With over 60 official events, and a handful of unofficial gatherings, Madison's autumn Gallery Night -- this Friday, Oct. 14 -- can be overwhelming. So to get you started, here are four interesting stops where you're encouraged to keep your ears open for subsequent can't-miss stops.
Photography and Printmaking of Alice O'Neill
Body Conscious PilateSpa, 2045 Atwood Ave #107, 6-9 p.m.
Blurring the lines between personal memory and fantasy, the photographs and prints of Rhode Island native Alice O'Neill have the ethereal quality of a dream. Mysterious wooded landscapes, the haunting figure of a woman in an unknown pursuit -- these are just some of the images evoked by O'Neill's hallucinatory photography. Taken together, the collection of scenes and characters form a creative narrative of abstract perception and the unknowable link between body and our deepest emotions. Hosted by Body Conscious PilateSpa.
Counterculture Glassworks of Fat Pinky Glass Studio
Fat Pinky Glass, 951 Williamson St., 5-9 p.m.
Housing works from some of Madison's finest glass artisans, including local favorites FREEK and Billy Goat, the Fat Pinky Glass Studio of Willy Street will be opening its doors to the community to come in and check out their inventory. Featuring everything from colorful pipes, necklace pieces and glass figurines, you won't have to be a member of the city's counterculture to enjoy the intricate craftsmanship on display. Visitors during the night will receive an additional 15% off on all merchandise.
Vision Through Time: Artwork From The Blind and Visually Impaired
Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired, 754 Williamson St., 5-8:30 p.m.
Disproving the notion that "art is in the eye of the beholder", the 'Vision Through Time' exhibit at the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired will show that art has always resided in the heart of the creator. Exploring the transformation of five artists in the face of visual impairment and blindness, the night will feature mixed media works from Dr. Stephanie Joy Smith, Rose and Alison Fortney, Jeannie Nylander and Mary Mesman. Although differing in their personal histories and conditions, what each artist shares is a heartfelt calling towards art and the perseverance to create in spite of physical afflictions. Including a gallery talk at 5:45 p.m., the event is sure to be an inspiration to all, and a testament to the will of the creative spirit.
Urban Accessories Trunk Show
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art Store, 227 State Street, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Its not often that one walks into an art exhibit and is encouraged to wear a piece on display (imagine trying to fashion a hat out of a 6'X6' canvas.) But for those looking for a more intimate experience with art, the Urban Accessories Trunk Show at the MMOCA store is the place for you. A celebration in fine art accessories, the event will feature a wide-range of wearable pieces from local and national artists. Included are hats for "royal occasions" by Madison's Renee Roeder Earley; one-of-a-kind urban-chic purses from Milwaukee's Linda Marcus; and hand-painted silk scarfs from Cleveland's Susan Skove. All in attendance will sure to be dressed in style.
