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Community
FRI · MAY 8
05·08

Painted Words. Spoken Images.

ft. Shelly Conley

Mitchell Street Arts
13+ · Just Show Up
Visit Site

Discover the power of community-driven poetry and art at Mitchell Street Library.

Part I

The details

About this event

"Painted Words. Spoken Images." is a captivating exhibit that brings together poetry and visual art in a community-driven project. Hosted at the Mitchell Street Branch Library, this exhibit highlights the intersection of art, culture, and collaboration, offering a fresh perspective on how words and art can transform a space.

The project began with Milwaukee Poet Laureate Shelly Conley, whose word pool inspired community members to create original poems. These poems, displayed on the Word Wall, are complemented by hand-painted tiles from Arts @ Large youth. The exhibit goes beyond traditional displays, incorporating interactive elements that invite visitors to engage deeply with the art.

Whether you're a poetry enthusiast or just curious about community art, this exhibit offers a unique opportunity to explore the transformative power of words and images. It's a testament to the creativity and collaboration that thrives in Milwaukee's artistic community.

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

  • Just Show Up

  • Drop in anytime — no commitment needed

What's It Actually Like?

Energy2/5
ZenMosh Pit
SpiritualArtsy
Art SceneAcademia
Quiet

Who'll Be There

Likely a mix of local artists, poets, community members, and families interested in cultural events. Expect a diverse, inclusive crowd, possibly skewing towards those engaged in the arts or community initiatives.

How the Room Feels

Quiet expectedSeated throughout

What You'll Leave With

Just the experience

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

Just the experience

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