Milky Way Clay
Donation protected
For 22 years, Murray Hill Pottery Works has been an operating pottery studio on the East Side of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A few months ago, the business was sold to a new owner with the understanding that the location would stay a working studio for its community members; offering classes and events for all ages and giving them the opportunity of hands-on experience with our earliest forms of art. Throughout the years Murray Hill Pottery Works has participated in fundraisers like Milwaukee Empty Bowls and created Easter Eggs for the Annual Murray Hill Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt.
Unfortunately, the new owner had other plans. On December 1st, the day he assumed control, he came in and removed all the equipment.
Now Murray Hill is empty.
Classes were left with unfinished work, studio members had no where to turn to practice their craft.
On December 31st, the lease will end. The East Side of Milwaukee will lose a local business focused on bringing people together to create.
I hope to change that.
I am Brian Mielke. I run a pottery studio out of my basement I call Milky Way Clay, and I would like to pick up where Murray Hill left off.
I am seeking funds of $15,000 to purchase studio equipment open Milky Way Clay to the public where Murray Hill Pottery used to be. The funds will be used to initially purchase at least 6 pottery wheels and one large kiln to support the work of multiple artists. A small portion of the money would be set aside to cover the first two months rent and utilities while the studio gets cleaned and equipped. This time will also be used for enrollment of members and classes. Any leftover funds would be used to update and repair the wear and tear of the location.
As Milky Way Clay, the studio will offer classes to the greater Milwaukee Area. It would offer membership options to local artists as well. We would also continue to be active participants in Milwaukee Empty Bowls and the Murray Hill Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt and look for other opportunities to bring clay and creativity to Milwaukee.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to give back to a community that I love.
Thank you for your time.
Unfortunately, the new owner had other plans. On December 1st, the day he assumed control, he came in and removed all the equipment.
Now Murray Hill is empty.
Classes were left with unfinished work, studio members had no where to turn to practice their craft.
On December 31st, the lease will end. The East Side of Milwaukee will lose a local business focused on bringing people together to create.
I hope to change that.
I am Brian Mielke. I run a pottery studio out of my basement I call Milky Way Clay, and I would like to pick up where Murray Hill left off.
I am seeking funds of $15,000 to purchase studio equipment open Milky Way Clay to the public where Murray Hill Pottery used to be. The funds will be used to initially purchase at least 6 pottery wheels and one large kiln to support the work of multiple artists. A small portion of the money would be set aside to cover the first two months rent and utilities while the studio gets cleaned and equipped. This time will also be used for enrollment of members and classes. Any leftover funds would be used to update and repair the wear and tear of the location.
As Milky Way Clay, the studio will offer classes to the greater Milwaukee Area. It would offer membership options to local artists as well. We would also continue to be active participants in Milwaukee Empty Bowls and the Murray Hill Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt and look for other opportunities to bring clay and creativity to Milwaukee.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to give back to a community that I love.
Thank you for your time.
Organizer
Brian Mielke
Organizer
Milwaukee, WI