Milwaukee artist Yessica Coria, founder of Kordia Graphic Arts, opened her first solo exhibition of corn husk sculptures at Mitchell Street Arts, running through June 26. Coria, originally from Mexico, dyes corn husks in a wide range of colors to create dolls, figures, and large-scale sculptures, including a dress with over 100 flowers built on a chicken wire frame. The exhibition features Katrinas—skeletal Day of the Dead figures—which Coria reinterprets as a reclaimed cultural symbol. She has worked with corn husks for 14 years and also teaches workshops on the medium.
This exhibition matters because it highlights a traditional craft material—corn husk—that spans cultures from Mexico to Poland, China, Brazil, and Native American communities, yet is rarely seen in a solo fine-art context. Coria’s work bridges graphic design, sculpture, and cultural heritage, offering a contemporary lens on a material often overlooked in the art world. The show also underscores the role of local arts collectives and residencies, like Mitchell Street Arts, in supporting emerging artists from diverse backgrounds.