#smallpage

[creativemorningsmilwaukee]

Portrait by Linda Smallpage

Raven Stevenson & Nia Love

Event details 🗓️ Date: Friday, April 18th ⏰ Time: 8:30 – 10:00 AM 📍 Location: South Second – 838 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI 🎟️ Tickets are FREE!

All about Raven Stevenson

Raven Stevenson is a Columbia, SC native, Duke alum, and Navy veteran passionate about empowering communities through technology, education, and impactful storytelling. After over eight years of service as a Surface Warfare Officer, Raven transitioned her leadership and technical expertise into the civilian world, where she now works as a Business Intelligence & Analytics Designer at Molson Coors. She also serves as the Midwest Region Vice President for BDPA, a non-profit diversifying tech talent since 1975, and as Treasurer for HR-4U, advocating for living wages.

Throughout her career, Raven has championed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives and developed strategies with lasting impact—from revising the Naval Science curriculum at Morehouse College to mentoring future leaders. As a licensed spiritual teacher through the Universal Foundation for Better Living (UFBL), she shares principles of self-empowerment and practical spirituality to inspire purposeful living.

A creative problem-solver, Raven blends analytical thinking with artistic expression. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, staying active, creating music, freelance marketing, and fostering meaningful connections.

All about Nia Love

Nia Love is a Baltimore-born, Atlanta-raised leader who brings warmth, authenticity, and humor to every space she enters. Guided by values of integrity, advocacy, empathy, equity, and prosperity, Nia is passionate about creating opportunities for others while building a legacy rooted in generational wealth and success. She currently works as a Senior Tax Technology Analyst at Molson Coors, leveraging her diverse professional experiences working in Human Resources, Education, Insurance, law enforcement, and IT to solve complex challenges and drive positive outcomes.

In addition to her professional work, Nia serves as Vice President of Internal Operations for the Milwaukee chapter of BDPA (Black Data Processing Associates), an organization dedicated to diversifying tech talent since 1975. Having personally benefited from BDPA’s mission, Nia is committed to mentoring others and helping them define and achieve their own version of success.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Valdosta State University and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University, Nia blends analytical expertise with her passion for equity and empowerment. Outside of work and community service, Nia is learning to play the drums and enjoys music, poetry, sports, and escape rooms.

Our theme for April is CROSSROADS.

It was chosen by our Wroclaw chapter in Poland, illustrated by Joanna Gniady, and is presented by Adobe. 

We all reach turning points in life that change the course of our destiny. Should you break up or give your relationship another chance? Accept that job offer or strike out on your own? 

What’s the best way to go? Continue straight ahead? Or turn left? When you’re faced with a crucial decision, there’s no map that shows where the consequences lead. And sometimes, you only recognize a crossroads when you see it in the rearview mirror.  No wonder that in folklore and mythology, crossroads represent a gateway between our mortal coil and the supernatural realm. An in-between place of transition, where worlds collide, and anything can happen next.  Legend has it that the greatest blues guitarist in the world, Robert Johnson, met the devil at the crossroads of two dirt roads at midnight and struck a bargain to trade his everlasting soul for masterful skill. But there was no deal with the devil. In reality, he practiced like hell. So, how do you decide which way to go next? Just pick what feels right. Because there’s no wrong choice. Only different journeys to where you’re meant to be.

Photo + directions by John December

About South Second

A Milwaukee staple since 1976, Saz's Hospitality Group offers versatile catering from quick corporate luncheons for 25 and elegant formal galas for 400, to festival concessions for groups topping 25,000. Their dedicated venue, South Second, is a modern and industrial event space minutes from the heart of downtown Milwaukee. This versatile indoor space combined with a newly renovated patio and outdoor bar offers endless possibilities for customization, so you can create your event, your way.

Public Transit

The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) bus routes 15, 18, 20, and Green stop northeast of South Second on South 1st Street at National Avenue.  For details, see RideMCTS.com.

📸+🚌 Thank you John December for capturing this for us!

🎶🎵 DJ Jim Q's Playlist + Blog Post

Through this theme, we will explore the sonic intersections of consequential choice, uncertainty, direction, divergence, and delineation. The crossroads, as a metaphor, has symbolically represented key moments of truth, critical choices, and meaningful turning points. So, select a sonic path and follow your ears—fear not travelers, all roads lead to listening fulfillment.

The crossroads has traditionally had an allegorical role in American music. The legends and folklore surrounding the liminal power of the crossroads are deeply woven into the mysticism and myth surrounding early blues and, subsequently, rock and roll. The origin of this fantastical fable seems to be from the tale of one pioneering bluesman, Robert Johnson. As legend has it, Johnson made a pilgrimage to a crossroads somewhere in rural Mississippi, where he met the devil himself, and in exchange for unearthly musical abilities, he sold his soul to the dark prince. Fellow bluesman Son House remarked on Johnson’s dramatic transformation, saying he “went away” and came back playing like he was possessed. Variations of the story have since become part of blues and rock ‘n’ roll lore. What a great tall tale—it has all the classic ingredients of a parable. I like to think of it more as a metaphor for the sacrificial pursuit of genius at the expense of one’s well-being. Many a driven artist intimately knows the burden of ambition and the price paid for eschewing traditional paths to follow creative pursuits.

Which path to travel? Which direction to go? This month, we meet at the juncture of music and destiny. The theme is Crossroads, and these sonic intersections will lead you down a path of musical fulfillment. From FKA Twigs’ indecisive “which way to go” to the determination of Blondie’s “One Way or Another” to Gang Starr’s rally to overcome in the “Moment of Truth,” these songs highlight critical decisions, points of consideration, and a chosen path. Whichever trail you tread you’ll have a great soundtrack to score your journey.

Milwaukee Magazine: People to Know: 47 Movers, Shakers, & Policy Makers

Our chapter hit the stands in this month's April issue of Milwaukee Magazine! Co-hosts Annie Werner & Kelly Winarski were interviewed alongside Corry Joe Biddle of FUEL Milwaukee and Ranell Washington of Social X on the topic of networking in Milwaukee.

CreativeMornings is a symphonic effort. 💖 We want to thank our rad team of volunteers who make our chapter worth writing about. Thank you to our community partners & all who took part in our inaugural annual fundraiser last November. You not only elevate the caliber of our events but you help to ensure our events remain FREE for all to attend. Thank you to our keynote speakers, 30 Second Pitchers, & Performance Artists for braving the stage and allowing us to celebrate you.

And to our CM community: We love you and we’re so jazzed you keep showing up, forging connections, and waking up early!

Raising our mugs to you today & always! See you soon☕️👋

Did you know the #1 way people learn about CreativeMornings/Milwaukee is through their friends? 

This month, we invite you to forward this email to a friend. Invite them to sign-up for our newsletter & register for this event with you!

We can’t wait to see you and your buds, pour out some more coffee, and expand our circle of morning people.

[erroriedraws]

I drew Jeff the Killer for inktober

plese follow me on insta 🥺

[weatyjune]

Know that I’m not getting into anything on tumblr I’m just here to be fan of plague doctors and bunny and monster people and share art that I won’t even be recognized for since “art is overrated” on tumblr unless it’s really really good hard worked art honestly I love them shout out to u people and the progressing art community with small art accounts who isn’t being recognized for their art like it should be then they leave because they think it won’t grow big like other art...well I’m here to tell u I’m that person I want my art recognized too ...only thing on my page that’s recognized was the post about TikTok I made but if draw it only gets 3 or 4 likes...

[icedcaramelcake]

I wanna be tumblr famous--

All the cool artists are tumblr famous

[arthamsartwork]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by (✪㉨✪) autumnspider (@starrynimbus)

part 1, I will be doing this one in parts this is the beginning I made this drawing for @3ple_gee. Enjoy the time laps I will be posting the while timelaps. ___________ Tags: #drawingoftheday #sketchbookdrawing #rosedrawing #kurutoga #illistration #manga #depth #tiktokartist #painting #pencil #mixedmediaartist #artvideo #sketchdaily #pencilartist #artistshare #smallpage #drawingmyheartout #artprogress #artprocessvideo #sketchingart #timelapseart #artistofinstagram #sketchdrawing #mediaart #animeinspired #mangainspired #darkartwork #supportsmallartists #smallartist #viralvideos https://www.instagram.com/p/B__kLa_Bxgb/?igshid=1k51qw5cuj384

[aliensandidentity-sp22]

Conspiracy Theorists

Throughout the show Roswell New Mexico attempts to represent many different groups are made. One group has a particularly interesting dynamic that occurs in its representation. The group is conspiracy theorists. Although not a commonly thought of group when looking at the show, in a town with alien history and freak deaths it is no surprise that conspiracy theorists arise. The first season has a few characters who are conspiracy theorists, such as Grant Green. In the second season, the show focuses on the dynamic less of the followers and more of the creators of conspiracy theories with Jesse Manes. Before fully understanding the role of conspiracy theorists in the show it is important to understand some basic information about what conspiracy theories are, how conspiracy theories spread, and to whom do they spread?

Conspiracy theories commonly are explanations about events that blame a small group of people for it and for them acting in secret for their benefit (Enders and Smallpage). It is important to note that not all conspiracies are about a specific event; many target an occurrence over a long period. Conspiracy theories spread through many different forms. A common way throughout history was word of mouth but that has changed with the advancement of technology and specifically social media. The spread is much simpler, for example, in Roswell New Mexico Grant Green has a podcast where he talks about his alien theories. In the past, it was much more difficult to spread the information. Focusing back on the conspiracy theorists, they tend to allow the thoughts to enter their minds because they are vulnerable (Enders and Smallpage). Whether the vulnerability is out of fear, anger, or misinformation many people within the group that are conspiracy theorists are not ill-mannered. Rather those who intentionally create lies and spread to those they know are vulnerable are the real evil sector of the group.

The evil section of conspiracy theorists is represented very well in the show. Specifically at the end of season two with Jesse Manes. Jesse has a plan to cause a lot of destruction and harm to innocent people just so a conspiracy theory would spread about aliens. With the knowledge that the citizens of Roswell and visitors would believe in violence being caused by aliens. His idea of blowing up an alien artifact and framing other characters in the show is most certainly coming from evil and malicious perspective. He relies on the fact that others will fall for the conspiracy to carry out his evil plan.

Another reason the show is effective at the portrayal of conspiracy theorists is the notion that they do not make up a large proportion of the population. The producers selected a few key characters to represent the group in a way that mirrors true society. There are different levels of conspiracy theorists, those who believe some, believe a lot, and those that act upon their beliefs. The show represents those factions just like how they act in the real world.

Between the use of characters on different sides of the group and a good number of members compared to the population, Roswell New Mexico does a great job at representing conspiracy theorists. While the group is not necessarily the most underrepresented in the tv industry, there was still a need for them in the show and the importance of portraying them well.

[afterlifeartofficial]

I need to film more reels. My account has gone stagnant again. 😕 ⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #sketchbookartwork #sketchbookpaintings #sketches #archerandolive #sketchbookpageaday #doodlepage #monster #archerandolivenotebook #monsters #Doodle #doodles #doodlesofinstagram #doodleart #doodles #doodleart #doodlelove #monsterart #monsterartist #monsterarts #monsterartwork #smallartaccount #unknownartist #youngartist #femaleentrepreneur #femalartist #smallacount #smallpages #trending #abouttoblowup #thenextbigthingishere https://www.instagram.com/p/CbA1Q4Xrw-b/?utm_medium=tumblr

[tsgneworleanslouisiana]

TSG NOLA Scene: Art in Bloom 2018

Fond memories remain of last week’s 30th anniversary Art in Bloom at the New Orleans Museum of Art chaired by Courtney LeClercq and Leslie Gottsegen. Proceeds from this extraordinary event benefit education projects and exhibitions at NOMA and community projects of The Garden Study Club of New Orleans. In case you missed it, enjoy these highlights and save the date for March 13, 2019! 

Featured above is the Dunn + Sonnier arrangement highlighting the Museum’s current and first fashion exhibit, A Queen Within: Adorned Archtypes. 

SOSUSU Boutique

Peony

The Plant Gallery

Dunn + Sonnier

The Scout Guide New Orleans Tablescape

Ashley Morgan, Cara Ogg + Taylor Morgan

Kim Roddy, Susu Stall + Meredith Claiborne

Robbie + Katherine Saer

Fairfax Fabric Company Owner Patricia Cordaro Daigle with her husband Rocky

Artist Annie Richardson + Taylor Morgan

Marley LeBourgeois, Erica Reiss + Rebecca Smallpage

Cara Ogg + Kate Tucker

Susan Wormser of The Event Glossary + Ron Stone

Courtney + Ted LeClercq

Allison McAshan + Taylor Morgan

Julie Silvers Art 

Ken + Nina Friend of Friend and Company 

Patti Constantin, Designs in Catering

On Thursday, Art in Bloom continued with a Lecture with Charles Masson an acclaimed restaurateur and author of The Flowers of La Grenouille and fashion designer Lela Rose. After the lecture, guests attended a lunch catered by the Ralph Brenann Restaurant Group and fashion show by Saks Fifth Avenue featuring the 2018 collection of Lela Rose. The exhibit remained on display through Sunday.

Danielle Franco of Elle Boutique, Taylor Morgan, Editor of The Scout Guide New Orleans, and Cecile Tanguis, Owner of NOLA Couture + Poke Loa 

Charles Masson

Lela Rose

Lela Rose 2018 Collection Presented by Saks Fifth Avenue

Lynn Morgan, Lela Rose, Taylor Morgan, Natalie Erwin

TSG Members including Artist Natalie Erwin, Stephen Sonnier of Dunn + Sonnier, Real Estate Agent Lynn Morgan, Taylor Morgan, Danielle Franco and Cecile Tanguis. 

TELL THEM SCOUT SENT YOU!

—TAYLOR

Professional Photos by Paul Morse Photography

[catluvus]

New Post has been published on https://www.catsluvus.com/instagram/acoustic-%e2%80%a2%e2%80%a2%e2%80%a2memes-dankmemes-darkmemes-funny-funnymemes-dailymemes-fu/

Acoustic- • • • #memes #dankMemes #darkmemes #funny #funnymemes #dailymemes #fu...

Acoustic- • • •

#memes #dankMemes #darkmemes #funny #funnymemes #dailymemes #funny #shitpost #smallmemepage #veryfunny #veryfunnymeme #helpmegrow #smallpage #like #follow #notfunny #fortnite #r6siege #codmw #memes😂

[creativemorningsmilwaukee]

💌 Love letter recap from our PARALLEL event!

Illustration by Caroline Ferrero @carolineartsy17

On the third Friday of March, one hundred fifteen creatives gathered at Relics Rentals for another morning of magic. Located in an unassuming warehouse in Walkers Point, Relics Rentals is a comprehensive design resource & rental company specializing in creative direction, rental solutions, custom fabrication, product sourcing, and staging for events and interiors. Hire them for weddings, galas, parties, brand activations, home staging, holiday staging—you name it! 

📢 Special shout out to Renee, Shaquita, Bob, Kelly, & Jan for your hands-on partnership on & leading up to the event. Thank you for your hospitality!

We took in the rows upon rows of stellar vintage finds and settled in with good company, Discourse Coffee (thank you Ryan!), and Cranky Als sprinkle donuts. 

And then... Erilei took the stage. 🌠

With a voice like honey, Erilei sang her self-produced song Don't Like Me, reminding us that we're not alone when we find ourselves in the hellscape that is facing our worst inner bully.

Performance Artist: ERILEI

Like a salve, hearing the CreativeMornings Manifesto read back to you heals. Thank you, Monica Thomas, for braving the stage and soothing our hearts with these words!

🪄 If you would like to read the Manifesto at our next event, please email us at milwaukee@creativemornings.com

Portrait by Linda Smallpage. Quotes captured by Murphy Fraser.

Keynote Speaker: Tonda Thompson

Our esteemed speaker coach, Alea Cross, introduced Tonda. (Parts of this introduction have been redacted. Only those who were present were gifted the full, humorous introduction. 🤭)"I have a metaphor for you... she is the rose that grew from concrete in 53206. 

I have some truth for you... it's not the doing but the being that makes Tonda who she is... 

Her accolades and single story proceed her; however, that's not what we are here to learn. She's chapters expressed in one great and wonderful book. 

A woman learning what a healed story blooms; I introduce one of the most beautiful women I've grown to love, admire, and root for. 

Let's give a standing ovation for Tonda Thompson."

🎬 Filmed & edited by Precious "Jae" Burrell from Epic Media

Visit sheslangswood.com to shop products, sign up for carpentry workshops, book a "board and sip" night class, or schedule a consultation to learn about the many services offered! She Slangs Wood can be hired to build fences, cutting boards, sheds, garden beds, furniture, and so much more. 

Tonda invited all of us to visit her at her self-made shop at 128 E Burleigh St. Email Tonda at info@sheslangswood.com or book online to set up an appointment. 

Thank you, Tonda, for being authentically YOU and sharing your truth with us. What a gift it is to receive your greatness. 

CreativeMornings is about shining the light on our communities. One way we do this is via 30 Second Pitches. This is where we invite a few people to the stage and share a pitch. Our 30 Second Pitch Nomination Form is always open! Feel free to self-nominate :)

Queer Prom: A Night to Celebrate Queer Joy and Trans Existence

Saz's Hospitality Group presents Queer Prom, a fun-filled evening on May 3 from 7:30pm-12am to celebrate Milwaukee's queer community and the richness of the Walker's Point neighborhood (838 S 2nd St.). A portion of proceeds will benefit the Milwaukee Trans and Queer Depot.

Cassie Caminiti shared some fun details for the event, which will feature a prom royalty contest, drag performances, queer resource tabling, and a VIP package with open bar and small bites. Enjoy colorful vibes, curated sounds, and photobooth from our partner Milwaukee Airwaves. Cap the night off with Saz's festival faves for all attendees and join us afterwards at La Cage for waived cover and your first drink free with your event wristband. 

Tickets are on sale now! Follow @sazshospitalitygroup and @mketranshealth for event announcements. 

One MKE

Nicole Shaver shared the good news from One MKE, a nonpartisan coalition led by the Milwaukee Public Library, Cities Forward and NEWaukee, along with over 50 Milwaukee community partners.

One MKE provides easy, transparent information to:

Access local, state and federal services to save you money and improve your wellbeing

Attend events to meet other residents and get involved in your community

Learn about nonpartisan voter resources

One MKE envisions a future in which every City of Milwaukee resident (regardless of age, race, gender, or political affiliation) understands how active civic engagement can enrich our lives and communities. Follow along on IG: @weareonemke. 

minglespace

Our friend Michael Kirsh dreamed up the concept minglespace, which partners with businesses and organizations to create designated areas where people are encouraged to introduce themselves and strike up a conversation.

minglespaces are engaging spaces for anyone seeking a spontaneous connection, whether they’re alone, new to the city, traveling, or in a group.  They are adaptable for various settings and audiences, from coffee shops and breweries to universities, parks, and festivals. They feature conversation prompts linked to signage, making it easy for people to connect in fun and meaningful ways. Each minglespace sparks conversations and shared experiences, helping transform public places into more vibrant and inviting spaces. 

Join us in bringing people together to create meaningful connections: www.minglespace.com/create.

Eucalyptus & Co. Eucalyptus & Company is located in Riverwest, right next to Seven Swans Creperie. Danielle Burrows offers a variety of art workshops including Pottery and Stained Glass for all ages and experience levels. Eucalyptus & Co. is a collaborative teaching space and is always looking for other artists to teach their medium. Some past events include Redacted Poetry with Gina Cornejo, Block Printing with Bailey Danz, Puppy Yoga with Thrifted Kittens Rescue, and Collage Club with Allison Smith. 

The space is also used as a floral studio, specializing in wedding and event flowers. Interested in teaching your medium in the space? Email eucalyptus.co4424@gmail.com, follow @eucalyptus__co on Instagram, or visit Danielle’s website for more information. 

Independence First Independence First is the resource for people with disabilities in the greater Milwaukee area, offering over 40 programs and services across all age groups. Amelinda Burich and Lorna Barthel shared how this local nonprofit supports individuals and families to live successfully in our community, from independent living skills and disability awareness to recreation and assistive technology. 

Programming includes art and cooking classes, peer support, and adaptive gaming, with more than 50% of staff, managers, and Board having disabilities themselves—ensuring a strong peer-driven approach. Independence First also provide benefits counseling, personal care support, and advocacy for inclusivity, helping people live independently in their own homes rather than institutions. 

Check out @independencefirst on Instagram to learn more. 

Event day photos by Holly Schisler. Lots more love in our Flickr gallery.

[erroriedraws]

[weatyjune]

Here's some art for u people I have more but I'll start with this and see how it goes

[icedcaramelcake]

Wholesome vibes only

[zooommag]

Sheanna O'Callaghan of the Eire by Roy Smallpage

[suestrachan504]

A night of many great '80s preppy inspired ensembles, this was one of my favorites by Richard Smallpage. #debparty #preppyhandbook #latergram #fashion #dodenhoffgrehangrehanfete @marystewbailey (at Southport Hall Live Music & Party Hall)

[wickedlolaart]

Just Pinned to Post Apocalyptic Art: Wasteland warrior post apocalypse LARP Costume by Mark Cordory Creations www.markcordory.com Photo courtesy & © Roy Smallpage http://ift.tt/2olHfHo