Midwest Artists Take Center Stage in New Exhibition at Villa Terrace Art Museum

MILWAUKEE – The Villa Terrace Art Museum in Milwaukee is putting the spotlight on three young, rising artists for its contemporary sculpture exhibition, “Grounded.” Exploring narratives of identity and relationships with space and socio-political systems, “Grounded” presents experimental and formal sculpture installations by artists Nick Drain, Sydnie Jimenez and Z Moralez. Moralez and Drain recently graduated from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. Chicago-based Jimenez is a Midwest transplant and a recent graduate of the School of the Chicago Art Institute.

“Grounded is a moment to recognize the importance of emerging artists,” says Senior Curator Phoenix Brown. “In their work, Sydnie, Nick and Z are seamlessly combining multiple modes of making to challenge the status quo and cement their narratives in history.”

A dynamic exhibition, each artist’s works in “Grounded” offer different narratives for visitors to explore. Jimenez’s figurative works contrast with Drain’s photography and found object pieces, while Moralez presents pieces that combine film with the physical.

The concept behind “Grounded” was one shaped by Brown, who saw the Villa Terrace’s architecture as an opportunity to connect contemporary sculpture work to the physical experience of the museum.

“When you come to the Villa Terrace you are immersed in its space, its landscape of terracotta tiling and ornate plaster. Installation and sculpture-based work is an opportunity to interact with that landscape in a way that is dynamic and unique. Many of the featured pieces in “Grounded” point back to the materiality of the Villa,” notes Brown. “It is an exhibition influenced and inspired by the Villa.”

The Villa Terrace Art Museum sits on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. The museum was designed in the style of an Italian Renaissance villa and often attracts visitors drawn by its architecture and expansive gardens.

To celebrate the opening of “Grounded,” art lovers are invited to visit the museum after hours Oct. 27 to experience the new exhibition and the Villa’s architecture for free.

Guests on opening night will enjoy live music alongside the installations and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. A cash bar will also be available. Doors will open to the public at 6 p.m. Those who attend are also invited to the final night of Autumn at the Allis at the nearby Charles Allis Art Museum at 8 p.m.

“It’s the semi-official afterparty,” laughs Membership and Development Director Matt Pappas who is coordinating Autumn at the Allis. “The Allis is also celebrating the opening of its new Connecting Galleries that night, so we decided to just combine events. Everyone is welcome.” More information regarding “Grounded” and the opening night event can be found at villaterrace.org.

About Charles Allis and Villa Terrace Art Museums Inc.
Charles Allis and Villa Terrace Museums Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving Milwaukee’s history and enriching the county through culture and the arts. CAVT supports and celebrates the public’s access to these two historic homes and their art collections by providing innovative and inspiring exhibitions and programming that encourages a better, stronger and more inclusive Milwaukee. CAVT Museums oversees the conservation and continued development of the museums through member and donor support. For information regarding membership, admission and events visit cavtmuseums.org.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.