Let your aldermen know how you feel about Zwieg's art Project!!

Janet Zwieg has been commissioned to create a whimsical, interesting public art piece here in Milwaukee, and I feel VERY Strongly about it. Yesterday, there was a Public Works Committee of the Common Council meeting to discuss concept, and they ignorantly shut the concepts down. I wrote some alderman to express my thoughts, and I think you should too.

First, acquaint yourself with the concept and make sure this is something you believe in, I know it's something I do.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/42241822.html - an article explaining the concept

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/entertainment/42269322.html - Note the community comments!

http://www.artsyschmartsy.com/2009/04/can-we-save-janet-zweigs-art-we-need-to.html - great arts blog about the situation

If you are interested in writing your aldermen, please use the following addresses:

ALderman Robert Bauman: rjbauma@milwaukee.gov
Alderman Robert Donovan: rdonov@milwaukee.gov
Alderman Joe Dudzik: jdudzi@milwaukee.gov
Alderman Robert Puente: rpuent@milwaukee.gov
Alderman Willie Wade: wwade@milwaukee.gov

This is the letter I sent:

Dear Milwaukee Alder-persons,

My name is Mary and I work in the Arts & Entertainment sector of Milwaukee, and not only do I make my living in the arts, I believe that exposure to the arts is crucial in building a well-rounded and creative city. I've seen some of the most wonderful creative outlets lost by this city and economy, (Paperboat Boutique, Broadminded Bookstore, etc..) and it pains me to know that resources like this are disappearing from our city.

I am the youth and adult coordinator for the ComedySportz workshops and kidz camp, and I have seen what an experience with the arts can do for a varied group of people when given the opportunity to be exposed to it. For some people, it can be invaluable for personal growth. The light in their eyes is inspiring. A public art project by Zweig will expose thousands of new people to art and creative thought, and that can only garner positive things! I feel that any art project, big or small, public or privately shown in a gallery, is an example of the hearts and minds of the people living in this city, and that expression creates a community, most importantly.

Please open your minds and hearts to new ideas, the way that the art community has in Milwaukee. We want to expand horizons, create and unite the city-- not divide, shun and dismiss creative thoughts. How is a city supposed to grow without new ideas?

Milwaukee is a wonderful, beautiful city with the potential to be only as great as we allow it to be. Please do not stifle that.

Contact me with any questions, concerns or comments, I would love to hear from you!

Thank you for your time,
--
Mary Baird
Executive Promotions Director
Kidz Camp/Workshop Coordinator
ComedySportz Milwaukee
office: 414-272-8888
www.comedysportzmilwaukee.

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