Black Cat Alley In Milwaukee: The Center Of The Artsy East Side
You can read the full article from Lori Loves Adventure here
Where can you see murals in Milwaukee?
Black Cat Alley Milwaukee, located on the east side, is, let’s just say, after the Milwaukee Art Museum, is the second must see for art in Milwaukee. Black Cat Alley encompasses urban art in a neat package cleverly hidden in a private alley behind iconic Oriental Theater. Dare I say it’s a hidden gem…no, it is literally a hidden gem. If you are just strolling past, you might miss the entrance, but make sure you turn around and see it.
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Visiting Black Cat Alley Milwaukee
I adore this art hideaway in the city! It’s edgy, it’s colorful, it’s fun. The East Side Business Improvement District manages Black Cat Alley, which fits right in this hip artsy neighborhood. Beginning in 2016 as an idea between local artists, the East Side Business Improvement District and Wallpapered City LLC., the group wanted to turn this private, often dangerous alley into a place not to be avoided, but celebrated. The first of over 25 installations by local and international artists went up on the brick walls. That number grows every year as they open up the call for additional works from artists.
Fun fact: Black Cat Alley gets its name from the mascot of nearby UW-Milwaukee
On an early cool spring day, I visited Black Cat Milwaukee for the first time. I hit the jackpot, because besides a young couple posing and taking selfies, I had the place to myself. Parking a block away, I was one of those people who nearly missed the entrance on the north side. Entering the alley, I felt like I was intruding (it is a private alley). It was that quiet. Then I realized I was in the right place when I saw the first story high mural towering on the brick wall beside me. I think my jaw dropped! As I walked on, more murals enchanted me with bright colors that instantly brought a smile to my face. A brightly colored dog from the mural “Everything” by Ian McGibbon. The whimsical birds in “Keeper Of The Birds” by Bunnie Reiss. The mural that most captured my heart is Emma Daisy Gertel’s “In Full Bloom.
To see all of the mural images included, make sure to visit the full article here
You cannot just rush right through. In order to appreciate Black Cat Alley Milwaukee, you need to look up and look down. As well as the vast murals, there are detailed installations, a garden, and quotes to look at painted on the pavement at your feet.
Do not forget your camera because this is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Milwaukee. Bring a tripod if you are by yourself and want to get into the picture with a favorite mural. There is a photo and video policy.
This summer in 2022, the Summer Solstice Music Festival returns after a two-year absence to the east side and Black Cat Alley Milwaukee will be in the center of it all. Along with music, there will be food and a variety of vendors. This year’s festival is on Saturday June, 18th.
Like I said in the beginning, Black Cat Alley Milwaukee is a cool place to see and a model for other cities to transform their urban areas one alley at a time. You think Milwaukee doesn’t have it going on? Think again! There’s so much to see and do in Milwaukee, from architecture to breweries, food, and catching our World Champion Milwaukee Bucks, and Brewers.
Black Cat Alley Milwaukee is behind the historic Oriental Theatre on North Farwell. There is an accessible entry off East Ivanhoe Place by the Sip and Purr cat cafe. There is a stairway at the entry off Prospect Avenue by the Axe Bar.