Mona Boulware Webb, VSA Wisconsin

9/18-12/28.

press release: The Promega Fall Art Showcase will feature paintings and sculptures by Mona Boulware Webb, also known as the “Queen of Willy Street”, a major contributor and influencer to the Madison art scene in the 1960s and '70s. The VSA (Very Special Artists) Wisconsin’s Traveling Exhibition will also be featured, consisting of 30 pieces of award-winning artwork by artists with disabilities from youth to adults. This exhibition offers a unique glimpse of the often under-recognized creative talents of people with disabilities as well as an exploration into outsider art.

The Fall Art Showcase will continue with this year’s theme of celebrating Wisconsin creativity. Mona’s artwork bridges the summer showcase with the fall art showcase in conjunction with the Willy Street Fair. Webb was one of the original founders of the fair which has been in existence for the last 40 years. A special screening of the award-winning documentary ‘Gods of Beauty’ by Niels Nielsen will be shown at the opening reception. The film features raw interviews with Mona in her wayhouse studio, surrounded by her artwork.

Artists will tell the stories of their creative process and the inspiration behind their work during a symposium on Tuesday, September 18, 2018 from 3:30 - 4:30 pm, followed by a reception featuring music by Hanah Jon Taylor from 4:30 - 6:30 pm at the Promega BioPharmaceutical Technology Center, 5445 E Cheryl Parkway in Fitchburg. Both events are open to the public. A note about parking: Due to construction projects going on in the area, please plan for extra time to find parking prior to the start of the event.