MARN was excited to present the 2023-2024 MARNmentorship Exhibition, an exhibition celebrating the mentors and mentees in the MARNmentorship Program.
This exhibition was on view from April 5, 2024-May 26, 2024 with corresponding programming throughout the run of the show!
The 2023-2024 MARNmentorship Exhibition is a dynamic showcase featuring a cohort of visionary interdisciplinary artists whose works transcend conventional boundaries to delve into the multifaceted dimensions of our existence. This exhibition serves as a collective exploration, offering a rich variety of perspectives on themes that define and shape our contemporary human experience.
In this diverse assembly of artists, each creator acts as a storyteller, weaving narratives that resonate with the essence of identity and existence. At the heart of these works is an unwavering curiosity about our surrounding world and environment. Through their unique modes of creation, the artists interrogate, interpret, and celebrate the intricacies of the spaces we inhabit, fostering a deepened awareness of the symbiotic relationships we share with the world and those around us.
Each piece is an intimate journey into the exploration of connections—both personal and communal. The works on view serve as both a mirror and a lens, allowing us to process, question, and challenge the constructs that shape our societies and individual lives. It is an affirmation that art is not merely a reflection of our world; it is a catalyst for shaping the world we aspire to inhabit.
Alayna N. Pernell, Program Director
Exhibiting Artists:
Lois Bielefeld
Gina Cornejo
Grant Gill
Emmitt James
Frank Juárez
Ida Lucchesi
Berel Lutsky
Andrea Cabrera Manuel
KT Mullen
Nayfa Naji
Lauren Marie Nitka
Maureen Ragalie
Kenzi Rayelle
Lidia Sharapova
Alix Anne Shaw
Nateya Taylor
Carter Voras
Jaymee Harvey Willms
Max Yela
Jimmy Zenisek
Follow the Artists on Instagram:
@GinaWillTravel; @dirtylaundry_avl; @whensugarwassugarwassugar, @eclecticmundane, @andrea.cabma, @alixanneshaw1, @frankjuarezartist, @barflord_, @ida_lucchesi, @nayfacreates, @uwmspeccoll, @instagrantgill, @naesthetycs, @berel.lutsky, @laurenmarienitka, @maureen_ragalie, @angelion, @riotrayelle, @emmitt_james, @loisbielefeld, @jkayeharvey
Exhibition Programing
It hurts now like it did then
Saturday, March 9th
one night only premiere of original stories
live autobiographical storytelling
first hometown performance in decades
casual participation encouraged
“Be my time travel companions for these stories that will transport us as ill-fated pilgrims hiking the Camino de Santiago in Portugal and Spain, back to a 2020 pandemic romance in Asheville, North Carolina, a pivotal July heatwave in Chicago, and the unhinged inner dialogue of relationship purgatory.”
Opening Reception
Friday, April 5th
We had so much fun celebrating our 2023-2024 MARNmentorship cohort at the Opening Reception. The night included remarks from President and CEO Mal Montoya.
Mentees:
Andrea Cabrera Manuel, Gina Cornejo, Ida Luchessi, Nayfa Naji, Lauren Nitka, Kenzi Rayelle, Lidia Sharapova, Nateya Taylor, Carter Voras, Jimmy Zenisek (aka Eclectic Mundane)
Mentors:
Lois Bielefeld, Grant Gill, Frank Juárez, Berel Lutsky, KT Mullen, Maureen Ragalie, Alix Anne Shaw, Emmitt J. Williams, Jaymee Harvey Willms, Max Yela
Familiar Vocies
Friday, April 12th
The current state of the art practice, how it has changed and adapted after leaving art school. She will talk about the projects developed during the last year, and how the mentorship program helped as she tries to understand how to sustain a life-long practice.
Discussion of Art and Process with Eclectic Mundane aka Jimmy Zenisek
Saturday, April 13th
Jimmy Zenisek (aka EclecticMundane) discusses his artistic process around his new pink and gold sculptural works on exhibit at the MARN ART + CULTURE HUB April 5th through May 26th, 2024. For both art aficionados and neophytes interested in a wide-ranging discussion of abstract art, joy, frustration, and futility.
A Contemporary Artist on Nature in an Age of Climate Crisis
Friday, April 19th
Towering cliff faces, dense forests, shimmering lilies–we are all familiar with these images of traditional landscape painting. But how do contemporary artists engage with the environment in light of our current climate crisis? Sculptor and installation artist Alix Anne discusses her work in an era of urbanization, environmental destruction, and climate change.
What Does Support and Mentorship for Artists Look Like?
Wednesday, April 24th
The public was invited to join us for a panel discussion with Milwaukee arts leaders about what support and mentorship for artists looks like. Leaders from local arts organizations discussed what support and mentorship opportunities exist in Milwaukee, and how we can expand our support for artists.
Panelist included:
Alayna N. Pernell (Milwaukee Artist Resource Network + University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) Symphony Swan, Manager of Public Initiatives at Ruth Arts Jason Yi (Plum Blossom Initiative + Hawthorn Contemporary + Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design) Nomka Enkhee (The Open Fund) Rew Gordon (Mitchell Street Arts) Rachel Hausmann Schall (Grilled Cheese Grant)
The Good Land
Friday, April 26th
40 minute screening of 3 episodes of “The Good Land” short documentary series created by Nateya Taylor, which features interviews of Black community leaders in Milwaukee. Following the screening there will be a panel discussion about the films and the Black experience in Milwaukee.
Why a Book? 4 Artists on Why and How They Make Artist Books.
Thursday, May 2nd
Berel Lutsky discussed with local book artists and professionals—Ben Rinehart, Stephanie Copoulus-Selle and Melissa Wagner-Lawler— along with Q&A and social hour.
Innerconnectivity Conversation with Kenzi Rayelle + Performance featuring Emmitt J. Williams
Friday, May 3rd
Interdisciplinary artist Kenzi Rayelle will discussed her creation process and lifelong thesis, “Innerconnectivity” - a series of visceral installations that divulge into a reflection of her life's journey.
Hip Hop-Jazz artist, Emmitt James highlighted his journey on how he transitioned from being a part-time "baerista" to being a full-time artist eventually making his return back to Milwaukee. James closed out his talk with an intimate live set.
Leading up to the Exhibition
Browse below for images of the 2023-2024 cohort throughout the year leading up to the exhibition.
Click each image to learn more about the artist featured.
Mentor-led Studio Visits
The Mentor digs into
their years of knowledge,
experience,
edifying mistakes,
and networks
to share
and
create a space for potential.
One-on-One monthly Meetings
In this space,
the Mentee
is safe
to question,
be vulnerable
and open,
take risks
through
materials
and ideas,
and ultimately learn
to develop
a rich practice
with a sounding
board they can
return to,
lean on,
and grow from.
Exhibition Install
This is not
a singular exchange,
rather there is
a reciprocal
relationship that
enriches both
Mentor and Mentee in this joint passion and pursuit through making.
