This Saturday, you can check out Milwaukee's newest addition to the artist's world. RedLine, 1422 N. 4th St., is an urban art laboratory dedicated to connecting artists and the community through studio space, outreach and public events.
You can check out the RedLine location at an open house Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.
"We wanted to have an open house to introduce ourselves to the community, show people what the building will become and let people know there will be the opportunity for a lot of community involvement," Julie Anderson, RedLine project manager, says.
RedLine founders Lori Bauman and Steve Vande Zande are both artists and educators. Collaboratively working on opening RedLine in Milwaukee since 2001, Bauman and Vande Zande met Lauri Merage at New York University several years ago and the duo decided to open similar facilities in separate cities.
RedLine Milwaukee opens as the second RedLine location; RedLine Denver (Merage's location) opened in October 2008. Like the Denver location, the building will offer a unique space giving artists and visitors a venue for creative expression as well as a means of community outreach for artists to work with local teens.
The RedLine building is still under construction; the exterior is complete but the interior is gutted and awaiting finalization. At Saturday's open house, visitors can talk with the architect, see future construction plans and get a feel for future programming.
RedLine Milwaukee plans to move artists into the space in June and hold a grand opening in July.
"We spent three years looking for the right building; the neighborhood was most certainly a determinant. Our location is within reach of residential areas, close to downtown and on the verge of the Park East Development," Anderson says.
The RedLine concept believes "the status quo is more dangerous than delving into the unknown." The collective's focus urges artists to cross the "red line" of inhibitions and limitations.
RedLine Milwaukee plans to provide studios for several resident artists; each artist will be provided with space for a 2-3 year period in an effort to increase awareness of contemporary art in Milwaukee.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.
After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.
Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.
