Stephanie Barenz is a painter, printmaker, and architecture lover from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her work is created with the hope that it would stimulate a conversation about the sanctity of knowing one's neighbor, the importance of locality and the elevation of the commonplace to the remarkable.
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Stephanie Barenz

Artist and Educator

Old Signage, Gospel Choirs, and A Rough Sketch - Category: From the Studio

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A sign on North Ave that I fell in love with. 

If you have been following my twitter feed you probably have noticed me talking about St. Marcus Lutheran Church here in Milwaukee. I am working on a commission for them this summer for their atrium. If you aren't familiar with this church you can check them out by clicking here.  I know what you are thinking, "Stephanie, since when do you paint religious imagery?"  That is the awesome part about this project, they are seeking a piece that  communicates the diversity of their congregation,  represents the architectural beauty of their historic North Ave. neighborhood, and shows people coming together. So yes, right up my alley!

I have spent a good week  taking hundreds of photos of North Ave and St. Marcus. I got to see their amazing  Choice school program in action, listen to gospel choirs, happen upon historic buildings and old signage, and talk with people about their history with St. Marcus. As I spent the week observing this place and its people I was very much moved by their mission. It is a meeting place where people really love and know each other. As a result of their contagious loving attitudes,  social change is taking place in their neighborhood. It was a beautiful thing to witness and I can't wait to get started on the painting. I included a photo of one of my rough sketches below. I will be updating you on the project through out the summer so stay tuned! 

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The sanctuary

 

A sketch of some students from St. Marcus. 

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