The second annual “Hecho en Milwaukee” art showcase will be held at Walker Square Park on July 28. The art-themed benefit raises funds for the Mariposa Scholarship, which is awarded to a young woman pursuing a degree in the arts.

Hecho, which runs from 12-5 p.m., will showcase local artists in fields including airbrushing, painting, music and dance. According to Nicole Acosta, whose XICA MOVEMENT group is hosting the event, artists of all disciplines and especially women are welcome to show and sell their work at the park, located at 1029 S. 9^th St.

Acosta said the scholarship program is a way to support woman artists who now have more opportunities than ever in Milwaukee to work in an art scene historically dominated by males.

Back when she began her career as a fine art/ professional photographer in 1997, she had mentors but lacked the support from the local art community she desired.

“In Milwaukee’s past there haven’t been a lot of opportunities for us to go out there and show our work, but now the scene for women is flourishing,” Acosta said.

She cited the Walker’s Point Center for the Arts, Arts at Large and the Milwaukee Art Museum as some of the local organizations that have been supporting local female artists by exhibiting their work.

The event will also feature raffles and various food and art vendors, with all proceeds going to the scholarship for a recipient who has not yet been chosen.

Acosta is glad to be able to expose female artists and their various talents to the community.

“We’re letting everybody know that we’re here; here as mothers, daughters, sisters and friends but we are also artists and this is who we are.”