The Mount Mary Starving Artists' Show was a staple in the Milwaukee art community for over 50 years and like many others, Mike Bate, the owner of local business Lit MKE, didn't want to see it go. 

Seeing an opportunity to step in and revive this long lasting art fair, Mike's vision for Make Art MKE is all about honoring the history of the Mount Mary event, while pulling in local makers of handmade goods, and a focus on supporting the surrounding neighborhood.  A portion of proceeds from the 2023 art fair will go to revitalizing Cooper Park.

re:Craft and Relic is passionate about connecting small businesses to the community around them and is excited to help breathe new life to this art fair.

As a new event with new, outside organizers, we want to carry on the spirit of the Starving Artists Show and fill the Mount Mary grounds once again with artists, makers and creatives, supporting one generation while inspiring the next.