About Us

What is the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center

for the Arts?

A beautiful performing and visual arts and education facility nestled in Brookfield's Mitchell Park that opened its doors in 2002. Located just 20 minutes west of downtown Milwaukee, the Wilson Center serves as a bridge for the arts by connecting communities, linking arts organizations, and fostering a collaborative spirit that helps keep the arts alive and growing in Southeast Wisconsin.

What do we do at the Wilson Center?

• Present professional national, regional, and local performances in two premier theaters and one outdoor summer concert venue
• Provide outstanding arts education for all ages in a variety of studio spaces for music, art, dance and theater
• Exhibit the work of living Wisconsin artists in the Ploch Art Gallery and annually at Hidden River Art Festival
• Offer theaters, studios, and other facilities to local arts groups and the community for performances, classes, meetings, conferences, and private parties

Who are the people making the Wilson Center work?

A 38-member Board of Directors and 14-member staff committed to the accessibility and affordability of the arts in our community. A collaboration of arts organizations under one roof that includes Danceworks Inc, Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, and First Stage Theater Academy.

Why build an arts facility in Brookfield?

The idea was originally conceived in 1993 by a group of involved citizens of Brookfield who met in Mayor Kate Bloomberg's home office. The Center was to be a performance space for use by the School District of Elmbrook and local performing arts groups, and would serve to enhance the overall quality of life in Brookfield.

In the mid-nineties, several of Milwaukee's premier arts organizations expressed an interest in becoming tenants and a few key donors jump-started the capital campaign. A business plan was set in place, architects were hired, and pledges came pouring in as this jewel in the park began to take shape.

The vision became reality with our first performances in January 2002.

Where are we now?

Through the enthusiasm, creativity, and hard work of volunteers and staff, the Wilson Center dream has grown to include:

• Six major performance series throughout the year, including a free outdoor summer concert series
• Arts education programs for all ages in association with many of Milwaukee's premier arts organizations
• Outstanding workshops taught by visiting performers and exhibiting artists
• Enlightening and educational performances for school groups

• Unique multidisciplinary arts camp

• Five art gallery exhibitions solely showcasing the work of Wisconsin artists
• A rental facility that is booked as much as two years out
• Two professional theaters and several studios used by Elmbrook students and other public and parochial institutions for the production of theatrical and musical performances
• Fund-raising events each year to offset our operating costs
• The Annual Hidden River Art Festival is held in Brookfield's Mitchell Park and inside the Wilson Center. This event helps us keep the arts accessible to the public by providing free or low cost activities

Our goal is to place the WIlson Center at the hub

of a collaborative effort to build new audiences and advocates for the importance of the arts in all our lives.

How are we doing this?

• Through further collaboration with arts groups from Milwaukee to Madison

• By building on our efforts to tie education programs with professional programming and to discover and cultivate unique emerging talent
• With continued support from individuals and businesses located in southeastern Wisconsin
• Through statewide recognition by arts organizations and endowment groups