Milwaukee tile artist Ben Tyjeski has opened his first solo exhibition, 'Birds and Blooms,' at the Grove Gallery in Milwaukee, running through October 18. The show features 40 handmade faience tile panels depicting native flora and fauna, inspired by the historic ornamentation of Milwaukee's Wells building and the artist's explorations of local parks and natural spaces. Tyjeski, who previously wrote about Milwaukee's historic faience tiles and architectural terra cotta, uses a wet-clay carving and hand-glazing process to create intricate, nature-themed designs.
The exhibition matters because it connects Milwaukee's rich tile-making heritage with contemporary environmental awareness, highlighting how local history and ecology can inspire new artistic work. By reviving traditional faience techniques and focusing on native species, Tyjeski draws attention to the loss of both architectural ornamentation and wildlife in urban settings, encouraging viewers to rediscover wonder in their natural surroundings. The show also represents a personal transition for Tyjeski from writing about historic tiles to actively creating them, adding a fresh voice to the city's craft tradition.