Welcome to Task!
A space for artists that need space.
In today's economy, everything is expensive, especially rent, but space is essential for an artist's practice to grow and be seen! With a focus on performance, multi-media, and installation artists the space was created to give artists the room they need to experiment and install. When it comes to applying to exhibitions, graduate school, and residencies great images of work are essential and will help move your application to the top of the list. Task is an alternative solution that offers 700 square feet of studio space for artists to rent at a reasonable rate for short periods of time.
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Along with space Task offers a library of equipment (TVs, media players, and projectors) that artists can use, instead of purchasing their own. Screen printing, with the ability to print film, and expose screens is available for small runs of t-shirts, cards, posters, or anything else.
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I am excited to see Task come to life and hope it gives Milwaukee and the surrounding area artists what they need to achieve their dreams.
About me
I am Amy Cannestra, a contemporary artist who uses performance, multi-media installation, and drawing to explore the weight physical and mental trauma puts on the body and soul.
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I received my BFA in Communication Design from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design in 2006 and my MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2015. Since then I have been performing and exhibiting internationally, participating in events such as the 2016 TransArt Triennial in Germany, ChaShaMa pop-up at the One World Trade Center in New York City, the 2017 TRIO: Biennial in Rio de Janeiro, and, most notably, the 58th Venice Biennial in the Grenada Pavilion.
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Alongside my studio practice, I am one-third of SPOOKY BOOBS, a feminist art collaboration with artists J. Myszka Lewis, and Maggie Snyder. I also am a freelance designer, an adjunct professor at Concordia University, an aunt, and a dog mom.
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Why "Task"
Choosing a name for a business is difficult! I read so many how-to articles with tips and at one point I used a name generator (funny but not helpful). This space is close to my heart so I never wanted it to feel inauthentic.
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When I was growing up I spent a lot of time at my dad's prepress shop, Task Graphics. I remember Sundays after church drinking chocolate milk and watching him divide the chicken nuggets equally amongst my sisters and me to avoid fights. Because of the influence and the importance of family, I decided to continue and build on what my parents have started.
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\' task \
An assigned piece of work is often to be finished within a certain amount of time. (From Merriam-Webster.com)
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A space for artists that need space.
Macaroni!
This little love bug is Macaroni. I rescued her from the Milwaukee Human Society in September of 2020 (the photo below is from adoption day). She pretends she wants to help you install your work, then just sits on your lap and snuggles; so beware of those puppy dog eyes (unless you are looking to procrastinate).
