The Sugar Maple To Host “Wes Fest”: A Wes Anderson Themed Pop-Up & Art Show

MILWAUKEE, Wis., January 13, 2023 – The Sugar Maple, located in the heart of downtown Bay View, is hosting a pop-up & art show inspired by the films of Wes Anderson. Following on the heels of their Studio Ghibli pop-up in October 2022, this event will mark the bar’s second in an ongoing series of unique themed pop-ups, to be held seasonally. Starting Thursday, February 2, 2023, The Sugar Maple will transform into a quirky, immersive Wes Anderson experience for four days. Featuring Wes Anderson themed decor, a themed cocktail menu, music from the films, screenings from the director’s catalog of films, a costume competition, a vendor fair, a showcase of local art, and food by Sojourn Mobile Restaurant and Catering.

The Wes Anderson Pop-Up will run for four days:
Thursday, February 2 from 4:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Friday, February 3 from 4:00 p.m.-Close
Saturday, February 4 from 12:00 p.m.-Close
Sunday, February 5 from 12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

The Sugar Maple will undergo a head-to-toe transformation. Wes Anderson themed decorations throughout the bar and walls adorned with Wes Anderson inspired art (courtesy of Milwaukee area artists) will be the focal point of this immersive event. The bar is currently accepting submissions from Milwaukee area artists that wish to participate.

Additionally, a costume competition will be held on Friday, February 3 from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. in which prizes will be awarded to the top three costumes. A vendor fair, featuring Wes Anderson themed wares from local artists and craftspeople will run on Saturday, February 4 from 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

In addition to the festivities, the team behind the Sugar Maple’s cocktail program is also crafting a brand new menu of Wes Anderson inspired cocktails specifically for the event. And Sojourn Mobile Restaurant and Catering will be on site with their own event specific food menu on Friday, February 3 from 5:00 p.m. until sold out and on Saturday, February 4 from 5:00pm until sold out.

Art Show & Vendor Fair Submissions
Submissions are currently open for artists and makers looking to participate in the group art showcase, vendor fair, or both. Interested parties are encouraged to contact The Sugar Maple by Direct Message on their Instagram account @thesugarmaple or email harrisonpbrowning@gmail.com and adriennepierluissi@yahoo.com

Applicants should indicate “gallery show” and/or “vendor fair” in their submission and provide their name, email, a link to art/products (Instagram or Website), and proposed work (to ensure variety in content). All materials/mediums are welcome, however submissions must adhere to the “Wes Anderson” theme and must be produced by the artist/vendor themselves. No A.I. art will be accepted.  Larger pieces are preferred but not required, as the bar has four spaces at 3’ x 6’ and six spaces at 4’ x 6’. Deadline for art submissions is Friday, January  20 at 8:00 p.m.

The Wes Anderson Art Show will run for 4 weeks:
Opening: Thursday, February 2 at 4:00 p.m.
Closing: Thursday, March 2 at 10:00 p.m.

Costume Competition
Costumes are strongly encouraged all four days. But the bar will be hosting its official costume competition on Friday, February 3 from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Come dressed as your favorite Wes Anderson film character for a chance to win some cool prizes. Voting will be held at 9:00 p.m. Costumes of an offensive or otherwise insensitive nature will not be considered or tolerated. 

Wes Anderson Background
Wes Anderson is a Texas-born American Filmmaker famous for his distinct visual and narrative style. His feature film debut in 1996 was not a commercial hit but it gained a cult following and launched a career now filled with countless accolades and awards. In a career spanning nearly 30 years, Anderson has left an indelible impact and has continually proven himself to be a pioneer in the field of filmmaking. With films such as The Royal Tenenbaums, The Life Aquatic, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Moonrise Kingdom, The Grand Budapest Hotel and Isle of Dogs, Anderson has solidified his place in the pantheon of auteur filmmaking.

Sugar Maple Background
The Sugar Maple opened on April 1, 2008 with the mission to provide craft beer brewed solely in North America, including Canada. Since 2015, its mission has evolved to showcase small craft breweries, as local as possible, and to give new, up-and-coming breweries and distilleries exposure to the public. The bar focuses on educating and informing the consumer, so that each individual can support the producers of local beverages, thus supporting their communities.

The Sugar Maple has grown into much more than a beer bar. It is an active community center that elevates the local art, music and food scenes. It is a place to gather, connect and inspire. Sugar Maple regularly hosts events including beer releases and brewery showcases, pop-up beer dinners, musical performances, art openings, fundraisers for local non-profits, comedy shows, theater performances, and more!

As an active member of its community in the Bay View neighborhood of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Sugar Maple encourages innovation and creativity in the fermented beverage industries. Through hosting inclusive and accessible educational programs and building partnerships, Sugar Maple aims to invest in the vibrant integrity of its communities.

Visit http://mysugarmaple.com for more information.

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.