For every week in Youth Art Month 2025, we are spotlighting five organizations (or one each day), that uplift and connect Wisconsin's youths to the arts. Here are our five shining stars this week:
Day Six
Arts Board Grantee
Building for Kids Children's Museum is a staple in Appleton focused on creating a space for children and families to learn through play.
What have they been up to lately, and how have they used their WAB grant?
From Beth, Vice President of Learning & Engagement:
"Our most recent funding from the Wisconsin Arts Board went to supporting the creation of an interactive art installation at the Building for Kids Children's Museum in Appleton, WI. The installation, titled, The Story of the Land Where We Stand, was created in partnership with the Menominee Tribe. We created the piece to act as a conversation starter for young families recognize the Menominee's impact and presence in our community. The mural, created by Menominee artist, Renny Katchenago, represents the Menominee's creation story and their connection to the earth. The interactive portion of the installation are voice recordings of the Menominee words for elements that appear in the mural. The voice recordings were done by students from Kaehkenawapataeq ("We learn by observing") Charter School, where students are learning Menominee language in an immersive environment.
This project was approved by the Menominee Language & Culture Committee. This past November the Building for Kids hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony, officially opening the installation to the public. Everyone involved in the creation of the installation was invited - including the students. I have included pictures from the opening as the students heard their voices as part of the piece for the first time."
Day Seven
Arts Board Grantee
Founded in September 2018, Pink Umbrella Theater Co. is the first professional theater company, in Milwaukee, with a focus on hiring Disabled Actors and Artists. Theater classes are held throughout the year for ages four through adult. Performances happen virtually and in person for all ages.
What have they been up to lately, and how have they used their WAB grant?
From Rebekah, Director of Programs:
"With our WI Arts Board grant and our partnership ALAS (Alianza Latina Aplicando Soluciones) with we have been able to add 3 new porch plays books to our repertoire: The Very Hungry Caterpillar, El Año en Que Aprendimos a Volar (The Year We Learned to Fly), and Con Mucho Amor (With Much Love). These three new Porch Plays were created in both Spanish and English to offer to our bilingual and Spanish speaking participants. This was such a success that we are currently creating 6 new Lesson Plans for monthly Porch Plays with ALAS from March-August! It would not be possible to fund the lesson planning, new supplies, and to continue to offer these Porch Play with no financial barrier if it weren't for our support from The Wisconsin Arts Board. Thank you!"
Day Eight
Arts Board Grantee
Make Music Day is a free celebration of music in more than 1,000 cities in 120 countries on June 21st. The Make Music Day community celebration at Penn Park in South Madison last year included 4 live music acts as well as activities for youth.
What have they been up to lately, and how have they used their WAB grant?
From Meri, Managing Director at Make Music Madison:
"We used our grant funds in 2024 to partner with the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County. We helped them host their second annual Make Music Day community celebration. The event included 4 live music acts as well as activities for youth. We hope the event inspires them to learn to play an instrument or express themselves musically."
From Jake, Associate Vice President of Operations at the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County:
"Our team at Boys & Girls Clubs has been a host site for Make Music Day for the past 2 years. As a main stage event, we’ve had the privilege to provide a free community concert that has connected our Boys & Girls Club, a senior living complex, neighborhood resource officers, other local non profits and incredible artists to provide powerful music, free food and a sense of community at Penn Park. Additionally, we planned and provide kids activities surrounding music to encourage exploration of the arts. It's been incredible experience working with Make Music Madison and the Wisconsin Arts Board. The entire community is thankful for its funding!"
Day Nine
Arts Board Grantee
Birch Creek Music Performance Center is an elite summer music academy located in the heart of Door County Wisconsin. Students, entering grade seven through graduating grade 12, attend from up to 15 states and from other countries. Their faculty is comprised of professional musicians, many of whom teach and perform at some of the most prestigious music schools in the country. Together, their students and faculty present over 30 concerts in the historic Dutton Barn and over 30 outreach concerts during our academy season. Birch Creek's mission is to engage and nurture promising young and adult musicians through immersive, performance-based instruction in a professional, mentoring environment.
Birch Creek has announced its 50th season, a summer filled with world-class concerts, special guest artists, and unique celebrations marking this milestone year. Advanced student musicians will perform alongside nationally recognized faculty and guest artists, bringing unforgettable musical experiences to audiences in the historic Dutton Concert Barn.
Day Ten
Arts Board Grantee
The John Michael Kohler Arts Center (JMKAC), located north of Milwaukee in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, is known for promoting the understanding and appreciation of the work of self-taught and contemporary artists through exhibitions and commissioned works of art.
Founded in 1967, JMKAC has preserved, studied, and exhibited artist-built environments, earning a worldwide reputation. Art environments involve an individual significantly transforming their surroundings into an exceptional, multifaceted work of art.
How are they celebrating Youth Art Month?
The Youth Art Expo celebrates the multifaceted talents and artistic achievements of Sheboygan County’s youth while applauding the art educators who encourage and guide these young artists. The works in this annual exhibition were created during the 2024–2025 school year by students enrolled in kindergarten through high school and were chosen by their art teachers. Created from a variety of materials, these works range from exuberant to introspective. And for the first time ever, teachers’ artwork will be on display in the Social STUDIO. Find out more here, and attend the opening reception on Saturday, March 15.
Keep up with the Youth Art Month celebration on our socials (Instagram, Facebook), and check back next week for another recap of the week's features!