MILWAUKEE, WI, After two years of community input, planning and renovations, Mitchell Street is now home to the Southside’s newest arts center. Mitchell Street Arts (MiSA) announces its planned Grand Opening celebration on Friday, August 18th at 710 West Historic Mitchell Street from 6-10pm. MiSA, a unique multi-concept hub, will offer an event space, gallery, four artists in residence studios, makerspace, a classroom, and coffee shop. With restored original flooring and picture windows facing the street, MiSA’s event space is beautiful and bright. The entrance has gallery walls for featuring art exhibitions by local artists. Four private artist studios on the first floor will be home to artists for six months beginning late August. On the lower level, MiSA provides a makerspace that includes a wood shop, photography darkroom, ceramics studio, and spray paint room. For forty dollars a month, members can access the makerspace 7 days a week.
“It’s fantastic to finally have the beginning in sight,” said Rew Gordon, MiSA’s Executive Director. “So many people have contributed to getting us to this point. From the volunteers to who helped literally build our space, to our partner organizations, to the foundations that believed in our work. Thank you! ”.
More than an event space, artist studios, makerspace, and gallery, MiSA has partnered with Rise & Grind Coffee to open their second location. “We are excited to be opening our cafe in this wonderful space and neighborhood,” said owner Baboonie Tatum. “We look forward to serving the community.” Guests can access the coffee shop through the Mitchell Street entrance early mornings until late afternoon during the week. This will be the perfect place to take a meeting or work remotely, grab a coffee to-go or enjoy specialty menu items. Rise & Grind plans to open at a later date. For opening details, visit eatrisengrind.com. “Mitchell Street is a place I’d come to often as a child. I have great memories of this thriving neighborhood,” said Nicole Acosta, MiSA’s Creative Events Director. “I’m so proud to be a part of the upcoming developments happening here and I’m beyond thrilled to activate our space for local artists to flourish,” said Acosta.
Grand Opening celebrations will include tours of the makerspace and artist in residence studios, art activities, food and cash bar. Live music from Pulpa de Guayaba, Strings 4 All, and No Stress Collective will continue throughout the evening.
Mitchell Street Arts is supported by the Herzfeld Foundation, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Wisconsin Economic Development Commission, City of Milwaukee Department of City Development, Bader Philanthropies and Arnel, Inc. To set up a private tour call 414-306-1396 or email Nicole at Nicole@mitchellstreet.org, or visit MiSA in-person during normal business hours at 710 W Historic Mitchell St, Milwaukee, WI 53204. More information about Mitchell Street Arts can be found at mitchellstreet.org.