Lyrical Sanctuary

Jessie Russell, better known as RJ Riddle, is a songwriter, poet, spoken word and music artist! Riddle was born June 9th, 1994, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Whether working with city youth or performing music, RJ Riddle has a unique and authentic way of uplifting and empowering the people he interacts with. Riddle began creating a buzz for himself just barely being 21 performing at spoken word events and open mics throughout Milwaukee. With his combination of spoken word, rap, and the occasional jazz/ funk sound, Riddle has a way of fusing different genres in his arsenal to make his words come to live by painting vivid pictures and staying genuine in his words!  

Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, Nicole Acosta is a Mexican American multidisciplinary artist whose work primarily addresses identity, experience, place, culture, and storytelling. Acosta holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing Management from Alverno College in Milwaukee. Prior to her transfer to Alverno College, she studied photography at Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and Milwaukee Area Technical College. Her work is included in the collections of the Milwaukee Women’s Art Library, the Charles Allis Museum, and the Racine Art Museum. 
 

Shana ‘Blue Lotus’ Wilson is a published writer, licensed massage therapist, spoken word artist, and creative. She’s passionate about storytelling, good music, (the many and varied ways of) healing, love, and creative expression. When the weather allows, she can usually be found near a body of water playing one or more of her singing bowls or her Djembe named Ocean. Shana has been a lover of words since the age of 7 and has been featured throughout Milwaukee and beyond with her poetry over the years. She uses her voice and sound to encourage healing, reflection, and hope. 

Celebrate the talent of UWM student artists at our 13^th Annual Student Showcase! Selected student artists collectively headline the final Lyrical Sanctuary event of the school year. It will be a fun night of poetry, music and workshops you don’t want to miss! Aleena Ahmed is a Bengali-American poet and student at Nicolet High School serving as the 2024-2025 Milwaukee Youth Poet Laureate. As a writer, her multicultural upbringing has greatly influenced her perspective. She hopes to demonstrate the power of language as a tool to challenge conventional thought and reflect cultural identity.