The Man Behind the RedLine

Some of Vande Zande’s Work. Photo by Grace Fuhr.

He was hired as a Milwaukee Public Schools teacher in 2001 , and has taught art for years at Hartford school (on the corner of Hartford and Maryland). In 2003 he was  chosen Wisconsin Teacher of the Year. A recent project for his 6th grade class: making prints by mixing sandpaper grit with matte medium, and then using it to paint images on a piece of plastic waiting to be inked. Vande Zande calls the school a “wonderful” community partnership between families, staff and students. MPS often takes a beating in the press, but Steve remains positive, in a world too often skewed negative.

In 2001, he hired artist and videographer Lori Bauman to help him teach at ArtWorks, a highly regarded teen outreach program he developed through the Milwaukee Art Museum. Their belief that Milwaukee was ripe for a generously supported creative community, soon manifested itself as RedLine Milwaukee, an art incubator they created, located at 1422 N. 4th St. For those of you who recall the former Vogue Cleaners and the distinctly funky ‘50s sign with peeling turquoise paint that still signifies the now defunct laundry business, RedLine is the first door north, housed in an expertly restored 94-year-old factory building, itself a slice of Milwaukee history. Variously home to Phillips Lithography, a ribbon factory, and finally, as a repository for restaurant equipment, the structure is well positioned on a broad, quiet street, near what everyone hopes will eventually be a fully developed Park East Corridor.

RedLine Lobby Chairs. Photo by Grace Fuhr.

The lobby chairs at the art incubator, repurposed from seating left behind by a former tenant, were re-shaped and covered in RedLine red. They send a strong signal that things are happening in the building, which was thoughtfully re-designed by local architect Bruce Wydeven, whose spouse, ceramicist Ann Morey-Wydeven, maintains a space there.

Generous in his praise of Bauman, Steve notes that the art incubator they created has logged thousands of volunteer hours since opening three-years ago. The light-filled interior spaces are professionally equipped to handle the diversity of artists who create the upbeat environment where studio space is available in exchange for specified hours of community service. Additionally, the participants have gallery space for hanging their work and/or viewing the exhibitions of visiting artists, both international and local. From an artist’s perspective, what could be better than having access to a print shop, a room of donated and re-conditioned computers, a place to make paper, and a big open area replete with a kitchen and chairs aplenty to read and exchange ideas?

Artist Studio Spaces Fill the Gallery’s Second Floor. Photo by Grace Fuhr.

Keeping a non-profit on track depends on a dedicated board, donors, and grant-givers that want more than their names listed on a sheet of paper. Board President Brian Kilb, a white shirt kind of guy who digs spreadsheets, is a financial planner with Landaas & Company. His want list includes more parking for the hundreds who turn out for Gallery Night & Day, though if no major events are happening, there is ample nearby parking with no meters in sight.

Vande Zande believes leadership is equal parts honesty and transparency, though the perseverance and diligence he learned as a youngster has helped. Go to www.redlineartmke.org/ for the big bold picture of what drives this repurposed building.

The Gallery is Filled with Vibrant Pieces by MIAD Professor Fahimeh Vahdat. Photo by Grace Fuhr.

“RedLine,” he says, “is one of the only places in Milwaukee where you can do three things under one roof: see artists working in their studios, view a finished show in the gallery, and have the opportunity to produce artwork while you’re here.” Not to mention that it helps keep Vande Zande busy and creatively fulfilled.

It’s a long way from playing “Ghost in the Graveyard” as a kid in Ripon.