The BIG TEN(T)

press release:

The BIG TEN(T) project started in June 2016 in Chicago with a small works show and art trade between its members, UW–Madison (“UW”) alumni artists. In September, 60 artists were hosted by alumnus Peter Hopkins at ArtHelix Gallery in New York. The show featured new work by alumni artists spanning the last three decades, including painters, sculptors, printmakers and photographers.

A significant portion of the work from the ArtHelix Gallery show is now presented in the UW–Madison’s School of Education Gallery in the School of Education Building (1000 Bascom Mall, Madison). The gallery is open to the public Monday–Friday from 8:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m. and the exhibit will be on view until December 16, 2016.

Initially self-funded by its members, the BIG TEN(T) was organized and curated by Barry Roal Carlsen. “This project was an experiment,” says Carlsen. “We want the exhibit to provide a model for future show opportunities and community building for and by UW Art Alumni.”  

Barry Roal Carlsen received an MFA from the UW in 1983. He worked as a graphic designer for UW for 30 years. Carlsen has also been a visiting lecturer in the UW–Madison Art Department since 1990 and he currently teaches lithography in the department. Carlsen lives in Madison and has regularly shown his art across the country and in Europe since graduation. His work is in the collections of individuals, universities, corporations and museums including the Chazen Art Museum, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Meriter Hospital, Wisconsin Governor’s Mansion, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Rayovac Corporation and The Progressive Corporation.

The BIG TEN(T) exhibit in Madison is made possible by the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association, ArtHelix Gallery and Shim Art Services. The reception is courtesy of the UW–Madison Art Department Board of Visitors with support from the UW–Madison Arts Institute and School of Education.