The Trade Hotel
milwaukee, Oregon
A Celebration of Milwaukee’s Deer District: Curated Artwork for The Trade Hotel
At Kali Grey Art Consulting, we specialize in creating art collections that capture the essence of their surroundings, enriching the guest experience with authentic and locally inspired narratives. For The Trade Hotel, an Autograph Collection property located in Milwaukee’s vibrant Deer District, we pitched a local artist commission that reflects the city’s heritage and contemporary energy.
Honoring Milwaukee’s Storied Past
Milwaukee is a city steeped in rich history, from its industrial roots to its natural origins as a swamp and trading hub along the Milwaukee River. At The Trade Hotel, these stories are brought to life through a bespoke art collection that integrates historical references and cultural icons with a modern twist.
We collaborated with a talented local artist on this poster-style artwork celebrating the city’s key identities:
Brewing Legacy: Milwaukee’s reputation as the beer capital of the world is embodied through nods to the iconic Schlitz and Pabst breweries. The artwork draws inspiration from vintage beer posters while incorporating contemporary design elements.
Cream City Bricks: The distinctive cream-colored bricks that characterize Milwaukee’s architecture are referenced in the textured and tonal details of the pieces, grounding the collection in the city’s unique aesthetic.
The Bucks and the Deer District: As the hotel is situated in the energetic Deer District, home to the Milwaukee Bucks, the artwork reflects the area’s sports culture and communal spirit.
Natural Origins: Milwaukee’s origins as a swamp and a vital route for fur traders along the Milwaukee River are acknowledged through geographical images of the river and its role as the focal point to the city.
The Milwaukee-inspired poster artwork is displayed in guest rooms, serving as a visual anchor that connects guests to the city’s identity.
At Kali Grey Art Consulting, we are proud to partner with hospitality brands to craft distinctive art collections that celebrate their locations and elevate their spaces. For more information about our services, reach out to us!