There’s a new mural in Black Cat Alley, which also hosts a series of events today – Friday, April 25.
The new artwork, by Milwaukee artist Hannah Tews, is called “Mom” and was just recently completed.
The long, horizontal mural over a staircase depicts a polar bear that appears to be swimming on its side and is peppered with a constellation of dots and surrounded by twinkling stars on a blue background.
The mural was painted in a spot that had in the past hosted Ken Brown's "We Are One" mural, which was covered with a Black Cat Alley banner after it was defaced by taggers.
Hannah’s new mural replaced the spot where the Black Cat Alley banner has been. Years ago, the mural “We Are One” by Ken Brown was in this spot, but it got graffitied a few years ago and at that time, we covered it with our Black Cat Alley banner - which has now been replaced by Hannah’s mural.
Two more murals are coming to the alley soon: “Petit Paradis” by POMA Art and “And Now You’re Here” by Adam Melster.
East Side BID Executive Director Ryan Laessig will also paint a mural with POMA Art called “Veridian Kalediscope” in the adjacent Ivanhoe Plaza, where Cutesy Macabre will create artworks on the jersey barriers.
“Supporting local artists is at the heart of our work at the East Side BID,” said Laessig. “Hannah’s mural is the first of several vibrant, new murals coming to the neighborhood soon.
“There are many opportunities for community members to enjoy the new art at Black Cat Alley After Dark, Summer Soulstice Music Festival, East Side Gallery Nights, and other events this spring and summer.”
From 5 to 6 p.m. today, Friday, April 25, MKE Yoga Social will host free community yoga at Black Cat Alley. No experience necessary. Bring a mat, water and an open mind. Class is free, but prior registration here is appreciated.
Then, from 6 until 10 p.m. the first of three free Black Cat Alley After Dark events unfolds amid the outdoor artwork. There will be a silent disco (with headphones) and drinks from The Pharmacy Bar.
Future After Dark events are set for July 18 and Oct. 17.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he lived until he was 17, Bobby received his BA-Mass Communications from UWM in 1989 and has lived in Walker's Point, Bay View, Enderis Park, South Milwaukee and on the East Side.
He has published three non-fiction books in Italy – including one about an event in Milwaukee history, which was published in the U.S. in autumn 2010. Four more books, all about Milwaukee, have been published by The History Press.
With his most recent band, The Yell Leaders, Bobby released four LPs and had a songs featured in episodes of TV's "Party of Five" and "Dawson's Creek," and films in Japan, South America and the U.S. The Yell Leaders were named the best unsigned band in their region by VH-1 as part of its Rock Across America 1998 Tour. Most recently, the band contributed tracks to a UK vinyl/CD tribute to the Redskins and collaborated on a track with Italian novelist Enrico Remmert.
He's produced three installments of the "OMCD" series of local music compilations for OnMilwaukee.com and in 2007 produced a CD of Italian music and poetry.
In 2005, he was awarded the City of Asti's (Italy) Journalism Prize for his work focusing on that area. He has also won awards from the Milwaukee Press Club.
He has be heard on 88Nine Radio Milwaukee talking about his "Urban Spelunking" series of stories, in that station's most popular podcast.
