Art in Empty Spaces

On last month I had the opportunity to visit a really cool and yes mobile art gallery housed in several empty storefront spaces in the Pabst Brewery Development Site near 10th & Highland.

Funky art exhibits with music, energetic young artist and bewilder older folks like myself created an eastside vibe.


I met with one of the creators of this event and founders of the Parachute Project, Makeal Fammini to discuss this event and the possibility of the SOHI District getting a Parachute project on 27th Street. Check out the video on YouTube.

Makeal was very much excited about the possibility of a partnership. It is the goal of her organization to have 3 more mobile exhibits this summer. Hopefully, the SOHI District is next.

The coolest part about the Parachute project was the diversity of art on exhibit. From poetry reading to music and video. All the artist were really accessible and friendly and there were plenty of people.

I look forward to working with Makeal to bring this to the SOHI District, maybe even a partnership with one of our local neighorhood groups like HCNI for the home tour?

Top Five Ways to Improve Your Business

So you have a business in the City of Milwaukee that is based on customers coming in the door, sometimes called pedistrian traffic. Here are some ways you can improve that traffic specifically if you are in a commercial corridor.

1. Keep it Clean

Try to keep your establishment clean. If you have to, add additional trash cans where possible. Have regular cleaning schedule. Keep a subtle fragrance in the air. Don't forget the bathroom.

2. Maintain the facade and entrance

Patrons and passerbyers will always see the facade and entrance first. This is your first impression. Clean windows, fresh paint and professional signage is important. Masonry, lighting and awnings are just important.

3. Get Involved

Attend meetings when possible and participate in events.

4. Know Your Community

If you do not know who the local stakeholders are, you are missing out on very key supporters. Community organizations, alderpersons and other businesses all play a role in community.

5. Keep it Green

Keep the grass cut, remove weeds from the cracks, plant flowers (when possible) and maintain the landscape. Many businesses stop maintaining the lot after the grand opening.

'West Pointe, Tyler Perry and Theft Prevention'

'West Pointe, Tyler Perry and Theft Prevention'