gener8tor and the Sherman Phoenix announce gener8tor Art x Sherman Phoenix 2023 Spring Cohort
15 Milwaukee artists provided with grants and mentorship
MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Global venture firm and startup accelerator, gener8tor, in partnership with the Sherman Phoenix announces the 15 artists selected for its Spring 2023 gener8tor Art x Sherman Phoenix accelerator. The talented recipients of this year’s accelerator include: Sara Carter, Jovanny Hernandez Caballero, Nehemiah Edwards, Isaiah Gencuski,, Anwar Floyd-Pruitt, Anika Kowalik, Michael Lagerman, Ck Ledesma, Robert Randolph, Victoria Rubinstein, Hannah Samoy, Lalese Stamps, Elena Velez, Gillian Waldo, and Eduardo Zavala.
Full artists profiles are provided below, along with a press packet providing details about each of the artists and their work.
In partnership with the Sherman Phoenix, each artist receives a $10,000 grant and participates in the gener8tor Art 7-week accelerator program, which includes individualized mentorship on how to strengthen the business side of their art practice. Throughout the program, artists meet with gener8tor mentors and industry experts both virtually and in person. Based out of the Sherman Phoenix Marketplace in Milwaukee, this program focuses on supporting creative professionals who have been traditionally underfunded, such as BIPOC, LGBTIA+, female or female identifying, nonbinary individuals, persons with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals and veterans.
The program will culminate, on Saturday, June 3,with an exhibition at the Sherman Phoenix featuring artwork from the members of the Spring 2023 gener8tor Art x Sherman Phoenix accelerator cohort.
In addition to the 7-week accelerator program, gener8tor Art x Sherman Phoenix aims to serve the broader Milwaukee creative community through professional development workshops, one-on-one mentorship and a Master Class series that explores the contemporary art market.
“I’m excited to work with and support such a talented group of Milwaukee artists,” said Darius Smith, director of gener8tor Art x Sherman Phoenix. “By helping these artists gain business skills, we can help them be more successful both financially and creatively."
The artists for the gener8tor Art x Sherman Phoenix Spring 2023 cohort were selected from a pool of 300 applicants. They were chosen based on a jury's gauge of the artist's talent, the compelling nature of their bodies of work, their strong career goals and their ability to be significantly impacted by the program. This cohort selection process was juried by arts industry professionals including Meghan Gordon of Ochi Projects, Corey Serrant from Eric Firestone Gallery, and Felicia Wheeler of Tone Memphis.
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About gener8tor
gener8tor is a global venture firm and accelerator network that supports startups, workers, employers, artists and musicians across race, place and gender. gener8tor partners with companies, governments, universities and nonprofits to operate programs and conferences in more than 41 communities across 22 states and two countries. Fast Company named gener8tor one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2021 and 2022. The International Trade Council recognized gener8tor as Global Venture Capital Firm of the Year in 2022.
About Sherman Phoenix Foundation
The Sherman Phoenix Foundation is focused on critically needed leadership, training and action by leaders of color on economic equity and empowerment. The Foundation will work to collaborate with leaders working to build inclusive and just economies for communities of color. It will support strategies focused on: Economic equity and empowerment; Entrepreneurship and small business success; Strategic corporate investment and training; and Emotional wellness for leaders of color. Additionally, the nonprofit organization will lead all programming at the Sherman Phoenix that brings cultural and economic vibrancy to the hub, including technical assistance for the 25+ small business tenants, wellness programming, educational offerings and arts and cultural events.
A talented multidisciplinary artist whose work is centered around black representation in regards to occupying space, lack of space, and the creation of space. Carter's work zeroes in on rituals old and new, and navigates life as a fat black alternative femme.
She received her BFA from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design in 2020. Carter has participated in group exhibitions such as "AQUI/ALLA" at The Walker's Point Center for the Arts in Milwaukee, WI, "The Screen Printing Biennial" at the Opalka Gallery in Albany, NY, and "PRINT +" at the Hunterdon Art Museum in Clinton, NJ.
In 2023, she continued to participate in the traveling group exhibition "PRINT +" that is currently on view at the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, FL.
A talented photographer and community artist based in Milwaukee. He is a first-generation American and descendant of Mixtecs, and his work centers around themes of cultural heritage and identity. Jovanny is currently completing his BFA in Photography at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Through his photography, Jovanny documents the beauty of Milwaukee's South Side and his family's native land of Oaxaca, Mexico. He seeks to showcase the richness and diversity of his community, celebrating its people, culture, and traditions.
Jovanny's work has been recognized and showcased in various venues, including "Creating Milwaukee," a mini-documentary series produced by Nō Studios that highlights Milwaukee creatives across various disciplines. He is currently an Artist in Residence at Arts@Large, where he is working on a body of work titled "Nuestra Comunidad," a collection of photos that share the beauty of Milwaukee's South Side community.
Also known by his moniker, Nemo, is a contemporary artist born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Self-taught in painting and digital art, Nehemiah is an autodidact in the arts.
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 2015, Nehemiah briefly worked as an engineer before deciding to pursue his newfound passion for the visual arts in 2017.
With a unique expressionistic style, Nehemiah's playful iconography of angel and demon characters showcases the complex relationship between our morality and vices. His works are imbued with a sense of whimsy and humor, inviting viewers to reflect on their own inner struggles and the human condition.
Driven by his desire to bring healing to the spirit of others through his creative endeavors, Nehemiah's ultimate goal is to educate and assist as many people as possible in knowing what it means to experience true Love and to find inner peace — despite one's circumstances. He believes that art has the power to transform lives and seeks to use his talent to make a positive impact in the world.
Nehemiah's works have been featured in numerous exhibitions and galleries across the United States, and he has gained a strong following of collectors and admirers. His dedication to his craft and his passion for uplifting others through art make him a rising star in the contemporary art world.
A Milwaukee-based photographer who utilizes his lens to explore the intricacies of identity and the unique stories that shape them. Born to a family with roots in both Papua New Guinea and the United States, Isaiah developed a passion for language at a young age and is fluent in French, having studied the language extensively from kindergarten through high school.
In 2015, Isaiah began his journey as an Educational Opportunity Program participant at Marquette University, where he graduated in 2019 with a degree in Advertising and a minor in Graphic Design. During his time at Marquette, he discovered his passion for photography and served as a photographer for the university in two different positions.
Isaiah's freelancing business as a photographer began during his final semester at Marquette, and has since evolved into a full-time career as an artist, working with local organizations, small businesses, and nonprofits. He uses his keen eye and technical skills to create powerful and emotive portraits that capture the essence of his subjects and their stories. Isaiah's work is a testament to his commitment to both his craft and the community he serves.
Multidisciplinary artist who works across various mediums, including printmaking, sculpture and writing. They completed a BFA in Printmaking at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design in 2017. Kowalik’s current practice channels personal experiences as a young black femme, exploring the depths of institutionalization, ancestry, and the redefining of place to gain autonomy over their historical narrative. Kowalik believes in grounding truths through many facets of documentation to preserve differing narratives outside those we are taught traditionally. They find it easier to communicate these personal experiences through materiality, expanding beyond the physical body.
Some recent accomplishments include Arts Leader for the National Leaders of Color Fellowship 2022-2023 cohort as the Representative for the state of Wisconsin. They’re a two-time recipient of the Artistic Excellence Award and spotlight feature in the Circle Foundation for the Contemporary Arts publication in 2023 (Europe).
Kowalik’s work has been shown at the Museum of Wisconsin Art in 2023 (West Bend, WI); the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art for the Wisconsin Triennial in 2022 (Madison, WI); the Freeport Art Museum in 2022 (Freeport, IL); ARC Gallery in 2022 (Chicago, IL); the John Michael Kohler Arts Center during their residency in 2021 (Sheboygan, WI).
Michael Lagerman's photography and installation work explore queer identities and the possibilities of a queer future. He uses his art to express the nuances of queerness and highlight the importance of queer representation in society. Lagerman's MFA in Visual Art from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has equipped him with the skills to create visually stunning and thought-provoking pieces that push the boundaries of traditional art forms.
His first solo exhibition, Before Render, showcased a series of works that explored the intersections of queerness and technology, highlighting the potential for technology to be used as a tool for queer liberation. His upcoming solo museum exhibition at the Charles Allis Art Museum will provide a platform for his work to reach a wider audience and spark important conversations about queer representation and visibility in the art world.
In addition to his work as an artist, Lagerman is also an organizer who uses his platform to uplift the queer community. He co-founded FxG Church, a charitable dance party for queer prosperity, and co-directs Underscore, an artist-run space and screening room that promotes local, regional, and international exhibitions. Through his work as both an artist and organizer, Lagerman is making a significant impact in the Milwaukee art scene and beyond.
A Puerto Rican transdisciplinary artist, curator, and educator based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ledesma received their BFA from the Peck School of the Arts and has since worked with numerous institutions, including the Milwaukee Museum of Art, Woodland Pattern Book Center, and the Walker's Point Center for the Arts. They are currently an adjunct professor at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.
Ledesma's work is rooted in social justice and community engagement, and often involves collaboration with marginalized communities. As the 2022 Mildred L. Harpole Artist of the Year and a 2020 Mary L. Nohl Fellow, they have received recognition for their impactful work. Ledesma has also served as an artist-in-residence for the Cesar Chavez Drive Business Improvement District in Milwaukee and the Mitchell Street branch of the Milwaukee Public Library.
Their work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including at the Racine Art Museum and the Haggerty Museum of Art, as well as through the Museums Association of the Caribbean. Ledesma's practice encompasses a range of media and approaches, from sculpture and performance to community-based projects and public interventions. They are dedicated to using art as a means of challenging systemic inequalities and fostering social change.
A multi-talented artist, curator, and puppeteer hailing from Milwaukee. He holds a BA in Psychology from Harvard University, a BFA from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, and an MFA from the University of Wisconsin–Madison (2020).
Anwar's creative practice spans a wide range of media, including collages, paintings, and abstract mixed-media self-portraits. His works have been showcased in solo exhibitions at prestigious institutions such as the Chazen Museum of Art, Edgewood College, Mount Mary University, and the Museum of Wisconsin Art. Anwar's art is both visually captivating and thought-provoking, often exploring themes of identity, race, and culture.
In addition to his visual art, Anwar is also an accomplished puppeteer and performer. He leads puppet-making workshops and writes and performs a family-friendly singalong called Hip Hop Puppet Party. Recently, he was awarded a grant from the Jane Henson Foundation to engage youth in puppetry.
Anwar is an Associate Curator of Contemporary Art at the Museum of Wisconsin, where he works tirelessly to promote the work of emerging artists and curate engaging exhibitions. He is also a resident artist at the House of RAD (Resident Artist Doers) in the Riverwest neighborhood of Milwaukee, where he maintains his studio.
With his diverse artistic talents and commitment to community engagement, Anwar Floyd-Pruitt is a rising star in the art world and a beloved figure in his hometown of Milwaukee.
Multi-talented creative with a passion for photography and a love for learning new skills. He first picked up a camera over a decade ago and hasn’t looked back since.
Through self-teaching and experimentation, he developed a keen eye for composition and an ability to capture emotions and memories in a way that is both classic and unique.
Rob’s love for photography has also led him to develop other creative skills such as videography, graphic design, video and image editing, web design, and music, all of which he utilizes to bring his imaginative vision to life. Rob’s commitment to excellence and an unshakeable work ethic have helped him build a successful business, Rob Ran Creative Services, where he offers his unique eye and passion for capturing light to help others shine in their own personal best light. Rob attended the Illinois Institute of Art Chicago, and is also a Public Ally Alum.
His creativity, passion, and commitment to excellence are what sets him apart from his competitors. He is always learning, always growing, and always pushing himself to create meaningful and lasting imagery.
Rubinstein is a skilled ceramic artist known for her intricate sgraffito designs on porcelain, which draw inspiration from the natural world and contemporary design. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rubinstein studied graphic design with a minor in drawing and painting at Iowa State University, graduating in 2023.
Rubinstein's work has been featured in various exhibitions, including the 38th Annual American Crafts Exhibition in Evanston, Illinois. Her pieces can also found in galleries specializing in arts and crafts across the United States.
Working from her studio in Milwaukee, Rubinstein approaches each piece with a meticulous attention to detail and a passion for exploring the intersection of art and nature. Through her delicate and precise sgraffito technique, Rubinstein invites viewers to contemplate the beauty and complexity of the world around us.
A spatial designer and the Founder of Lolly Lolly Ceramics, a production, design, and teaching studio based in Milwaukee, WI. In 2019, Lalese embarked on a 100 Mug Project where she made 100 mugs with 100 different handles in 100 Days, inspired by objects that she interacts with on a daily basis such as door handles, bike racks, or chairs, to name a few.
In addition to mugs, Lalese and her team make bowls, plates, and planters which have all caught the attention of major publications such as Architectural Digest, British Vogue, Colossal, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, The NYTimes, Bon Appetit, Ceramics Monthly, Dwell and many more. Lalese’s designs emphasize bold, striking shapes and versatile functionality, putting her coveted brand at the forefront of innovation in clay.
A multidisciplinary artist based in Milwaukee, originally from Illinois. She is currently a student at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, pursuing a major in fine arts and double minors in arts management and art history. In addition, she works as a McMullan Curatorial Fellow in the Modern and Contemporary Department at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Samoy's artistic practice involves crafting self-made forms and utilizing found objects to create a diverse range of sculptures, from small to large installations. Her work is heavily influenced by her personal experiences, exploring the complexities of her Filipino culture and growing up in the US. Rooted in community and intergenerational storytelling, she examines the intricacies of ancestry and queer identity as a second-generation Filipino-American artist.
Samoy has exhibited her work at Green Gallery West and has participated in the group exhibition Dear Nature with Sculpture Milwaukee.
American fashion designer and entrepreneur from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her work is known for its non-traditional synthesis of metalwork and high fashion. Velez graduated from Parsons School of Design and completed her studies at Central Saint Martins in London.
Of Puerto Rican heritage but raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Velez claims that the industrial nature of her nontraditional upbringing as the only child to a single mother who is a ship's captain on the Great Lakes influenced her current artistic identity, one which she says draws heavily on the relationship between femininity and force.
Her company, founded in 2020, was subsequently featured in Forbes for its work with Midwestern makers and mission to 'democratize resources and recognition' for artists outside of traditional creative capitals. Velez is the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s 2022 Emerging Designer of the Year, Elle Magazine’s 2023 Women of Impact recognizé, a 2022 Vogue Fashion Fund winner, and recipient of the Fashion Trust US Sustainability Award.
Gillian Waldo is a Baltimore-born filmmaker who specializes in capturing landscapes and the built world on 16mm film.
After earning her degree in Film and Media Studies from Johns Hopkins University, Gillian’s work has screened at the Maryland Film Festival, the Milwaukee Underground Film Festival, the Winnipeg Underground Film Festival, and Prismatic Ground. Gillian's filmmaking has been recognized by the Saul Zaentz Innovation Fund, the Adoor Gopalakrishnan Film. Archive and Research Fund, and the UWM Distinguished Graduate Fellowship.
Currently pursuing an MFA at the University of Milwaukee-Wisconsin in the Department of Film, Animation, and New Genres, Gillian is interested in exploring the intersection of the natural world and human-built environments. Through her work, she invites audiences to contemplate the beauty and complexity embedded in the materiality of the built world around us.
A talented nonbinary multidisciplinary artist based in Milwaukee, WI. They received their BFA in New Studio Practice: Fine Arts from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design in 2022, with a focus on lens-based media, video and live performance, and installation work.
Zavala's work explores the intersection of queer identities and natural and constructed spaces and materials, creating queer realities where they can reshape binaries within their own context.
Through installation design, they create spaces where they exist free from the constraints of gender binaries, allowing for new possibilities of self-expression. Zavala is currently an artist in residence for 2022/23 Bridge Work Cycle 08, where they continue to push the boundaries of their artistic practice.
