Dixon Elementary School’s annual Gallery Night and Empty Bowls event once again brought together creativity, community, and compassion - raising more than $6,000 to support the Milwaukee Rescue Mission while showcasing the incredible artistic talents of Dixon students.

This year’s event was a resounding success, highlighted by the transformation of the LGI room into an immersive Greenhouse Garden, where student artwork created during the school’s Artist in Residence program took center stage. The installation featured nature-inspired cardboard sculptures designed and constructed by students in collaboration with visiting artists Jamee Snyder and Elmbrook alumna Emma Favill.

Snyder, a nationally traveling artist known for her larger-than-life cardboard creations, guided students through an innovative approach to 3D sculpting using cardboard and contact cement. Favill, now a user experience designer in medical technology and practicing artist based in Minneapolis, reflected on her return to Dixon, sharing, “Growing up in Mrs. Jacobson’s art room inspired me to make a career out of art and design. Being back in the art room is a dream come true.” The collaborative works debuted at Gallery Night and will remain on display in the Dixon hallway for years to come.

In addition to celebrating student creativity, the Empty Bowls initiative raised $6,050 to benefit individuals in need through the Milwaukee Rescue Mission. A silent auction featuring handcrafted bowls created by Dixon staff & students contributed nearly $1,500 to that total. Over the years, art teacher Amy Jacobson has led the effort, helping raise more than $60,000 for the organization through this annual tradition.

The success of the evening was made possible through the dedication of staff, volunteers, and community members. Special recognition goes to Kelly Villalobos, Brittany Muriello, and Jessica Fulford for their leadership in organizing artwork displays and supporting volunteers, as well as Mary Schubert, Catherine and Rebecca Heger, and Alexis Trivisonno for their work in coordinating Empty Bowls. Additional thanks were extended to Carey Drees for organizing donation systems, Jagman Sekhon for assisting with labeling, and the Dixon staff who contributed their time and creativity to the silent auction.

Behind-the-scenes support from Leslie Knipfer, Luke Sadowski, and Marian Pintar, along with the continued use of classroom space provided by Douglas Johnson and the efforts of the custodial staff, helped ensure a seamless and welcoming experience for all attendees. The event was further enhanced by generous donations from The Chocolate Factory, Pete’s Pops, Marquette Dining, and the Trivisonno family.

The event also relied heavily on parent volunteers who contributed their time and energy both before and during the evening. As Jacobson shared, “Thank you to the countless parents who donated their time for set up and take down before the event and the day of. These special evenings would not be possible without all of you. I am so proud of all of the artists at Dixon, and extremely proud to be part of this wonderful school community.”

Together, Dixon’s Gallery Night and the Empty Bowls initiative continue to exemplify the power of art to bring people together - fostering creativity, generosity, and a strong sense of community across Dixon Elementary and the broader Elmbrook community.