VAR'S 6TH YEAR & ANNUAL ARTIST IN RESIDENCE EXHIBITION
Var started with the simple idea of having a collective, creative space, shared by a few artists. 6 years later, Var, short for variety, has not only lived up to its name, it has far surpassed it. Starting with just 7 artists in a space, Var now hosts 66 artists in residence in two locations. The collective exhibition will feature 34 of its’ artists, both emerging and established, working in a range of disciplines. From painting and drawing to multi- media installations, represented areas of focus span interests of identity, community, trauma, conflict and peace making, the built environment and the natural world, craft, beauty, ideology and myth making, politics, queer and feminist theory and even sci-fi and fantasy.
This show will be as much a celebration of Vars growth, as Var’s gratitude to its artists for their immeasurable contributions to Var. After all, no institution, gallery or community can exist without its artists.
Here is the list of 34 artists exhibiting:
Liala Amin, Tegan Andrich, Phoenix S. Brown, Melissa Courtney, Emma Daisy, Deb Dila, Melissa Dorn, Jody Emery, Tim Feldges, Justin Fondrie, Sea Heikes, Brian Hibbard, Josh Hintz, David Najib Kasir, Nykoli Koslow, Ryan Laessig, April McGillis, Marco Mendoza, Angela Minga, Brendan Murphy, Riley Niemack, Cristina Ossers, Sophie Perry, Reid Sancken, Kate Schaffer, Michelle Schilling, Brian Schneider, Jason VanRoo, Dave Watkins, Jaymee Harvey Willms
Some reflections from our artists about their time spent at Var:
I feel like There is an energy inside of all humans bursting forth waves of inner dimensions; Karmic rays colliding with passers by. When a group of creatives congregate (such as in Var), those energies commingle in the art studio beehive, resonate and amalgamate to make delicious art honey. In other words: We inspire each other. -Brian R. Hibbard
Being a new Var artist in residence has been very welcoming and refreshing to be surrounded by such amazing talented local artists! - Ryan Laessig
Reflecting on the growth of Var gallery, Josh Hintz (Gallery Owner) commented,
“Ever year it seems we reach new milestones...some expected and some have come as a result of our growth. It has been inspiring to see more artists collaborating internally but also with artists we’ve brought in from around the country. Our galleries will no doubt, continue to bring in local and national programming to engage the Milwaukee community.”
December 6th - January 2nd
Var currently has:
• 66 artists in residence at 2 locations
• put on 88 total exhibitions
• hosted 298 performances
• runs 4 active galleries
• 5 phenomenal staff members
• 2 performance stages
In 6 years, Var has grown from a small get together, supporting a few artists, into a leading entity that fosters the growth and expansion of creatives in all fields. Maintaining the intimate community that fosters close relationships, Var continues to impact, and be impacted by, not only Milwaukee, but cities all across the US.
๐ง๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ฒ๐ ๐ต๐ถ๐ฏ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฟ๐๐ป๐ ๐๐ต๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ด๐ต ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ, ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฌ
FIGURE DRAWING SESSION
423 W PIERCE ST
MILWAUKEE, WI 53204
NEXT SESSION: MONDAY, DECEMBER 16TH
A social creative session for individuals and groups:
Join us for a laid back figure drawing session. It's only $1 to attend!
The model will pose between 1.5 hours and half 2 hours. We'll start the night with several quick gesture drawings for warm up, and then end the night with a couple 20-30 minute poses. We will also be serving drinks from our bar throughout the night.
Please make sure to RSVP ahead of time so we know who will be attending. Our doors will be at 7:00PM, and locked for the comfort of our model at 7:30PM.
Absolutely no photography and no one under 18.
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