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SAT · MAY 2

Painted Words. Spoken Images.

ft. Shelly Conley

Mitchell Street Arts
13+ · Free · Just Show Up
FREEBudget Friendly
Visit Site

Dive into a community art project blending poetry and visual art at the Mitchell Street Branch.

Part I

The details

About this event

"Painted Words. Spoken Images." is a creative collaboration that brings together poetry and visual art in a community-driven exhibit. Located at the Mitchell Street Branch Library, this project highlights the intersection of art, culture, and community. Visitors can explore interactive displays that encourage engagement with the creative process.

The exhibit originated with Milwaukee Poet Laureate Shelly Conley, who crafted a word pool from her poems. Community members then transformed these words into visual art, creating a Word Wall that reflects local voices. It's a celebration of the power of art to connect and inspire.

Whether you're a poetry lover or an art enthusiast, this exhibit offers a unique opportunity to experience the transformative power of creative collaboration. It's a testament to the vibrant cultural landscape of Milwaukee.

From the organizer

Painted Poems & Spoken Images is a collaborative, community-driven project that highlights the intersection of art, culture, community, and collaboration. The project began with Milwaukee Poet Laureate Shelly Conley creating a word pool drawn from three of her original poems. At Bronzeville Fest 2025, community members used this word pool to create original poems on the Word Wall through word tiles, hand-painted by Arts @ Large youth. The exhibit debuted in Milwaukee during Black History Month 2026, and continues to shine at Mitchell Street Branch Library in honor of National Poetry month. Rather than relying solely on traditional wall space, the exhibit may use stands, photo boards, and interactive elements to engage visitors. It will highlight the transformative and communal power of poetry and art in conversation with one another.

Getting in

  • Free — Just Show Up

  • Drop in anytime — no commitment needed

What's It Actually Like?

Energy2/5
ZenMosh Pit
ArtsyDiyIntimate
Art Scene
Conversational

Who'll Be There

Local residents interested in art and poetry, teens and adults from diverse backgrounds, likely including families and community members who value cultural events. Individuals who appreciate collaborative art projects and community engagement.

How the Room Feels

Quiet expectedSeated throughout

What You'll Leave With

A memory

Who It's For

Social style:
Group of 6+
Energy needed:
Sit back and receive

Part II · The feel

How it feels

The details organizers don't always put in the description — pulled from the room, the crowd, and what people remember afterward.

The room

Library rules. Whispers and a calm body — this is not a talking-out-loud room.

Quiet expectedSeated throughout

The crowd

Shines with 6+. Bring the crew.

You'll leave with

A memory

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