Madison Spring Gallery Night 2008 finds new venues on east side

The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art's Gallery Night has grown to the extent that even the most avid art lover probably couldn't take in every venue without being able to teleport from spot to spot.

I swear it's not just my birth-status as an east-sider that will be swaying me to concentrate on the east side Friday night. A new gallery making its debut on May 2 is Bungalow 1227, a 600-square-foot house turned gallery on an otherwise residential patch of East Wilson Street, not far from the Fork and Spoon Cafe.

"It was in pretty bad shape," says gallery owner Pat Dillon of her decision to gut the interior. The renovation left rustic stone walls as a great place to display art. On the walls will be works by plein air painter and MATC-instructor Chris Gargan, and innovative portraits and landscapes from Madison's Jennifer Clausen. Bungalow 1227 will also be displaying other oil- and pastel artists from around the state.

While on the topic of bungalows, the arts-and-crafts design shop Bungalow Pros, at North and Johnson Streets, will be hosting three area artists. Cambridge-based photographer Mark Olson, and Fort Atkinson-based artists Julia Ince and Sally Koehler. Ince, an oil painter, does landscapes, aviary- and equestrian-based scenes. Koehler, a mixed-media artist, works with hand-made paper and incorporates stitching as well as making hand-sewn books.

The most innovative gallery space must be a traveling U-Haul from the Curved artists collective. The 'haul will trundle the works of Dianne Soffa, Michele Kraft, Laurel Lee, Eric Hagstrom, Jennifer Anne, Sonia Valle, Andy Mayhall and Jane Gates to three different sites: the 200 block of N. Henry St. (56 p.m.), the 800/900 block E. Johnson (6:307:30 p.m.), and in front of 100 S. Baldwin (8 p.m.) -- which is not so coincidentally also the site of the Commonwealth Gallery. Its featured artists are Katarina Riesing and Robin Russo (multimedia including sculpture, video, photography, and drawings).

The Atwood-Winnebago area has lost some galleries (Firecracker, OneTen) but has gained new ones -- Artspace Twenty-Two-Eleven, Azena Photography, Off-Center Studios among them. Artspace Twenty-Two-Eleven will feature Alison Mader's beautiful hand-colored photographs, and Off-Center Studios pairs potter Todd Hafele with photographer Kristi Hall.

I'd also put in a plug for the Sixteen Hands Studio upstairs at 104 King St. The space will host several artists, including Linda Massey and Richard Springer. It's also the studio of Isthmus cartoonist Brian Strassburg, who, in addition to drinking a lot of coffee, makes wonderful handmade books featuring his art accompanied by, in a couple of instances, the immortal verse of yours truly. Ask to see a copy of the immortal "Sick," an ode to winter colds in Wisconsin.

East

1. 2158 Atwood Healing/Art Collective, 2158 Atwood Ave. #102-110 -- 332.2262 -- www.absolutelyartllc.com
   Don't miss Short Stories, a Gloria Van Dixhorn exhibition featuring ceramic wall hangings and other unique ceramic sculptures. Stop by for food, drink, and merriment.


2. ARTSPACE Twenty-Two-Eleven, 2211 Atwood Ave. -- 241.8051
   ARTSPACE Twenty-Two-Eleven, a working darkroom, frame shop, and exhibition space, features Alison E. Mader's original hand-colored photographs.


3. Azena Photography, 1935 Winnebago St. -- 245.2797
   View an eclectic body of photographic work at Azena Photography's NEW space. Complimentary refreshments.


4. bad dog Frida, 2094 Atwood Ave. -- 442.6868 -- www.baddogfrida.com
   Bad dog frida features really cool things for good dogs and their people. Meet artist Tisha Templin and see her bold acrylic dog portraits.


5. Black Earth Kiln Group/Quicksilver Pottery, 2138 Pennsylvania Ave. -- 244.5040
   Come enjoy the Black Earth Kiln Group's latest works of functional and contemporary art at Quicksilver Pottery. Reception includes snacks and Lake Louie beer.


6. Body Conscious PILATESPA, 2045 Atwood Ave., Suite 107 -- 244.0402 -- www.bungalow1227.com
   This new east side gallery presents wonderful local, regional, and international artists. Ten percent of the show's profit benefits the women of YWCA Third Street.


7. Bungalow Pros, 229 North St. -- 241.9243 -- www.bungalowpros.com
   Bungalow Pros offers furnishings, handcrafted decorative goods, and design services inspired by historical styles. Join us to view works by selected local artists.


8. Cafe Zoma, 2326 Atwood Ave. -- 246.2009
   Cafe Zoma will be displaying the paintings of Pat Leather.


9. Common Wealth Gallery, 100 S. Baldwin St. -- 256.6565 -- www.cwd.org
   Artists Katarina Riesing and Robin Russo present multimedia works featuring sculpture, video, photography, and drawings exploring themes of landscape and identity.


10. Curved Artists, www.getcurved.com
    Keep up with the Curved Artists' U-Haul Gallery as they roadshow-it to three different locations: 200 block N. Henry St. (5-6 p.m.), 800/900 block E. Johnson (6:30-7:30 p.m.), 100 S. Baldwin (8 p.m.).


11. Jean Thuerer at Glass Nickel Pizza, 2916 Atwood Ave. -- 245.0880
    Works by Jean Thuerer include oils and pen/ink on paper. Subject matter varies, depending on whether one thinks from the inside out or the outside in.


12. Jackie Macaulay Gallery at Social Justice Center, 1202 Williamson St. -- 257.0143 -- www.socialjusticecenter.org
    Mary Kay Baum shares photographs of southwestern Wisconsin. Photography alleviates her symptoms of Alzheimer's. Proceeds benefit for Memory, a program focusing on links between personal health and the health of the planet.


13. Lazy Jane's Café, 1358 Williamson St. -- 257.5263
    Enjoy a glass of champagne and meet local artists and craftspeople while viewing unique prints, paintings, jewelry, and mixed-media dolls. Open 5-9 pm.


14. Off-Center Studios, 2716 Atwood Ave. -- 249.0102 -- www.off-centerstudios.com
    OC S features pottery by Anjee Sorge, May featured artist Todd Hafele, plus jewelry, woodwork, photographs, and original art of numerous local artists.


15. Radiant Glass, 100 S. Baldwin St., Suite 100 -- 628.9292 -- www.radiantglass.com
    Radiant Glass has gone public! Ask us about glass-blowing classes and hot-glass studio rental time. Live glass-blowing demonstrations, 5-9 pm.


16. Renee Glass Factory, 100 S. Baldwin St., Suite 100 -- 255.1000 -- www.reneeglass.com
    Renee Glass Factory is an active fused-glass studio and gallery. Large and small free-hanging widow art and architectural pieces. Commissions welcomed.


17. Studio Paran, 2051 Winnebago St. -- 242.1111 -- www.studioparan.com
    Opening tonight: Terrarium and Bell Jars. New work in the Tokonoma by Richard Jones. Free letterpress broadsides to first 100 visitors. Glassblowing demonstrations.


18. Tandem Press, 201 S. Dickinson St. -- 263.3437 -- www.tandempress.wisc.edu
    Painter Sam Richardson will be working at Tandem during the week of Gallery Night. New works by Judy Pfaff, David Lynch, Suzanne Caporael, Robert Cottingham, and Sam Gilliam.


19. U-Frame-It Gallery, 857 E. Johnson St. -- 257.7717 -- www.uframeitmadison.com
    Described as "elegantly whimsical," Jesse Walters' abstract, mixed-media paintings bring you into a realm of painterly rich colors and coded details.


20. Willy Street Co-op, 1221 Williamson St. -- 251.0884 -- www.willystreet.coop
    Featuring Logu Ramasamy's current works in ink and metal on handmade paperboard. The artist's recent works focus on South Indian spirituality.


21. Winnebago Studios, 2046 Winnebago St. -- www.winnebagostudios.org
    A dozen artists and three studios. Photography, pottery, painting, woodworking, and mixed-media, from outsiders to professional artists. Sales encouraged. Refreshments.

Downtown

1. A Room of One's Own, 307 W. Johnson St. -- 257.7888 -- www.roomofonesown.com
   Mixed-media prints by Hilary Berg explore the whimsical and haunting imagery of nature and dreams, plus metal and stone jewelry by Rachel Rosenblum.


2. Anthology, 218 State St. -- 204.2644
   Anthology features unique made-in-Madison creations by Laura, Sachi and Hirochika Komai, Mike and Natalie Bass, Naomi Richardson, Emily Kircher, Amber Roelfs, and Amy Swoboda.


3. Arts 4 All at the Madison Senior Center, 330 W. Mifflin St. -- 236.9577
   Arts 4 All supports the creation, promotion, and sale of art. Gallery Night show and auction benefit the inclusion of people with disabilities in the creation of art.


4. Broden Gallery, Ltd., 218 N. Henry St. -- 256.6100
   Opening night for Rural Life to Still Life, featuring realist paintings by Jay Paul Bell, Alan Sanborn, and George Gonzalez.


5. Context, 113 King St. -- 250.0113 -- www.contextclothing.com
   Context is Madison's premiere men's clothing store. We have received distinctions from GQ and Details magazines as one of the country's best places for men to shop.


6. Epoch Vintage Clothing, 214 State St. -- 255.2385
   Epoch is celebrating the grand opening of its new location! Come see our lovely new space, fantastic vintage treasures, and bespoke gift items. Wine & cheese reception.


7. Hyart Gallery, 133 W. Johnson St. -- 442.0562 -- www.hyartgallery.com Browse a unique selection of one-of-kind fine art by critically acclaimed local, national, and international artists. Jewelry, metal, ceramics, glass, and photography.


8. Little Luxuries, Inc., 230 State St. -- 251.1995
   Unusual gifts for life's special occasions, including birthdays, weddings, housewarmings, and anniversaries. Twenty percent off purchases during event with Gallery Night brochure.


9. Madison Children's Museum, 100 State St. -- 256.6445 -- www.madisonchildrensmuseum.org
   Madison Children's Museum provides hands-on exhibits and programs that celebrate and encourage children's imaginations and offer learning through play.


10. Madison Senior Center, 330 W. Mifflin St. -- 266.6581 -- www.madisonseniorcenter.org
    An Artful Affair includes art by more than 50 Dane County artists over the age of 55. This juried show celebrates Older Americans Month. Reception 5-8 p.m.


11. Madison Museum of Contemporary Art & Museum Store, 227 State St. -- 257.0158 -- www.mmoca.org
    Stop by MMoCA to see "Altered Geometry: Contemporary Sculpture from MMoCA's Collection" and "Making Visible the Invisible: Abstract Art from MMoCA's Permanent Collection." Blues music by Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo on the rooftop (weather permitting).


12. Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State St. -- 258.4961 -- www.overturecenter.com
    Overture Galleries presents The Women of Madison Glass: Cultivating Movements in Glass, and proudly welcomes back UW-Madison's Fresh Hot Press, a group of student printmakers.


13. Sixteen Hands Studio, 104 King St. -- 219.0342
    Several artists, including Linda Massey, Richard Springer, and Brian Strassburg, present works in oil, collage, and photography.


14. State Street Gallery, 109 State St. -- 819.0304 -- www.statestreetgallery.com
    State Street Gallery, established in 2006 and located just off the Capitol Square, features original contemporary art, jewelry, and wines from around the world.


15. Steep & Brew Gallery, 544 State St. -- 256.2902 -- www.steepnbrew.com
    Featuring photographs of the intense and passionate Argentine Tango by Paula White. Champagne, chocolate, wine, and cheese reception 6-9 pm, with live Tango performances.


16. Wisconsin Academy's James Watrous Gallery, 201 State St., 3rd floor, Overture Center for the Arts -- 265.2500 -- www.wisconsinacademy.org
    "Building a Visual Arts Legacy: The Wisconsin Visual Arts Lifetime Achievement Awards." Gallery talk by Graeme Reid, Assistant Director, Museum of Wisconsin Art, West Bend, at 6:30 p.m.


17. Wisconsin Union Galleries, 800 Langdon St., Room 507 -- 262.5969 -- www.union.wisc.edu/art
    Opening receptions for MFA exhibitions by Katelyn Alain and Jon Fowler. The Wisconsin Union Galleries are student-curated, professional exhibition spaces in Memorial Union.

West

1. Bindley Collection Gallery, Hilldale Mall - 702 N. Midvale Blvd. -- 441.0505 -- www.bindleycollection.com
   On display through May 30: fine jewelry by Ed Rubio-Arzate and Michele Friedman, Turtle Ridge Leather, and sculpture by Nana Schowalter, Don Esser and Ellis Nelson.


2. Bohemian Bauble, 404 W. Lakeside St. -- 333.2646 -- www.bohobauble.com
   A funky little shop that sells handmade wares of seven local artists. Stop in for libations, appetizers, and 15 percent off your purchase.


3. Calabash Gifts & Home Accents, 2608 Monroe St. -- 233.2640
   Art Jewelry - Basketry - Beadwork - Vases - Raku - Fine Art - Prints - Beautiful Wall Hangings - Tabletop Ceramics - Sculptures - Wood Carving Shona - Tablecloths - Cushions. Reception 5-9 p.m.


4. Century House, 3029 University Ave -- 233.4488 -- www.centuryhouseinc.com
   Join us to view the ceramics of Prisca Benson Fittshur and Renee Schwaller, and to meet jeweler Sarah DeAngelo and painter/photographer Ann Singsass.


5. Chiripa, Artisan Crafts of the Americas, 636 S. Park St. -- 441.8808 -- www.chiripashop.com
   View beautiful new products from Chiripa's latest trip to Mexico and meet the artists via photographs and stories. NEW: clay figures, pottery, rugs, and mirrors.


6. DiRicci Gallery at Edgewood College, 1000 Edgewood College Dr. -- 663.2800 -- www.art.edgewood.edu
   Joshua Van Stippen's senior exhibition, "Endorphin," includes sculptural and ceramic works, April 27-May 9. Join us on May 2 for a gallery talk and reception starting at 4:30 p.m.


7. Douglas Art and Frame, 3238 University Ave. -- 441.9948
   Douglas Art and Frame presents an exhibit of portraits dating from the 1800's to the present.


8. Fine Earth Studio & Gallery, 2207 Regent St. -- 232.1744
   Madison's newest pottery-teaching studio and gallery welcomes you to its GRAND OPENING, featuring demonstrations and a selection of functional local pottery and fine art.


9. Higher Fire Clay Studio, 2132 Regent St. -- 233.3050 -- www.higherfireclaystudio.com
   The Art and Craft of Clay features work from twenty-eight artists including handmade tile, sculptures, and functional pottery.


10. Janet's Antiques Gallery, 3800 University Ave -- 238.3300 -- www.janetsantiques.com
    Please join us at Janet's Antiques, in our second year of participation in MMoCA's Gallery Night, for wine, cheese, cookies, and interesting conversation. 7-9 pm.


11. Janus Galleries, 2701 Monroe St. -- 233.2222 -- www.janusgalleries.com
    Spring has sprung! Stop in to see works spanning three centuries, including oils from the U.S., Europe, Asia, and out-of-this-world paintings by Lois Silver.


12. Ma-Cha Teahouse and Gallery, 1934 Monroe St. -- 442.0500 -- www.machateahouse.com
    Endangered Beauty features new work by Nina Bednarski. Reception from 5-9 pm with music and refreshments.


13. Madison School & Community Recreation, 3802 Regent St. -- 204.3005 -- www.mscr.org
    Enjoy free dance lessons, watch pottery wheel demonstrations, view works of art and meet artists. Art Cart activities for children.


14. Milward Farrell Fine Arts, 2701 Monroe St., Suite 200 -- 238.6501
    Spring explodes with color! Stop by to see new works by resident artists, featuring glass, ceramics, paintings, prints, and a great selection of art and jewelry. Reception 6-9 pm.


15. Monroe Street Framing, 1901 Monroe St. -- 255.7330 -- www.monroestreetframing.com
    Photographs by Suzanne Mixter and Richard Quinney. Opening reception on May 2.


16. Orange Tree Imports, 1721 Monroe St. -- 255.8211 -- www.orangetreeimports.com
    Voted "Madison's Best Specialty Shop" for over 25 years! Beautiful gifts and kitchenware for Mother's Day, graduations, and weddings.


17. Studio Jewelers, 1306 Regent St. -- 257.2627 -- www.studiojewelerswi.com
    Studio Jewelers represents more than two dozen independent metal artists and small jewelry studios from around the world, as well as glass blower Audrey Handler.


18. unearthed, 2501 University Ave. -- 441.1993 -- www.unearthed.com Featuring architectural and vintage finds as art for the home and garden, industrial antiques, and timeless objects. Compelling furnishings with urban styles.

Spring Gallery Night 2008 runs from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 2. The forecast calls for showers and thunderstorms, but hopefully conditions will clear up by evening. A map of the participants is also available on the back cover of the this week's Isthmus.