Last summer, I found myself in the attic of my childhood home, reflecting on how little I knew about this hidden sanctuary. Growing up, it was always off-limits, a mysterious place I never explored. After my father's passing, I was finally given permission to roam the entire house, and I discovered that the attic was his refuge—a space where he could be an artist, thinker, and scholar, free from the burdens and pressures of being a Black man. This attic was a world of gentleness and creativity, an extension of my father that I had never known.
During this sentimental visit, I stumbled upon a journal entry of his, expressing his dream to use his carpentry skills to support local businesses. Reading that was a moment of revelation that led to the birth of the CR8TV HOUSE. I realized that I needed to revisit the house with new eyes, to create a space where others could also experience the gentleness, wonder, and radical imagination that my father found there. Phase one was about dreaming of new ways to engage with artists, art, and community. Phase two is all about turning those dreams into action.
The next two months are all about moving forward, activating the present for the benefit of the future in the most tangible ways possible. We have successfully entered Phase Two of the build-out of THE CR8TV HOUSE. This phase is all about transforming the physical space of the house from a childhood home into a dynamic gathering space for artists. Phase two is about putting in the work to ensure the space is ready to receive its new life. This includes but is not limited to, deep cleaning, painting walls, organizing tools, mopping floors, and beautifying the outdoor space. While this brings immense excitement, it also introduces a lot of fear and uncertainty. I find myself standing at the beautiful, challenging intersection of asking myself...
"Are you willing to let go of who you were to become who you will be?"
This question has consumed my thoughts and filled my body for the past few weeks, leaving me in a paralyzing state of inaction. There is a profound tension between the past and present that resonates deeply with the work of building out THE CR8TV HOUSE. The house my father bought in the 1980s as a bachelor transformed into a home for his growing family in the 90s. Fast forward to the present day, the house is in yet another phase of change… it is becoming. A mentor and good friend affirmed that it was perfectly normal to grieve the shift.
When I am not busy working, I allow my subconscious mind to wander. This home, no matter what, will always hold its place in my remembrance as a sanctuary that nurtured my artistic spirit, modeled love, and served as a safe haven. It holds a lifetime of memories, lessons, love, and experiences tied to my family while also evolving to support radical imagination, collaboration, and support for Black and Brown artists in Milwaukee.
There is a trinity this place will always hold: remembering the past to understand the present so that you can dream radically for the future. Spending time with the past has been instrumental in helping me re-evaluate what it means to steward and honor the stories of family, mine or otherwise. Proudly, THE CR8TV HOUSE exists as an intentional vehicle for artists to use their practice for self-determination in stewarding, honoring, and telling our own stories while pushing their practice to new lengths. Our work is all about building for the future. Using art to solve complex problems.
This journey is not just about physical renovation; we are not merely renovating a house; we are revitalizing a legacy. THE CR8TV HOUSE stands as a testament to the power of memory, art, family, and the potential of imagination. It is a sanctuary for artists, a home for our stories and family artifacts, and a beacon of hope for what we can achieve together. As we move forward, let us remember that every step we take in building an arts organization that centers Black and Brown Artists in the city of Milwaukee is a step toward a future where our stories are told, our voices are heard, and our communities are celebrated.
Thank you for being part of this journey! Your support, resources, and involvement are crucial as we continue to build, dream, and create a space that honors the past and shapes the future… on our terms!
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