*Friday, Jan. 31, the Milwaukee Art Museum will open its new exhibition “Uncommon Folk: Traditions in American Art” for public viewing. The exhibition features a collection of art pieces by folk and self-taught artists from the 1800s and 1900s. These folk artists looked to their communities and cultural traditions for inspiration instead of relying on art historical movements for inspiration. Items on display in the new exhibit include paintings, drawing, sculptures, photographs, textiles and furniture. The exhibit will debut with a gallery talk given by curator Margaret Andera on Friday at 1:30 p.m. The talk will be held in the Lubar Auditorium at the Milwaukee Art Museum, located at 700 N. Art Museum Dr. in Milwaukee, and is free with museum admission. For more information, visit www.mam.org.
*Saturday, Feb. 1, the Great Lakes Pet Expo will come to the Wisconsin State Fair Grounds. In addition to featuring hundreds of animals available for adoption, the pet lovers event will include 300 exhibits, live entertainment and an interactive reptile education zone. The event will also include a Puppy Bowl as well as speed dating rounds for attendees and animals up for adoption. And in celebration of the expo’s 10th anniversary, a tribute to members of the U.S. Armed Forces will showcase the stories of men and women who have healed through the tragedies of war with the help of pets. The family-friendly expo will begin at 10 a.m. on fair grounds, located at 640 S. 84th St. in West Allis. Cost is $6 for adults. Admission is free for veterans, military personnel with I.D. and children under age 12. All event proceeds will benefit homeless veterans, companion animals and their families throughout the state. For more information, visit www.petexpomilwaukee.com.
*Wednesday, Feb. 5, the Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee will host an information session all about “Making the Most of Your Time.” The workshop will teach participants ways to maximize their time and energy and decrease stress levels. The workshop will be led by Craig Bodoh, coach, author and head of Personal Effectiveness Plus, LLC. The session will run from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee, located at 2819 W. Highland Blvd. in Milwaukee. Cost is $15 for center members and CDBG agencies and $50 for non-members. For more information or to register, visit www.nonprofitcentermilwaukee.org.
*Friday, Feb. 7, Safe Babies Healthy Families will hold its “Sweetheart Fashion Show” featuring a lunch and raffle in addition to a fashion show, all to benefit the nonprofit organization’s mission to end child abuse, neglect and poverty. The fundraiser will run from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Marriott Hotel, located at W231 N1600 Corporate Ct. in Waukesha. Cost to attend is $45 for individuals and $450 for a table of 10. Attendees must RSVP by Monday, Feb. 3. For more information about the event, registration, and donor and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.safebabieshealthyfamilies.org/events/.
*Friday, Feb. 7, Community Shares will hold a benefit concert to help the membership organization continue supporting its nonprofit partners focused on issues related to social justice, animal welfare, the environment, unemployment, food access and more. The concert will feature The Burgundy Ties, The Rumskis, and MidCoast. The event will run from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Shank Hall, located at 1434 N. Farwell Ave. in Milwaukee. Tickets cost $10. For more information, click here.
