Every week in 2015, OnMilwaukee.com and local design company Too Much Metal will join forces to introduce the latest member of the Milwaukee All Stars – a team of unfamiliar winners living in Brew City who consistently and diligently make it shine. Each week, a new member will join the team – based on your recommendations – and at the end of the year all will come together in a Rally of the Raddest Milwaukeeans. We're not sure what that means quite yet, so for now, meet …
Jeff Redmon
Jeff Redmon is a member of Made In Milwaukee, a cultural advocacy group dedicated to the exposure, growth and advancement of the local art, music, and business community. Through his involvement with MIM, Redmond co-founded and coordinated BVGN (Bay View Gallery Night), a bi-annual local art event.
Redmon assisted with the production of the East Side Summer Soulstice Festival and helped to organize Milwaukee’s first ever TEDx event in the Harambee neighborhood.
His latest venture, in cooperation with Josh Evert from the Fatty Acids, is an art and music festival called Arte Para Todos which is a benefit for Milwaukee School arts programs.
"It is a three-day event, in three neighborhoods, featuring over 20 artists and 70 bands. How could I not love doing this stuff?" asks Redmond.
OnMilwaukee.com / Too Much Metal: How long have you worked at this thing?
Jeff Redmon: I have been working for myself since 2003 doing graphic design, creating art, murals, curating art exhibitions and organizing events. I worked for a large corporation as a graphic designer when I graduated from UWM. After a few years of working in the corporate world, I decided to go out on my own in order to pursue my creative dreams.
OMC / TMM: What time of year or season is your favorite in Milwaukee and why?
JR: Summers in Milwaukee are the best. There are just so many good things going on. I love all of the different street festivals, live music, farmers markets, patio happy hours and barbeques.
OMC / TMM: What's your favorite smell in Milwaukee?
JR: Anodyne Coffee. I love coffee!
OMC / TMM: What's your hope for Milwaukee?
JR: It's more of a dream. That the politicians and CEOs who run this city realize that they are sleeping on Milwaukee's most powerful asset, all of the artists, musicians and creative thinkers who live here. One can't just throw money at things and think that will make the city a better place; a lot of stupid things happen that way. One must invest in the soul of their city. I would like to see a Milwaukee full of beautiful art made by the artists who live in the various neighborhoods, creating a sense of pride, community and inspiration for our residents.
OMC / TMM: When and how did you fall in love with Milwaukee?
JR: It began in 1995 when I moved to Milwaukee from Racine to attend UWM and it has only grown since. I have always felt like Milwaukee is the perfect combination of small town and big city. The people are down to earth, all of the great neighborhoods, it's not too expensive, there's lots to do, and nothing is too far away.
OMC / TMM: Why do you do what you do?
JR: It's what I love to do. I am doing design, creating art, organizing creative endeavors and curating exhibitions in many local venues. I believe that service is a key component of a healthy community.
OMC / TMM: What's your one guilty pleasure?
JR: The Tonic Tavern.
OMC / TMM: Name a Milwaukeean you would like to high five?
JR: I don't usually throw high-fives, but I am gonna go with Mike Brenner. I think that he is doing some great things as a local entrepreneur and arts advocate. High-fives, Mike!
Do you know a Milwaukee All Star? OnMilwaukee.com and Too Much Metal are looking for true-hearted folks living in the city of Milwaukee who love what they do – and do it with zest and style. Email fred@toomuchmetal.com or molly@onmilwaukee.com with recommendations.