Hundreds of artists, musicians partner with businesses for largest-ever Bay View Gallery Night

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Thousands ventured through Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood Friday night for the bi-annual Bay View Gallery Night.

Bay View Gallery Night began in 2011 with 20 locations showcasing local art.

Friday's event was the largest to date, with 78 locations, mostly small businesses, acting as galleries for artists.

"It's an amazing neighborhood full of creative people," said Jeff Redmon, co-owner of Scout Gallery and a BVGN organizer.

Gallery Night spreads art out through breweries, bars, restaurants, boutiques and other stores.

The featured pieces are all up for sale.

"The art helps the businesses and the businesses help the art," Redmon said.

Several Bay View businesses hang local art year-round - a theme that became popular thanks to Gallery Night.

"People don't necessarily go out to galleries, but they are going to coffee shops, bars, breweries and other businesses, so they can experience art just like going to a gallery," Redmon said.

For some artists, like Joe Bree, the event kickstarted a career.

"I really started displaying art through Bay View Gallery Night in 2012," Bree said. "It really gave me the confidence, and it gave me the platform to have a lot of people see it."

With many different mediums showcased, the event shows off hundreds of artists' originality.

"It's really important to sell your work and to get people to see it," Redmon said.

Gallery night also featured the Milwaukee Makers Market in Zillman Park, showcasing local crafters.

"There's so many talented and creative people here in the city, and it gives us an opportunity to come out and show what we do," said Nadine Galloway, owner of My Sistuh's Trunk jewelry.

The event serves as a kickoff to summer and is expected to keep growing each year.

"It's a big boost for the business community, and the artists, and people really look forward to it," Redmon said.