exhibitions

Strike at Allis-Chalmers and Other Wisconsin Stories

Work by Artist in Residence John Fleissner

June 25, 2026 – October 24, 2026

This exhibition explores the struggle of the Allis-Chalmers workers in their heroic strike for union security and higher wages at the West Allis plant first in 1941 and again in 1946. These workers organized a powerful union, United Auto Workers (UAW) 248, which became the backbone of the broader Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) in Wisconsin. Their strike was met with repression, water cannons, and armored vehicles. The union's militant story is told through a large scale woodcut, historical photos, film and ephemera. Their story is our history; an urban industrial working class fighting for a better life. This Exhibition also explores other Wisconsin working class history, social movements, and folk culture, depicting a history and art practice for the many.

Opening June 25 | 5:00 PM       RSVP HERE 

On view through October 24