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Expert Series: Philanthropy and the Arts Ecosystem

January 15, 2026
6:15 pm–7:15 pm
Free for Members

What does the future of the arts look like—and who shapes it? Join us for a dynamic conversation that uncovers how philanthropy transforms the cultural landscape. Hear from leading voices as they explore the dynamics behind funding, the evolving role of institutions, and what it all means for the artists, organizations, and the communities at the heart of it.

This program is presented in conjunction with the special exhibitions The Bradley Collection of Modern Art: A Bold Vision for Milwaukee and Looking Forward: New Gifts of Art, which highlight the transformative power of visionary giving in the arts.

This drop-in program is included with Museum admission and free for Members. Tickets available at the door or online.

 

Sponsored by
Milwaukee Art Museum’s Contemporary Art Society

Image: Georgia O’Keeffe (American, 1887–1986), It Was Red and Pink (detail), 1959. Oil on canvas. 30 × 40 in. (76.2 × 101.6 cm). Milwaukee Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Harry Lynde Bradley, M1977.135 © Georgia O’Keeffe Museum / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

 

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Meet the speakers

Abby Pucker

Abby Pucker is a cultural producer focused on the intersection of arts, culture and civic engagement. She founded Gertie in 2022, a civic and cultural enterprise that builds new audiences as well as financial models of support for artists and curators outside traditional institutions. Gertie produces Chicago Exhibition Weekend, founded in partnership with EXPO Chicago (now entering its third year), partners with institutions like MASS MoCA on innovative donor cultivation strategies, and launched EarlyWork, a membership network for Chicago’s next generation of culturally curious young professionals. In 2023, Abby was appointed co-chair of the Arts & Culture transition team for Mayor Brandon Johnson and continues to foster public-private partnerships through Gertie. Previously, she produced Nevermore Park with Madison Wells, and held roles at United Talent Agency and Sotheby’s. Abby is also the co-founder of Art in Common, an organization creating accessible contemporary art experiences through exhibition making and programming, and serves on the boards of Pioneer Works, Ghetto Film School, and Run for Something.

Gregory M. Wesley, JD

Gregory M. Wesley, JD, joined the Greater Milwaukee Foundation as president and CEO in August 2024. For eight years prior, he was the inaugural senior vice president for strategic alliances and business development at the Medical College of Wisconsin and also served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Originally from Gary, Indiana, Wesley came to Milwaukee in 1997, joining Gonzalez Saggio & Harlan LLP, a Milwaukee-based, national law firm, as an associate. He advanced to partner and then equity partner, a role he held for 12 years before departing for MCW in 2016. Wesley attended Indiana University-Bloomington where he earned a Bachelor of Science in 1992. He earned his law degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School in 1997. Through his professional roles and volunteer service, Wesley is committed to building a thriving community where cross-sector relationships between business, civic, philanthropic and public policy entities work together to improve lives.

Rob Henken

Rob Henken is the Executive Director of the Milwaukee-based Herzfeld Foundation, a position he has held since July 2024. He also is the Immediate Past President of the Wisconsin Policy Forum after leading the organization as its President from 2008 to 2024. He works half-time leading the Foundation and half-time for WPF, guiding several of its major metro Milwaukee research projects. Rob received the Governmental Research Association’s Gruenberg Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2025. He was honored as the 2019 Person of the Year by the Milwaukee Rotary Club and was named one of Milwaukee’s 100 most influential leaders in The Milwaukee Business Journal’s annual “Power Book” in 2012 and one of Milwaukee’s “Game Changers” by M Magazine in 2013. Rob has a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Brown University and a Master’s in Journalism and Public Affairs from American University.