Feel the Milwaukee Love

This weekend has some uniquely Milwaukee-esque events. Celebrate a love of bikes and basketball, design and outdoor parties, and of course, feel the love for local artists.

Heavy Duty
Katie Gingrass Gallery
207 E. Buffalo Street, Marshall Building
First Floor
Opening reception, 5-8 p.m.

All things motorcycle-related are revving up in advance of the Harley-Davidson 110th anniversary, including the shows in many area galleries. Paintings by Mathew Hintz on display are inspired by his personal love and professional career, working with Harley-Davidson to style designs for motorcycles and accessories.

An exuberant Robert Indiana on the MECCA Floor. Photo courtesy http://ourmecca.org

One Night Only: The Last Night with Robert Indiana’s MECCA Floor 
U.S. Cellular Arena
400 W. Kilbourn Avenue
7-10 p.m.

Robert Indiana is an iconic American Pop artist, perhaps best known for his LOVE  image, the letters arranged in a square and reproduced in prints, postage stamps, and sculptural form. What is less well-known is Indiana’s design for the floor of MECCA Arena (now the U.S. Cellular Arena), where this pop-inspired basketball court was installed from 1977 to 1997. The floor will be transformed into movable, modular sculpture and sent on tour over the next two years. This one-night event is something of a farewell as it is the last time the entire piece will be installed in its former home. The evening, organized by Our MECCA Group, will include live art by Dwellephant, music by DJ Kid Millions, and more.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24

The 4th annual Art Beat in the Heat takes place this Saturday at the Hide House in Bay View.

Art Beat in the Heat 
Hide House
2625 S. Greeley Street, Bay View
Noon-10 p.m.

Art Beat basks in the glow of late summer with music, poetry, comedy, art, and belly dance by Tamarind Tribal. A kids’ tent and face painting make this an all-ages family festival. As the event organizers say, “All of the profits are donated to charity, so you can feel proud of yo’ bad self while you drink and listen to some awesome tunes and peep some rad art.”

Timothy Westbrook Studios Grand Opening 
Grand Avenue Mall
161 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Plankinton Building, 2nd Floor
5-8 p.m.

Check out the home base of recent Project Runway contender Timothy Westbrook in his studio and retail shop (almost next door to TCD!). Along with an up-close look at Westbrook’s work, visitors will be treated to a performance by experimental song and painting group Bass Structures. Beer and coffee samples will also be on hand, and visitors will have a preview of Westbrook’s upcoming Paleontology of a Woman fashion show, to be held at the Milwaukee Public Museum this autumn. Got a bike helmet? Bring it along for a 50% discount on merchandise.