Walker’s Point Center for the Arts: YardWork

At Walker’s Point Center for the Arts (WPCA), four young people - Aisha Ayinla, Hla Kha, Kat Gutierrez and Zoe Rios - are turning everyday spaces into something more meaningful. Yardwork, their youth-led public art project, combines affirming messages and community artwork into a neighborhood-wide installation. Their project was selected as one of five winners in the Youth-Led Grantmaking Project, receiving $4,000 to bring their vision into public space and spark visibility, pride and connection across Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood.

What is your project?

YardWork is a youth-led public art project that turns community-submitted artwork and affirming messages into yard signs displayed across Walker’s Point. The goal is to bring creativity into everyday spaces while strengthening community identity, mental well-being and youth expression.

A team of 10-15 youth artists will work with WPCA staff and mentors to design, produce and install signs throughout the neighborhood, including in yards, on sidewalks and in community spaces. The project runs from May through August 2026 and will conclude with a public celebration at WPCA.

At its core, YardWork is about visibility and belonging. In a neighborhood that is rapidly changing, youth are using public art to share their stories, affirm identity and create a shared sense of place.

How does this project benefit the community?

YardWork brings art directly into daily life, making it accessible to anyone walking through the neighborhood. The yard signs become small but visible reminders of identity, hope and creativity, encouraging conversation and connection among residents.

The project also responds to a deeper need for representation. As Walker’s Point continues to change, youth are using public art to reflect lived experiences and ensure their voices remain part of the neighborhood’s story. Each sign acts as both artwork and a message, helping build pride, visibility and connection across generations.

What are your goals?

This project supports several Milwaukee Succeeds priority areas:

Mental Health
Youth will create affirming messages and artwork that promote self-expression, belonging and emotional well-being, turning creativity into a form of collective care.

Youth Development
Participants will take on leadership roles in design, outreach, installation planning and event coordination, building real skills in collaboration and project management.

Systems Change
By placing youth-created work in public spaces, the project challenges who gets to shape community narratives and increases youth visibility in shared spaces.

What does success look like?

Success means installing at least 50 yard signs across Walker’s Point and engaging 10 youth artists in the creative process. The project also aims to reach around 150 community members through the public celebration event in August.

Beyond numbers, success is reflected in how people feel - increased pride, connection and visibility within the neighborhood, along with youth reporting a stronger sense of belonging and confidence in their creative voice.

How are young people involved?

Youth are leading every stage of the project. They will design and curate artwork, coordinate outreach, help plan installation sites and lead the final community celebration. They’ll also guide conversations with residents about the meaning behind the work.

WPCA staff will serve as mentors and facilitators, providing technical support, resources and guidance while ensuring youth decision-making remains at the center of the project.

How will the funding be used?

The $4,000 grant will support materials for production and installation, including supplies for design work, printing and fabrication of yard signs, and tools used throughout the creative process. It will also support zines and printed materials that share the project’s story, along with marketing and outreach to engage the community.

Additional funding will go toward stipends for youth artists whose work is featured in the installation, as well as food for the final community celebration.