Bronzeville Center for the Arts unveils new community mural outside Gallery 507

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --- As part of Bronzeville Week, a new community mural is being unveiled in Milwaukee's Historic Bronzeville District. The work of art is a collaboration from local artists at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.

The new mural titled "Homage to Bronzeville: A Legacy in Paint" is located on the exterior of Gallery 507 on North Avenue. The gallery is the headquarters of the Bronzeville Center for the Arts (BAC). "Gallery 507 is more than just a building.

It's a promise to our artists, a promise to our residents, a promise to our visitors. It's a promise that Milwaukee values creativity. That we value diversity, that we value the power of the arts and what it brings to our communities," said Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

BAC was established back in 2020 and is developing a major museum project highlighting African American art in Bronzeville.

City leaders say the new mural celebrates Milwaukee's rich, artistic history and the mural will be part of Bronzeville's legacy. "When I look at Gallery 507, I think that it is more than just an art gallery. It is a symbol of all that we are trying to build in Bronzeville and all that we are building and all that is possible," said District 6 Alderwoman Milele Coggs.

Coggs says the mural not only beautifies the neighborhood, but also serves as a cultural beacon. Brad Anthony Bernard, local artist and MIAD professor, led the mural project in collaboration with arts students.

"The goal of this mural was to design a mural that highlights the vibrant art and music heritage of Bronzeville. It also illustrates a combination of artist organizations, historic events that have shaped this community's cultural landscape," said Bernard.

The mural also marks the completion of Gallery 507, which is the first major development for the Bronzeville Center for the Arts.