06/15/2026
Thank you to the city and community of Milwaukee. Last week I was honored to receive the Mildred L Harpole Artist of the Year Award. I was awkwardly led to the podium to give a speech that I did not know I was supposed to have. I wish I had known to prepare myself with something written. It was a deer in the headlights moment. I regret not acknowledging and thanking my family for the years of support. My mom who would draw my He-Man and other action toys with me. But most of all I regret forgetting to thank my two kids who are no longer kids. They are the real reasons that made me a better artist. I often say, I didn’t really know how to paint until I became a father. Every painting I make was able to be opened, because of them.
My sister thought it was funny that I received an award from the city, only then to lecture them. But I decided to stay and live in the city of Milwaukee to raise my family and build my studio practice because of how affordable it was. Because we as artists were helping the city grow. But as we did so, the city became a lot more expensive and harder to afford as artist. The city needs to buy art. To allow us to financially thrive and survive to create in this city. Wisconsin is near dead last in arts funding. Programs need to be implemented for us, if the city want to retain our talent and continue to build and grow.
Studio pics be 📸 Abi Grace
