Anita Bukalders Burgermeister

After HS I attended UWM for a few years before I dropped out of the engineering program. I was in fine dining service for many years while I did art by day. Eventually opened a Gallery/ studio space and co-founded the Bay View Arts Guild, which I'm still very active with. Started a specialty painting business 10 years ago called "Art by Anita". I do faux finishes & murals. I painted Mr. Brandl's (our old principal) condo! I like to mix photography & paint in my art. Still play the piano - for wedding ceremonies and parties. I also create slide shows and design websites as side work. I met Tom Burgermeister eight years ago. He's an MPS teacher, bass player & MAGICIAN. We married in '03 and I have a cool step son who is a HS Junior. For fun I love to listen to live jazz and go swing dancing. Life is GOOD!

My favorite school memories revolve around the music department. There were so many great times...all the rehearsals and performances...taking Swing Choir and Jazz Band on local tours. I always thought I'd end up marrying a musician, and I did! They are more fun than humans. I discovered that many of the music department alumni have stayed involved in the arts. We had a really talented bunch of kids from that era.