A Creative Community

Hobbyist is a vibrant community within AVRA, dedicated to those who create for the pure joy of it. This space is for makers, dreamers, and doers who thrive on bringing ideas to life—no strings attached. Whether you’re sketching concepts, crafting digital art, or experimenting with new mediums, Hobbyist is where your imagination can roam free. Join us in celebrating the art of creation, where the only goal is to actualize the ideas in your head and share them with like-minded creatives. Here, passion drives the process, and the journey is just as important as the end result.

 
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support the local

Support the Hobbyist community by grabbing an exclusive hat. Your purchase helps fund our creative projects and keeps the spirit of pure creation alive. Wear your passion and make a difference.

 

 
 
 
 
 

Grooves of The Heartland is an exploration of the Midwest's rich musical tapestry. This project dives deep into the sounds and stories that define our region, blending music, culture, and history into an immersive experience. Through collaborations with local artists, we capture the essence of our musical heritage, celebrating the rhythms that make the Heartland groove.

 
 

EPISODE 001

THE MILWAUKEE LOFI PLAYLIST

For the first installment of our Grooves of the Heartland series, we have an animated beat playlist featuring Hobby, the Hobbyist, navigating Milwaukee's neighborhoods. Collaborating with local creatives, we are using music and animation to express relatable sentiments and experiences. It acts as a medium of expression, providing an escape from life's challenges and emphasizing the solace and separation music offers amidst the demands of everyday life. Through the fusion of music and storytelling, Episode One captures the essence of urban life, seeking moments of connection and respite.

 
 

Setting The Scene

The scene of Episode 1 features Hobby on the City Bus. A place where music becomes our escape, blocking out the world around us during long rides. This shared experience connects the creatives of Episode One, and to the wider Milwaukee community as a whole, as this is the primary mode of transportation for most.

 
 
 

Contributors

Dante Lavell (Director), DJ Dev (Sound Mixer), Stephen Guma (Animator), Curtis Weathers (Artist), Deverell Lowe (Producer), Shamgod Supreme (Producer), Deuce LB$ (Producer), Moolah Bred (Producer), Kaleel (Producer), HMuhammad (Producer), Gary (Producer).

SPECIAL THANKS

We would like to also thank Jose Castillo (City Footage), Miguel Brown (Hobby Model), & Melo Chld (Vocalist) for assistance in the creation of our promotional materials for episode 001

 
 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 

The Milwaukee Legends Series is dedicated to honoring individuals who’ve made significant cultural contributions to Milwaukee. It aims to recognize and celebrate their impact, offering them the flowers they deserve. A celebration of our city's cultural heritage through the captivating stories of its icons. From artists to entrepreneurs and community leaders, each piece delves into the trials, triumphs, and enduring legacies that shape Milwaukee's identity. Through storytelling and design, we honor those who have left an indelible mark on our community.

 
 

wednesday

MILWAUKEE LEGENDS INTERVIEW 002, CALVIN BELLAMY, WEDNESDAY.

 

BREAKDOWN

‘Wednesday’ aka ‘Hump Day’, captures the essence of Calvin Bellamy, also known as CooCooCal, a prolific Milwaukee-raised rapper, who owned the early 2000s. The artwork delves into Calvin's struggles with mental health, depicted through chaotic and scattered elements that represent his tumultuous mind. Balanced within this chaos are touches of sincerity, color, and peace, symbolizing his genuine desire for betterment and deep care for others. The piece portrays Calvin as a resilient soldier of faith, navigating his path with uncertainty while carrying forward his strengths and wisdom. It illuminates the enduring spirit of a man who, despite his battles, continues to move forward with determination and hope, redefining the black-and-white judgments many place on the city's troubled legend.

 

focus

MILWAUKEE LEGENDS INTERVIEW 001, CHARLY PALMER, FOCUS.

BREAKDOWN

This artwork draws inspiration from the colors of the Wisconsin state flag while incorporating elements of the city and Charly Palmer's distinctive style. The background features a shredded cheese texture, a nod to Wisconsin's status as the dairy state, with paint splashes floating throughout to represent Palmer's creative process. In homage to his mother, Palmer incorporates flowers into his work, symbolizing remembrance and appreciation. The vintage gothic pattern surrounding the portrait reflects Wisconsin's traditional European architectural influence, while the bouquet of flowers symbolizes honoring and celebrating Palmer's contributions. Finally, the yellow circle over the subject's eye signifies unwavering focus and superior creative vision, even without glasses.

 
 

Contributors

Dante Lavell (Director & Designer), Alvin Connor (Videographer), Curtis Weathers (Production Asst.), Gerald Williamson (Producer), & Shannon Jones II (Producer)

 

For a more detailed breakdown of each project, visit our gallery!