We Energies Foundation Art Collection

Our Art

The We Energies Foundation Art Collection has been carefully curated to portray the characteristics, culture, people and landscapes of Milwaukee and the surrounding region. Each work can stand alone as an engaging and vibrant piece of art, but when combined they tell the story of Milwaukee and Wisconsin’s past triumphs and struggles, exciting present and hope for the future.  

Much of the art you see at Baird Center was created by local artists or artists with special ties to the area. In total, twenty-one of the thirty-five artists reside in the Milwaukee area, Wisconsin or have lived in the state.

Check back often for updates, we will be posting featured profiles on each artist contributing to the collection, new information about their piece(s) and videos of the artists themselves explaining their vision, techniques and creation process. 

We hope you enjoy your visit to Baird Center and through its art, leave with a better understanding of the pride we have in our community. 

Featured Artist

Mark Brautigam grew up just south of Milwaukee and admits he once overlooked the majesty of Lake Michigan. After time abroad in the Marine Corps and roaming Wisconsin as a photographer, the pandemic forced him to slow down—and to truly see his home. He began returning repeatedly to the lakefront, observing its mood, capturing paired images via diptychs that blend separate moments into something unified. Two of those deeply felt works—Lake Michigan 5.17.23 and Bradford Beach—were selected for the We Energies Foundation Art Collection at Baird Center. Learn more about how he made these images come to life through interviews with the artist in print and video.

Artists

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