The East Side Business Improvement District Unveils New Mural in Black Cat Alley

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – (For Immediate Release) – The East Side Business Improvement District (ESBID), the creative crossroads of the East Side of Milwaukee, recently unveiled a new mural in Black Cat Alley. Local Milwaukee artist Hannah Tews completed the mural for the outdoor art gallery, titled “Mom,” in April 2025.

The long, horizontal mural features a polar bear on its side with geometric dots, half-circles, and stars painted in shades of blue, silver, and white. Known for her illustrations of bright and happy animals, Tews is drawn to a bold, colorful style, using pattern and texture to pop off the page (or wall!) and into the audience’s imagination by capturing the magic, energy, and delightful messiness of childhood.

“Supporting local artists is at the heart of our work at the East Side BID,” said Ryan Laessig, Executive Director of ESBID. “Hannah’s mural is the first of several vibrant, new murals coming to the neighborhood soon. There are many opportunities for community members to enjoy the new art at Black Cat Alley After Dark, Summer Soulstice Music Festival, East Side Gallery Nights, and other events this spring and summer.”

The additional murals coming to the East Side include “Petit Paradis” by POMA Art and “And Now You’re Here” by Adam Melster in Black Cat Alley. As part of the Paint the Plaza initiative for Ivanhoe Plaza, POMA Art and ESBID’s very own Executive Director, Ryan Laessig, will create “Veridian Kalediscope,” with Cutesy Macabre doing the Barrier Artworks.

Black Cat Alley is an outdoor art gallery located in a private alley on the East Side of Milwaukee. Black Cat Alley is managed by the East Side BID and contains over 20 murals by artists from Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Columbus, and even Berlin.

Artists interested in creating on the East Side are encouraged to watch for calls to artists on the East Side BID’s website or Instagram.

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.