This weekend WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomed with Arthur Ircink, a Milwaukee-area creative and community leader whose many roles include executive director of the Shorewood Farmers Market, documentary filmmaker, food media entrepreneur, and Shorewood Village Trustee.
Ircink pulled back the curtain on his work behind the Emmy Award-winning “Wisconsin Foodie”—the popular YouTube and PBS show hosted by Luke Zahm—and discussed what it’s like to highlight Midwest culinary innovators Sean Sherman, an Oglala Lakota (Sioux) chef, author and restaurant owner.
As Ircink looks toward running for a third term on the Shorewood Village Board, he also shared updates on local initiatives. He helped launch Shorewood Feast, the village’s marquee dining event set for September 12, and detailed upcoming plans to repave Oakland Avenue—from Capitol Drive to Kensington Boulevard —beginning in early February. Among his long-term visions: promoting a more walkable, golf cart-friendly type-community and expanding affordable housing in Shorewood.
Beyond local government, Ircink continues to champion small food producers through the new Shorewood Winter Farmers Market, ensuring year-round opportunities for vendors amid challenging economic conditions for restaurateurs and growers alike.
Sherman closed the conversation with a look ahead to the 2026 Wisconsin gubernatorial race, asking what foodie topics should shape the state’s political conversation. Ircink emphasized the importance of bridging the divide between Wisconsin’s urban and rural communities.
The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.
