Art as Activism

Susan Simensky Bietila, Art Activist.

Since the 1960s, Susan Simensky Bietila has used graphics, murals, photography, art installations, and street theater to champion causes such as water protection, anti-war protests, the Black Panthers and the 28-year struggle to prevent the Crandon mine. She collaborated on the Carlos Cortez and Allied Artists show at the Walker’s Point Center of the Arts and was part of an anti-mine art installation at the Riverwest Arts Center. She has supported reproductive rights, eviction rights, and the occupation of the State Capitol through published graphics. She creates hand-made puppets of fish in her water project (photo above). Susan will talk about times of protest and what you can do to help Milwaukee and the nation.  Host: Christian Becker

For over 50 years, the Sunday Forum lecture series has showcased provocative, sometimes controversial, speakers discussing topical issues of the day: politics, the environment, health issues, the arts, education, and more. The Sunday Forum is held online via Zoom and YouTube Live at 11:00 a.m. during the regular church year. Speakers give a 45-minute presentation, followed by questions and brief comments from the audience. The content of Forum lectures does not necessarily express the viewpoint of First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee, but are meant to offer thoughtful topics which our members often pursue further on their own.