Over the summer months of 2002 and 2003, my hubby Kevin worked for a remarkable arts organization that not only talks the good talk but walks the good walk when it comes to bringing the invaluable experience of hands-on creativity to Milwaukee neighborhoods: Artists Working in Education (AWE). This summer AWE will continue to carry out this important and tons o' fun mission to the grand delight of tots, tikes and tweens in local parks and playgrounds through its Truck Studio program.
Beginning on June 29 and running for six whole weeks, the AWE Truck Studio mobile arts program will be camping out at 20 Milwaukee parks and playgrounds, offering kids 4 to 14 the chance to fill their afternoon hours with creative, positive, mind-opening projects each weekday for free, cutting heavily into their lazin' around time and effectively silencing the time-honored complaints of "I'm bored" and "There's nothin' to do" and the ever popular "I burned all the ants living within a three mile radius with my magnifying glass. What am I gonna do now?" You parents and guardians who wish to exist in a whine-free environment for at least part of the summer need to get your kiddies to one of these sites, and let nothing stand your way.
In order to offer this fantastical artsy program to Miltown kids for free AWE is always in need of financial support and donations, and your opportunity to give 'em a monetary hand is happening this Thursday, June 25, from 5 to 8PM in the Marcia Coles Community Room at the Lake Park Pavilion, 3133 E. Newberry Boulevard. There you can hobnob for the good at the book launch, signing and reception for Mary Nohl: Inside and Outside by Barbara Manger and Janine Smith.
No event is complete without grub and grog, so there's gonna be appetizers, wine and other beverages, and everyone will have a crack at winning some Mary "the Witch of Fox Point" Nohl memorabilia and a behind-the-scenes tour for two of the Nohl collection at the John Michael Kohler Art Center--dinner and conversation with the charming and generous ghost of Ms. Nohl not available. Proceeds go to benefit AWE.
To see if there's still space for you, call 414-933-3877. Tickets are an easy $25, and those who'd like an autographed copy of the book only need pony up another $25. Do it for the kids!
Link (Thanks, Sally!)
As a multiple-year board member of AWE, I know how much we appreciate other folks helping to spread the AWE-word--thank you Cricket Toes for the nice article! I've been a board member for about 6 years now and I can assure you how hard AWE works to bring positive art experiences to the kids of Milwaukee. It really is a great group!
Posted by: Troy Freund | June 23, 2009 at 05:19 PM