with
Barbara O’Brien, Frank Juárez, Phoenix Brown and Adam Ossers
Milwaukee Public Library, East Branch | 2320 N Cramer St.
Google Map | Apple Map
Saturday September 19 | 9:30A to 2:30P
75 minute Sessions | 4 reviews @ 18 minutes each | $75
Sometimes, as artists, we have trouble seeing the bigger picture – we get lost in our own vision, and our intention may not come across to the viewers. A portfolio review can challenge our viewpoint and help us fine tune our story. Participants will be able to gain insight into things like determining which series to enter, which images to include, or how to find the themes in their work.
CoPA is excited to present a portfolio review coming up on Saturday, September 19 at the East Branch Library Community Room. We are honored to have four reviewers: Frank Juarez, Phoenix Brown and Adam Ossers, with Barbara O’Brien returning. Each session will allow participants to meet with four different reviewers in 18-minute sessions, offering a unique opportunity to review your working portfolio, collection, or body of work and receive insightful feedback, critique, perspective, and advice on direction. Each 75-minute session will allow four participants, at 9:30A, 11:00A and 1:30P, for a total of twelve available appointments.
If you’ve never had a portfolio review, please consider signing up for this exciting and empowering experience! Get your work in front of four experts for their undivided attention and priceless advice. Cindy Hansen is available to answer questions and offer encouragement at [email protected]. This is for all members!
About the Reviewers
Barbara O’Brien
Barbara O’Brien is an independent curator and critic who has called Milwaukee home since 2020. Barbara earned an MFA in photography from the Rhode Island School of Design. She is the former executive director and chief curator of the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas City, Missouri. Since moving to Milwaukee, she has worked with many artists and venues, including Frank Juarez Gallery and The Portrait Society Gallery. Her 2025 projects include curating exhibitions at The Painting Center, NYC, and Montana State University, Bozeman, and participating in projects at Boston Sculptors Gallery, Boston, and LeQuire Gallery, Nashville. @barbaraobrienart
Frank Juárez 
Frank Juárez is an award-winning art educator, curator, and arts advocate based in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Known for his commitment to elevating contemporary art and supporting Wisconsin artists, Juárez has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including the Midwest Artist Studios Project and the 365 Artists 365 Days Project. In addition to his roles as publisher of Artdose magazine and editor-in-chief of SchoolArts magazine, Juárez has curated exhibitions and juried art shows throughout the Midwest. His dedication to art education and advocacy has earned him numerous accolades, making him a pivotal figure in Wisconsin’s art community.
Phoenix Brown 
Phoenix S. Brown is an interdisciplinary artist and musician based in Milwaukee. Originally from Cincinnati, she earned a BFA from Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design with a minor in art history. Brown’s work has been recognized through the 2024 Wisconsin Emerging Artist Achievement Award, a 2021 gener8tor Art grant, and residencies at the Contemporary Arts Center, Yale Norfolk School of Art, and Vermont Studio Center. Her paintings have been exhibited at NADA Miami, Other Art Fair Chicago, and Untitled Art Fair Miami Beach, and featured in New American Paintings.
Adam Ossers 
Adam Ossers (oh-sirs) is an interdisciplinary, trans artist. He makes digital archives, and playful objects with found and inexpensive materials. He is the founder of DocMyArt, and serves on the board of Walker’s Point Center for the Arts. He is currently a Civic Engagement Organizer at Fair Wisconsin.
What to Expect
You may present your images digitally (on a laptop or tablet) or printed. If there is a specific series or body of work you’ve been putting together, that’s great! This is the perfect opportunity to get some insight and direction.
A portfolio of twelve related images is best.
You will sit with a reviewer for 18 minutes, switch to the next reviewer, and so on for the hour. Start each review by letting them know what you hope to achieve with this review, such as a professional critique of your photographs, guidance on creating a body of work, or a suggestion for your next step. Whereas time is short with each reviewer, and 18 minutes is going to fly by, make your goal known right away and then
Please watch your email for order confirmation.
