December 2024
December 2nd, 2024
Winter is just around the corner, and even though we all likely want to slow down and hibernate, it is often the busiest time for many of us. We're wrapping up our previous year of programming and moving into planning and preparing for the upcoming spring and summer seasons.
Once the weather starts to warm the WaterMarks team is planning to begin to install multiple new markers, as well as host walks with our Neighborhood Project teams in both the West Basin and Sherman Park neighborhoods.
Staff Spotlight: Meet our research team!
These five people have been integral to the success of the WaterMarks project under the NSF grant, and they work tirelessly to ensure that we collect important data throughout the various aspects of our programming.
Jessica Meuninck-Ganger (she/her/hers)
ARTIST & EDUCATOR
What is your role in WaterMarks?
"I am a member of the Core Research Team and the larger WaterMarks Project Team. I serve as a liaison between the Research Team and Walk Leaders and join planning and follow-up meetings with Neighborhood Associations and Project Teams. Along with members of our engagement team, I often represent WaterMarks/CALL by attending and tabling at a variety of events including markets, festivals, performances, and neighborhood meetings."
How did you get involved with WaterMarks, and what work do you do for the project?
"My initial participation included leading a walk followed by several workshops in the KK River Neighborhood. Since the walk, I have maintained ongoing engagement with the KK neighborhood through environmental activism and volunteerism in tandem, with my role in the WM project."
What are your hopes for the future of WaterMarks?
"As each marker begins as a pin, it represents a location, a destination of activity, a visual representation of the values of a Community. I hope the markers will continue to form a larger map, a vibrant network of unique routes toward a unified effort. I hope WaterMarks will continue to support neighbors in Milwaukee (and beyond) in growing art + science collaborations focused on water issues, environmental stewardship, and fun!"
Ryan Holifield (he/him/his)
PRINCIPLE INVESTIGATOR
What is your role in WaterMarks?
"I am the Principal Investigator (PI) for the NSF grant and a leader of the research team. I have provided support for neighborhood project teams in the KK River neighborhood and Sherman Park. I am a member of the Community University Working Group (CUWG) as well as the WaterMarks Advisory Board, and I also served on former committees within the WaterMarks project, such as the Expansion Committee and the ACE committee when they were still active."
How did you get involved with WaterMarks, and what work do you do for the project?
"In 2018, I was invited to be part of the team that applied for the initial NSF grant, and I served as PI for the initial proposal, which was unsuccessful. Fortunately, when we reapplied in January 2021 with a second proposal it was successful, and it is the grant the project is under today. I have been involved with just about every aspect of WaterMarks."
What are your hopes for the future of WaterMarks?
"I'm hopeful that it can be a permanent program, guided by a partnership between neighborhoods and city institutions; I'm hopeful that it can grow and expand to encompass more of Milwaukee's neighborhoods, connecting more residents, artists, and organizations with each other and preserving its commitment to equity and inclusion. I'm hopeful that it will become well-known to and widely appreciated by both residents and visitors to Milwaukee. I'm hopeful that it can preserve its core mission and vision while expanding beyond visual arts to encompass other forms of art and performance. I'm hopeful that it will become a widely recognized model for how to bring artists, scientists, and community members together to foster mutual learning about water and the urban environment."
Deidre Peroff (she/her/hers)
SOCIAL SCIENCE OUTREACH SPECIALIST
What is your role in WaterMarks?
"I am a member of the National Science Foundation (NSF) research team and the Adaptable Model Guide team."
How did you get involved with WaterMarks, and what work do you do for the project?
"I first met Mary Miss at a Design Charrette probably eight years ago hosted by the Harbor District to transform the end of Greenfield Ave into a welcoming, inclusive space and better connect it to the water. Shortly after that, I participated in some initial meetings about WaterMarks and what it could mean for the city of Milwaukee to have a way to educate the public about water issues through art and engagement. Intrigued by this concept, I helped write two NSF grants and have been working with the team since."
What are your hopes for the future of WaterMarks?
"I hope we’re able to continue engaging Milwaukee’s neighborhoods through art and education about environmental issues and opportunities in the city. I appreciate that WaterMarks works to empower residents to share the good work going on in their communities and has the potential to bring neighbors together to work towards collective buy-in and positive change lead by communities."
Dulmini Jayawardana (she/her/hers)
GRADUATE ASSISTANT
What is your role in WaterMarks?
"Graduate research assistant"
How did you get involved with WaterMarks, and what work do you do for the project?
"I joined as a graduate research assistant under the NSF grant through my PhD supervisor Dr. Holifield who is one of the PIs of the grant. I am part of the research team and work as a graduate research assistant. I perform a variety of tasks for the research and evaluation teams, including maintaining and organizing materials, developing research plans and agendas for meetings, and setting up the logistics for focus groups and other research activities. I also do my PhD research with WaterMarks as one of my community partners. One of the projects I did was a Photovoice project with the community members of the Lindsay Heights neighborhood that explored aspects of environmental stewardship through photography and storytelling."
What are your hopes for the future of WaterMarks?
"I hope that WaterMarks will spread widely across Milwaukee and there will be more community buy in to engage with and sustain the WaterMarks programming and values. "
Woonsup Choi (he/him/his)
CO-PRINCIPLE INVESTIGATOR
What is your role in WaterMarks?
"co-principal investigator"
How did you get involved with WaterMarks, and what work do you do for the project?
"I was invited to WaterMarks by Ryan when the successful NSF proposal was in the late stage. I endeavor to understand how people understand the environment via informal and artistic activities."
What are your hopes for the future of WaterMarks?
"more funding!"
Images all sourced from our website or with permission from the owner.
Featured WaterMarks content was completed by Corrigan Eckert.
Partner Events
WaterMarks isn't building an atlas of water alone.
We work with countless organizations and individuals on this endeavor. WaterMarks Community-University Working Group is a collective of residents, artists, community-based institutions, and researchers who assemble to guide the future of water in Milwaukee.
Here are some upcoming events that our partners are hosting:
Santa Cycle Rampage
The World’s Largest Holiday themed costume bike ride for charity! A 12 mile slow rolling holiday party on wheels. Join over 1500 fellow Santas, Mrs. Claus, reindeer, grinch, snowmen, elves, and more.
Location: Wisconsin Bike Fed office, 187 E Becher St, Milwaukee, WI
Date/Time: December 7, 2024 / 9:00AM - 11:00AM
Hopkins Hollow Helper Days
Nearby Nature is hosting Hopkins Hollow Helper Days to help maintain the demonstration trail along Lincoln Creek and learn about the ecology of our urban habitat in this area.
Location: 4350 N. 35th St (at W. Congress St) Milwaukee, WI
Date/Time: December 7th & 8th, 2024 / 10:00am - 12:00pm
NWSCDC's Business Apex Session
Business owners and entrepreneurs, mark your December calendars for the final MKE Business Apex Session of 2024! The December 9th session will be hosted by The Corridor and explore the topic of succession planning, with a presentation by Ryan Kauth from Wisconsin Center for Employee Ownership. Networking and dinner is from 5:30-6pm with the session happening from 6-7:30pm.
Location: St Century City Tower 1st Floor - 4201 North 27th St, Milwaukee, WI
Date/Time: December 9th / 5:30PM - 7:30pm
Questions can be directed to NWSCDC Operations Manager, Ebony Johnson at ejohnson@nwscdc.org
Winter Solstice Celebration Adventure and Exploration Day at Riveredge
Celebrate the Winter Solstice at Riveredge! Awaken your curiosity, engage your body, and explore the beautifully restored Riveredge landscape through self-guided and educator-led activities. Winter Solstice Celebration: Adventure and Exploration Day at Riveredge is designed for folks of all ages to get active outdoors and discover a variety of ways to enjoy nature. Adventure awaits!
Location: 4458 County Hwy Y Saukville, WI 53080
Date/Time: December 21, 2024 / 10:00AM - 8:00PM
Support Local Entrepreneurs
As the winter holidays approach, consider supporting local artists and entrepreneurs!
Here are some upcoming markets that you should check out:
Milwaukee Winter Farmers Market
Fondy's Milwaukee Winter Farmers Market exists to support local producers and to help our community eat local longer. Agricultural vendors offer high quality fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, poultry and dairy products. SNAP benefits are accepted at the market. Local food vendors also bring a wide variety of freshly baked goods, jams, cider, honey, maple syrup, sauces and soups, as well as delicious global cuisine. The market also offers health and wellness, and body products, such as soaps, body creams, and more.
Location: The Table, 5305 W. Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53216
Date/Time: Saturdays, November 9, 2024 - April 19, 2025 (no market on December 28th) / 9:00AM to 2:00PM
Cultural Holiday Market
Join us at the Sherman Phoenix for a week of our first cultural market featuring Djenne Collection from Chicago. Invited Milwaukee-area makers will also be present for your holiday gift-shopping or just to pick up some treasures for your self. You will also be able to support the shops located inside of the Sherman Phoenix.
Location: 3536 W. Fond du Lac Ave, Suite 103, Milwaukee, WI
Date/Time: December 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th / 11:00AM to 7:00PM