Led by Artist-in-Residence Todd Mrozinski, hands-on art programs will let participants learn about painting techniques, as well as further explore The Pfister’s historic art collection

MILWAUKEE – June 12, 2015 – The Pfister^® Hotel, owned and managed by Marcus^® Hotels & Resorts, in conjunction with its newly named Artist-in-Residence, Todd Mrozinski, will offer an array of art-infused events this summer. Artists and wannabe artists can head to The Pfister for an oil painting class inspired by the flower bouquet shadows of the hotel, a variety of hands-on art tours and Henna tattoos.

To continue his focus on the beauty of the shadows from the light that illuminates them in his “Light from the Pfister” series, Mrozinski will lead two-hour oil painting classes for students to learn how to paint shadows of the hotel’s beautiful flower bouquets. In this class, participants will experiment with color mixing, paint application and blending, and will be able to go home with a “finished” product. Ideal for anyone looking to learn how to paint in oils or brush up on their skills, the class will be available Wednesday, June 24, 2015, and Tuesday, July 28, 2015 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

“The oil painting class is the perfect opportunity for those interested in art to better understand the techniques I’m bringing to The Pfister in my ‘Light from the Pfister’ series as the artist in residence,” said Mrozinski. “I want to inspire people to see these shadows and this class will give them the opportunity to really connect with the beauty of the intricate and stunning bouquets that decorate the hotel.”

The class is limited to eight participants and costs $50, which includes materials and supplies. Participants must be 16 or older and are encouraged to wear painting clothes or bring a smock. No experience is necessary. To sign up for the classes, email Mrozinski at toddmrozinski@gmail.com.

Over the next few months, Mrozinski will also continue his hands-on art tours, during which participants will study three pieces from The Pfister’s collection, focusing on specific features of each painting to gain a better understanding and appreciation. During each art class, students will learn about the techniques of the chosen artists through guided demonstrations and then will be given paints and boards to practice them in the Artist-in-Residence studio, located on the lobby level of the hotel.

The “Fabric of the Pfister” tour is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2015 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. The tour is limited to eight participants and costs $45, which includes materials and supplies. Participants must be 13 or older and are encouraged to wear painting clothes or bring a smock. No experience is necessary. This is a technique-based class; artists will leave with their practice boards as well as a better understanding of painting and the artwork around them. To sign up for the class, email Mrozinski at toddmrozinski@gmail.com.

The Pfister will also offer Henna tattoos for guests, with prices starting at $10. For a complete list of dates and times, please visit The Pfister’s calendar of events.

In addition to the hands-on art tours, hotel visitors can schedule guided tours of The Pfister’s art collection with Mrozinski. A free art tour will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. in his studio. The hotel also offers a self-guided augmented reality tour featuring selected pieces from the collection. Participants download an application on their Smartphone and are provided with a real-time, digital, full motion experience, featuring games, videos and other graphics.

For an up-to-date schedule of art events, visit http://www.thepfisterhotel.com/events. And for more information on the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit http://media.marcushotels.com.

About The Pfister’s Artist-in-Residence Program

In its seventh year, The Pfister’s Artist-in-Residence program features a working art studio and gallery that is open to hotel guests and visitors. The program encourages the public to interact with the artist and witness the evolution of each piece first-hand.

Over the years, The Pfister has received national attention for its Artist-in-Residence program. Since 2009, the hotel has been a member of the Alliance of Artist Communities, www.artistcommunities.org, an international association of artists’ communities and residencies featuring a diverse field of more than 1,000 programs worldwide.

The program’s current artist is Todd Mrozinski (2015-2016), toddmrozinski.com. Past artists include Niki Johnson (2014-2015), www.nikijohnson.com; Stephanie Barenz (2013-2014), stephaniebarenz.com; Timothy Westbrook (2012-2013), www.unicorns.carbonmade.com; Shelby Keefe (2011-2012), www.studioshelby.com; Katie Musolff (2010-2011), www.katiemusolff.com; and Reginald Baylor (2009-2010), www.reginaldbaylor.com.

About The Pfister Hotel

The Pfister Hotel has been the premier hotel in downtown Milwaukee for over 120 years. Originally built in 1893 by businessman Guido Pfister, it was the most lavish hotel of its time. The hotel’s storied elegance had faded following World War II, until 1962, when Ben Marcus, founder of The Marcus Corporation, purchased this grand hotel out of bankruptcy. The Marcus family renovated and restored the hotel to its original glory, adding convention facilities, a parking garage and 23-story guest tower. The Pfister Hotel remains home to the largest collection of Victorian art of any hotel in the world, and recently unveiled an interactive augmented reality tour of pieces in this impressive collection.

Today the Pfister Hotel continues its tradition of gracious service and impeccable style, and has been recognized for 39 consecutive years by AAA as a Four-Diamond property. The hotel is also an ongoing member of two prestigious organizations, the Historic Hotels of America and Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. The Pfister Hotel is located at 424 E. Wisconsin Ave. in downtown Milwaukee. More information and updates on the hotel can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thePfisterHotel and on Twitter (@PfisterHotel).

About Marcus Hotels & Resorts

Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), owns and/or manages 20 hotels, resorts and other properties in 11 states. A force in the hospitality industry, Marcus Hotels & Resorts provides expertise in management, development and historic renovations. The company’s portfolio includes a wide variety of properties including city-center meeting hotels, upscale resorts and branded first-class hotels. For more information on the latest news and updates, please visit: http://media.marcushotels.com and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter.

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