Milwaukee's Best Kept Secret

MIAD (273 E. Erie St.) presents Reconnections. This curated exhibition will be a concise selection of contemporary work from MIAD alumni. Ten artists have been selected which will allow an in-depth look at each individual's work. The curators include John McKinnon, Assistant Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Milwaukee Art Museum and Jason Yi, faculty member in MIAD's Foundations Department. Exhibition now to December 12. Call 414.847.3200 or visit online.

In a unique partnership with the Harley-Davidson Museum, MIAD kicked off the fall semester with an ambitious cross-disciplinary project entitled "The Helmet Project." Involving 100 art and design students, 10 faculty members and the Museum's professional staff, the Helmet Project will be on view at the Museum's Garage (400 W. Canal St.) just west of the Ward, October 23 through November 8.

Tory Folliard Gallery (233 N. Milwaukee St.) presents When Animals Talk. Explore a multitude of creatures in this exciting group exhibition of painting and sculpture.  Birds in flight, a mythical bear and mischievous monkeys are a representative few.  These animals, whether real or imagined, will enchant, startle or amuse.  Exhibition now to November 28.  For more information and a list of artists, visit online or call 414.273.7311.

Elaine Erickson Gallery (207 E. Buffalo St.) features a unique exhibition of rare works by WPA artists Charles Thwaites, Antionette Gruppe, Schomer Lichtner, and Ruth Grotenrath.  Other artists include:  Karl Priebe, Francesco Spicuzza and Morley Hicks. Exhibition runs through November 14. For more information, call 414.221.0613.

Pieper Properties, Inc. and The Mayer Building (342 N. Water St.) are hosting an art installation by members of the Milwaukee Community Service Corps (MCSC) located in the lobby. The sculptures were created by MCSC members through an art program that teaches creative thinking and problem solving. Exhibition October 26 through November 20.

Katie Gingrass Gallery (241 N. Broadway) presents The 17th Annual Vintage Poster Exhibition now through December 31.  The exhibition includes a wide variety of American and European advertising posters from the 1880s to the 1980s by artists such as Cappiello, Chagall, Cheret and Villemot.  From classic champagne ads to kitschy Keds ads, these posters inspire a sense of nostalgia. Call 414.289.0855 or visit online for additional details.

Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) - (273 E. Erie St.) presents The Great American Kitchen now through February 20, 2010. This exhibit in the Brooks Stevens Gallery of Industrial Design traces the evolution of both the culture and the products developed for the American kitchen. A multitude of products and other artifacts such as recipe books and period decorative motifs will be displayed in period kitchen environments. Call 414.847.3200 or visit online.

The Eisner - American Museum of Advertising & Design (208 N. Water St.), the nation's only museum of advertising and design, is pleased to announce the showing of the exhibition "UNSEEN Architecture: MKE."  This exhibit showcases creative and inspirational architectural thinking. Running now through March 2010, this exhibit highlights 18 local architecture firms. For more details, visit online or call 414.847.3290.

Click here for weekly updates and specials from Third Ward Merchant Members! The list is updated every Wednesday, so check back often.

Download the Winter Gallery Night and Day application here now through November 13.  Applications for the January 15 and 16, 2010 event are due at noon on Friday, November 13, so fill yours out today!

Read the latest newsletter produced by the Third Ward Merchant Group here.

Historic Third Ward Association has monthly parking available in the Milwaukee Street Parking Structure located at 212 N. Milwaukee Street.  Contact Cindy Lesky of Milwaukee Parking Management at 414-347-1821 or speak with the booth attendant for details. 

Ever wonder how the Historic Third Ward Association, Business Improvement District No. 2 and the Architectural Review Board work together? Download a two-page pamphlet and read all about it. The guide contains the essential information about how the Third Ward became and continues to be the best place to live, work, play and shop.

Check out the 2009-10 Third Ward Shopping, Dining and Entertainment Guide here! With over 130 listings of member retailers, the Guide is sure you help you discover many of the great things the Historic Third Ward has to offer. For your convenience, it can be downloaded as a low-res file.  You can also download a printable Third Ward Merchant Map.

Check out the latest information about the reconstruction and expansion of I-94 from the Mitchell Interchange in Milwaukee through Racine and Kenosha counties here.  Construction begins in March 2009 and runs through 2016. For more information, visit the Wisconsin Department of Transportation online or sign up for email notifications by sending an email to: dotsefreeways94nsc@dot.state.wi.us.