Community Calendar

Family histories, myth, and memories not only survive migration and cultural transplantation; they persist at the foundations of identity. Warren King’s sophisticated sculptures explore his family’s origins in Shaoxing, China, their journey to the suburbs of Wisconsin, and how he understands this displacement in light of his own Western upbringing. King’s sculptures often combine thematic and aesthetic elements from Chinese and Western traditions, masterfully working cardboard into near life-size figures and wall pieces that recall traditional lacquerware and woodcarving. This exhibition originated at the James Watrous Gallery in Madison, Wisconsin, where it was co-curated by Jody Clowes and Warren King, and is presented in collaboration with the Organization of Chinese Americans-Wisconsin.

Wednesdays in the Garden offers a nurturing and joyful space for our youngest learners to explore, play, and grow. Together with their caregivers, children will discover the wonders of the natural world and Lynden’s unique sculpture collection through hands-on experiences that spark curiosity, wonder, and creativity. Early childhood educators Claudia Orjuela and Denice Niebuhr will guide families through sensory-rich activities, outdoor adventures, and open-ended artmaking. Each week highlights a new theme, connecting children’s natural interests with the world around them. In June, the themes include Pond Pals, Turtle Trails and Frog Songs, Decomposers, and Meet a Tree.

Learn and discover in the great outdoors! This program offers guided, hands-on exploration that brings seasonal topics to life for children ages 4-12.

SEPTEMBER 2 — Home Sweet Habitat: Explore wildlife habitats from the perspective of the animals that live there.

SEPTEMBER 16 — The Incredible Water Journey: Find out where water comes from and where it goes – some surprises are in store!

OCTOBER 7 — Nature’s Builders: Let’s take a closer look at the home-building skills of different insects.

NOVEMBER 4 — Glacial Wisconsin: Learn to read the glacial landscape of Retzer and discover the importance of glaciers to our region.

NOVEMBER 18 — Thankful for Nature: Enjoy a fun discussion and hike about the ways nature can help us, feed us, or protect us.

DECEMBER 2 — Hibernation/Migration: Explore the trails of Retzer to see which animals stay, sleep, or leave during winter. Participants will hike with snowshoes if trails permit.

Come discuss "The Pirate Queen" by Ariel Lawhon. Ticket includes a glass of house wine and a fun bookish community.

Cream City Book Club is moderated by Nicole Mattke and meets at The Starling quarterly. Ticket sales close at noon the day prior to each event. Included are prepared, engaging discussion questions and a glass of house wine, with additional drinks available on site for purchase.

Step into a world of high-octane piano and legendary hits! Rock ‘N’ Roll Piano Man takes you on a thrilling journey through the history of rock ‘n’ roll piano—from the rebellious roots of Little Richard and Fats Domino to the soulful sounds of Ray Charles, and piano legends Elton John and Billy Joel. JP Coletta, who brought down the house as Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet, and his band bring each song to life with electrifying energy, dazzling skill, and irresistible charisma. Experience classics like “Great Balls of Fire,” “Benny and the Jets” and “Always A Woman” in an unforgettable tribute to the music that shaped generations.

“Coletta is a star stepping into his prime.” – BroadwayWorld

Created by JP Coletta

Micky Dolenz is an actor, singer, director, producer, writer, radio DJ, inventor, and all-around performer extraordinaire, and stands tall as a paragon of taste and accomplishment in the rough-and-tumble world of show business and entertainment. Micky is best known as a vocalist and drummer of the 1960’s pop legends The Monkees. The Monkees not only achieved great success as a TV show, but also as recording artists; selling in excess of 65 million units, and achieving worldwide success. Their first four albums – THE MONKEES (1966); MORE OF THE MONKEES (1967); HEADQUARTERS (1967); and PISCES, AQUARIUS, CAPRICORN AND JONES, LTD. (1967) all reached the number-one position on the charts and launched three number-one singles: “Last Train to Clarksville,” “I'm a Believer” (both with lead vocals by Micky), and “Daydream Believer.” The group's first five albums also went platinum. Micky has also released several critically acclaimed solo albums: KING FOR A DAY; REMEMBER; and A LITTLE BIT BROADWAY; A LITTLE BIT ROCK AND ROLL. The Monkees also re-grouped for a 50th anniversary album in 2016 entitled GOOD TIMES on Rhino. Micky toured in 2019 as part of the It Was Fifty Years Ago Today; a celebration of The Beatles WHITE ALBUM with Christopher Cross; Todd Rundgren; and Joey Molland of Badfinger. In March of 2019, he released the award-winning DOLENZ SINGS NESMITH on England’s 7a Records. Micky has also toured extensively on his own and earlier this year fronted Micky Dolenz Celebrates The Monkess which was a sell-out at every stop. He also recently performed at the annual James Burton event, this time in England, which also featured Ron Wood; Brian May and Van Morrison. On November 3, Micky releases the EP Dolenz Sings R.E.M. (7a Records) featuring 4 songs from R.E.M. Later that year, he releases the book I’m Told I Had A Good Times: The Micky Dolenz Archives-VOLUME 1. In December of 2024, Micky released his first live album in seven years: MICKY DOLENZ: LIVE AT THE TROUBADOUR. The album was recorded at the famed L.A. club in April and debuted Dolenz’s current stage show, MICKY DOLENZ: SONGS AND STORIES.

Melissa Shew Ph.D. will present “Leading with and for Intellectual Joy,” highlighting women's empowerment in their personal and professional lives. In this keynote presentation, Shew will share specific actions to cultivate purpose and passion in organizations—and beyond.

The Voices of Leadership series brings global thought leaders to campus each fall to share their insights and expertise with the community. Recent keynote presenters have included business hypergrowth expert April Hansen, mental health advocate Diana Chao, construction business owner Linda Alverado, Kat Esser from Amazon Web Services and Dr. Krishna DasGupta and Dr. Xochitl Yadira Gonzalez,local leaders in psychiatry and conscious leadership.

The United States marks its 250th anniversary in 2026. To understand how our nation came to be, we invite you to think about how immigrants have shaped the United States, starting right here in Milwaukee.
Indigenous Peoples were the first to live on this land. Later, waves of immigrants arrived, changing the community and creating the Milwaukee we know today. Examining immigration in Milwaukee offers a window into the larger American story.
For over 180 years, immigrants have shaped Milwaukee’s economy, neighborhoods, and culture. Waves of German, Polish, Italian, and Irish newcomers built businesses to grow the city in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Their skills and labor established Milwaukee as a center of industry and craftsmanship.
As new generations arrive from Latin America, Asia, Southwest Asia and North Africa (also referred to as the Middle East), and Africa, they bring traditions, languages, and foods that continue to redefine what it means to be American. Milwaukee’s diversity can be seen in its restaurants, festivals, and neighborhoods. Here, the legacies of past and present immigrants come together to shape the future.

Family histories, myth, and memories not only survive migration and cultural transplantation; they persist at the foundations of identity. Warren King’s sophisticated sculptures explore his family’s origins in Shaoxing, China, their journey to the suburbs of Wisconsin, and how he understands this displacement in light of his own Western upbringing. King’s sculptures often combine thematic and aesthetic elements from Chinese and Western traditions, masterfully working cardboard into near life-size figures and wall pieces that recall traditional lacquerware and woodcarving. This exhibition originated at the James Watrous Gallery in Madison, Wisconsin, where it was co-curated by Jody Clowes and Warren King, and is presented in collaboration with the Organization of Chinese Americans-Wisconsin.

Learn and discover in the great outdoors! This program offers guided, hands-on exploration that brings seasonal topics to life for children ages 4-12.

SEPTEMBER 2 — Home Sweet Habitat: Explore wildlife habitats from the perspective of the animals that live there.

SEPTEMBER 16 — The Incredible Water Journey: Find out where water comes from and where it goes – some surprises are in store!

OCTOBER 7 — Nature’s Builders: Let’s take a closer look at the home-building skills of different insects.

NOVEMBER 4 — Glacial Wisconsin: Learn to read the glacial landscape of Retzer and discover the importance of glaciers to our region.

NOVEMBER 18 — Thankful for Nature: Enjoy a fun discussion and hike about the ways nature can help us, feed us, or protect us.

DECEMBER 2 — Hibernation/Migration: Explore the trails of Retzer to see which animals stay, sleep, or leave during winter. Participants will hike with snowshoes if trails permit.