Each year Historic Milwaukee’ Doors Open provides access to some of the most amazing works of architecture, businesses, facilities, and historic sites across Milwaukee. What Doors Open leaves us with is the desire and ability to start looking deeply at our built environment, and the knowledge that there are hidden gems in each of our neighborhoods if we take the time to look. These videos are made in conjunction with Artists Working in Education's Art Truck Studio, in hopes of sharing some creative ways to spend time and explore the place where you live. Thanks to the Greater Milwaukee Foundation for making this project possible.

Activity 1 - Exploring Waters Impact: Poster Making

Materials for This Activity: 

  • Books, online access, or the outdoors (anywhere in your neighborhood will do)
  • Markers, Crayons, Pencils, or Pens
  • 1-5 pieces of paper

Activity 3 - Floating Art: Boat Building

Materials for This Activity: 

  • Natural materials: Leaves, sticks, bark, seed pods, acorn caps

And/Or

  • Recycled materials, such as cardboard or paper plates
  • Large container of water, access to hose, or access to water in nature
  • Markers, Crayons, Pencils, or Pens
  • Duct tape

Activity 3 - Exploring Waters Impact Part 2: 3-D Environment

  • Books, online, or the outdoors (anywhere in your neighborhood will do)
  • Big container with wide opening (such as a bucket, cake pan, tin pie pan, etc.)
  • Water (sink, hose, river, lake, any water access will do!)
  • Natural materials (Such as rocks, grass, seeds, leaves, sand, flowers, non-toxic plants, sticks, shells, dirt, etc.)

And/Or -

  • Recycled/ household materials (Such as tinfoil, napkins, twistie-ties, string, flour, popsicle sticks, paper plates, spoons, tape, etc.)
  • Paper and pencils

Greetings from the Artist

Hello! My name is Karina Polasky. I am a studio artist in Milwaukee, WI, as well as a professional Creative Arts Facilitator with a focus on Wellness and Healing in The Arts. I am currently studying for a Masters of Science in Art Therapy and Licensed Professional Counseling. I make art because it allows me to communicate experiences, share narratives, hold space, and make personal discoveries through limitless outlets and forms.