Lee Matz, Author at Milwaukee Independent

Mai Payia Vang: Where are the Hmong young professionals in Milwaukee?

Posted by Lee Matz | Dec 20, 2015 |

A look at the future of an ethnic business community in peril. Wisconsin has tried to position itself as an incubation hub for start-up businesses in recent years. Young professionals network through social media and in their active involvement with business and ethnic organizations. While groups like Newaukee and Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee support and nurture entrepreneurship, the Hmong people find themselves isolated from opportunities, even with their own ethnic community. Mai Payia Vang, owner of a Cricket Wireless store, shared her experience and perspective of why the future business prospects for ethnic Hmong in a city like...

Created by Carole, a retrospective

Posted by Lee Matz | Nov 8, 2015 |

An artistic retrospective of Carole Zalenski, who passed away at age 68 on July 7, was featured at the COMB gallery on November 8. “I’ve curated a gallery showing of art created from school to the later days of her life,” said her son, Bill Zalenski. His mother Carole had suffered from the affects of dementia for the past few years. The event was his way to honor the depth of her creativity before the illness took her health. On display were dozens of paintings, illustrations, and sculptures that Carole had produced. The gallery showing also helped raise awareness...

Photo Essay: Zalenski Art

Posted by Lee Matz | Nov 8, 2015 |

On display were dozens of paintings, illustrations, and sculptures that Carole Zalenski had produced over her lifetime.

Map: A Walk Across Milwaukee

Posted by Lee Matz | Oct 6, 2015 |

A look at the city’s decay and momentum for renewal Inspired by the HOME GR/OWN story for development and urban transformation, the Milwaukee Independent photo documented a walk across the city, as a geographical reference with images for future news reports about community projects, from Lake Drive to 60th Street along the North Avenue corridor. The trek passed through the East Side, Riverwest, Brewers Hill, Halyard Park, Lindsay Heights, Park West, Metcalfe Park, Sherman Park, and Uptown neighborhoods of Milwaukee. The North Avenue Corridor. 84 blocks. 5.5 miles. 4 hours on foot. Extended CoveragePhoto ©Vintage © Map: A Walk...