Maker|Mentor Exhibition
This November, Artists Working in Education (AWE) invites you to be part of a powerful celebration of mentorship, creativity, and community. Our upcoming exhibition will showcase the work of Milwaukee teens from AWE’s Rising Artists Council, alongside the artwork of the teaching artists who have fueled our mission over the past 27 years.
These artists—whether working in our mobile Truck Studios, as Artists-in-Residence, or as members of our core team—have all helped shape the creative landscape of our city. Through the years, AWE has connected thousands of youth with professional artists, nurturing self-expression, creative confidence, and civic engagement.
This exhibition is more than a show—it's a tribute to the relationships, ideas, and experiences that continue to inspire Milwaukee’s next generation of creators. We invite you to join us in honoring AWE’s legacy of creative mentorship—and its future!
Eligibility: Open to AWE alumni, including former or current teaching artists, assistants, staff members, program partners, participants, founders and board and/or committee members.
Entry Fee: None
Application Deadline: October 18, 2026 before 11:59 p.m. CDT
Artwork Submission: Submit 2 to 5 pieces of artwork for jury
consideration. Digital artwork is acceptable.
3rd Annual
Maker|Mentor Exhibition
Opening Night: Thursday, November 12
5:30 - 7:30 p.M.
Our 3rd annual Maker|Mentor exhibition is a celebration of the artistic skills and talents within AWE’s creative ecosystem. A curated and juried selection of artwork from our Rising Artists Council (taught by Siri Stensberg), our newly established Middle School Art Club (taught by Abigail Ziesemann), and teaching artists of AWE’s past and present will be on display.
While you’re enjoying artwork born from our community programming, enjoy food from our Vliet St. neighborhood restaurant, Cocina Filipina.
Artworks for sale offer the opportunity to sustain the creative endeavors of the artists who bring AWE’s mission to life: 80% of sale proceeds will go directly to the artist.
During our exhibition opening, local artist Anja Notanja will host a drop-in-as-you-wish shadow puppet workshop. Notanja will guide participants as they use cut paper/ephemera and objects like feathers on an overhead projector to create scenes and characters.