Cover story:
Speaking their minds
Pioneers of the spoken word scene in Milwaukee recall the days when crowds were small and venues would come and go. Today, the spoken word scene is a vital piece of the city’s culture that brings poets like Tonia Wilkins-Walker to spots like Mecca.
Video Check out Dan Vaughn, Nigel and Pyramid performing at Panache.

On the cover: Fidel, 29, of Milwaukee. Photo/C.Taylor.

downtime
Asian Moon Festival: Bonsai! Learn the art of shaping bonsai trees at this week’s Asian Moon Festival.
Asian Moon Festival preview Asian Moon Festival combines the foods, art and music of more than a dozen Asian cultures from Pakistan to the Pacific Rim.
Rad tricks are visual treats A professional skateboarding team launches its national tour from Milwaukee to promote legal skateboarding.
Threeview: Bravo! Cucina Italiana Bravo! Cucina Italiana, a new restaurant in Brookfield, is part of a chain but doesn’t feel like it.
One tank trip: Lavish lavatories Call it a loo-lapalooza. At the Kohler Design Center in Sheboygan, the bathroom really shines.
An amazing (office) race The Laacke & Joys Urban Frog and Urban Tadpole event doesn’t let unathletic office types off the hook.
Studio visit: A variety show A studio visit with Ray Chi, whose art encompasses music, furnishings, architecture and film.
Meet the bartender Greg Steffke of County Clare.
Exposure PrideFest.

how we live
Pets at work Pets in the office? Some people say it can be a great way to relieve stress — with a few cautions.
Herbal remedies Growing herbs is easy, both indoors and out. And you’ll love the flavor it adds to your life.
Is it art? Or just a load of craft? A new generation is redefining the term “crafts.” Meet a few in advance of an upcoming show.

in the know
Profile: Erika Kent As vice president of development at Ten Chimneys, Erika Kent combines art and work.
When I was 30: Jerry Zucker Jerry Zucker recalls those heady days just after "Airplane!"
Potawatomi's possibilities If you were running the Potawatomi Bingo Casino and you could expand downtown, would you?

online exclusives
Summer fugitives MKE chose four local festival lovers to help guide you through the summer. Meet them.
Festivals abound MKE has opened the summer festival floodgates with two special online sections that include photo galleries, maps, schedules and surprises.
Summerfest 101 MKE has opened the summer festival floodgates with two special online sections that include photo galleries, maps, schedules and surprises.
MKE Exposure Archives of all of our past exposure photo galleries, plus a bunch that were never in print.
MKE blogs
MKE blog directory: 1000 voices