Milwaukee's Best Kept Secret

The Elaine Erickson Gallery (207 E. Buffalo St.) proudly announces a special exhibit celebrating Harley-Davidson’s 105th Anniversary - photography by renowned photographer Michael Lichtner and artwork by Paul Smith.  Lichtner’s photography is known around the globe.  He has photographed “bikes and “biker culture” for 30 years. He started taking photos when he was 13 years old with a borrowed camera.  By the late 1970s, he found a way to blend his love for photography with his passion for motorcycling. Paul Smith designed the original logo for Harley-Davidson, the eagle on the bar with shield. Both artists will be present for a reception to be held Saturday, August 30 from 1 to 3pm.  The exhibit opens Tuesday, August 26 and the gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday.  Call 414-221-0613 or visit www.eericksongallery.com for more information.

Katie Gringrass Gallery (241 N. Broadway) presents Relative Spaces, now through August 28. The perception of space is mainly a sensual response to the interaction of color and shape as observed in the world, but individual memories, moods, and emotions can also have a dramatic influence on the way we see. Each of these artists use their unique vision to create work in various media: Jodi dePew McLeane - pastel drawings of travel and interiors; Joel Hunnicutt - segmented, turned and lacquered wood vessels; Deanna Clayton - pate du verre glass and bronze vessels; Tom Rauschke - intricately hand-carved mobiles of birds, fish and other wildlife. For more information, call 414-289-0855 or visit www.gingrassgallery.com.

Tory Folliard Gallery (233 N. Milwaukee St.) presents Patrick Farrell – New Still Life Paintings: Calla Lilies and Fruit. This is the artists fourth solo show with the gallery.  Paintings to be exhibited will include the artist’s signature fruit still-lifes, butterflies and flowers. American painter Patrick Farrell illustrates a natural talent that has developed without formal art training of any kind. His pristine still-lifes and trompe l'oeil paintings flawlessly executed in the demanding style of "super-realism" have earned him a noteworthy place among leading painters. Beautifully painted, these paintings evoke the elegance of nineteenth century still-lifes. Exhibit through August 30. For more information call 414-273-7311 or visit online.

Milwaukee Shakespeare (158 N. Broadway) begins its theatre season with Love’s Labour’s Lost at the Broadway Theatre Center Studio Theatre September 5 through October 5. An exciting modern take on Shakespeare’s wittiest comedy, this production plays with pop culture’s relevance to this very contemporary play. The King of Navarre and three of his friends have foresworn all earthly pleasures to commit themselves to academics. But when the Princess of France and her enchanting companions arrive, the dedicated scholars find themselves hopelessly, inconveniently and delightfully in love. Featuring Milwaukee favorites Angela Iannone, Molly Rhode, Norman Moses, Kevin Rich, and Wayne T. Carr. Tickets, ranging from $15-$48.50, are available Monday through Saturday Noon-6pm at the Broadway Theatre Center Box Office, by phone at 414-291-7800 or online at www.milwaukeeshakespeare.com.

Phyllis Toburen Gallery (207 E. Buffalo St.) presents Transformation, featuring the work of gallery owner and artist, Phyllis Toburen.  Paintings from the Roots Series (2005) and the Emergence Series (2006-2008) are on display. The Roots series includes some of the artist's first pieces in her trademark crackle technique, all done in an earth tone palette invocative of natural textures and ancient cultures.  The Emergence Series features glossy, monochromatic, three-dimensional pieces - paint literally emerges from the canvas in planes or strips. Paintings from both series showcase Toburen's command of the neutral palette and organic forms.   Join Phyllis Toburen Gallery as it makes the transition from a salon-style gallery to a themed exhibition with selected works.  Transformation will be on display until mid-September.  Gallery open Thursday through Saturday or by appointment with artist.  Call 414-220-8044 or visit www.phyllistoburen.com for more information.

Eisner Museum (208 N. Water St.) presents two exhibits through the summer. First is PETA’s - "I'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur" campaign through August 1.  In 1991, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) launched its "We'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur" campaign. This exhibit features advertising from that campaign. Next is Advertising or Design - The Big Question - through September 30. This exhibit features three of the top advertising firms and three of the top design firms. See how the two professions are the same and how they differ. Call 414-847-3290 or visit online for more information.

Eisner Museum (208 N. Water St.) presents Fossil “Vintage-Ology.” This exhibit showcases Fossil’s iconic designs represented through a variety of products and packaging. From Fossil, “Our vintage is showing. And that’s fine with us. In fact that’s what we’re all about. Vintage inspiration with a modern twist. We call the term, Modern Vintage and you’ll find it in everything we do. From our award winning design to every product we make. See the evolution of our brand, our lineage, our DNA, our Vintage-ology.”  Exhibit through December 31.  Call 414-847-3290 or visit online for more information.

Visit the Elaine Erickson Gallery (207 E. Buffalo St.) and view original paintings by Ruth Grotenrath and Schomer Lichtner. Grotenrath used 20th Century modern influences in her early work and later used the sophisticated arts of Japan. Lichtner is best known for his expressive and whimsical paintings of ballerinas and dairy cows as well as his regionalist murals. The exhibit is ongoing and exclusive to the Gallery. For more information call 414-221-0613 or visit www.eericksongallery.com.

Third Ward businesses collaborate to bring  you fine dining and fine art!  Select pieces by Third Ward artist and gallery owner Phyllis Toburen are now on display on the first floor of Palms Bistro & Bar (221 N. Broadway).  Display pieces range in style and feature three-dimensional work inspired by classic rock.  Dine at the Palms to enjoy Ms. Toburen's unique art in an intimate, contemporary setting.

Harley riders from across the country began their journey to Milwaukee August 18 for the 105th Anniversary Celebration being held August 27-30. There are 105 official routes mapped out by Harley with each taking ten days.  Riders will converge in Milwaukee on August 27. The event will impact the neighborhood. Click here to find out more information about the event, the parade and traffic and parking restrictions here in the Third Ward. Click here for information about weekend specials from Third Ward merchant members!

Click here for weekly updates and specials from Third Ward Merchant Members! The list is updated every Wednesday, so check back often.

This summer we've welcomed some new neighbors:
AGAMI Salon (147 N. Broadway) hair and nail salon.
Christine Plamann Photography (244 N. Broadway) lifestyle photography.
Bel Canto Chorus and Present Music (158 N. Broadway) performing arts organizations.

And said goodbye to some old friends:
KD Interactive (219 N. Milwaukee St.) part of the Ward since 2003.
Milwaukee Futon (316 N. Milwaukee St.) part of the Ward since 2007.
Phoenix Resource Group (219 N. Milwaukee St.) part of the Ward since 1998.

Check out the 2008 Third Ward Shopping, Dining and Entertainment Guide here! With 140 listings, the Guide is sure you help you discover many of the great things the Historic Third Ward has to offer.

Did you get to enjoy some hot jazz in a cool neighborhood the first weekend of August? The 10th Annual Summer Sizzle Jazz Festival was a great success. Check out great pictures of Steve Cole and Terence Blanchard by Jazzreview.com's Morrice Blackwell.

Did you miss getting a Summer Sizzle t-shirt last year? Do you need a snazzy polo to look good in? Visit the Historic Third Ward office during regular business hours (M-F 8am-5pm) and check out our Third Ward Gear!
Shirts, hats and magnets are available for purchase.
Summer Sizzle T-shirt (2008-green) - $10
Summer Sizzle T-shirt (2007-purple) - $5
Summer Sizzle T-shirt (2006-red) - $5
Summer Sizzle T-shirt (2005-blue) - $5
Historic Third Ward Polo Shirt (green) - $10
Historic Third Ward Hat - $15
Historic Third Ward Tote Bag - $12
HTWA Picture Frame Magnet - $5
Cash and checks welcome!

The Historic Third Ward Association and City of Milwaukee Business Improvement District No. 2 are proud to announce that the Historic Third Ward Riverwalk project received a 2007 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Honor Award for Regional and Urban Design. The Riverwalk also earned Special Recognition in 2006 from the AIA as well as a Special Achievement Award for Public Space from the International Downtown Association (IDA), the honor of Top Project from Wisconsin Builder Magazine and an Award of Excellence at the Sustainability & Energy Efficiency Leadership Awards. In 2005, project won an Honor Award from The Waterfront Center. The Historic Third Ward Riverwalk was designed by Engberg Anderson, a business tenant member of the Historic Third Ward. Learn about the project here.