‘Behind The Queen,’ is a progressive 35mm, black and white photographic exhibit and calendar, capturing the creative expression of drag queens. Presented by Edessa School of Fashion and hosted by MARN, this exhibition is the artistic vision of Leonardt Horák.
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Queen meets Queen
01.03.2024
Lynne R. Dixon-Speller standing in the MARN ART + CULTURE HUB mid install of ‘Behind the Queen.’ With her, a future Queen, both of them experiencing the exhibition’s large 35mm black and white film photography for the first time in the Gallery.
Lynne R. Dixon-Speller is the Academic Dean, and Chair of the Design Department for the Edessa School of Fashion.
Nearly a half-century ago, Edessa Meek Dixon taught her young granddaughter, Lynne how to sew. This is a large reason why Lynne Dixon Speller completed a B.S. in Interior Design and Architectural Planning as well as a M.S. in Textiles and Clothing.
More importantly it led to something bigger than Lynne and Edessa.
“As we approach 2024, we extend an invitation for you to embrace ‘Behind The Queen,’ our upcoming calendar concept. This artistic endeavor, captured on 35mm black and white film by Leonardt Horák, delves into the transformative journeys of three drag queens.”
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Beside a Queen
01.05.2024
“If I ever move to Milwaukee, I’m going to do drag too!” And here we are!”
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“If I ever move to Milwaukee, I’m going to do drag too!” And here we are!” •
“This exhibition is right on track with my transformative life journey–coming from Manitowoc, a rural community itself, and then moving to Milwaukee, becoming the drag entertainer I am today!”
Lee is the Hospitality Manager here at MARN. Lee gives the illusion of Dita Von and is showcased as one of the subjects in our most recent exhibition, ‘Behind The Queen.’
“I was first introduced to the art of drag at age fifteen or sixteen. I was in a production ‘Anything Goes’ with the Peter Quince Performing Company in Mantwox. My good friend Tyler Wichowski, aka Ellen Dimond, and I shared a dressing room that summer. Halfway through the show during intermission break, Tyler would apply his drag makeup and wear sunglasses for the second half of the show. After the curtain went down at the Capitol Civic Centre for ‘Anything Goes,’ Tyler would hop into his Cadillac and drive south to Milwaukee to perform at Club 219. I was mesmerized by the power of makeup and transformation! I thought, “If I ever move to Milwaukee, I’m going to do drag too!” And here we are!”
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SLUSH
01.12.2024
“I’m proud to be from here, and I want to bring that to life through my work.”
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“I’m proud to be from here, and I want to bring that to life through my work.” •
Friends, family, and supporters of Yosh Yorner posed for a group photo in the Gallery after the debut of his capsule collection, SLUSH.
“Yorner – aka Josh Horner (get it?) – majored in finance, finishing his degree at UW-Eau Claire, but found he had “a creative itch that needed to be scratched.” He started designing hoodies, T-shirts and swimwear during the pandemic under the brand YALO. Now Yorner is switching focus and getting ready to release SLUSH, the debut collection under his Yosh Yorner brand.”
Individuals of the MARN team also gathered for a group photo in the HUB amidst their closing tasks. Pictured left to right: Tanner MacArthur, Scott Connors, Mal Montoya, Haley Krob, Madeline Renner, Fiona Bingley, Samantha Timm, Siren Harris
Schubert, Brianna. This Designers’ Debut Collection Is Inspired By Winter in Milwaukee. Milwaukee Magazine. 04 Jan. 2024
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Warmth
01.19.2024
What do you like best about Milwaukee?
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What do you like best about Milwaukee? •
“Genuine diversity and warmth of the people in the city and suburbs. Lake Michigan. Summer in Milwaukee is unmatched with festivals and backyard/outdoor shenanigans. Fantastic public art.”
The public was invited to celebrate the official Opening Reception of ‘Behind the Queen’ at the MARN ART + CULTURE HUB on Gallery Night. The evening included music by Anthony Foster from HYFIN, time with artist, Leonardt Horák, and subjects, Dita Von and Melee Queen behind the work, as well as a signature cocktail, “Death in the Afternoon,” crafted by MARN Hospitality Director, Cecilia Rodriguez.
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Mondays at MARN
01.22.2024
Dita Von of Purse String Productions’ Golden Girls performed “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love” during Monday’s Trivia Night at MARN. The Golden Girls co-hosted Monday’s Trivia Night with Corey Richards and each performed between rounds.
Purse String Productions “blends parodies of TV series with drag numbers, bringing you a show that is unique & entertaining.”
“Drag was something the community could call its own–uniquely. Drag was a way for the community to transcend the world around them, for a short while, and to escape to another world. Drag was also used as a tool to increase financial support for LGBTQ causes.”
Takach, Michail and Daniels B.J. A History of Milwaukee Drag. The History Press. 2022.
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Live music and improvisation.
02.21.2024
MARN was please to host Dance Works Company’s Chore Kitchen: Session 3.
3 choreographers had a single rehearsal to make a new dance in response to a mystery box of prompts.
Choreography by Dijon Michelle Kirkland, Tisiphani Mayfield, and Nicole Spence
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You have to show up for it.
02.24.2024
Nirmal Raja, Jodi Throckmorton, Chief Curator at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, and Debra Brehmer, Portrait Society Gallery of Contemporary Art Gallery Director, pose for a photo in the Gallery after Nirmal’s Artist Panel for her exhibition “Grace and Grit”. The panel was attended by well over 60 artists and supporters of Milwaukee.
Nirmal concluded the panel saying: “Don't wait for inspiration. You have to show up for it. Trusting in yourself that it'll come because life is always changing around you and your work as a response to life.”
Nirmal’s work investigates migration, global interdependence, memory, and loss. She collaborates with other artists and strongly believes in investing energy into her immediate community while also considering the global. She periodically curates exhibitions that bring people from different cultures and backgrounds together.
“Grace and Grit” honors the resilience and strength of women but also the human ability to navigate the body’s vulnerability and harness the power of metal and industry,” said Raja.
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I fly.
02.25.2024
Jada Webber and 1 of 12 participants of ‘Jada’s Sip & Paint’ pose with their painted canvas in the Gallery. Jada welcomed and concluded the Sip & Paint with readings of original poems. An excerpt of one below:
I fly, I fly because I refuse to let the fears of the world weigh me down , I fly because I know that my wing’s is made out of steel just like my crown. I fly because in certain times in my life I was able to make noise and shine my light in places where they try to take your sound.