💌 A love letter from our REVIVAL event!

Illustration collab by Caroline Ferrero @carolineartsy17 
and Aly Miller @aly_illustrations

On May 16, ninety-two creatives gathered at the beautiful ThriveOn King in Milwaukee for an inspirational and creative morning (no pun intended! 😉). The space, which is the renovated and rejuvenated historic Gimbels-Schuster’s building, is a vibrant community hub in the heart of Bronzeville. It’s the home to local organizations including the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and the Medical College of Wisconsin’s community engagement programs, along with nonprofit partners, mixed-income apartments, and more. Read more about the space and the ThriveOn Collaboration here. Thank you so much for hosting us in your incredible space!

We sipped coffee from Discourse (thanks, Ryan!), snacked on Cranky’s donuts, and browsed pottery from Terra Alta before settling in for the morning. ☕🍩

To kickoff the morning, performance artist Jonah Denae read us a powerful poem. Everyone in the room was focused and attentive, pulled in by the storytelling and emotion, as she read it. Thank you Jonah for your words and your vulnerability. You inspire us so much!

Both Denae and our keynote speaker were recently featured in Shepherd Express’ Central City Story: The Meaning of Juneteenth 2025: The People Speak. 
Milwaukee residents, leaders, artists, politicians, and everyday people tell us what the holiday means to them. 

Thank you to Stephen for reading the CreativeMornings Manifesto! You rocked it. If you would like to read the Manifesto at our next event, please email us at milwaukee@creativemornings.com. ✨

Photo by Holly Schisler.

Keynote Speaker: KEVIN NEWELL

“There’s a difference between revive and revival,” Kevin began his keynote panel, hosted by speaker coach Alea Cross. He explained that to revive something implies that it is complete, whereas revival is an ongoing and continual process. He shared about how he has been a part of the revival process of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Milwaukee, including ThriveOn King, through his business Royal Capital Group. “I never want to be in a space where I ‘revived’ King Drive.”And what does revival look like on the inside for Kevin? Embracing his love for the hustle and channeling it into the right ways. “I was always hustling,” he said. But he learned to go from being impulsive to finding control. Part of that is trust, along with patience and humility. “Do good by doing well,” he explained is his business philosophy. That, and collaboration, which he says is “the new innovation.” Thank you so much for your inspiring words, Kevin! We walked away remembering to “keep the main thang, the main thang” and are making our lists of “things to do, things not to do, and things that can wait.” Your advice and words of wisdom encouraged us to embrace revival in our own lives! Check out Kevin’s company here to see the great work he’s doing in the Milwaukee community. Thank you to Murphy Fraser for capturing quotes & Brianna Schubert for writing up our recap!

🎬 Filmed & edited by Precious “Jae” Burrell from Epic Media

CreativeMornings is about shining the light on our communities. One way we do this is via 30 Second Pitches. This is where we invite a few people to the stage and share a pitch. Our 30 Second Pitch Nomination Form is always open! Feel free to self-nominate :)

☕️📱 DOWNLOAD THE SIT BY ME APP + MAKE A FRIEND 

Brad Steckart set out to create an app that turns any coffee shop into a spontaneous networking hub. Sit By Me is a Milwaukee-built social app that helps you find nearby people open to quiet co-working or casual conversation in public spaces like cafés, libraries, and breweries. 

Whether you’re new in town or just want to feel less alone, the app makes it easy to share space — without the awkwardness. Focused on bringing the “social” back to “social media,” it’s built for real-world presence and everyday connection. Join the thousands already using Sit By Me in Milwaukee, and discover local businesses making their spaces more welcoming to solo diners, remote workers, and friendly faces.

Download Sit By Me today and discover your next connection, one seat away.

🌷✨ JULY 11 + 25: CONFIDENCE COACHING WORKSHOPSKnown for her empowering coaching philosophy that emphasizes self-awareness, resilience, and actionable strategies, confidence coach Janine Werner helps people break through barriers and embrace their full potential. Grounded in emotional intelligence and positive psychology, Janine will guide you through practical techniques to overcome limiting beliefs and cultivate a winning mindset. Join her in an upcoming workshop at Mother Lion! Janine has offered our CreativeMornings community a 20% discount. Apply discount code CYCFRIEND at checkout.

• Friday, July 11th (9am-1pm)
• OR Friday, July 25th (9am-1pm)

📘📖📚 SUPPORT BERNIE’S BOOK BANK 

Bernie’s Book Bank enables positive life experiences through book ownership. Founded in 2009 in Chicago, Bernie’s Book Bank has distributed over 29 million books to children. Now serving more than 20,000 MPS students with free books, program expansion is underway. 

Curious to learn more or have books to donate? Contact Jenna Renno, executive director for the Milwaukee chapter: jrenno@berniesbookbank.org.

🖼️💫 DISCOVER YOUR INNER ARTIST WITH ARTS @ LARGE 

Arts @ Large is one of Milwaukee’s largest arts education providers, serving communities through impactful programming, collaborative partnerships, and dedicated artist development. Artist in residence curator Jeff Zimpel shared more about A@L experiences led by professional artist educators, supporting the growth of emerging artists, lifelong learners, and students K3-12 through innovative programs, and meaningful community partnerships. 

The Arts @ Large Community Center is located in the Walker’s Point neighborhood and will celebrate our 25th anniversary in 2026. Interested in getting involved? Follow along: @artsatlargemke. 

Event day photos by Holly Schisler. Lots more love in our Flickr gallery.

Portrait provided by ThriveOn King

Register to hear Kevin Newell!

Event details
🗓️ Date: Friday, May 16th
⏰ Time: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
📍 Location: ThriveOn King – 2153 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53212
🎟️ Tickets are FREE!

🎤 We’re looking for a brave volunteer to read the Manifesto! If you’re interested in being our shining star, please reply to this email :) You can read as a pair too!

Learn about our keynote speaker

Kevin Newell embodies firsts.

The first of his siblings to graduate from college.

The first African American to build and own a multifamily commercial development in downtown Milwaukee.

The first African American to partner with an NBA team to develop a commercial entertainment district.

Newell received international recognition as a real estate partner with the Milwaukee Bucks, serving as developer and owner of Five Fifty Ultra Lofts, a key venture in the new $1 billion live-work-play entertainment district.

A proud graduate of Milwaukee Public Schools, Newell went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, serving as Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated chapter president, earning a BBA in general management, and one month later graduated from Marquette University’s Associate in Commercial Real Estate, or ACRE, program. He finished at the top of his ACRE class, which allowed him to intern at the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. Within six months, he was hired full-time as a senior underwriter/asset manager at WHEDA.

In 2009, he earned an MBA emphasizing finance and management. And he quickly put that business, finance, and real estate acumen to use. In 2010 he founded Milwaukee-based Royal Capital Group, a venture and holding company focusing on urban development and innovation. As CEO, he leads the company’s strategic efforts across multiple platforms, including real estate, healthcare, food and beverage, venture and technology, and social responsibility.

In February 2023, Newell was elected to the board of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, which reported having almost $127 billion in assets at the end of 2022. Also, the Milwaukee Business Journal named Newell to their 40 under 40 list. He has also been named a National Top Real Estate Executive, Regional Top 75 Power Broker, and Top 48 Most Influential African Americans in Wisconsin.

Our theme for May is REVIVAL.

It was chosen by our Fort Worth chapter in Texas and illustrated by Mariell Guzman.

“Everything old is new again” sums up the revivals that bubble up throughout culture. Clothing styles, art movements, and all kinds of things come back into fashion decades after their original popularity waned. It’s a useful paradigm. Take something old, dust it off, and adapt it to suit the present moment. 

But are there really no original ideas left? Has everything been done? Does it matter? New context adds new meaning. You can recycle whatever you want, just make it your own. Lots of things from the past are worth saving from obscurity. 

What we need is a few more revivals. 

A revival of empathy and understanding. 

Kindness and caring.

A revival of handwritten notes and holding open doors for strangers. 

Let’s pursue hobbies and join clubs instead of optimizing and monetizing every hour. 

Bring back boredom and curiosity. 

It’s time for a revival of the golden rule. 

It’s up to you to distill the best of the past and create a better future.

Photo + directions by John December

About ThriveOn King

The ThriveOn Collaboration is a historic, community-centered, place-based collaboration founded on a joint vision for a Milwaukee that is equitable, healthy and thriving for all. The Collaboration is committed to making generational investments in the well-being of Milwaukee communities aimed at eliminating racial, health, economic and social disparities.

The ThriveOn Collaboration was born out of a common interest in making a catalytic, place-based investment that would improve the quality of life for the communities the organizations serve. Our intention is to join with the community and work in partnership with all residents to build on the vibrant history and assets in our city as well as solve persistent challenges. Together, MCW, GMF and RCG will bring complementary expertise on a range of strategies – guided by community priorities and data – to invest in the health, equity and economic well-being of people in Milwaukee through resident and community partnerships, improving social determinants of health and catalyzing change that leverages resources and investment.

The Medical College of Wisconsin, Greater Milwaukee Foundation and Royal Capital are the lead collaborators, along with the residents of the Halyard Park, Harambee and Brewers Hill neighborhoods. Other like-minded community collaborators will be identified over time.

🎶🎵 DJ Jim Q’s May playlist + blog is LIVE and always a great read & listen. An excerpt—

Recordings of rebirth, refreshment, and renewal—the theme this month is Revival, and we are exploring it by looking back and pulling forward. From Gloria Gaynor’s life-affirming rebound anthem “I Will Survive,” to The Misfits’ macabre march of reanimation, “Night of the Living Dead,” to Kendrick Lamar’s song of redemption, “Reincarnated,” these songs will resuscitate your soul and breathe life into your listening experience. So tune in and revive your algorithmic recommendations with these hand-selected tracks of rejuvenation.

This month, we invite you to forward this email to a friend. Invite them to sign-up for our newsletter & register for this event with you!

We can’t wait to see you and your buds, pour out some more coffee, and expand our circle of morning people.

Portrait by Holly Schisler

Samer Ghani is our keynote speaker!

Event details
🗓️ Date: Friday, June 20th
⏰ Time: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
📍 Location: X-Ray Arcade – 5036 S Packard Avenue; Cudahy, WI 53110
🎟️ Tickets are FREE! 

All about Samer Ghani

Samer Ghani is a first generation Palestinian American, born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Raised in a single mother home and taught through Milwaukee Public Schools, Samer’s first encounter with art was with his time spent at Wedgewood Academy (formerly Bell Middle School), where he played violin and won both National and International awards with his orchestra class. In high school Samer’s senior art gallery of photography was highlighted in an OnMilwaukee article (2011), furthering his future career as an artist in the Milwaukee community. In his adult life Samer excelled in university, but more specifically his time at Apple, he became one of the youngest leaders at his store, helping create an environment of innovation from the customer experience to employee relations.

Samer’s time as an artist has bled into the Milwaukee community and beyond, bringing community initiatives to life with partners like The City of Milwaukee, The Bucks, Visit Milwaukee, Imagine MKE, Milwaukee Ballet, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Light the Hoan, Vivent Health, Jigsaw, Hanson Dodge, Bader Rutter, Google Arts & Culture, Universal Music and more, as well as highlighting some of Milwaukee’s best artists in a number of astonishing venues across the city and nationwide.

“Samer Ghani is an artist. An artist with an exceptional eye and a passion for capturing moments. He has built a career combining his camera, curiosity, and community into works that stand out from the noise, that elevate the subject of each shot. The Milwaukee based director, producer, photographer, videographer, and journalist may have honed his skills by documenting live music, but his hard work and eagerness to grow have expanded his versatility and tools, emerging with one of the most distinctive styles we’ve seen. Samer gives authentic artistic insight and shares his thoughts on working in Milwaukee, connecting his art to being a Palestinian American, and more.” -Nathan Honoré of the License Lab

Our theme for June is PUNK.

It was chosen by our Bologna chapter in Italy and illustrated by Cristina Portolano. 

🎸The description for this month’s theme is written in the style of lyrics to a punk rock song. If you know a band that wants to put them to music, we’ll feature their cover song of our punk rock anthem on the CreativeMornings blog and social. 🎵

Does the system feel broken
Staring at our screens
Not hearing the screams

Wake up wake up wake up

We’re not meant to go it alone
Find your people lift them up
Do what you can with what you got

Wake up wake up wake up

Your creativity can save you
What you gonna make
What you gonna change

Wake up wake up wake up

🎸🎵🧷

Photo + directions by John December

About X-Ray Arcade

X-Ray Arcade is an artist-owned and operated venue that aims to provide the Milwaukee area with the finest in Electric Entertainment: live music, food & drink, games, movies, DJs, art vendors, pop-ups, weddings and more.

“Touring and being a part of the Milwaukee punk scene have been the most formative experiences of my life,” says Woods. “So a big part is making this a fun place for touring musicians.”

The 10 owners are 100 percent volunteer and there are a few paid staff members who work the bar and kitchen. “The intent was never to make money,” says Woods. “We wanted to create a place we could all be proud of and to pay back some of what we got when we were younger from the DIY scene.”

[Pull quotes from OnMilwaukee’s article, “X-Ray Arcade is DIY to the bone.”]

🚌 Bus Route: The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) bus route 15 stops on South Packard at Somers Avenue two blocks north of X-Ray Arcade.
🅿️ Parking: Plenty of street parking on S Packard Ave and E Martin Ave

🎶🎵 DJ Jim Q’s PUNK playlist + blog is LIVE and always a great read & listen.

An excerpt—

Come all rebel rousers, nonconformists and weirdos, this month’s playlist is for the defiant at heart. The theme is Punk, and through this tracklist we will examine all angles of the culture and characters. “Our band could be your life”, The Minute Men open the playlist with that invitation from the first verse of their uncharacteristically sentimental tune, “History Lesson pt II”. The Replacement, examine the loneliness and melancholy of the a traveling independent band with “left of the dial”, X-Ray Spex celebrate the expressive exibitionism of punk with “I am a Poseur” and closing with Neil Young’s assessment of the new wave of rebels in “My My Hey Hey, Out of the Blue”, in true punk fashion he sings “it’s better to burn out than to fade away”, a line Kurt Cobain would later borrow to bid the world a farewell in his final note.

Did you know the #1 way people learn about CreativeMornings/Milwaukee is through their friends? 

This month, we invite you to forward this email to a friend. Invite them to sign-up for our newsletter & register for this event with you!

We can’t wait to see you and your buds, pour out some more coffee, and expand our circle of morning people.

💌 Love letter recap from our CROSSROADS event!

Illustration collab by Caroline Ferrero @carolineartsy17 and Aly Miller @aly_illustrations

On April 18th, one hundred and twenty-nine creatives gathered at South Second in Walker’s Point in Milwaukee for a morning of creativity and community. The stunning modern and industrial event space is owned by Saz’s and hosts weddings, corporate events, social gatherings, and more. They just renovated the patio at South Second with an outdoor bar and balcony, and it adds so much to the beautiful space. Check it out and hire them for your next event here.

📣Special shout out to Cassie Caminiti from Saz’s for working with us to bring this event together, and for your outstanding hospitality. Thank you so much!

It may have been pouring rain, but we weathered the storm to gather, drink delicious Discourse Coffee, browse the beautiful ceramics from Terra Alta, and get ready to explore CROSSROADS together. The room was excited to hear from our speakers for the day (yes, two speakers!).

But first, we were honored to have a performance from Milwaukee musician Emmitt James! He performed two songs from his album It’s Giving Healed Black Man. Not only was it so much fun (morning concerts >>>), but it was also a great reminder to leave anger behind us and to lean into our creativity.

Performance Artist: EMMITT JAMES

Every month when we hear the CreativeMornings Manifesto, a different piece of it resonates a bit more. This month, on such a rainy day it was the part about the power of community that hit a little harder. How amazing is it that we all came together, despite the weather, in pursuit of community and creativity? 

✨If you would like to read the Manifesto at a future event, please email us at milwaukee@creativemornings.com.

Portrait by Linda Smallpage. Quotes captured by Murphy Fraser.

Keynote Speakers: Nia Love & Raven Stevenson

Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads? Raven and Nia certainly have. They shared about the tough choices they had to make, the moments of thriving and surviving throughout their lives, and how every choice they made led up to the point where they met each other at a Black Data Processing Associates conference.And when an audience member asked them what they have in their toolkits from a healed space for when things inevitably get tough again, they both said it all comes back to joy.“This brings me joy,” Nia said. “Just telling my story, a story, relating to people in a close space, and you’re telling the truth, the nerves immediately wear off… to be relatable to people in this climate is really rewarding.“I do things that remind me of my joy, because in that period when I did lose everything, I had forgotten to do that for myself,” said Raven. “It really put me in a place that was dark unnecessarily because even though I didn’t have a role at that time, everything was brimming with opportunity.It was so inspiring to hear their stories, and made us reflect on the crossroads we’ve encountered in our lives and how we can find joy and trust the process going forward. 

🎬 Filmed & edited by Precious “Jae” Burrell from Epic Media

CreativeMornings is about shining the light on our communities. One way we do this is via 30 Second Pitches. This is where we invite a few people to the stage and share a pitch. Our 30 Second Pitch Nomination Form is always open! Feel free to self-nominate :)

👟👟 WEEKLY STROLLS WITH GIRLS WHO WALK MILWAUKEE

Lace up and join Sam Schulte of Girls Who Walk Milwaukee, a community-focused walking group dedicated to creating accessible, inclusive opportunities for individuals to connect, explore Milwaukee, and stay active together. @girlswhowalkmke is on a mission to foster a sense of belonging, well-being, and safety through weekly walks and community events. 

🎬 SUPPORT LOCAL FILM AND TV PRODUCTION WITH TAKE ACTION! WISCONSIN 

Did you know Wisconsin is one of four states in the country that doesn’t have its own film office? It’s also one of 13 states that doesn’t offer production incentives. Stacey Nash of Action! Wisconsin would like to change that — but she needs your help! Support film and TV production tax incentives and by emailing your elected reps in the Wisconsin State Senate and State Assembly today. Follow @action.wisconsin to get involved.

🏠👨🏼‍💻 EXPLORE A NEW WORKSPACE WITH MILWAUKEE MIX 

Have you been working out of your home or cafes and would love a separate workspace all your own? Amanda and Jon Schroder have just what you need. Milwaukee Mix is a small business community on the East Side, offering private studio/offices with a window and sink or a large lower level room, plus access to shared amenities, starting at just $650 (no added fees). 

💼🔌 CONNECT WITH BLACK WORK NETWORK

Black Work Network is a new networking collective seeking to elevate, celebrate, and support Black professionals in the Greater Milwaukee area. 

This org exists to create an inclusive and beneficial network of like-minded individuals who seek growth, camaraderie, and connection. Candace Burdine needs our help spreading the word to help the network grow. 🌱 BWN is looking for workshop ideas, volunteers to host in-person and virtual meetings, and more. Email candace.burdine@molsoncoors.com to get involved.

Event day photos by Holly Schisler. Lots more love in our Flickr gallery.

Big thanks to our local partners:

Portrait by Linda Smallpage

Raven Stevenson & Nia Love

Event details
🗓️ Date: Friday, April 18th
⏰ Time: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
📍 Location: South Second – 838 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI
🎟️ Tickets are FREE!

All about Raven Stevenson

Raven Stevenson is a Columbia, SC native, Duke alum, and Navy veteran passionate about empowering communities through technology, education, and impactful storytelling. After over eight years of service as a Surface Warfare Officer, Raven transitioned her leadership and technical expertise into the civilian world, where she now works as a Business Intelligence & Analytics Designer at Molson Coors. She also serves as the Midwest Region Vice President for BDPA, a non-profit diversifying tech talent since 1975, and as Treasurer for HR-4U, advocating for living wages.

Throughout her career, Raven has championed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives and developed strategies with lasting impact—from revising the Naval Science curriculum at Morehouse College to mentoring future leaders. As a licensed spiritual teacher through the Universal Foundation for Better Living (UFBL), she shares principles of self-empowerment and practical spirituality to inspire purposeful living.

A creative problem-solver, Raven blends analytical thinking with artistic expression. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, staying active, creating music, freelance marketing, and fostering meaningful connections.

All about Nia Love

Nia Love is a Baltimore-born, Atlanta-raised leader who brings warmth, authenticity, and humor to every space she enters. Guided by values of integrity, advocacy, empathy, equity, and prosperity, Nia is passionate about creating opportunities for others while building a legacy rooted in generational wealth and success. She currently works as a Senior Tax Technology Analyst at Molson Coors, leveraging her diverse professional experiences working in Human Resources, Education, Insurance, law enforcement, and IT to solve complex challenges and drive positive outcomes.

In addition to her professional work, Nia serves as Vice President of Internal Operations for the Milwaukee chapter of BDPA (Black Data Processing Associates), an organization dedicated to diversifying tech talent since 1975. Having personally benefited from BDPA’s mission, Nia is committed to mentoring others and helping them define and achieve their own version of success.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Valdosta State University and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University, Nia blends analytical expertise with her passion for equity and empowerment. Outside of work and community service, Nia is learning to play the drums and enjoys music, poetry, sports, and escape rooms.

Our theme for April is CROSSROADS.

It was chosen by our Wroclaw chapter in Poland, illustrated by Joanna Gniady, and is presented by Adobe. 

We all reach turning points in life that change the course of our destiny. Should you break up or give your relationship another chance? Accept that job offer or strike out on your own? 

What’s the best way to go? Continue straight ahead? Or turn left? When you’re faced with a crucial decision, there’s no map that shows where the consequences lead. And sometimes, you only recognize a crossroads when you see it in the rearview mirror. No wonder that in folklore and mythology, crossroads represent a gateway between our mortal coil and the supernatural realm. An in-between place of transition, where worlds collide, and anything can happen next. Legend has it that the greatest blues guitarist in the world, Robert Johnson, met the devil at the crossroads of two dirt roads at midnight and struck a bargain to trade his everlasting soul for masterful skill. But there was no deal with the devil. In reality, he practiced like hell.So, how do you decide which way to go next? Just pick what feels right. Because there’s no wrong choice. Only different journeys to where you’re meant to be.

Photo + directions by John December

About South Second

A Milwaukee staple since 1976, Saz’s Hospitality Group offers versatile catering from quick corporate luncheons for 25 and elegant formal galas for 400, to festival concessions for groups topping 25,000. Their dedicated venue, South Second, is a modern and industrial event space minutes from the heart of downtown Milwaukee. This versatile indoor space combined with a newly renovated patio and outdoor bar offers endless possibilities for customization, so you can create your event, your way.

Public Transit

The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) bus routes 15, 18, 20, and Green stop northeast of South Second on South 1st Street at National Avenue.  For details, see RideMCTS.com.

📸+🚌 Thank you John December for capturing this for us!

🎶🎵 DJ Jim Q’s Playlist + Blog Post

Through this theme, we will explore the sonic intersections of consequential choice, uncertainty, direction, divergence, and delineation. The crossroads, as a metaphor, has symbolically represented key moments of truth, critical choices, and meaningful turning points. So, select a sonic path and follow your ears—fear not travelers, all roads lead to listening fulfillment.

The crossroads has traditionally had an allegorical role in American music. The legends and folklore surrounding the liminal power of the crossroads are deeply woven into the mysticism and myth surrounding early blues and, subsequently, rock and roll. The origin of this fantastical fable seems to be from the tale of one pioneering bluesman, Robert Johnson. As legend has it, Johnson made a pilgrimage to a crossroads somewhere in rural Mississippi, where he met the devil himself, and in exchange for unearthly musical abilities, he sold his soul to the dark prince. Fellow bluesman Son House remarked on Johnson’s dramatic transformation, saying he “went away” and came back playing like he was possessed. Variations of the story have since become part of blues and rock ‘n’ roll lore. What a great tall tale—it has all the classic ingredients of a parable. I like to think of it more as a metaphor for the sacrificial pursuit of genius at the expense of one’s well-being. Many a driven artist intimately knows the burden of ambition and the price paid for eschewing traditional paths to follow creative pursuits.

Which path to travel? Which direction to go? This month, we meet at the juncture of music and destiny. The theme is Crossroads, and these sonic intersections will lead you down a path of musical fulfillment. From FKA Twigs’ indecisive “which way to go” to the determination of Blondie’s “One Way or Another” to Gang Starr’s rally to overcome in the “Moment of Truth,” these songs highlight critical decisions, points of consideration, and a chosen path. Whichever trail you tread you’ll have a great soundtrack to score your journey.

Milwaukee Magazine: People to Know: 47 Movers, Shakers, & Policy Makers

Our chapter hit the stands in this month’s April issue of Milwaukee Magazine! Co-hosts Annie Werner & Kelly Winarski were interviewed alongside Corry Joe Biddle of FUEL Milwaukee and Ranell Washington of Social X on the topic of networking in Milwaukee.

CreativeMornings is a symphonic effort. 💖 We want to thank our rad team of volunteers who make our chapter worth writing about. Thank you to our community partners & all who took part in our inaugural annual fundraiser last November. You not only elevate the caliber of our events but you help to ensure our events remain FREE for all to attend. Thank you to our keynote speakers, 30 Second Pitchers, & Performance Artists for braving the stage and allowing us to celebrate you.

And to our CM community: We love you and we’re so jazzed you keep showing up, forging connections, and waking up early!

Raising our mugs to you today & always! See you soon☕️👋

Did you know the #1 way people learn about CreativeMornings/Milwaukee is through their friends? 

This month, we invite you to forward this email to a friend. Invite them to sign-up for our newsletter & register for this event with you!

We can’t wait to see you and your buds, pour out some more coffee, and expand our circle of morning people.

💌 Love letter recap from our PARALLEL event!

Illustration by Caroline Ferrero @carolineartsy17

On the third Friday of March, one hundred fifteen creatives gathered at Relics Rentals for another morning of magic. Located in an unassuming warehouse in Walkers Point, Relics Rentals is a comprehensive design resource & rental company specializing in creative direction, rental solutions, custom fabrication, product sourcing, and staging for events and interiors. Hire them for weddings, galas, parties, brand activations, home staging, holiday staging—you name it! 

📢 Special shout out to Renee, Shaquita, Bob, Kelly, & Jan for your hands-on partnership on & leading up to the event. Thank you for your hospitality!

We took in the rows upon rows of stellar vintage finds and settled in with good company, Discourse Coffee (thank you Ryan!), and Cranky Als sprinkle donuts. 

And then… Erilei took the stage. 🌠

With a voice like honey, Erilei sang her self-produced song Don’t Like Me, reminding us that we’re not alone when we find ourselves in the hellscape that is facing our worst inner bully.

Performance Artist: ERILEI

Like a salve, hearing the CreativeMornings Manifesto read back to you heals. Thank you, Monica Thomas, for braving the stage and soothing our hearts with these words!

🪄 If you would like to read the Manifesto at our next event, please email us at milwaukee@creativemornings.com

Portrait by Linda Smallpage. Quotes captured by Murphy Fraser.

Keynote Speaker: Tonda Thompson

Our esteemed speaker coach, Alea Cross, introduced Tonda. (Parts of this introduction have been redacted. Only those who were present were gifted the full, humorous introduction. 🤭)“I have a metaphor for you… she is the rose that grew from concrete in 53206. 

I have some truth for you… it’s not the doing but the being that makes Tonda who she is… 

Her accolades and single story proceed her; however, that’s not what we are here to learn. She’s chapters expressed in one great and wonderful book. 

A woman learning what a healed story blooms; I introduce one of the most beautiful women I’ve grown to love, admire, and root for. 

Let’s give a standing ovation for Tonda Thompson.”

🎬 Filmed & edited by Precious “Jae” Burrell from Epic Media

Visit sheslangswood.com to shop products, sign up for carpentry workshops, book a “board and sip” night class, or schedule a consultation to learn about the many services offered! She Slangs Wood can be hired to build fences, cutting boards, sheds, garden beds, furniture, and so much more. 

Tonda invited all of us to visit her at her self-made shop at 128 E Burleigh St. Email Tonda at info@sheslangswood.com or book online to set up an appointment. 

Thank you, Tonda, for being authentically YOU and sharing your truth with us. What a gift it is to receive your greatness. 

CreativeMornings is about shining the light on our communities. One way we do this is via 30 Second Pitches. This is where we invite a few people to the stage and share a pitch. Our 30 Second Pitch Nomination Form is always open! Feel free to self-nominate :)

Queer Prom: A Night to Celebrate Queer Joy and Trans Existence

Saz’s Hospitality Group presents Queer Prom, a fun-filled evening on May 3 from 7:30pm-12am to celebrate Milwaukee’s queer community and the richness of the Walker’s Point neighborhood (838 S 2nd St.). A portion of proceeds will benefit the Milwaukee Trans and Queer Depot.

Cassie Caminiti shared some fun details for the event, which will feature a prom royalty contest, drag performances, queer resource tabling, and a VIP package with open bar and small bites. Enjoy colorful vibes, curated sounds, and photobooth from our partner Milwaukee Airwaves. Cap the night off with Saz’s festival faves for all attendees and join us afterwards at La Cage for waived cover and your first drink free with your event wristband. 

Tickets are on sale now! Follow @sazshospitalitygroup and @mketranshealth for event announcements. 

One MKE

Nicole Shaver shared the good news from One MKE, a nonpartisan coalition led by the Milwaukee Public Library, Cities Forward and NEWaukee, along with over 50 Milwaukee community partners.

One MKE provides easy, transparent information to:

• Access local, state and federal services to save you money and improve your wellbeing
• Attend events to meet other residents and get involved in your community
• Learn about nonpartisan voter resources

One MKE envisions a future in which every City of Milwaukee resident (regardless of age, race, gender, or political affiliation) understands how active civic engagement can enrich our lives and communities. Follow along on IG: @weareonemke. 

minglespace

Our friend Michael Kirsh dreamed up the concept minglespace, which partners with businesses and organizations to create designated areas where people are encouraged to introduce themselves and strike up a conversation.

minglespaces are engaging spaces for anyone seeking a spontaneous connection, whether they’re alone, new to the city, traveling, or in a group.  They are adaptable for various settings and audiences, from coffee shops and breweries to universities, parks, and festivals. They feature conversation prompts linked to signage, making it easy for people to connect in fun and meaningful ways. Each minglespace sparks conversations and shared experiences, helping transform public places into more vibrant and inviting spaces. 

Join us in bringing people together to create meaningful connections: www.minglespace.com/create.

Eucalyptus & Co.Eucalyptus & Company is located in Riverwest, right next to Seven Swans Creperie. Danielle Burrows offers a variety of art workshops including Pottery and Stained Glass for all ages and experience levels. Eucalyptus & Co. is a collaborative teaching space and is always looking for other artists to teach their medium. Some past events include Redacted Poetry with Gina Cornejo, Block Printing with Bailey Danz, Puppy Yoga with Thrifted Kittens Rescue, and Collage Club with Allison Smith. 

The space is also used as a floral studio, specializing in wedding and event flowers. Interested in teaching your medium in the space? Email eucalyptus.co4424@gmail.com, follow @eucalyptus__co on Instagram, or visit Danielle’s website for more information. 

Independence FirstIndependence First is the resource for people with disabilities in the greater Milwaukee area, offering over 40 programs and services across all age groups. Amelinda Burich and Lorna Barthel shared how this local nonprofit supports individuals and families to live successfully in our community, from independent living skills and disability awareness to recreation and assistive technology. 

Programming includes art and cooking classes, peer support, and adaptive gaming, with more than 50% of staff, managers, and Board having disabilities themselves—ensuring a strong peer-driven approach. Independence First also provide benefits counseling, personal care support, and advocacy for inclusivity, helping people live independently in their own homes rather than institutions. 

Check out @independencefirst on Instagram to learn more. 

Event day photos by Holly Schisler. Lots more love in our Flickr gallery.

Portrait by Linda Smallpage

Register to hear Tonda Thompson!

Event details
🗓️ Date: Friday, March 21st
⏰ Time: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
📍 Location: Relics Rentals – 420 S 1st St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
🎟️ Tickets are FREE!

Learn about our keynote speaker

As the CEO of Valor Creative Collective, Vogue Dreams Production, and the owner and founder of She Slangs Wood, Tonda Thompson considers it her life’s mission to encourage others to walk with authority in everything that they do.

While a runway model in Los Angeles, Tonda learned how to accept rejection as a fuel to keep going. Following the tragic death of her first son, Terrell, Tonda spearheaded a career as a serial entrepreneur and community advocate. She took this path to find solutions and preventative methods to reduce Social Determinants of Health that have negative effects to the wellbeing of Black maternal, infant and fetal health within the United States. She is the founder of The National Coalition for Healthy Black Families, Inc (NCHBF) and has created events such as the HaRUNbee 5K, that honors Terrell’s life.

Tonda is a developer, a carpenter, a teacher, a model, sometimes a politician, and a mother who is aiming to find life changing solutions for the future.

Our theme for March is PARALLEL.

It was chosen by our Kuala Lumpur chapter in Malaysia and illustrated by OLI.

Like train tracks receding into the distance, our lives eventually reach the end of the line. And for a large part of our journey, most people tend to live parallel lives. We go to school, hang out with friends, get jobs, and take care of our families.
 
Just look out the window at the home or office across the street. We exist side by side with strangers. Always keeping the same distance of anonymity between us – even though we have so much in common. All of us are trying to build a better life for ourselves and our loved ones.
 
Of course, we are not carbon copies. The differences make our lives our own. Her black coffee. His energy drink. Their chamomile tea. So, we may never see eye to eye. After all, mathematics proves that parallel lines never meet.
 
But unlike those train tracks, our paths don’t run in straight lines. We can meet someone new at every turn. Look someone in the eye and smile. Reach across that gap between us and make a connection.
 
We may be living parallel lives. But we don’t have to go through them alone.

Photo + directions by John December

About Relics Rentals

Relics Rentals is a Milwaukee treasure. As a boutique specialty rental company and prop house located in the heart of Milwaukee, they maintain a carefully curated inventory of gorgeous and distinctive furniture, decor, dishware, and details both grand and small. They are the ace up your sleeve with their unrivaled selection of goods for creating one-of-a-kind visual displays and unforgettable events: from intimate soirees to epic galas, from trade shows to residential & commercial staging, from styled shoots to theater.

Relics’ sustainability approach results in remarkable design while minimizing their environmental footprint and preventing unsustainable overflow compared to other event industry practices. They rise to the challenge of cutting their carbon footprint, and they embrace the challenge of an acquisition process that does not exploit, and they understand the time commitment this involves and, more importantly, the unrivaled end result it produces for their clients.

Public Transit

The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) bus routes 15, 18, and Green stop right outside of Relics Rentals on South 1st Street at Virginia Street. For details, see RideMCTS.com. 

Parking

Northside–Less than 50 parking spots available. Entrance via Florida Street. Do not park by Central Bark Doggy Daycare nor by the Bartolotta’s dock.

Southside– Limited spots available. Entrance via Virginia Street. Park adjacent to building only. Parking in front of overhead doors ok. Do not park in southside lot or vehicles will be towed.

Entry

Enter through northside doors. Look for the CM sign!

🎶🎵 DJ Jim Q’s March playlist + blog is live and as always, wonderful to explore.

The theme is Parallel, and these tracks are aligned. March with me through these 30-plus songs; it’s a straight walk from Beyoncé’s “Formation” to Gerry Rafferty’s “Right Down the Line,” all the way to Celeste’s “Both Sides of the Moon.”

Did you know the #1 way people learn about CreativeMornings/Milwaukee is through their friends? 

This month, we invite you to forward this email to a friend. Invite them to sign-up for our newsletter & register for this event with you!

We can’t wait to see you and your buds, pour out some more coffee, and expand our circle of morning people.

💌 Love letter recap from our LAYERS event!

Illustration by Aly Miller @aly_illustrations
This month Aly mentored @carolineartsy17, check out her illio!

There were layers upon layers of sweetness at our February’s CM event. To begin, we met at Urban Ecology Center’s recently renovated branch in Washington Park 🌿. Branch Manager Terry Evans welcomed us and shared the many ways to get involved with UEC. Check out their events calendar to sign up for early morning bird walks, yoga, game nights, and much more. Thank you, Urban Ecology Center for connecting us with nature! Our annual partner, Discourse Coffee, provided the caffeine ☕. Ruby’s Bagels donated an assortment of freshly baked bagels & schmear🥯. Needless to say, all 153 of us attendees were well taken care of. 

🎭 To kick off our morning together, Gina Cornejo, an Americana Peruana multidisciplinary artist, stunned us with their performance of their work titled “Ink. Inca. Inti. Milwaukee.” It was breathtaking and an honor to experience. Lucky for us, there is more of Gina’s work to explore. Home Remedies, their chapbook published by Bottlecap Press, is out now. 

From Bottlecap:
The balm for the ailment of homesickness is elusive. Home Remedies is a five piece collection dedicated to the collective ache of those seeking treatment for this ancient melancholy. Part travelogue diary, part nostalgic excavation, and part dreamscape protagonist, Cornejo is a deeply enthusiastic connoisseur of home; either grounded in it, departing from it, longing for it, or never knowing it, she examines the fascination between the alchemy and reality of where we might hang our hat.

Get your Copy of HOME REMEDIES

CreativeMornings HQ featured Rachal’s talk in the global newsletter, reaching over one hundred thousand friends. For those who were present, we’re not surprised. Rachal’s musings made a palpable impact on us all.

A clip from the global newsletter:Rachal Duggan’s talk on the theme of layers starts whimsical then goes deep. As an illustrator, she uses humor to spark conversations about body issues. She believes that creating art is critical to coping with life’s challenges. Watch her talk for our Milwaukee chapter for a lesson in embracing the complexities of life and taking pride in yourself and your accomplishments. Thank you, Rachal, for the care you put into putting your talk together. Your commitment to expressing your truth is a gift to us all. Thank you for drawing like everyone you know is dead. It helps us all feel less shame and more connection. And thank you for your humor. You remind us that we’re allowed to laugh after we cry. 

Rachal Duggan | Permission to Layer | CreativeMornings/MKE

🎬 Filmed & edited by Precious “Jae” Burrell from Epic Media

Rachal is hosting a comic workshop!! If you’re interested in making comics but not sure where to start, this is the workshop for you. Here’s what you can expect:

〰️Run through ways to get ideas flowing for storytelling
〰️Practice different ways to convey stories from montages to multi-panel series to mini zine making
〰️Try out various drawing prompts to see your natural style come through
〰️Rachal will talk about her personal illustration methods and how her practice has changed over time

📅 Date: Saturday, March 22nd
⏰ Time: 1 - 3pm
📍 Location: Little Fire Ceramics Studio in The Hyde House, 2612 S. Greeley St. Suite 204, Milwaukee, WI 53207

📸 Portrait by Linda Smallpage

CreativeMornings is about shining the light on our communities. One way we do this is via 30 Second Pitches. This is where we invite a few people to the stage and share a pitch. Our 30 Second Pitch Nomination Form is always open! Feel free to self-nominate :)

A BIG thank you to Daniela Varela of Ruby’s Bagels for treating us to a fresh and delicious bagel breakfast! Ruby’s Bagels is a small, woman-owned business that focuses on high quality bagels that bring people together. Her shop is committed to foster a sense of community, providing exceptional service, and building a welcoming space where everyone feels valued.

Daniela’s passion drives her to consistently deliver the best bagel experience. You can find Ruby’s Bagels at Zócalo Food Park in Walker’s Point and visit their newest location in Wauwatosa (5513 W North Ave.) this month!

BearBear launched as a Risograph hub and creative studio in 2019 by two artists — Diana H. Chu and Ben Grzenia. Inspired by DIY zine culture and gig-poster screen prints, BearBear Risograph prints and publishes quality art books, band posters, and paper ephemera.

Connect with them at Milwaukee Zine Fest 2025 on 4/19 at the Central Public Library branch. BearBear is AAPI and minority co-owned.

Shelly McClone-Carriere and Cris Siqueira are co-owners of Lion’s Tooth bookstore café and art space in Bay View. Lion’s Tooth is a mission-driven shop specializing in zines, prints, small press books and comics for kids and adults. Shelly and Cris curate quality underground and radical publications and work to support local artists and authors.

Check out the Lion’s Tooth website for upcoming events, book clubs and news.

Stephanie Bartz is a Milwaukee photographer and artist, working on an ongoing, self-funded photo series called “Women’s Work.” The group art exhibit Stephanie created, “Breaking Barriers,” features 18 women in professions traditionally occupied by men. The gallery show will also include several other Milwaukee artists: Ann Baer, Dara Larson, Roxane Mayeur alongside MATC students. 

You’re invited to the opening reception on March 13, from 5-8pm, then check out the art exhibit, running from March 7-April 14 at MATC - Downtown Milwaukee (700 W State St.).

Event day photos by Holly Schisler. Lots more love in our Flickr gallery.

Photo credit: Linda Smallpage

Register to hear Rachal Duggan!

Event details
🗓️ Date: Friday, February 21st
⏰ Time: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
📍 Location: Urban Ecology Center, Washington Park Branch – 1859 N 40 St; Milwaukee, WI 53208

REGISTER NOW

Learn about our keynote speaker

Rachal A Duggan is an illustrator, author, and workshop instructor. She draws butts, comics, pets, people, houses and so much more. When she’s not creating illustrations, she teaches drawing to all skill levels. 

Visit Rachal’s website to shop prints and view upcoming workshops & follow her on instagram @radillustrates.

Our theme for February is LAYERS.

It was chosen by our Lausanne chapter in Switzerland and illustrated by Catherine Olivia Pearson.Simplicity provides clarity, but layers give our work a richer complexity and depth. 

Musicians fuse melodies, harmonies, and rhythms to create more dynamic compositions. While other artists use a juxtaposition of colors, textures, images or materials for greater visual impact. The creative magic happens when those choices conjure different interpretations and emotions. 

Because people have layers too. Just like a collage is created by overlapping layers of found materials, we pile up experiences that form our beliefs and reactions. 

The cliché “beauty is only skin deep” means that a pleasant appearance does not guarantee a virtuous character. We are a mess of competing emotions and personality traits. So how we act to the outside world doesn’t always reflect how we feel inside. We make polite chit chat when it takes vulnerable conversations to form meaningful connections. 

Surface level pleasantries and superficial decoration have their place. But it is the layers that give life meaning. We must peel them away to discover our deeper truths.

Photo + directions by John December

About Urban Ecology Center (Washington Park Branch)

It’s pretty simple, the Urban Ecology Center gets people outside. 

At the Urban Ecology Center’s three locations the wonders of the outdoors bring curious people together. Their programs bring our city’s children and families into nature and as a result, our urban parks are safe to visit, our kids are acquiring the science skills they need to succeed, and adults keep on learning about how our changing world around us works.

The Urban Ecology Center provides year-round educational programs for kids, families and adults of all ages.

The Washington Park Branch opened earlier this month! Be one of the first to explore its many offerings. 

Public Transit + Parking

The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) bus route 30 stops just south of the entrance to the Urban Ecology Center on N 40th Street at Roberts Street.   MCTS bus route 57 stops north of the entrance to the Urban Ecology Center on Lisbon Avenue near 40th Street. For more details, see RideMCTS.

There is quite a large public parking lot open for our use. Please note, it is about about a 5 minute walk slightly uphill from the parking lot to the main entrance. 

Did you know the #1 way people learn about CreativeMornings/Milwaukee is through their friends? 

This month, we invite you to forward this email to a friend. Invite them to sign-up for our newsletter & register for this event with you!

We can’t wait to see you and your buds, pour out some more coffee, and expand our circle of morning people.

💌 Love letter recap from our JOURNEY event!

Illustration by Aly Miller @aly_illustrations

What better way to warm up from the cold (and celebrate the end of the world’s longest month) than with hugs and high-fives from our CM/Milwaukee friends?

On January 31st, we did just that within the historic walls of Villa Arco.  Amongst the 118 of us was WUWM Wisconsin’s NPR journalist Maria Peralta-Arellano, who covered Ck’s latest project. 

Historic south side home brings new life to neighborhood under new ownership

WUWM 89.7 FM | By Maria Peralta-ArellanoFor Ledesma, everything is an endeavor, and one of their latest is the restoration of their new home and business, Villa Arco, located at 804 W. Greenfield Ave. on Milwaukee’s south side.

Built in 1890, the building has served many purposes—as housing, a daycare, offices for community organizations, and, for a large part of its history, a funeral home. It sat vacant for four years until Ledesma bought it in 2024 and transformed it into a space to support and promote the arts.

Ledesma is an artist in Milwaukee and has held fellowships and residencies across the city, including at the Cesar Chavez Drive Business Improvement District and the Mitchell Street branch of the Milwaukee Public Library.

As an artist, Ledesma wanted to create a space for artists and community organizations to gather, launch galleries and experiment with their creativity.

“I understand that the biggest hurdle to being able to develop anything you have in the process of an idea or concept—the biggest hurdle is space, usually. And if we have the space, why not have it accessible for folks to use as a jumping point or an experimental space? We really want it to cater to folks who have gone through similar experiences to us,“ Ledesma says.

Villa Arco will include two areas, the main floor, where events and gatherings can be held, and a downstairs space that will be a hub for artists and their galleries.

Ledesma wants to use proceeds from events at Villa Arco to give back to the community.

WUWM Full Story

Thanks for spending your Friday morning with us, Maria!

Luckily for us, there’s a way to support Ellie’s first full-length collection of music: Stay Soft. From March 5-12th Ellie and her crew are heading to a recording studio and they are raising money to bring the project to life. 

In her words: 
I believe strongly in the value of art and artists and with the help of your donations, we will be able to compensate that incredible team of creatives making this project possible! 

DONATE TO ELLIE’S CAMPAIGN

Portrait by Linda Smallpage

“We have that little voice within us that is speaking. Let that be a little bit louder, let that guide you, and listen to it.”

—Ck Ledesma—

Sipping Discourse Coffee and taking in the huge presence that is Ck Ledesma was such a treat. Thank youCk for inspiring us to be more giving to ourselves, our neighbors, and our siblings around the world. Thank you for inviting us into your home, your salve for artists and activists alike: Villa Arco. Who knew that a pipecleaner could teach us so much!

Want to re-visit Ck’s words? Were you not able to attend? No worries, we’ve got you covered! 👇

Filmed & edited by Precious “Jae” Burrell from Epic Media

CreativeMornings is about shining the light on our communities. One way we do this is via 30 Second Pitches. This is where we invite a few people to the stage and share a pitch. Our 30 Second Pitch Nomination Form is always open! Feel free to self-nominate :)

Kate Pociask & María Petrella invited us to embrace the cold weather at the second annual Winter Break MKE. Hosted at Bradford Beach and Havenwoods State Forest Park the last two Saturdays, Winter Break MKE brought ~300 Milwaukeeans outside for dog sled demos, Nordic walks, community singalongs, and so many more winter activities. 

Sign up for their newsletter and follow along on IG to stay tuned for next year’s festival details. 

Rebecca Jankowski & Theresa Kopac, a women’s health acupuncturist and a postpartum doula/motherhood practitioner, told us about their joint creation: INTERWOVXN. Through story and conversation, INTERWOVXN celebrates, supports, and embraces the transitions that mark our path. They believe we have the right to understand our bodies and that we can change the narrative. 

Listen to their podcast and subscribe to their newsletter to learn more about menstrual health, fertility, motherhood, peri/menopause, breast health, identity, and beyond. 

We had a last minute opening and were able to open the invite to the audience. Sarah D Karnes took to the stage and led us through a grounding breath exercise and meditation. Sarah is a guide, a mentor, a navigator, an enthusiastic supporter of women in the midst of life changes. 

Event day photos by Holly Schisler. Lots more love in our Flickr gallery.

Big thanks to our local partners: