150+ artists to join Make Art MKE in September, a revival of historic Starving Artists Show

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Artists in the Milwaukee area are preparing to show and sell their work at a large event in September.

The gathering will replace an annual show that was cancelled after 5 decades in the community.

The Starving Artists Show ran for 53 years at Mount Mary University, until it was cancelled for multiple reasons in 2022.

"To have a strong show like that go away, it would just be such a void," said Make Bate, founder of Make Art MKE.

The show held a special place in the hearts of local artists, like James Steeno.

"It was my first show I ever did," Steeno said. "It's the only art show I've ever been to where a group of people would actually tailgate."

After the university stepped back the event, Milwaukee-based artist Mike Bate decided to take it into his own hands.

"I couldn't get it off my mind. I was just like, how do I keep this going," Bate said.

Bate came up with the idea for a show called Make Art MKE, and brought the concept to Mount Mary.

"I told the administration all the work I was doing, and what we planned, and how we want to breathe new life into the show," Bate said. "And they gave us the blessing to hold it on the grounds where it all began."

The community latched onto the idea of a reinvention of the Starving Artists Show.

Nearly 150 artists are slated to show their work at Make Art MKE on Sept. 10.

"It has been the biggest reward to find those people within the community that do want to help out with something like this, and do want to see this show continue," Bate said.

A big change from the last show: 30% of ticket profits will go to local organizations, including some money to help revitalize Cooper Park.

"I wanted this to now become the show for the community," Bate said.

Reviving tradition - to celebrate what Milwaukee creatives have to offer.

"I think it means a lot to the artists and the people who live here," Steeno said.

"Hopefully breathing new life into something that has a rich history here," Bate said.

Make Art MKE will include several food trucks, and dining by Miss Molly's Cafe.

Tickets on sale $8 through Thursday, August 31.

Full-priced tickets are $10, and can be purchased online or at the event.

Click here for more information.