A.W.E. (Artists Working in Education) has agreed to open their space near Washington Park, on Saturday, September 3, from 3 pm to 7 pm for a Silent Auction Benefit for James Murrell, community artist, who partnered with his wife Yvette to found Playback Milwaukee Theatre Company. The event also includes art making for youth and adults. Doors open at 4315 West Vliet Street (near Washington Park) at 3 pm and the silent auction ends at 6 pm.

Donations for the auction so far include:

Artwork: Artwork by Peter Barrickman; Art Panel created by A.W.E. youth; this year’s hand-printed Riverwest 24 Poster; artwork by Sarah Gail Luther

Experiences: Personalized 3-4 hour Tour of Milwaukee for 1-4 people with Adam Carr with signed copy of Adam’s book; Coffee and Conversation with artist Paul Druecke and Green Gallery Press Editor Joe Riepenhoff at the Lake Park Community Room and Lake Park Mound along with signed copy of book inspired by space; Creative Writing Seminar for a group from Write Now! Coach Rochelle Melander

Music: Albums from Milwaukee bands Canopies, The Blue Mooners, and Nicholas Frank

Books: MKE: Your Neighborhood, Our City by Adam Carr; Outlasting Denial from Green Gallery Press; Life and Death on the Bluffs by Paul Druecke; donation from Woodland Pattern

Complete list of auction items will be updated as more donations roll in!

James, who moved to the Pacific Northwest in November of 2015 with his wife Yvette to help their son Ramsey with college pursuits, was recently diagnosed with Stage IV Lung Cancer and is seeking alternative treatment. As other friends have noted, the art community cares deeply for James and Yvette “because of their selfless, creative, and hugely important work to tilt the world toward decency, joy, and transformation though Playback Theatre and Restorative Justice.”

If you are unable to attend the event but would like to make a donation, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/HelpJamesHeal

Please contact event organizer Marisa Riepenhoff for more information or with donations at marisa.wall@gmail.com.