The art collection located in the newly expanded and modernized Baird Center will now be known as the We Energies Foundation Art Collection. The name was established following the completion of an exciting new partnership between the Wisconsin Center District (WCD) and the We Energies Foundation in May 2024.
The collection features 41 original individual works of art or series that portray the characteristics, culture, people and landscapes of Milwaukee and the surrounding region. The carefully curated collection helps tell the story of Milwaukee and Wisconsin’s past triumphs and struggles, exciting present and hope for the future.
“Sometimes when people come to Baird Center for a meeting or conference, they don’t get to see much of our community,” said Marty Brooks – president and CEO, Wisconsin Center District. “The We Energies Foundation Art Collection helps give our guests a window into what makes Milwaukee and the state such an amazing place to live.”
Twenty-one of the 33 artists who contributed works to the collection reside in the Milwaukee area, Wisconsin or have lived in the state at one point.
“The We Energies Foundation is committed to supporting local arts and culture as a core pillar of our mission,” said Beth Straka – president, We Energies Foundation. “When we learned about the collection and saw the incredible pieces, we jumped at the opportunity to further champion local artists and highlight our community’s artistic talent.”
A key aspect of the Baird Center expansion project was a focus on representation and inclusion and that was an important part of the selection of the art within the collection. Most of the artists were chosen by an independent art selection committee containing a panel of local artists, writers and poets with diverse backgrounds and histories.
“Everything about the expansion project has been community focused and that includes the art,” said Brooks. “For this to be a successful partnership, we needed to find someone who shared our values and commitment to the people of Milwaukee. With the We Energies Foundation’s long track record of giving to the arts, focusing on sustainability and education and investing in the economic prosperity of the area, we truly have found the perfect partner.”
The public is invited to view the We Energies Foundation Art Collection during the Baird Center expansion open house on May 18 from 1 – 5 p.m. Information about the art and artists found in the collection can be viewed at https://bairdcenter.com/art-collection/.