Celebrating Youth Creativity at the Milwaukee Public Recreation Art Showcase

The Milwaukee Public Recreation Art Showcase on May 30th at Turner Hall was a lively celebration of young talent and creativity in the Milwaukee community. Organized by Leighton Cooper, the Recreation Coordinator for Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), the event showcased the dedication and hard work of youth in the arts.

"The Art Showcase is our premier recreation art show," Leighton Cooper explained. "It gives us a chance to highlight the talent, creativity, and effort our young people have put into their art. This event brings together all our community arts partners from across the city. We have groups involved in visual arts, dance, music, poetry, spoken word, and literature. The showcase allows young people to take the stage, display their talent, and show the community the amazing work we're doing to support arts enrichment and education in the city."

One standout performer was Brooklyn, a dedicated dancer from the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee. She has been passionately involved with the dance group since 2022. When asked what she loves most about dancing with the group, she said, "What I love the most is that they’re not judgmental. It’s always good vibes, good energy, and we never down each other. If somebody can’t get something, we all work together."

For Brooklyn, dance is more than a hobby; it's a powerful form of self-expression. "I do it because I love it. It’s my talent. Many people have different talents, but I express myself through dance. Dance is very creative, you can build with it in so many ways, and that’s what I love to do."

The Milwaukee Public Recreation Art Showcase was more than just an event; it was a platform for young artists like Brooklyn to shine, express themselves, and connect with their community. The diverse performances and exhibits, from visual arts to spoken word, highlighted the rich talent of Milwaukee’s youth.

Events like these are crucial in promoting and supporting after-school programs. They offer young people opportunities to explore their passions and develop their skills in a supportive environment. The Wisconsin Out of School Time Alliance (WOSTA) is proud to support such initiatives, recognizing their immense value to our communities.

Reflecting on the success of the Milwaukee Public Recreation Art Showcase, we are reminded of the importance of investing in our youth and the arts. By providing opportunities for young people to showcase their talents, we enrich their lives and the cultural fabric of our community.

Stay tuned for more updates and stories from our after-school programs, and join us in celebrating the incredible work being done to nurture the next generation of artists, performers, and creative thinkers. Together, we can continue to support and inspire the young minds of Wisconsin.