This information was originally featured in the thirteenth edition of Creative Copy, a service of the Wisconsin Arts Board.
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Expression Without Exclusion: Transforming Lives Through the Arts
If you are subscribed to Arts News, you saw quite a few articles over the past few weeks on Willow Newell, the newly crowned Miss Wisconsin. We had the pleasure of meeting Willow while she was still competing for the Miss Wisconsin title, as then Miss Racine. All of the news and buzz is entirely true, Willow is completely deserving of the title, and we are so excited to work with her and help uplift the arts! That's why this week, we are spotlighting Willow's platform, Expression Without Exclusion.
July 16th, 2025: Miss Wisconsin, Arts Board Staff, and Arts Leaders gathered at O&H in Racine
In Willow's Words
Music and storytelling have always been a part of my life. I vividly remember growing up and seeing musicals with family, performing my first solo with the church choir, and dancing in the kitchen with my parents while they made dinner. As a middle school student, I turned to music when I felt isolated or alone. The moment I knew I wanted to make musicals a permanent part of my life was when I went to the Racine Theatre Guild with my grandmother to see Les Miserables. To say I was hooked, was truly an understatement. From start to finish, the sounds of the orchestra and the perseverance that the characters displayed were astonishing. I want others to be able to experience the musicality as it gives you a feeling that cannot be described. After that life changing experience, I began sharing my artistic skills by performing, competing in the Miss America Opportunity, attending college for Musical Theatre, and teaching at local theatres. All of these moments feel full circle to me because I remember eleven year old Willow being touched by the arts for the first time and now I get to be the one doing that for others. I have witnessed first hand how creating access to the arts has the power to make marginalized groups feel less alone and provides opportunities for success. The arts have the ability to impact all. The goal of my initiative is to continue to create inclusive and accessible opportunities of art through community connections, resources, storytelling, and to promote #ExpressionWithoutExclusion throughout my year of service.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 93% of employers say soft skills like creativity, communication, and collaboration-often developed through the arts are essential for hiring. People need to understand the importance of the arts because it truly impacts all walks of life. It provides occupational opportunities to individuals directly involved with the arts but also, can impact all career professions. Along with professional skills, the arts can allow escape from reality, fostering community, self expression, reflection, and appreciation of cultures. All of these components make for a well rounded individual. It has been my mission since 2017 to ensure there are equal art opportunities presented to all throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. Pertaining to the youth, I have been able to direct musicals, choreograph for various events, present at art festivals, and I am a member/ambassador for the Black Arts Council of Racine. Even more specifically, I have assembled workshops within the community and have promoted my original social media brand “#ExpressionWithoutExclusion”. My initiative doesn’t just impact the youth, it has reached the elderly population as well. For instance, I have performed and conversed at numerous nursing homes, which scientifically has been explained that music and the arts can improve cognitive function and overall quality of life within the geriatric community. The arts can be a part of our everyday lives, from the music played at sports games to the political leader attempting to promote their campaign. I have a plan to ensure that all groups of people are more aware of the opportunities within the arts across Wisconsin.
To connect in with Willow, and follow her journey as Miss Wisconsin, find her on Instagram, or read more about her on Miss Wisconsin's website.