Artwalk Takes a Trot on the Wild Side

Painters, photographers, jewelers and one tempermental horse named Buggs will put their talents on display this weekend in Wauwatosa.

More than 20 local merchants in the Village of Wauwatosa are taking part in the Westside Artwalk on Friday and Saturday. The event also extends to  the merchants of Vliet Street and North Avenue.

The Village of Wauwatosa boasts only a few art galleries. But no worries, as restaurants, shops and boutiques are making room for the works of local and national artists for artwalkers to enjoy.

“Of course the art is the main attraction,” said Lisa Allen, a Wauwatosa merchant and one of the coordinators of the event. “But getting the restaurants and shops involved makes it a more complete evening for everyone.”

Allen will display her photo art in her boutique, Authentic Journeys, 1430 Underwood Ave., which is attached to Allen Gallery, owned by her father, Don Allen. 

Participating exhibitors are offering Artwalk attendees specials, give-aways, snacks and beverages. 

1510 Underwood Ave., will have customizable works by Wauwatosa artist Kathleen Barczak. Magpie Jewelry and Metal Studio, 7613 W. Harwood Ave., will not only have its jewelry designs for sale but will display the artwork of Joe Boblick, a local artists and MIAD teacher.

, 7600 Harwood Ave., is the perfect backdrop for Guy Wolff’s pots, wind chimes and other garden-inspired works.

Many artists will be onsite to discuss and engage artwalkers.

Jan Wein will be at , 1442 Underwood Ave. Let her create a snapshot of your energy at the time of her drawing your “Soul Portrait.”

Check out the windows at , 1425 Underwood Ave. – hand-painted by Dawn Eve Hartzheim – and ask about future art classes scheduled for the cafe.

New to the Village, owners and artists Kim Jenkins and Penny Stark will be at their boutique, Twirly Birds, 7532 A W. State St., showing their latest works.

Buggs, although local, will not be in the Village at the time his artwork is being shown. Kerry Tylke, owner of Magnolia and Company, 1442 Underwood Ave., will be showcasing the work in her “lifestyle boutique.”

Buggs, a barrel-jumping horse heading into retirement, was purchased by art teacher Carol Jensen.

“Apparently, he was quite naughty at first,” Tylke said. “So Carol thought maybe painting would be a diversion for him.”  The results are pretty astounding – and in demand. Chicago jewelry designer, Alicia Mohr and artist Jill Barth will also have works displayed at Magnolia. 

In an attempt to make art available and affordable to everyone and anyone who loves it, the Milwaukee Artist Resource Network is conducting an art treasure hunt. Artwalk attendees can use treasure maps to hunt down artwork by artists, each having created 20 framed pieces.

The works are exhibited and available through silent-auction bidding at 12 locations throughout the Artwalk or for outright purchase at the MARN headquarters, 5407 W. Vliet St. All artwork is priced under $100. Artwalkers can pick up treasure maps at Artwalk participating sites.

Westside Artwalk

When: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday

Where: The Village of Wauwatosa, Vliet Street (from 43rd to 60th Streets), and North Avenue locations