ArtWorks for Milwaukee

As an artist working on the same floor in the Marshall Building as ArtWorks I see and hear a lot about ArtWorks. I am so impressed with the leadership and educational format of the sessions and how the students rise with this. I see the students emerging at the beginning of their experience with uncertainty and watch their growth toward maturity in understanding of art concepts, teamwork, kindness, communication and leadership flourish. It's an amazing program. Adding here, that I'm an art educator of over 30 years and this organization makes my heart sing.

ArtWorks for Milwaukee continues to impress me with the incredible impact they are making in the city. As a volunteer helping with social media, I was thrilled to promote all the wonderful activities the interns were involved in. Seeing them complete projects and grow in confidence as young artists was inspiring! I am so excited to see where the interns will go with all of the valuable training they receive through this program.

I am on the board and have been incredibly impressed at the extent of collaboration ArtWorks for Milwaukee has in the community, and the dedication to Milwaukee youth. ArtWorks for Milwaukee truly understands what our youth need to be successful and overcome generational challenges.

I am an intern alumni who worked for ArtWorks from 2020-2021in the Environmental Arts internship and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. They definitely practice what they preach as they were able to provide me with 21st-century skills along with a quality internship that made me realize what career path I'd like to pursue. I am currently studying nonprofit management along with painting a drawing and I wouldn't know that this was what I wanted to study without the experience ArtWorks provided me. I feel as if they prepared me for the workforce as when I got my first job, I felt very prepared using the skills they taught me during the program. By far, I think the best part of the internship was creating the bottle cap sign for Green Tech Station's grand opening. This project along with all the other ones taught me communication skills, leadership skills, and teamwork. Overall, ArtWorks for Milwaukee has made me who I am today and I would 100% recommend this internship to any teen who is interested in the arts, especially public art.

I was an Artworks intern in 2004 and rejoined the organization as a Board Director in 2017-2019. Why did I rejoin? I did it because their mission and vision aligned with mine. They provided me with resources I could never have received on my own. I truly believed they have changed the lives of so many interns/students. I believe this because I am one of those interns.

ArtWorks is an amazing organization. I admire the intention and impact they have in developing the next generation of leaders in Southeastern Wisconsin.

I was part of Artwork’s Graphic design internship. I loved working with Dionna and the other interns to destigmatize mental illness by using graphic design. Artworks shaped my experiences and helped me connect with community members right here in Milwaukee. I am so thankful for everything Artworks has brought to my life and I would 100% recommend teens to take an internship here!

This program made such a big difference in my daughter's life. As an intern with Artworks, not only did she get paid to do something she loves (art), but she also learned essential work skills. So happy she had the chance to be a part of it. Thank you Terry Murphy, Tracy LoMenzo, and the rest of the Artworks staff. Continue to pour into the youth of Milwaukee!

I loved working with the students and staff of ArtWorks for Milwaukee throughout my tenure of working with directly ManpowerGroup. I've trained the students on a number of workforce development projects (resume writing, interviewing tips, personal branding). The staff was always hands-on and professional - always felt like a true partnership.

I have truly enjoyed serving with Artworks. The projects the interns do are truly designed and led by them and there’s so much intention and growth that comes from the work they do. It’s amazing to see the community the youth creates and the confidence they build.

I am a graphic designer and have had my business for over 25 years now. Seven years ago i moved my office to a space that has many artists' studios and a non-profit named "Artworks for Milwaukee." Their space is next to mine- so i often hear what is going on. i listen to the energetic hum of youth practicing voice-over videos, sharing with each other during group gatherings, creating art projects that express passion for their city. I know they continue to grow, learn and impact their community. I am proud to make significant donations that support their mission.

The talented people at ArtWorks for Milwaukee deliver amazing outcomes and solutions that not only impacts the lives of students, they also enhance the beauty of this amazing city. While I've only been on the board for a short time, I continue to be impressed with the dedication of staff, volunteers, and other Board members. Combining economic viability and artistic endeavors to create a more vibrant community. Outstanding!

Artworks is a fantastic organization to support! They truly have continuous improvement to ensure the interns are getting a valuable experience they will take with them beyond the year. They’ve impacted the community and work with a variety of community partners. The staff is engaged and excited about the kids and the programming!

I am a proud alumni of Artwork for Milwaukee, having interned with them across two years—completing three programs. I look back on my time and appreciate the opportunity and time I got to share with my fellow interns. While there were major moments, like running through rehearsals before performing in front of a large crowd, I often look back on smaller moments— riding the bus to our next shift, walking around the Third Ward, or walking to the corner store to get fries during break. All an amalgamation of experiences that created friendships and a stronger connection to Milwaukee.

I am also thankful for Artworks for providing me a safe space to challenge myself, explore personal facets, and for opportunities that validated my potential. One of my favorite achievements as an intern was when I made a room full of organization partners laugh during a meeting. It was a joyous moment for me that showcased to me the impact of my authenticity. As an alum, I look forward to seeing the manifestations of Artworks for Milwaukee’s impact.

I have been working with ArtWorks for the last 2 years as a volunteer financial education instructor for their intern cohorts. Everyone - from the Board, to the staff, to the volunteers, to the students - is so passionate about the work and the mission of ArtWorks and how to create the best experiences for the youth. And the art that they create is absolutely amazing! I'm happy to have found this organization and to have the opportunity to partner with them on an ongoing basis.

I was an intern for this internship and I really liked the staff and the other interns our bosses picked a very empathetic group who was looking for good change in our community. In turn I learned really important people and finance skills that help me today in my college experience. To not let questions stay questions and have them be answered. And that I have an opinion and it’s important to speak it out and be assertive because I have something to offer. I really thank this internship for the ppl I met and for the experience. And truly feeling like kindness and perseverance can bring about change for mental health and asking for ppl in Milwaukee’s experience is important to us because we also grew up here. This is our city and what happens here and better mental health is good for all of us. It being more accessible and re learning what we were thought wrong. Their is nothing wrong with asking for help it’s worse to suffer in silence.

ArtWorks for Milwaukee is such an amazing art organization. I had participated in one of their community art projects led by artist Raoul Deal where I learned the process of creating a mural and how art can be integrated with research. I was 16 when I took part in this project as a high school intern. It gave me insight into what I desired to work in and what I felt was my calling. I would say this experience took part in my foundation into who I've become as a person and as an artist. From this creative collaboration among the lead artist and other high school interns, it gave me a support group and people who I consider to be not just friends but family. Since then, I have stayed in touch with majority of the people who took part in this project. ArtWorks showed me what was possible, and gave me the tools needed to understand that I was capable.

As both a volunteer and donor, I have been honored to help support an incredible nonprofit, ArtWorks for Milwaukee. After working in the corporate sector for over 30 years in various roles as a change leader, I’ve learned the importance of preparing future generations for success, engagement and fulfillment in the working world and in life. Their mission and vision - combining arts engagement with workforce development through intensive paid internships for teens throughout the year – is exciting and practical, with proven positive results. I have been impressed by the dedicated leadership team and staff, the board, volunteers, and especially the talented and creative interns.

20 years ago, I started ArtWorks for Milwaukee with a local artist and educator. Our goal was to support youth with varying abilities in the Milwaukee area learn the "soft" job skills so they were college and career ready through the arts - an area that many schools were, and continue to cut. ArtWorks has surpassed our vision! The work they do with young adults to prepare them for college and careers is amazing! I'm so proud of all the interns past and present.

ArtWorks was the stepping stone to pursuing my interests in art and the environment. During my time at ArtWorks as an intern, I was quite shy and introverted. However, the internship prompted me to build and foster connections. Moreover, it allowed me to think actively about the environment. Now, in every action I take, I think of the environment first and foremost; I think of how detrimental something as small as turning a light on could be towards the life around me. In my coming years, I'm hoping to publish my art to demonstrate the need for caring about the world around each and every individual. I owe it to ArtWorks for allowing me to realize this necessity. Overall, I loved my experience at ArtWorks and I hope students take advantage of the amazing opportunities it brings!

Continuing a long history of successes fulfilling our mission by great students & staff alike :)

Awesome nonprofit with lots of unique engagement opportunities for the young people they work with.

My nephew had a great experience with Artworks. It was one of the first opportunities where his leadership and problem solving skills were celebrated. As someone who had all the wrong boxes checked because of past behavior, that positive recognition hadn't always been the case. Thanks Artworks for being a place for second chances.

I have the pleasure of serving Artworks Board since 2016. I enjoy getting to know our creative students and watching them develop career skills by leveraging their creativity in our multi-tiered programs. The murals around the city are impactful. The designs our entrepreneurship program develops for our merchandise are second to none. This is an excellent program to give local youth a creative outlet while preparing them for a successful future.

ArtWorks for Milwaukee helps the kids accepted into the program (interns) get the basic job skills many of us take for granted. As someone with a creative background the use of art projects as a vehicle to gain the interns interest and keep them motivated was what attracted me to volunteer.

I have had another very positive year at ArtWorks for Milwaukee! One of the highlights of the year was that I was able to volunteer as a career coach during one of our internship programs. During that experience I met with two interns to work through career exploration, resume writing, and interviewing workshops. What a great opportunity for high school students to really start thinking about the future/what they would like to be doing after high school. It was rewarding experience to talk through these topics with the two interns and very fun to see them get excited & gain confidence about their future careers!

ArtWorks for Milwaukee is an outstanding nonprofit filled with exceptional people with extraordinary stories. Working along side the ArtWorks team has been one of the most fulfilling experiences for me. Talking with the interns about both their personal struggles and their goals for a better future is something I will always hold near and dear. The best part about ArtWorks is that the hard work, dedication and positivity that our interns express during their time at ArtWorks spreads throughout their communities.

I've thoroughly enjoyed my involvement at ArtWorks for Milwaukee. I've seen firsthand how this unique program empowers teens and gives them more confidence in their skills and abilities. I only wish that we were able to serve a greater number of teens throughout the year.

I sit on the Governance Committee and am excited about the programs growth and development every time I attend. I hope to see the organization progress so that talented children in central city Milwaukee have a safe venue to express their art.

ArtWorks for Milwaukee not only changes the lives of high potential teens, but it's changed mine as well. Over the last 4 years I've volunteered and it never ceases to amaze me, the positive change you see within the teens from when they first start their internship to the day they're proudly unveiling their masterpieces. The evident positive change in self confidence, attitude and overall communication of life and career goals within the local teens that are hired at ArtWorks is what makes me an ArtWorks advocate. Thank you to all the volunteers, staff and community partners for supporting such a great organization!

The opportunities offered by ArtWorks to the youth of Milwaukee is invaluable. The young people in this program learn important job skills that will serve them for a lifetime. I have been privileged to work with some of these youth over the past few years. I find all of the young people engaging and yearning to learn. ArtWorks gives them the ability to experience success and give them a sense of pride in the work that they do. This helps set these young people up for success in other areas in their lives.

ArtWorks for Milwaukee provides something that is desperately needed by Milwaukee's underserved youth - opportunity and hope! The world of work has changed so drastically, and it has become even more critically important that individuals entering the workplace have basic skills. Through our programs, the interns learn how to effectively engage with one another, how to accept and provide feedback, and how to meet the expectations of their employers. We are so proud of each and everyone of our interns, especially as we see them give back to ArtWorks and to our community.

ArtWorks for Milwaukee is one of the most compelling non-profit organizations that I've had the pleasure of being involved in. A very grassroots organization with low overhead and high impact on the teens they service. There is a tremendous amount of dedication and enthusiasm in the organization that begins with a wonderful Executive Director and a hands-on working Board. The teens themselves are the best advocates and to hear the impact of ArtWorks programming in their lives tells the story. For more information go to artworksformilwaukee.org.