Our History
ArtWorks for Milwaukee was founded in April of 2001 by Dr. Laura Owens, a tenured professor in the Department of Exceptional Education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She founded Creative Employment Opportunities (CEO), an employment agency assisting individuals with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment and was the President of ArtWorks’ Board of Directors until 2008.
Dr. Owens’ exemplary record in the job training and exceptional education disciplines led to a consulting relationship with Gallery 37, an apprentice and job training program located in Chicago, Illinois. The Illinois non-profit apprentice program, based in the arts, serves more than 4,000 Apprentices annually and is the model that Dr. Owens used to establish ArtWorks for Milwaukee.
A team of capable artists, educators and business leaders was gathered to advise Dr. Owens on the start-up of ArtWorks. The team included:
- Dr. Mary Ann Beckman, former ArtWorks secretary and board member who has taught Exceptional Education for more than twenty years and is the director of Special Education at Arrowhead School District Special Education Cooperative.
- Marlene Millevote, a professional artist, former ArtWorks’ Board member and a current Artist Advisor, who networked a collaborative team of professional artists
- Mr. Bernard Peck, a leading businessman, community leader and a generous fourth generation philanthropist of the Peck family. Bernie has been an enthusiastic funder of ArtWorks and appreciates the merit in Dr. Owens’ vision. He understands the value of ArtWorks mission for professional Lead Artists, Apprentices and employers in the Greater Milwaukee community. His desire for ArtWorks to succeed throughout Southeastern Wisconsin and beyond is evidenced by his altruistic nature of providing start-up costs and his continuing support.