Northwestern Mutual will be hosting an art gallery celebrating their foundation's relationship with non-profit organizations over the last 25 years.
The Northwestern Mutual Foundation has invested more than $320 million in non-profits since 1993. However, they want to focus on the good the organizations have done rather than the money they've invested.
"What better way to shine a light on their work than through original art," Lynn Heimbruch, Assistant Director of Strategic Philanthropy for the Northwestern Mutual Foundation said.
The art exhibit, called the Giving Gallery, will have 26 works of art made by 17 artists with Wisconsin ties. They are all very different pieces but share a common theme. They have Milwaukee's fingerprints all over them and Heimbruch hopes they continue to make this city great.
"We want to make sure it's a vibrant community for everyone to enjoy," Heimbruch said. "That means helping those less fortunate."
There are traditional art pieces, like paintings, sculptures and photographs. However, one eye catching piece was made for the Ronald McDonald House. It's a distressed table with holes and imperfections, but it's strong and sturdy. It is an interpretation for what the organization can do.
"My eye was drawn right away to the holes in the table," Ann Petrie with the Ronald McDonald House Charities said. "Right away I thought of our families and how they're going through such a tough time in their life having a seriously injured or ill child. Yet, even with the holes in this table, it's one really solid piece."
The table and other artwork is moving when paired with the mission statements for their respective non-profit. However, Heimbruch hopes this sparks the community to get more involved.
"If we can harness the collective power of us all to volunteer, to donate, to advocate, we can make Milwaukee what we want it to be," Heimbruch said.
The Giving Gallery will be open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for the next year inside of the Northwestern Mutual Building.
