Explore the East Side’s Newest Murals and Historic Buildings at Doors Open Mural Fest

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE) – As part of the citywide Doors Open Milwaukee celebration, the East Side BID is proud to present Doors Open Mural Fest, a weekend-long showcase of the East Side’s incredible outdoor public art. Visitors are invited to explore the neighborhood’s vibrant mural scene, including nine new murals added this year, landmark favorites, and historic buildings.

Happening September 27-28, Doors Open Mural Fest will not only give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at select East Side businesses, but also serve as a self-guided celebration of the area’s rich tapestry of murals and public art.

“The East Side has long been a hub for creativity, and we’re thrilled to showcase all of the new murals that now make up our neighborhood’s ever-growing public art collection,” says Ryan Laessig, Executive Director of the East Side BID. “Doors Open Mural Fest is a perfect opportunity to experience these works up close and see how art, culture, and community come together on the East Side.”

New Murals to Discover in Black Cat Alley (between E Kenilworth Pl & E Ivanhoe Pl)

“Wild Bill” by Brent Schoonover & Hannah Tews
A bold, anime-inspired tribute to Brewers All-Star William Contreras, this mural was created in partnership with the Milwaukee Brewers’ #BeyondTheDiamond initiative. A vibrant nod to both baseball and community, this piece celebrates athleticism, culture, and Milwaukee pride.

“The Subtraction of Children” by David Najib Kasir
This powerful new mural by Milwaukee-based artist David Najib Kasir features a woman holding a young boy, surrounded by vibrant leaves and swirling patterns. Rich in Middle Eastern artistic tradition and deeply emotional, the piece explores themes of identity, displacement, and familial connection. This is Kasir’s second mural in Black Cat Alley, continuing his mission to humanize overlooked stories through art. Last month, Kasir was featured in Milwaukee PBS’s The Arts Page. You can view the feature here.

Other 2025 Black Cat Alley Mural Additions:

• “Dedication” | ALLDAY PAINTING
• “And Now You’re Here” | Adam Melster
• “Petit Paradis” | Alain Poma
• “Right Here” | Danny Duffy
• “Mom” | Hannah Tew
• “Roger” | Cosmic Goat

Learn more about the murals in Black Cat Alley here.

Murals to Discover Throughout the East Side

“Veridian Kaleidoscope” by Alain Poma & Ryan Laessig
Located in Ivanhoe Plaza (1800 E Ivanhoe Pl)
Transforming the entire surface of Ivanhoe Plaza, this large-scale ground mural invites you to walk through a living kaleidoscope of color and texture. The design reflects nature and urban life in abstract harmony, with a playful yellow brick road leading you toward Black Cat Alley. New complementary barrier art by Cutesy Macabre completes this creative gateway.

“Hunter Kottke Memorial Mural”

Located at The Next Bar (1732 E North Ave)
A touching tribute to a beloved local bartender and nightlife icon, this mural honors the late Hunter Kottke, who passed away in 2020. Located on the side of The Next Bar.

“Leopard” by Stacey Williams-Ng

Located at The Kind Oasis (2169 N. Farwell Avenue)

The 80-food wide Leopard mural was painted in 2016 by Stacey Williams-Ng. At the time, the building was occupied by Kashou Carpets, a carpet store that had been operating in Milwaukee for over 100 years. In 2018, when Kashou Carpets announced their closing, Williams-Ng added a single tear to the leopard to commemorate the historic business.

Doors Open Participants

In addition to public art and murals, explore the rich architectural and cultural history of the East Side by visiting these Doors Open Milwaukee sites. For building descriptions, visitor experiences, and open hours, click each link to visit the official Doors Open Milwaukee website.

• The Oriental Theatre – 2230 N Farwell Ave
• Bertelson Building/Paloma Wilder Studio – 2105 N Prospect Ave
• UW-Milwaukee Kenilworth Square East – 2155 N Prospect Ave
• Charles Allis Art Museum – 1801 N Prospect Ave
• Saint John’s On The Lake – 1840 N Prospect Ave
• Heritage Funeral Home – Suminski Weiss – 1901 N Farwell Ave
• North Point Water Tower – Milwaukee Water Works – 2288 N Lake Dr
• Villa Terrace Museum & Gardens – 2220 N Terrace Ave
• Eastcastle Place – 2505 E Bradford Ave

Finally, in tandem with the event, Cream Fresh Fest will also be hosting a market on September 27 and 28 from 11 AM – 5 PM in Ivanhoe Plaza.

Explore the Neighborhood

Many East Side BID businesses will be offering special events, tours, and promotions throughout the weekend. Grab a bite, enjoy a drink, or shop while discovering the stories behind the art. See the full schedule at: theeastside.org/happenings

For more information, visit https://www.theeastside.org/. Images and photographer credits are available here.

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.