Skip to main content
Community
SAT · MAY 9
05·09

Painted Words, Spoken Images

ft. Shelly Conley

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

Explore poetry and art in an interactive exhibit at the Mitchell Street Branch Library.

Part I

The details

About this event

"Painted Words, Spoken Images" is an engaging exhibit that brings poetry and art together in a community-driven project. Located at the Mitchell Street Branch Library, this exhibit began with Milwaukee Poet Laureate Shelly Conley's original poems, inspiring community members to create their own works. The exhibit features interactive elements like stands and photo boards, making it a dynamic experience.

The exhibit debuted during Black History Month 2026 and continues to celebrate National Poetry Month. It's a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity, inviting visitors to explore the transformative nature of art and poetry. Whether you're a poetry lover or just curious, this exhibit offers a unique way to connect with the community and the arts.

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
ArtsySpiritual
Conversational

Who'll Be There

Local community members, including teens and older adults. Art and poetry lovers, individuals involved in local cultural initiatives. Likely a mix of ages, with a focus on those interested in community engagement and artistic expression.

How the Room Feels

Quiet expectedSeated throughoutLow light

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 throughoutLow light

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

More like this

More from around town

More