Providing HOPE: Anthony Petullo

For twelve years, Anthony Petullo has supported First Stage, and in 2004, made a generous contribution in order to make First Stage’s home at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center possible.

Anthony Petullo (photo taken by Gary Porter)

Petullo is an arts advocate, community volunteer, mentor, and published author. He also has one of the largest collections of European and American Self-Taught Art in the US. The Anthony Petullo Collection has been exhibited in eight US museums, and individual artworks have been loaned to other museums. Petullo has given many talks on his collection, as well as advice on buying and caring for art. He is the author of Art Without Category: British & Irish Art From The Anthony Petullo Collection (Petullo Publishing, 2009), Scottie Wilson: Peddler Turned Painter (Petullo Publishing, 2004), and Self-Taught and Outsider Art: The Anthony Petullo Collection (University of Illinois Press, 2001).

Petullo is also a trustee of the Milwaukee Art Museum and the president of a charitable foundation. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Petullo served as a United States Navy officer, worked as a corporate marketing manager, and was an entrepreneur for more than thirty years.

While Petullo has a great love for visual art, his love extends to theater and the power it can have in transforming young lives. First Stage had the pleasure to recently hear more about Petullo’s reasons behind his gift to First Stage’s special relief initiative, the HOPE Fund.

Created to help First Stage endure the financial effects related to COVID-19 during our 2020-2021 season, the HOPE Fund helps support First Stage’s team of artistic, administrative and teaching staffs. First Stage is only as strong the talented people who make our Theater Productions and Programming happen. These individuals provide HOPE for thousands of young people and families—making it possible for First Stage to continue transforming lives through theater… even throughout this difficult time.

Why do you support First Stage?

Beverly and I give to First Stage because we love the arts and children’s early involvement, and First Stage is a well-managed organization. We also enjoy First Stage’s performances—especially those that feature our friends’ sons.

I am a firm believer in performing arts training for children, both theatrical and instrumental. Arts training is an important aspect of youth development. It provides enjoyment and training experiences that they can use throughout their lives. 

What do you value most about First Stage?

First Stage is among the most important cultural organizations in Southeast Wisconsin. It provides children a balance of artistic creativity with academics and sports. Additionally, theater, vocal, and instrumental activities are a method of escape for children from whatever may be troubling them—which is so important in this difficult time.

I encourage others to join me to help First Stage provide HOPE to our community’s children this year.

All charitable gifts made to the HOPE Fund will be matched 1-to-1, up to $100,000 by the Molitor Foundation.

First Stage is incredibly grateful for the generosity of Anthony Petullo and others who have contributed to the HOPE Fund this season. Your gifts help First Stage to navigate this challenging time while continuing to be a resource for families and educators, and an outlet for youth.