Black Cat Alley to host winter “Fire on Ice-Painting” event

Artists Todd Mrozinski and Renee Bebeau will paint images of fiery flames on a four-foot-wide slab of ice as a live performance in Black Cat Alley on February 3.

Evoking Mrozinski’s recent body of work—oil paintings that feature built-up surfaces of paint that resemble fires and burning logs, the duo will bring a fun project idea to life with this unique winter art happening.

The idea began with master ice carver Max Zuleta, owner of Wisconsin-based ice sculpting business Art Below Zero. Zuleta, when asked to install one of his world-famous ice sculptures at Black Cat Alley, said, “What about a mural painted on ice?” Zuleta has perfected a recipe for food-grade paints that will stick to the slick, frozen surface of ice, and artist Todd Mrozinski is eager to see how his painted flames will look on such a unique “canvas.”

“The East Side BID is planning to activate Black Cat Alley with year-round, unique art installations and activities,” said Kristin Godfrey, East Side BID Executive Director. “We will be hosting art happenings, music and food events—Black Cat Alley is the new place to be.”

The Fire on Ice event will take place from noon to 3:00 p.m. in Black Cat Alley, Milwaukee’s premier street art destination. It is located in the alley between Farwell and Prospect Avenues, behind the Oriental Theater. The public is invited to come and enjoy the free performance, which will have an outdoor bonfire on-site for warming-up.

Afterwards, the public will be invited to join artist Renee Bebeau and Todd Mrozinski inside the future space of the Sip ‘n Purr Café at 2021 E. Ivanhoe Place to create paper “fire collages” as a collaborative art piece. The event is sponsored by the East Side BID and free to the public.