Art in the Green

Before I decided to intentionally explore Milwaukee, I really wouldn’t have thought to look for events and activities around the city to attend. That’s not to say that we never did anything, but activities were usually geared towards the kids, with friends, at familiar places. 

Two weekends ago, I made my first real attempt at a solo Milwaukee experience. I tried to go to Art Day in the Third Ward, but I took more time looking for a parking space than anything else. When I finally parked, I realized I had no idea where to go to see the art. I never figured it out before I had to leave, so instead, I walked around for a bit, got a breakfast pie from Drift, and then went home. 

Saturday morning while finalizing my grocery list, I decided to find something to do before my grocery run. On a calendar of events, I saw “Art in the Green at the Mitchell Park Domes,” and immediately knew that’s what I wanted to do.  I hadn’t been to the Domes in a couple years, and the last time was for a wedding reception in the evening. Also, I love art!

In the atrium several food and drink vendors were selling their tasty goods. I grabbed a soda, and followed the signs to the green house where the art was displayed. I was pleased to see such a large number of vendor booths and art types. Among them were jewelry, wood crafts, pottery, scarves, woven baskets, photography, paper crafts, sculptures, and different types of paintings. I thoroughly enjoyed strolling up and down the aisles, examining many different creations, as well as speaking with some of the vendors themselves. I was very impressed with the talents of these artists.   

Here is just a tiny sampling of what I saw:

Abstract paintings by Melva

Pottery by Kim Eckroth

Recycled sculptures by Green Chicks Studio

I wasn't able to buy anything today, but I got business cards for the future!

Walking around, I got to thinking about art, and how subjective it is. Sometimes art is practical, and sometimes it doesn’t offer extrinsic value other than to make the viewer experience emotion. And that emotion doesn’t have to be positive. Sometimes art makes us feel joyful or at peace or excited, but it can also make us feel anger, sadness or fear. Maybe our ability to emotionally experience art is what separates humans from other animals. 

After I wandered around the green house, I made a point to visit all three of the horticultural domes. First, I walked through the arid dome, where I got to see a variety of cacti and palm trees. Then I moved on to the show dome where there were a multitude of beautiful flowers and plants on display. I guess even nature can be art! I visited the tropical dome last. I think my favorite part was the little waterfall. Or maybe the cocoa tree, which made me think of one of my favorite foods – chocolate! I could have spent a lot more time meandering through the domes, really taking in the beauty and value of nature (even if it is in a controlled setting), but I knew that I had to take care of my grocery shopping.

The Arid Dome

Palm tree!

The Show Dome

So many beautiful flowers!

Pretty little waterfall in the Tropical Dome

Aww baby chocolate!

I walked back into the atrium, and a little cart caught my eye – Chillwaukee Pops. It was quite warm, and a popsicle sounded delicious. The flavor combinations were intriguing, and different than typical popsicle flavors. I briefly chatted with the young man who was selling the popsicles, and he recommended the roasted plum and cream popsicle, which I of course bought. It was bold and sweet and tart all at the same time. Unlike typical popsicles that can be refreshing, but pretty one-dimensional, this popsicle was both refreshing and full of flavor! I highly recommend you try their popsicles this summer! Did I mention that they are all 100% vegan? That makes them 100% healthy, right?!

I can't wait to try more of these flavors!

Roasted plums in a popsicle? Grand idea!

What do you think about art? What are your favorite types of art? Can anything be art, depending on whether or not it makes you feel something? Do you think it’s a uniquely human experience? Comment below!