Events (Vital's Picks)

A selection of the area's most interesting upcoming events.

Watercolor Wisconsin @ Racine Art Museum
Sun, Dec 07, 2008 – Sat, Apr 25, 2009
RAM's Charles A. Wustum Museum of Fine Arts in Racine, WI is pleased announce the 42nd Annual Wisconsin Watercolor 2008 exhibition. As one of the museum's most popular annual shows, this exhibition brings together the works of artists from throughout the state.Pieces created by these watercolor artists have been chosen from a selection of an unprecedented 317 pieces submitted for entry in the following juried show. For more information and a full listing of the selected to participate in this year's show, please visit ramart.org.
Human Trafficking Awareness Week Events @ UWM Fireside Lounge
Mon, Dec 01, 2008 – Thu, Dec 04, 2008
Come Join Trafficking Ends with Action for Fall 2008 Human Trafficking Awareness Week. All events will be held in the UWM Fireside Lounge starting at 7pm and are free and open to the public. Because Trafficking Ends with Action!
Event: "Trafficking in South East Asia"
Date: Monday December 1st Time: 7pm
We will be screening two documentaries dealing with sex trafficking in South East Asia. Sisters and Daughters Betrayed (28 Minutes): Sex trafficking is a global crisis of growing dimensions. Millions of women and young girls have been illegally transported from rural to urban areas and across national borders for the purpose of prostitution. This compelling short documentary explores the social and economic forces that drive this lucrative underground trade, and the devastating impact it has on women's lives.
Anonymously Yours (60 Minutes): This extraordinary documentary on sex-trafficking in Southeast Asia interweaves four young women's stories to reveal an institution that enslaves as many as 40 million women worldwide. Shot clandestinely in Myanmar (formerly Burma),Anonymously Yours is often shocking, frequently harrowing, and always compelling. Through the brutal honesty of the four women's stories the film exposes the commonplace bartering and selling of women and the cycles of poverty that enslave them.
Event: "Human Trafficking: Two Sides Of The Same Coin"
Date: Tuesday December 2nd
Time: 7pm
We will be screening two documentaries dealing with human trafficking in Southwest Asia and the North America. The Silent Revolution (18 Minutes): This is the story of people held in slavery in the stone quarries of northern India, who risk everything to take back their lives.
Lives For Sale (60 Minutes): A one-hour investigative documentary exposes the painful, rarely seen human side of illegal immigration - including the growing black market trade in human beings.
Event: "Gina Allende speaks on Human Trafficking in Wisconsin"
Date: Thursday December 4th
Time: 7pm
Gina Allende is a leader in the fight against human trafficking in the state of Wisconsin. As Health Promotions Program Coordinator for\ UMOS, Gina has worked with numerous victims of human trafficking here in the state of Wisconsin, and is a leading expert on human trafficking in Wisconsin. She will be speaking on the nature of trafficking in the United States, how to identify victims, and what needs to be done to help fight this crime.
French Conversation Class @ Alliance Francaise
Sat, Nov 29, 2008 – Sat, Nov 29, 2008
Come sample an Alliance Francaise French conversation class. Practice your French with interesting, eclectic and eccentric subjects. This class will be taught by Sady Azefzaf. Of Morroccan origin, he was born in Brussels and lived in Paris. A roadie for U2, he plays guitar and played in a cover band for U2. The conversation will prove to be nothing short of fascinating. For Francophones, this is the perfect way to relax over Thanksgiving. $25 Members/ $30 Non-members. Alliance Francaise, 1800 E. Capitol Drive, Shorewood. Phone: 414-964-3855.afmilwaukee.org.
Art vs. Craft @ Humphrey Masonic Center
Sat, Nov 29, 2008 – Sat, Nov 29, 2008
It’s official. The holiday season is upon us and soon Black Friday will send shoppers into a tizzy, cramming malls and freeways, vying for the hottest holiday gifts. Luckily, there’s an alternative with Art vs. Craft, Milwaukee’s bi-annual indie fair and brainchild of craft goddesses Faythe Levine and Kim Kisiolek. Stroll the AvC marketplace for unique handmade fineries by regional and national artists; buy directly from the creative source instead of spending your hard-earned dough on mass-produced items from giant corporations. Good stuff.
artvscraft.com
Twilight Tours @ The Pabst Mansion
Fri, Nov 28, 2008 – Sat, Dec 27, 2008
A Christmas treat never before offered at the Pabst Mansion! A holiday evening open house on select nights where we welcome you as our guest to enjoy a tour of the Pabst Mansion. Costumed guides welcome you into each of the Mansion’s elaborately decorated rooms to tell you of Milwaukee’s Victorian past, carolers serenade you on your stroll through the house, and warm refreshments await you at the end of your journey. A truly wonderful way to experience the grandeur of this Grand Avenue Mansion during this holiday season. Tickets $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Children $6 advance and $8 at the door. Order tickets online at http://www.pabstmansion.com" title="pabstmansion.com">pabstmansion.com or call 414-931-0808. Tours are offered November 28 & 29 and December 26 & 27 from 5:30-8:30 pm.
MY VOTE PERFORMS: Art during the election @ MIAD
Tue, Nov 25, 2008 – Tue, Nov 25, 2008
For the November 4 2008 presidential election, MY VOTE PERFORMS (MVP) produced performance art at eleven different polling places in the City of Milwaukee. MVP is nonpartisan and approved by the State Elections Board (this body is now revamped and called the Government Accountability Board) and the Milwaukee Election Commission.
Throughout American history, art has shaped ideas about government and civic responsibility, but a project of this nature has not been undertaken before in the United States. The polling sites represented eleven of the city’s fifteen voting districts.
The performance art pieces, focused on citizenship and voting, represented three decades of Milwaukee's finest performance artists. At most sites artists created five- to ten-minute pieces that were presented every 20-30 minutes between the highest-volume polling hours. Projects included dance, recorded sound, original music, puppetry, video, interactive sculpture, and storytelling.
Since only the people who voted at the eleven polling sites had the chance to experience the projects, MVP is hosting a free forum at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design on Tuesday, November 25th at 7:00. MVP will present documentation of all eleven projects, including some live performances. The forum is sponsored by WUWM, Milwaukee Public Radio (89.7 FM.)
To learn more about My Vote Performs, visit their website or read Pegi Taylor's thoughts on the project here.
http://www.myvoteperforms.com
Revelations of Veiled Communities Film Series @ UWM Union Art Gallery
Tue, Nov 25, 2008 – Tue, Nov 25, 2008
These film shorts cover various cultural groups and individuals that could be seen as members of ‘veiled’ communities- or communities that are little known in both current and historical contexts.
Prince Among Slaves
Prince Among Slaves tells the true story of a little known African American hero, an African prince who was sold into slavery in the American South in 1788. His name was Abdul Rahman Ibrahima Sori, and he remained enslaved for forty years, before ultimately regaining his freedom and returning to Africa. 60 minutes
Black & White
This film shines a sensitive light on a subject that is too often either shunned or sensationalized: the experiences of intersex people (sometimes called hermaphrodites). This beautiful and stylish film artfully explores the potent creative collaboration between Mani Bruce Mitchell and the acclaimed photographer Rebecca Swan. Portrayed through this lens, Mitchell’s story introduces viewers to notions of fluid gender identity, challenging the rigid categories of “male” and “female.”17 minutes
Something’s Moving
American Indian Boarding Schools were the federal government’s primary tool of assimilation for Native Americans. Using neglect, abuse and isolation at times, these schools sought to sever ties between parent and child & child and culture. Something’s Moving explores the realities and contradictions of the boarding schools through the voices and stories of former students, and follows their attempts at healing themselves, their families and communities from this little known aspect of 20th century American history.8 minutes.
Independent Lens: I.O.U.S.A. @ John Michael Kohler Arts Center
Tue, Nov 25, 2008 – Tue, Nov 25, 2008
When I.O.U.S.A. premiered in August 2008, the tagline read “One Nation. Under Stress. In Debt.” How poignant. I.O.U.S.A. follows former U.S. Comptroller General David Walker as he traverses the country, trying his best to explain America’s unstable financial practices to its citizens, but goes beyond the rhetoric and partisan boundaries to propose solutions about how we can avoid an economic disaster recreate a fiscally sound nation. 920-458-6144
jmkac.org
Holiday Arts Festival @ Sharon Lynne Wilson Center
Sun, Nov 23, 2008 – Sun, Nov 23, 2008
Enjoy watching excerpts from The Nutcracker performed by Milwaukee Ballet School, taking a stroll down gingerbread lane, and posing for photographs with the ballet dancers at the 7th annual Holiday Arts Festival on Sunday, November 23, 12:30-4:00 pm. Art projects, treats, and holiday music from local youth groups are all part of the family fun. Tickets are $6-$1. For more information, a list of choirs, or to purchase tickets, call (262) 781-9520 or visit wilson-center.com
Holiday Tea & Fair Trade Shopping @ Village Church
Sat, Nov 22, 2008 – Sat, Nov 22, 2008
Come for a Holiday Tea & Fair Trade Shopping with Trails to Bridges! For a suggested donation of $10, enjoy fair trade teas and Mt. Meru Coffee and tea fare (assorted tea sandwiches and pastries) while shopping for unique holiday gifts from Trails to Bridges like: jewelry, purses created from ornate saris from India, children's gifts, silks,pottery ,textiles, clothing ,candles,sculpture, paintings and more!
Trails to Bridges' mission and passion is to help talented and economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide. Specifically, they link low-income producers with consumer markets, which in turn supports living wages and safe working conditions for workers in the developing world.
A portion of the proceeds from the tea will support Village Church Arts outreach programming. Village Church Arts is a nonsectarian outreach program, dedicated to promoting and supporting the exploration of creativity and spirituality across all artistic media and subject matter.130 E. Juneau Avenue. (414) 273-7617.
Lil’ Ed and The Blues Imperials CD Release Party @ Cedarburg Cultural Center
Fri, Nov 21, 2008 – Fri, Nov 21, 2008
From smoking slide guitar boogies to raw-boned Chicago shuffles to the deepest slow blues, guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Lil' Ed Williams is an awe-inspiring master bluesman. He and his blistering, road-tested band, The Blues Imperials - guitarist Mike Garrett, bassist James "Pookie" Young, and drummer Kelly Littleton - are celebrating 20 amazing years together. Live, Lil-Ed and The Blues Imperials simply can't be beat as Ed breaks out the deepest back-bends, the highest toe walks, and the most authentic electric slide-guitar blues being played today. The CCC 2008-2009 performance season is sponsored by Olsen's Piggly Wiggly in Cedarburg and PJ Schmidt Investment Management Inc. in Cedarburg. The "Blues in the 'Burg" series is sponsored by Best Western Quiet House & Suites in Mequon. W62 N546 Washington Avenue, Cedarburg WI. 262-375-3676, CedarburgCulturalCenter.org
Flora Langlois and Dennis Wotjiewicz @ Tory Folliard Gallery
Fri, Nov 21, 2008 – Sat, Dec 27, 2008
Tory Folliard Gallery opens two solo exhibitions that explore the natural world and the nature of time. Costa Rica native Flora Langlois’ acrylic paintings highlight beauty within the environment, but add a twist of whimsy to create mystical characters and landscapes that channel a joyful energy. Ohio artist Dennis Wojtkiewicz’s works in oil ponder the sensitive nature of time. His oversized paintings incorporate an ethereal light and photorealism, making his subjects look good enough to eat. Through December 27. 414-273-4311
toryfolliard.com
Be a Rock Star @ MAM After Dark
Fri, Nov 21, 2008 – Fri, Nov 21, 2008
Are you ready to rock? Fresh from its jam-packed opening affair in October, MAM After Dark returns with a vengeance to host Be a MAM Rock Star on Friday, November 21, from 5 p.m. to midnight. Shake it up on the third Friday of the month with MAM After Dark, the art happening that allows you to cast yourself in a whole new light.
Between world-premiere screenings of wild and crazy air-guitar videos, watch eight challengers clash in a live air-guitar competition beginning at 9 p.m. Break out your own ethereal axe for a chance to walk-on and compete for a Jack Daniels electric guitar! Hosted by former US Air Guitar Champ the Rockness Monster and brought to you by Milwaukee Air Guitar.
Not sure about your solo? There's lots more to take in off stage. Performance installations by the UWM Dance and Digital Media Departments take place throughout the evening, and the world’s first fully interactive digital art exhibition, Act/React: Interactive Art, fills up the night with talking tables, interactive mirrors, and glowing pools of light. The MAM After Dark Photo Booth will make you famous for having fun and give you a chance to be in our next ad campaign for MAM After Dark.
And there's even more to being a star. Make your own creation at the DIY Studio, where you can make your own journal out of record covers, or create music in the Tonal Motion laser music lab—all while enjoying a refreshing drink from the cash bar, delicious hors d’oeuvres from Café Calatrava and Chef de Cuisine Chris Hatleli, and music from Tarik Moody of 88Nine Radio Milwaukee. Tickets are a measly $10 at the door (free if you're a member), or you can go online to purchase an advance ticket for $8 (search "Air Guitar"). Rock on!!
Baby / Parent Group @ Pink House Studio
Fri, Nov 21, 2008 – Fri, Nov 21, 2008
Sarah Moore of The Pink House Studio is hosting another Baby and Parent Group. She's offering a space to share tips on natural parenting, thrifty parenting, sane parenting....plus have some relaxed fun and a few stretches at the end. Babies,toddlers and children at home are all welcome, as well as others raising kids besides mom who want support and attention too! This event is held at 1012 E. Auer Avenue in Riverwest.
The Veil: Explorations in Film @ UWM Union Art Gallery
Thu, Nov 20, 2008 – Thu, Nov 20, 2008
This series of short films looks at literal interpretations, historical moments and cultural perceptions of veiling and outside perceptions of women of Islamic faith.
They Call Me Muslim
In popular Western imagination, a Muslim woman in a veil – or hijab – is a symbol of Islamic oppression. But what does it mean for women’s freedom when a democratic country forbids the wearing of the veil? In this provocative documentary, filmmaker Diana Ferrero portrays the struggle of two women – one in France and one in Iran – to express themselves freely. 27 minutes
Hollywood Harems
Juxtaposing film clips from the 20s through the 60s, 70s, and 80s, Kamal-Eldin explores the organization of gender, race, and sexuality in Hollywood’s portrayal of the exotic east an indiscriminate fusion of things Arab, Persian, Chinese and Indian. She argues, convincingly, that in abridging cultural plurality and difference, these technicolor fantasies have worked both to shape and reinforce often derogative assumptions about peoples of the east while at the same time reinscribing the moral, spiritual, and cultural supremacy of the Anglo-European west. 24 minutes
Transparency
This documentary examines one of the more controversial issues in Islam today—the Hijab—the Islamic dress code for women. It answers a fundamental question: Is the Hijab a form of oppression or a woman’s expression of faith? Through sharing their views and personal experiences several Muslim women living in the United States help us understand the various attitudes towards the Hijab and the compelling arguments of the underlying issues from morality, modesty and faith to oppression and a woman’s right to choose. 30 minutes

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