Twice every year, galleries, gift shops, studios, museums and more from Monroe Street to Atwood Avenue open their doors for Gallery Night, the combined showcase and soiree for visual arts put on by Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. Scores of participants have made for an overwhelming array of options at the semiannual celebration, and this autumn is no different.
A total of 54 venues are taking part in the Fall 2008 Gallery Night, a number that requires a little planning for somebody embarking on the evening tour. Every potential stop around the city promises a show, so it's helpful to peruse the entire program to uncover a few highlights that pique one's interest.
The central hub of the showcase is MMoCA itself, where this month's First Fridays celebration features a gallery talk on the new George Segal sculpture exhibit at the State Street museum, coupled with a special presentation of the documentary George Segal: American Still Life. Midwestern folk icons Lou and Peter Berryman provide the accompanying musical entertainment on the rooftop garden.
Photography typically plays a major role in Gallery Night, with this year's centerpiece being and Peter Patau, among others.
On the west side, the Gardens Gallery at the Independent Living Retirement Community presents a collection of photographs by Janice Nussbaum Senungetuk titled Gardens of Light, which document and celebrate the surgical restoration of her color vision. The new www.absolutelyartllc.com
Featuring photographers Deborah Proctor, who specializes in Polaroid manipulation, and Richard Quinney. Both will participate in PhotoMidwest throughout October.
ArtSPACE Twenty-Two-Eleven will show hand-colored photographs by Alison E. Mader, as well as jewelry and vessels made from hand-blown beads by Mary Putnam.
From New Mexico, abstract artist Sid Simpson, and realist artist Nan Simpson, show southwest paintings, gourds, and prints. Reception 6:30-9:00 p.m.
New work by Plymouth painter Paula Swaydan Grebel and handmade tiles by Cooksville potter Elizabeth Goessling. Plus other wonderful local and regional art, live jazz, and refreshments.
Platteville mosaic artist Heidi Dyas-McBeth incorporates Arts & Crafts motifs in her new work. Bungalow Pros offers handcrafted decorative arts inspired by Stickley and timeless designs for modern living.
Featuring Variations on a Poppy, photos by Caroline Hoffman, and plates celebrating folk art from artists sponsored by Folklore Village.
Elan Vital features new mixed-media artwork by Cate Loughran. "What recommends these works is their unrelenting optimism and Cate's ability to act as a palate cleanser for the world-weary viewer," Michael Bonesteel, art reviewer.
Photographic series by Barry Sherbeck featuring color, curve, shadow, and texture. Paintings by Jonathan Kramka featuring images submerged in layers of hypercolor resin.
Paintings by Morris Altman: abstract, landscapes, and still lifes.
Off-Center Studios is a locally owned gallery focusing on Wisconsin artists. This month, the studios proudly present the photo-manipulated graphic art of Dave Tilton.
Visit Madison's only public glassblowing studio. Live demonstrations and a great sale will be going on all night. Think early holiday shopping!
Reneéglass Factory is an active fused-glass studio and gallery featuring large and small free-hanging window art and architectural pieces. Commissioned work welcomed.
Stop by the workshop to see our handmade, locally built, upholstered furniture. Enjoy live acoustic music and refreshments.
Watch stunning glassblowing demonstrations. Showroom open Monday- Friday, 8 a.m.4:30 p.m. Visit us year round!
Sarah Schoenhaar is an experimental photographer with a unique perspective and an eye for capturing remarkably honest still life photos.
An eclectic group of professional artist studios with a gallery. Ceramics, fiber, jewelry, painting, printing, photography, and woodworking available to see and buy. Refreshments too!
Downtown
Artists present pieces in oil, collage, and photography in a working studio space. New work from Linda Massey, Richard Springer, and Brian Strassburg will be featured.
Bring art back into architecture: this is the credo of ANI when working on commercial, residential, and historical projects.
Opening reception for A Change of Seasons featuring paintings by Jonathan Wilde, Bill James, Jerry Greenberg, and Gerald Hennesy.
Unusual gifts for life's special occasions, including birthdays, weddings, housewarmings, and anniversaries. 20% off your purchase during Gallery Night with this brochure.
Visit the Madison Children's Museum for hands-on exhibits, family art activities, and Peace Panels, an art installation by Walbridge School.
Seasons on the Farm, featuring woodcuts from Audrey Christie, paintings and pastels from S.V. Medaris, and feedbag quilts from Alicia Rheal, celebrates life on a farm throughout the year.
Our studio provides organic influenced furniture, fabrics, and art for light commercial and residential spaces. Showcasing original paintings and prints. Complimentary wine served.
Opening exhibit for preeminent watercolor artist Ken Thrift. Also featuring original and local contemporary art and artisan jewelry.
The Underwater Noise of Rain features work by Lane Hall and Lisa Moline (Milwaukee) in collaboration with aquatic zoologist Dr. Rudi Strickler. Opening reception 5:307:30 pm, Artists' talk at 6:30 pm.
PhotoMidwest is here! Open until 9 pm. Check out the seven-state juried exhibition and other photography shows.
West
Come check out West Lakeside Street's funky and unconventional little shop featuring the handmade wares of eight local artists! Enjoy appetizers and beverages while chatting up the artists.
Visit all three locations to enjoy the artistry of furniture designer and builder Martha Downs, fiber artist Renee Roeder-Earley, and painters Greg Johnson, Keith Dalby, and Ann Doody.
View gallery-quality art from Mexico at Madison's most colorful gift shop.
Douglas Art and Frame presents an assortment of antique maps and paintings from 1900 to the present.
Artists Bob Tarrell, Randy Feig, and Chris Gargan present Three Views of Landscape Painting, Sunday, September 28Friday, October 17. Gallery Night reception 59 p.m.
Janice Nussbaum Senungetuk's Garden of Light photography collection is a celebration of her color vision having been restored through surgery.
Don Hunt: Artist, Teacher, Friend showcases recent and older ceramics, and celebrates Don's amazing life, rich legacy, and his four priorities: faith, family, friends, and fun.
Celebrate autumn with a wide array of paintings spanning three centuries. Antique and contemporary oils, and works on paper from America, Europe, and beyond.
Paintings by Peter Calderwood and PhotoMidwest exhibit for Jim Barnard. Reception 5-9 p.m.
A mix of new work including paintings, prints, glass, ceramic, metal, and art jewelry. Reception 69 p.m.
Shop for kitchenware and gifts in a relaxed atmosphere! Mention "Gallery Night" while shopping that evening and receive 10% off your entire purchase (excludes electronics).
Featuring the art of Susan Colby and the sound of DJ Steel.
Explore the work of more than two dozen independent metal artists and small jewelry studios from around the world at Studio Jewelers. Reception 69 p.m.
Fall Gallery Night 2008 runs from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, October 3. Clear but cool conditions are forecast through the evening. A map of the participants is also available on the back cover of the this week's Isthmus.