Bay View and Walker’s Point are two of the happeningest neighborhoods on the south side of Milwaukee. As evidence here are four events in the offing. We’ll start in a minor key—let’s not speak with ribbons on our tongues; unpleasant things do, after all, happen Around Milwaukee—and end with three events that will leave you eager to brave the traffic impediments.
The Department of Public Works has requested you be told to expect traffic restrictions on the Becher Street Bridge between S. First and S. Fourth Streets. Various repairs and improvements are underway, which leave only one lane of traffic in each direction until Nov. 2015 (weather and acts of God permitting). Fear not, bus riders: the MCTS “Flyers” (routes 40, 43 and 46) will continue to use the bridge.
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With a thriving LGBT community and legions of redevelopment projects underway, Walker’s Point has been enjoying a renaissance in recent years. The inaugural Empty Storefronts Conference, taking place on June 1 from 8-5 p.m., will fan the flames of change.Workshops such as “Micro-lending for Your Small Business," "Storefront: Urban Innovation and the Maker Movement,” “8 Early Action Projects to Fill Storefronts and Transform Commercial Districts” and “Pop-up to Permanent: The Economic Development Policies of Place” will incite thinking about how to responsibly keep Milwaukee thriving. Full-day tickets for the conference are $110 and half-day tickets are available for $60. To purchase tickets and for info on the different locations of the talks, see here.
And while we’re on the subject, come September there will be one less empty storefront in Bay View. Taking the place of the erstwhile ReThreads and hardware store at 2671/2675 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. will be Bumstead Provisions. Modeled after the classic small town general store but catering to a foodie’s discerning demands, patrons can dine and drink while shopping in the small grocery and deli.
Deniel Fleming
Let's end on an artistic note. A new solo show by local painter Daniel Fleming is on display from May 8 through June 1 at Var Gallery & Studios in Walker’s Point. Entitled “Self/ish,” the theme is irreducibility of the self. Let’s hear what Fleming has to say about his inspiration and the questions that his canvasses are meant to answer:
“Artist, friend, sibling, lover, boss—when your identity is tied up in your current circumstances, can you ever fully define yourself? Can you integrate all aspects of your identity into one self at all times, or are you only certain selfs during certain times of your life? Are we all just a little Self/ish?”Fleming’s brash brushstrokes, colorful palette and helter-skelter style have a charming childlike innocence that make for an appealing inroad to appreciating his sophisticated use of space and symbols. An opening reception will be held Friday, May 8, 6-11 p.m. The exhibition and reception are free and open to the public.
