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About the
Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts |
What is the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts?
A beautiful performing and visual arts and education facility nestled in Brookfield's Mitchell Park that opened its doors in 2002
Located just 20 minutes west of downtown Milwaukee, the Wilson Center serves as a bridge for the arts by connecting communities, linking arts organizations, and fostering a collaborative spirit that helps keep the arts alive and growing in Southeast Wisconsin |
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What do we do at the Wilson Center?
Present professional national, regional, and local performances in two premier theaters and one outdoor summer concert venue
Provide outstanding arts education for all ages in a variety of studio spaces for music, art, dance and theater
Exhibit the work of living Wisconsin artists in the Ploch Art Gallery in association with the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters
Offer theaters, studios, and other facilities to local arts groups and the community for performances, classes, meetings, conferences, and private parties |
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Who are the people making the Wilson Center work?
A 38-member Board of Directors and 14-member staff committed to the accessibility and affordability of the arts in our community
A collaboration of arts organizations under one roof that includes Milwaukee Art Museum, Danceworks Inc, Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, and First Stage Theater Academy |
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Why build an arts facility in Brookfield?
The idea was originally conceived in 1993 by a group of involved citizens of Brookfield who met in Mayor Kate Bloomberg's home office. The Center was to be a performance space for use by the School District of Elmbrook and local performing arts groups, and would serve to enhance the overall quality of life in Brookfield.
In the mid-nineties, several of Milwaukee's premier arts organizations expressed an interest in becoming tenants and a few key donors jump-started the Capital Campaign. A business plan was set in place, architects were hired, and pledges came pouring in as this jewel in the park began to take shape.
The vision became reality with our first performances in January 2002. |
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Where are we now?
Through the enthusiasm, creativity, and hard work of volunteers and staff, the Wilson Center dream has grown to include:
Unique multidisciplinary summer arts camp
- Five art gallery exhibitions solely showcasing the work of Wisconsin artists
- A rental facility that is booked as much as two years out
- Two professional theaters and several studios used by Elmbrook students and other public and parochial institutions for the production of theatrical and musical performances
- Four major fund-raising events each year to offset our operating costs
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Where are we going?
The Annual Hidden River Art Festival, similar to the Lakefront Festival of Arts, is held in Mitchell Park and inside the Wilson Center. This event is an expansion of our former Public Day event, with a mission to keep the arts accessible to the public by providing free or low cost activities
Our goal is to place the WIlson Center at the hub of a collaborative effort to build new audiences and advocates for the importance of the arts in all our lives |
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How will we get there?
- Through further collaboration with arts groups from Milwaukee to Madison
- By building on our efforts to tie education programs with professional programming and to discover and cultivate unique emerging talent
- With continued support from individuals and businesses located in southeastern Wisconsin
- Through statewide recognition by arts organizations and endowment groups
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