Lee Matz, Author at Milwaukee Independent

Analysis of editorial imagery produces Top 10 photographic colors of Milwaukee

Posted by Lee Matz | Mar 3, 2019 |

Inspired by Cinema Palettes, an art group that uses a screen shot from a Hollywood movie and translates the frames into its core color palette, the Milwaukee Independent applied the same idea to editorial photos taken around the city to find the most common colors of Milwaukee. #95311C #38251C #E0900D Using the published 2018 photo library, 24 featured images were selected for their composition and subject representation. Each image was then evaluated by Adobe software for color harmony to determine the 5 most common hues of that photograph. The digital evaluation produced a color palette representing each picture. The...

Margaret Muza: Melding history and art into a magic recipe for capturing light

Posted by Lee Matz | Mar 1, 2019 |

With uniquely historic roots to Milwaukee and a passion for creativity, Margaret Muza challenged herself to learn a forgotten art form. In that process, her work has developed into a business that inspires others with its craftsmanship and beauty. In the digital age of sensors and pixels it is easy to forget that capturing light is the heart of photography. Muza uses the most basic elements of chemistry to make images that are both fine art and testimonies to vintage technology. While most people are mesmerized by and fascinated with the collodion wet-plate process, it is easy to miss...

Milwaukee’s Black History program celebrates those who fight for justice in an unjust world

Posted by Lee Matz | Feb 26, 2019 |

“Black History is not just a section in a text book about the Civil Rights movement, it is a tapestry of the countless brave and honorable people that have fought for justice in an unjust world. This month offers us the platform upon which we can proclaim and honor the sacrifices that our ancestors, neighbors and leaders have made and will continue to make to heal the scars of our nation’s collective history.” – Ashanti Hamilton, Common Council President Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton and Alderman Cavalier Johnson hosted the City of Milwaukee’s 3rd Annual Black History program on...

Japanese glam rock band ACME plays first overseas concert at Anime Milwaukee 2019

Posted by Lee Matz | Feb 19, 2019 |

The Japanese visual kei band ACME アクメ performed its first overseas concert at Anime Milwaukee 2019 on February 15, marking another first for the convention’s 12th year of celebrating Japanese art, culture, and entertainment. Visual kei, literally “visual style,” among Japanese musicians is characterized by the use of varying levels of make-up, elaborate hair styles and flamboyant costumes, similar to Western glam rock. Internationally know groups include Glay, L’Arc~En~Ciel, Luna Sea, and X Japan, and well known musicians like Gackt and Miyavi. ACME made its American debut at Anime Milwaukee (AMKE) 2019, the largest annual anime convention in Wisconsin....

Jennifer Vosters: Shakespeare as a guide for a lifelong journey of creative learning

Posted by Lee Matz | Feb 1, 2019 |

Raised in southeastern Wisconsin and encouraged at a young age to express her creativity in music and theatre, Jennifer Vosters has already earned a respected list of credits for acting, directing, and writing. A fan of Shakespeare and a self-proclaimed sci-fi geek, her hard work and discipline serves as an example for what young empowered women can accomplish when they experience hope and opportunity. She also shines a light on the healing powers and social connections that result from music and community. Vosters is currently touring with the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s production of Macbeth, and the Milwaukee Independent caught...

City Hall hosts final celebration of holiday season with Parranda performance

Posted by Lee Matz | Jan 8, 2019 |

Organized again this year by Alderman José G. Pérez, the Parranda was held on January 4 to share Puerto Rican holiday culture and music with the Milwaukee public. Parrandas are musical festivities that traditionally take place during the holiday season. They are celebrated most commonly in Afro-Caribbean and Latin American countries, and parts of South America. One of the most important holiday celebrations for the Puerto Rican community is El Dia de Los Tres Reyes Magos, or Three Kings’ Day on January 6. Contrary to mainland American culture, the “12 days of Christmas” begins on December 25 and runs...