Milwaukee's Street Preacher and Artist: Prophet Blackmon
When it comes to Milwaukee artists, Prophet Blackmon (1921-2010) stands out from the crowd. A street preacher and a self-taught painter, his works can be found at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the American Folk Museum in New York, the Milwaukee Art Museum, and at the East and Center Street Library branches. A veteran of World War II, Blackmon found his faith tested and reforged as Japanese fighter planes flew overhead. Originally having grown up in Michigan, he settled in Milwaukee in 1974, running various businesses, including the Revival Center Shoe Repair and Shine Parlor in the old historic Sydney Hih building.
Described as “among the best self-taught artists ever to come out of Milwaukee”, you owe it to yourself to seek out Prophet Blackmon’s art. Whether that’s a trip to the Milwaukee Art Museum or the East or Center Street libraries, definitely take the time. And if you come down the downtown Central Library, you can read newspaper clippings or an exhibition publication about Prophet Blackmon and his works.