Spotlighting Youth Artwork
As children, we are encouraged to explore our creative side, which often results in art ranging from watercolor paintings to popsicle-stick sculptures. There really is no limit to what a child can create, which is why Milwaukee arts nonprofit TBEY (Tessa’s Black Entertainment & Youth Center) Arts Center put out an open call for youth art.
TBEY is a 26-year-old nonprofit arts program founded by Contessa Cole when she was 16.
Out of that open call, 32 creations by 22 teenage artists will be displayed at The MKE Youth Artscape exhibit sponsored by TBEY at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital. The exhibit opened on February 11, 2026, and will run for six months.
The MKE Youth Artscape exhibit showcases original artwork created by artists aged 13-18 in the Garden Cafe cafeteria of the Eastside Hospital.
“I didn’t want to have our kids’ artwork displayed for one day. I wanted to expose their art to more people,” said Cole.
Selected youth are from Andrew Douglas Middle School, Bay View Montessori, Carson Academy of Science, MacDowell Montessori, North Division High School, Portage High School, Rufus King High School, and TBEY arts students.
“We are proud to support the work TBEY is doing in our community. Art can provide a healing effect to life, and we hope this exhibit brightens the day for our visitors, patients, and associates,” said Andre Storey, President, Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital, in a press release.
26 Years of Engaging and Empowering Young Artists
At 16 years old, Cole knew the importance and impact art has on youth. Starting TBEY was her way of fighting back against the cuts to arts programs within the Milwaukee Public Schools System.
TBEY is an educational organization that offers a range of professional arts instruction, including dance, theater, music, and visual arts, to Milwaukee youth.
According to a press release, TBEY has empowered more than 20,000 youth, with over 70% identifying as African American and almost 100% coming from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
TBEY offers multiple programs for Milwaukee youth, including after-school and early childhood programs, arts programming, and community outreach sessions available to schools and organizations.
“It’s very important for students to be exposed to art at any level,” said Cole.
Nyesha Stone founded Carvd N Stone in 2017 to cover positive news while attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Stone has a B.A. in Journalism. She has raised over $30,000 to award grants and scholarships. She has also been featured in ESSENCE and worked with the American Black Film Festival.
