesy of BVGN.org]
The Jewelers Guild
Hosting a gallery for up-and-coming jewelers.
Food Truck Friday at Morgan Park
Family-friendly event with food booths and trucks, and more.
Sprocket Cafe
Featuring photography by Brent Bublitz.
Sam’s Tap
Local artists on display and local musicians will be performing.
Commonplace Shop
Process & Prototypes: A peek behind the design process of local designers and artists. Featuring prototypes, materials, and drawings that may or may not become finished work.
Tasha Rae Jewelry
Belted: Featuring hand-fabricated belt designs by several local designers. Plus, stop by to see the reveal of a new storefront remodel by Ryan Tretow.
Plume
Join Plume during BVGN for refreshments, music and a fresh selection of vintage clothing and accessories for men and women.
Korinthian Violins
Featuring local artists Chris Tishler and Carol Kraco.
Outpost Natural Foods
Visit the Community Room to view fantastic artwork from Outpost’s staff, while enjoying organic wine samples, as well as appetizing hor d’oeuvres from Outpost Catering.
Bay View Methodist Church
Fujie Moses watercolor paintings, Deb Bernal alcohol ink paintings, Diane Evans from Dee Evans Pottery.
Light refreshments will be served and there will be a kids craft area available while parents look around.
Bounce Milwaukee
Local Artist will guide both adults and kids through creating a custom coloring book to bring home. Art from multiple artists will be displayed and will be for sale.
Cycle Loft
The Cycle Loft Gallery is proud to present original artwork by local mixed media and collage artist Chad Alexander. Bay View artist Stephen Leahy will present a large scale interactive installation with associated oil paintings. Musician and artist Todd Umhoefer (aka Old Earth) will also have a mixed media work on display. Cycle Loft will once again be a destination spot for the annual Rollout bicycle ride. As part of the bike ride, there will be a community art project and, as always, free beer.
Hide House
Featuring paintings and drawings from Suzanne Nolte and Jonna Olson. Stop by and discover new art and explore Hide House artist studios.
The Crafty Cow
Displaying acrylic painting pieces from Danny Duffy, and Katie Rowland works that incorporate mixed media with driftwood, feathers, and found nature objects.
At Random
Stop by a Milwaukee legend for a classic cocktail and stay for the jazz.
The Art School
The Art School recently moved into a new location and is celebrating with a grand opening party. This event will feature a group exhibition, showcasing the incredible paintings and drawings of adult and youth students. Come and meet the instructors, experience our unconventional classroom facility and enjoy some refreshments.
Alive And Fine
Its wacky! Its nutty! Its cuckoo at Alive and Fine! Join in the fun with a group gallery show inspired by Pee Wee’s Playhouse and the Big Adventure. Over 25 local and national artists in all mediums will be a part of this weirdo show including painting, ceramics, illustration, appliqué, fibers, soap, photography, installation, and vintage fashion. Stay tuned for the secret word.
Honeypie Cafe
Artworks of Domenic Serena and Amy Lancaster.
Rush-Mor Records
Walk Among Us by EddyC: A photographic exploration of the streets of contemporary Milwaukee, seen from the lens of a citizen who loves to walk the Brew Town.
The Rollout – BVGN Bicycle Adventure
This is a free, fun, family-friendly event, but it’s not square. It’s an art scavenger hunt on two wheels.
Participants choose their own adventures from a passport you’ll receive when you arrive. You’ll create collaborative art and community spirit and have a lot of smiles along the journey. Feel free to do as many or as few stops as you’d like, but the more stops you do, the better your chances are at winning a prize. As the sun sets, meet back at Rush-Mor for food and raffle prizes afterwards. All ages are encouraged to participate. Followed by a Roll Out Dance Party at The Mothership at 10 p.m.
South Shore Gallery & Framing
Come in and say hello! The business is raffling off gift certificates for custom framing up to $300 to celebrate wonderful Bay View and 25 years in business. Featuring new work by the house artistindie la londe: mosaics, relief pieces, and paintings.
Puddler’s Hall
Puddler’s Hall will be featuring four local Bay View artists including Christine Burke (acrylic on canvas), Amy Captain (watercolor/mixed media), Samantha Henson (pen & ink/watercolor), and Hannah Ribbens (mixed media).
Milwaukee Makerspace
Visitors will be able to tour work areas like the wood shop, metal shop, 3D printing lab, craft area, laser lab, and many others. And stop by for a blacksmith demonstration, the Delek Asylum will have full-size Daleks driving around, and several members will be selling things they have made in the Makerspace.
Kindred On KK
Live music on the patio by Milwaukee’s “Listening Party” works from instinctive artist Anton Carter and the abstract art of Holly Harnischfeger.
URSA
Hosting artist Janelle Gramling, a Milwaukee sculptor working in ceramic, wood, and fiber. Her wall-hung sculptures use gravity to activate her geometric arrangements. A minimal and modern aesthetic is balanced with earthy and folky materials in these mixed-media sculptures.
Deco Salon & Spa
Showcasing artists Pam Dalecky-Hetzel’s “Art Rock” collection of paintings and jewelry incorporating rocks and crystals, as well as Jil Ortíz’s creative photography and jewelry, and Mike Hagen of 414Clayworks.
Dave’s Guitar
Art on display by Kara Murphy and Melanie Holterman. Live music by Nathan Marquardt, Andii Heath, and Matthew Davies.
Avalon Theater (Alleyway)
Behind the Avalon Theater is a cool hidden gem of Bay View filled with street art done by Bay View High school students, local artists (Ryan Laessig, Tarah Mueller, Heather Shinn, and Joe Woiak), and national artists GetLostALot, Leon Rainbow, and Zar. Have a walk through, take some photos, and continue your BVGN experience.
Bay View Bowl
Featuring oil paintings by Joe Zoltak.
Susan Schmidt Skincare Savant and Z Chiropractic
Will be hosting Ms. Emma Theisen, multi-talented artist. Complimentary organic rejuvenating toner/lotion spritzer for the face. As usual we’ll be serving a non alcoholic beverage and healthy snack.
The Magnet Factory MKE
Gracing their walls will be works by Nova Czarnecki, Jenna Miller, Francisco Ramirez, Benjamin Fairly, Willow Bayer, Modern Hexery, The Untold Stories Project- Survivor writing and MIAD student response art created through the Untold Stories project of the LOTUS Legal Clinic. There will be art, music, community, refreshments and snacks for all ages.
Hoax Gallery
Solo exhibition by fine artist Vincent Coleman-Copeland.
Via Fever
Featuring artist Kelly Main.
Hairy’s Hair Bar and G’day Gallery
Photography by Ari Rosenthal and Chia B. Handcrafted wearables and collectibles by various local artisans. Fun and frolic with Cirque Du Hairys & Co. Get your photo taken on the “red carpet” in front of Hairys Hair Bar. Appetizers provided by I Dream Of Jeannie’s Weenies!
Acme Records
Neil Majeski & Phillip Van Asten present “The Neolodeon,” a traditional motion-picture exhibition device in painted decay…a Kinetoscope with four short films & pastel drawings. Live music will also be present.
Tonic Tavern
The Tonic Tavern will host an art exhibition titled “That’s Music To My Eyes” by Ben Talatzko, Danny Duffy, and BVGN co-founder Jeff Redmon.
Vital Signs
Vital Signs welcomes I need a voice not a body, works by Mel Cook.
Riviera Maya
Featuring paintings and drawings from Rolando Jimenez and Christine Burke.
Razor Barbershop
Bay View artist Joe Bree will be showing painting and skate decks he designed.
Linear Salon
Linear will feature the work of local artist Renee Bebeau (luna). Meet the artist and get henna from her during gallery night for $15.
Highbury Pub
Graffiti works from local artist Therd.
Freya
Showing art from Bay View artist Luke Chappelle.
Centraal Grand Cafe & Tappery
Centraal Grand Café & Tappery is excited to announce that as part of its recent renovation, a new gallery space has been created to show artists from around the world or around the corner at events like Bay View Gallery Night. Being inspired by Centraal station in Amsterdam, Centraal Grand Café & Tappery has launched appropriately with a large exhibition of original prints from Dutch artist, Eddy Varekamp.
Milwaukee Community Acupuncture and Foundation Chiropractic
Art on display from Jessica Bradway and Becky Tesch. Free Ear Accupuncture from 5-7 p.m.
The Newport
Featuring “The First Three Songs” – Milwaukee Music Photography by Dave Bernacchi and Robert Cavallo and”Knit Shit” knitted crafts and oddities by Kiersten Darling.
Colectivo Coffee
Join over 40 art, craft and design vendors in the parking lot of Colectivo for the Maker Market.
Little Duck Kitchen
L. Chappelle displaying new paintings made over the course of the last year.
Stone Creek Coffee
Featuring live music on the patio, local artists and makers showing their work, free samples of cold brew and seasonal beverages, Stone Creek Kitchen scratch-made pastries, growlers of cold brew, and Farm To Cup coffee available.
Cafe LuLu
Featuring paintings from Byada Meredith.
Brass Rooster
Featuring artist Shanda O’Grieb.
Revel Bar
Revel Bar will be featuring local artist Rachel Hughes and guest artists MilRAWkee Alt. Collaboration (Ryan Laessig x Amanda Burns). Drink specials.
Pizza Di Famiglia
Veronica’s Palette (upcycled artwork with whimsical & nature inspired themes), and photography from Jamie Lambert and Christine Scott.
Lifted Beauty Salon
Featuring in-house artist, Tracy Delfar, and her ArtBeat Boutique and Gallery. Paintings and artsy clothing will be on display and for sale. Handmade jewelry by April Kelly. Live acoustic music by Jesse Voelker.
Halo Artisan Skin Care
Jewelry artist Laura Barreras from Hygge Jewelry Lab will be at the shop for a special “Custom Jewelry Bar” event where you can design your own jewelry from 6-9 p.m. Meet apparel designer and maker Rachaad Howard of Rep Wisconsin. Hourly raffles, snacks, and refreshments. Acoustic music by Alex Paniagua.
Sparrow Collective
Locally-made art and gifts. Refreshments served until 10 p.m.
Vamoose Tattoo Removal
Featuring local tattoo artists displaying their art on media (other than skin).
Tease Salon
Artwork by students of Cudahy High School and St. Francis High School. Wearables by DynamoDuo and LuLaRoe.
Mac’s Pet Depot
Come vote for the cutest pet in Mac’s photo contest and make some art with your dog. Serving people appetizers and wine.
Bigfoot Bike & Skate
One of a kind skateboard art by local artists.
1840 Brewing Company
Featuring artwork from Fernwood Montessori students.
The Backyard
Local artists on display and local musicians will be performing.
Lost Whale
Featuring illustrations by local artists Loretta Keresen and Cleto Acosta-McKillop. Loretta is an illustrator who also designed the murals in our bathrooms at Lost Whale, and Cleto is one of Milwaukee’s top animators.
Component Brewing
Share a craft beer with local artists Sharon and Zach from EverBern.
Bust-N-Stuff
Come down to the Bustaporeum to experience the featured artist: You. For $35, you will make one-of-a-kind art the Bust-N-Stuff way.
Twisted Path Distillery
Twisted Path will feature local art, coupled with local craft cocktails and spirits. Paintings by Joe Bree and cocktails by Twisted Path.
Melt Chocolates
Located inside the Lincoln Warehouse between dock doors 6 and 7, Melt Chocolates will be hosting Cobalt Glassworks. Cobalt Glassworks is a Milwaukee-based stained glass studio. They will have refreshments and snacks.
Lincoln Warehouse
Multiple craft persons, artists, and photographers throughout the building. Come and explore.
KK and Becher
Knit bomber Martha Lund will be covering a portion of the railing of Southern Lakes Physical Therapy at the corner of KK and Becher with a yarn installation titled “Lake Fishigan.” The display will have waves of knitting and assorted whimsical fish.
Enlightened Brewing Company
Featuring Dena Nord live painting, and Enlightened will exhibit some prints she’s made. Custom handmade jewelry exhibition.
Brinn Labs
Hidden away in the old Louis Allis building is Brinn Labs, headquarters for Maker Faire Milwaukee and home to a variety of classes, workshops and community events to help you get hands on and learn new skills. Brinn Labs will be showing off the efforts of our in-house artists and designers that do a variety of work including sculpture, printmaking, illustration, ceramics, interactive art, and more.
Bay Street Tattoo
Bay Street Tattoo Co. is excited to be taking part in BVGN for the first time! They will be featuring work by a local artist, running a $20 piercing special, and offering handmade natural stone necklaces. Looking for a custom tattoo? They will also be raffling a gift certificate. Stop by and help them celebrate their 20th year in the community.
Bay View Jazz Fest
Bay View Gallery Night and Bay View Jazz Fest will be partnering once again on May 31. While you’re out looking at art, be sure to stop in the following places hosting Jazz Fest shows: At Random, Morgan Park, Tonic Tavern, Revel, Magnet Factory, Colectivo, Twisted Path Distillery, Sam’s Tap, and The Backyard.