Feature image: Task Exterior. Image courtesy of Task Creative.
Rachel Hausmann Schall
Built out of Amy Cannestra’s passion for satisfying the needs of artists, Task Creative in Cudahy, Wisconsin, functions as a DIY art studio. Hosting curated exhibitions proposed by artists, acting as a neutral space for documentation, and providing a library of equipment for time-based media artists only begins to scratch the surface of what Task offers. The 700 square foot space operates under a non-traditional model, unlike a standard, commercial gallery to make artwork sales, Task instead functions as a project space available to artists which can be utilized to realize their vision. Task is an affordable rental for as short as one day, and up to a full week (there are even raffle opportunities that provide artists the chance to win use of the space for free!). Cannestra welcomes artists of all backgrounds, abilities, and experience levels to propose an idea, which might include documenting large-scale sculpture, presenting an exhibition, or working in the space to develop a performance. At Task, anything is possible.
Sara Sowell performing “Dada’s Daughter” for Tasks grand opening exhibition.
Cannestra works professionally as a graphic designer, but her fine art practice is grounded in digital media, performance, installation, and sculpture. Her interest in building a space for creatives to bring their projects to life was cultivated from her personal experience as an artist. Cannestra says, “The space I wanted to share with people was reflective of the space I felt I needed, which wasn’t a standard or conventional studio space.” Understanding the challenges of working in these types of mediums, she opened Task Creative in September of 2022 as a solution for artists who need a physical space to process ideas and conceptualize their work. She says, “My practice has always traveled with me. It’s always where I am. My work moves with me, even if that means the kitchen table, which is one of my favorite places to work.” Although many artists do have a dedicated studio, it’s not always the case that those spaces are appropriate for documenting finished portfolio pieces. It can be difficult for artists working with large-scale sculptures or installations that include projection or digital media to photograph their work – and that’s where Task comes in.
Task Creative also functions as Cannestra’s home, getting its namesake from Task Graphics, a business formerly owned by her father. Cannestra lives upstairs and has renovated the first into a white-walled space with two movable L-shaped walls where Task has hosted an array of artists since their grand opening. Task holds opening receptions for artists that propose exhibitions, which have been well received in the community because of its convenient location just 15 minutes south of downtown Milwaukee.
Photo from the opening for “Sacral: Queer Divinity in the Modern Age” curated by Seth Ter Haar.
While Cannestra does not act or identify as a curator, she will offer a helping hand to Task artists. As a former professor, she knows how difficult it can be to find a community after graduation and receive feedback. By brainstorming, offering advice, and providing access to various tools and materials at Task, she assists artists in the process of realizing their vision. Artists have 24-hour access to the space for the duration of their rental, in addition to the backroom, which functions more as a working studio with cabinets of art supplies, as well as the backyard. Task artists must be dedicated to their practice and willing to put in the work – they should drive the project and see through their ideas.
Cannestra says, “Task is meeting a need in the community. You need good images of your work to get good opportunities. The art world can be hard and extra hard for people who make installations or multi-media work. Those are the people that I built Task for. To experiment in the gallery is a lot of pressure – it takes a lot of courage, and it can sometimes be a total flop and when you discover that something may not have worked the way you wanted it to, it’s often too late. And traditional galleries are a space you want to feel super professional in. Artists can come to Task and make stuff, and nobody has to know about it. It’s a safe space for experimentation and figuring out ideas.”
While Task is just getting started, Cannestra knows that the future is bright. She plans to continue building a following and providing solutions for artists looking for space. Are you cooking up an exciting project? Task Creative might be just the right place for it to come to life.
Visit www.taskcreative.art to learn more and connect on Instagram at @taskcreative
Rachel Hausmann-Schall is a visual artist, writer, educator and arts organizer living and working near Milwaukee, WI. She received her BFA from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) in 2015 and became co-founder and co-director of After School Special, a satellite artist collective that supports emerging and underrepresented artists through exhibitions and programming. She has exhibited her painting, sculpture, and installation work nationally at many galleries, alternative, and artist-run spaces. In addition to writing for Artdose, Rachel Hausmann Schall is also a contributing writer for the Chicago based arts publication Sixty Inches From Center and works at Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausau, WI as curator of education.