Gallery Marzeń is one of Madison’s newest formal art galleries. Housed in a 100-year-old building on Atwood Avenue, it’s a gorgeous and friendly spot to experience rotating exhibits of fine art of all media, most of which is created by Wisconsin-based artists.
David Michael Miller
A fine art gallery for the Atwood 'hood.
Owner Margaret LeMay wants Marzeń—which means “of dreams” in Polish, a nod to her heritage — to be “a place for all people” with a come-as-you-are feel. “We are only ‘formal’ in the fact that we let the art, and our artists, be the focal point,” she says.
But she is proud that the gallery, which opened in fall 2014, has filled a need for more formal exhibition space in the Atwood neighborhood. . “This neighborhood is full of diversity and vitality, “ she says. “Creativity is seen everyplace you look.”
The timing was right, adds gallery manager Tazia LeMay, who is Margaret’s niece, referring to Atwood’s business renaissance. “Hopefully we can be at the forefront of this movement and help
perpetuate Atwood’s art scene.”
Margaret also runs Integrated Art Group, a consulting firm that brings fine art to corporate settings. “This gallery allows me to [show] more cutting-edge work.”
Gallery Marzeń exhibits a wide range of work. Previous shows have included furniture, metal, glass, sculpture, jewelry, mixed-media work, paintings, photography and installations. Nearly everything exhibited is available for sale, with prices typically ranging between $200 and $6,000.
Local artists are the mainstay at Marzeń.
In addition to the current exhibition, Gallery Marzeń maintains an extensive inventory of work by artists represented at the gallery as well as photos of additional pieces. “People can see what the art looks like in person, or see even more with photos, or we can set it up with the artist to bring in more pieces,” says Tazia. Customers can come with a wish list and a budget, and staff will help find them the perfect piece, even coordinate framing and installation.
Marzeń’s current show, through Nov. 7, is “Memoria Viventis,” artwork by various regional artists.
2345 Atwood Ave., Madison, 608-709-1454, gallerymarzen.com, 11 am-5 pm Tues.-Fri., noon-4 pm Sat.
