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Community
TUE · MAY 5
05·05

Painted Words, Spoken Images

ft. Shelly Conley

Mitchell Street Arts
13+
Visit Site

Explore a creative fusion of art and poetry with interactive exhibits at the Mitchell Street Branch Library.

Part I

The details

About this event

Painted Words, Spoken Images is a vibrant community project that brings together art and poetry in a collaborative exhibit. Located at the Mitchell Street Branch Library, this event showcases the creative talents of local youth and the community, inspired by Milwaukee Poet Laureate Shelly Conley's work. The exhibit features a Word Wall with poems crafted from a unique word pool, offering a fresh take on interactive art.

Visitors can expect more than just traditional displays; the exhibit includes stands, photo boards, and interactive elements that encourage engagement and conversation. It's a celebration of the transformative power of art and poetry, highlighting the connections between culture, community, and creativity. Whether you're an art enthusiast or just curious, this exhibit offers a meaningful experience for all.

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

  • Drop in anytime — no commitment needed

What's It Actually Like?

Energy2/5
ZenMosh Pit
ArtsyIntimateChill
Art SceneAcademia
Conversational

Who'll Be There

Expect a mixed crowd of local artists, poetry lovers, community members, and possibly families. The event's community-driven nature will attract those interested in cultural engagement rather than a party atmosphere.

How the Room Feels

Quiet expectedSeated throughout

What You'll Leave With

A memory

Who It's For

Social style:
Comfortable solo
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

Low-key. You can show up alone, sit back, and receive. No pressure to mingle or perform.

You'll leave with

A memory

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