Studio Be is a Milwaukee, WI based art studio that has grown into a community space & ongoing landscaping project. The studio & the uniqueness of its location allows it to engage the community in the magical practice of imagination, capturing the land’s breathing spirit through rain gardens, murals, street graphics, sculptures and paintings.
Studio Be opens its doors to the public during gallery night, showcasing a number of artist meals & book discussions with creatives in many different fields of art, ranging from architecture to woodworking. The studio space includes a shop that is available to fellow artists while also serving as both a long & short-term space for about a dozen emerging artists.
MARK DAVID GRAY
Mark is a nationally recognized artist whose work has shown in New York, Stamford, Minneapolis & Chicago as well as regional venues including The Milwaukee Art Museum, West Bend Art Museum, Beloit College/Wright Museum, The Kohler Art Center, & a permanent collection at The Iron Horse Luxury Hotel.
Mark moved into Studio Be in 2010 & has spent the past five years working to provide a safe, nurturing environment for emerging artists. He is currently facing the imminent loss of his studio & the ability to continue work on the neighboring rain garden & street murals.
How will your contribution help?
100% of your support goes directly to paying studio rent. With the $12,000 from Kickstarter, Mark will be able to guarantee his occupancy going forward. Mark’s work on the rain garden will allow it to expand, enriching the neighborhood. Studio Be will be utilized in the creation & storage of materials to be used in street graphics.
Gallery Night events & the ongoing “Primordial Faith and Imagination” Triptych of talks will be hosted by the studio. Mark will continue to produce art and sculpture, serving to educate and enhance the community.
If you have any additional questions or comments, please feel free to email Mark directly at studio420b@gmail.com or stop by if you’re in the neighborhood!
Risks and challenges
The past five years in the studio have served as a working testament to the viability of developing a rain garden and fostering community outreach. The infrastructure is in place & there are little to no challenges involved.
The continuation of these projects are at risk if Mark loses his studio:
• Storing stencils for Walker’s Point Murals
• Expanding & growing the rain garden
• Housing & development of fellow artists
• Gallery Night events & community enrichment
STUDIO BE | 420 S 1st St Milwaukee, WI 53024
