2023 Jurors

Anika Kowalik is a Multidisciplinary artist based in Milwaukee, WI. 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. These truths are preserved through various mediums such as sculpture, printmaking and writing. Kowalik is currently the representative for the state of Wisconsin in the National Leaders of Color Fellowship (2022-2023).

Ck Ledesma is a transdisciplinary artist from San Juan, Puerto Rico, living in the diaspora in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ledesma is a 2022 Mildred L. Harpole Milwaukee Artist of the Year, a 2020 Mary L. Nohl Fellow Established Artist, has served at the artist-in-residence for the Cesar Chavez Drive Business Improvement District in Milwaukee, the Mitchell Street branch of the Milwaukee Public Library, and Casa Candela in Cayey, Puerto Rico. Their work has been exhibited nationally and internationally at the Racine Art Museum and through the Museums Association of the Caribbean and, most notably, within the community.

Beth is an artist, educator, curator and a co-founder of Vanguard Sculpture Services, a full-service Milwaukee based art foundry providing metal casting, fabrication and restoration services for artists and cultural institutions. Working in the art industry for more than 32 years, Beth leads the restoration and conservation services for her company and recently consults and performs work for Sculpture Milwaukee. She holds a BFA from MIAD and an MFA from UWM where she has enjoyed teaching adjunct. Beth has curated numerous exhibitions since opening The Gallery at Vanguard Sculpture Services in 2011. Beth pursues a small studio practice and has placed seven public art pieces around the state since 1988.