Summer is in full swing and our calendars are bursting with all of the summer goodness that Downtown Kenosha has to offer! There are so many exciting places and events to attend in just a few short months. There is one inspiring place that is a must to visit this summer. One that requires no scheduling and no planning. One that will not add to the chaos of life; one that normally might not be up your “alley” (bad pun intended).
Right off 7th Ave between the streets of 56th & 57th, there’s a sweet little alley of inspiration. Of community. Of healing. Of compassion. The wall lining the side of Dakini Healing Arts Studio has been around since 2017 when Stacey Andersen, LMT/ Owner, decided to bring light and love to a normally dark and lonely alley. With help from her friends in the Downtown art community, they beautified the entire wall with brightly colored butterflies, flowers, and an angel. Instagrammers from far and wide flock to the wall to take iconic pictures amongst the art. The alleyway is the most alive it’s ever been since the beautiful and colorful murals were painted on the walls.
This summer a portion of the wall is getting a new mural. Nadia Covelli, a 15-year-old local artist, has already begun adding her contribution to this inspirational alley. Her piece is full of life, color, and movement…..and it’s huge! The adjoining hands with uplifting waves beneath are a beautiful representation of the theme “Lift Someone Up”. I can not wait to see this fully completed. While this is not Nadia’s first commissioned project, it’s definitely her largest! This past December, Nadia was one of 12 local artists commissioned to complete a 6ft X 4ft Winter Scene for Kenosha’s Holiday Harbor Market. She is thrilled and honored to be a part of the “Alley Oop” project and invites everyone to come visit the wall, and watch the progress of the piece unfold as she works through the summer to complete it! So come take a walk Downtown, grab a coffee, and unwind from the chaos of summer. Take a relaxing stroll through the alley and let the goodness inspire you to “lift someone up!”
As Stacey continues to spread her beautification inside, come visit the Pollinator’s Garden at the back of the building. She has transformed yet another area into something that has light and love pouring out of it. Beginning in August cooking classes will be offered. “Cooking Mexcian food with herbs/ weeds that grow in your yard” offered August 1st & 3rd. Reclaimed art and sustainable items also available for purchase! Take some time to visit the small businesses we have and appreciate the great community Downtown Kenosha is.
You can also follow along via Instagram: @Nadiaraine.art, @Alleyoopkenosha, @Gretchen_gypsiesbaskets (because I have momma bragging rights!). FaceBook: Alley Oop page and Dakini Healing Arts page.
