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Madison-based artist Jennifer Bastian chosen to be Artist-in-Residence at Thurber Park

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Madison artist Jennifer Bastian
Image credit: Jennifer Bastian

The Madison Arts Commission and the Bubbler at Madison Public Library are pleased to announce Jennifer Bastian as the 2024 Thurber Park Artist-in-Residence.

The Madison Arts Commission and the Bubbler at Madison Public Library launched the Thurber Park Artist Residency in 2019. The residency is based out of a dedicated art studio at Thurber Park, located at 3325 Thurber Avenue.

The Artist-in-Residence has access to a rent-free studio space for 11 months and receives a stipend. Additionally, the artist has the opportunity to create a piece of outdoor public artwork for consideration by the City of Madison. The Artist-in-Residence works closely with the Bubbler at Madison Public Library to engage the local community through open studio days, community workshops, or other strategies determined by the artist and residency administrators.

As an artist, Jennie is a unicorn. Her perspective, experience, sensitivity and connectedness within the Madison community is absolutely invaluable. We know Jennie will be such a strong bridge in bringing Madison citizens together to connect, reflect and heal. Connection is Jennie's superpower, and we can't wait for her to share it with us through the beloved studio space of Thurber Park.

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The Bubbler Program Administrator Carlee Latimer

By activating this space, the Thurber Park Artist Residency supports an artist with funding, time, and space to further develop their own art practice, as well as guidance and funding towards potentially developing and installing a public art piece.

Jennifer Bastian is a photographer and interdisciplinary artist who previously served as the Director of Communication Madison, a Madison music and art space. She received a BFA in photography from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and an MA and MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

She was a finalist for the Women’s Forward Fund Forward Art Prize in 2022, and her 2021 work, "I have missed you (Community Care is the Intimacy I Need)", was included in the 2022 Wisconsin Biennial at the Museum of Wisconsin Art and given an Award of Merit from Wisconsin Visual Artists.

Her current bodies of work focus on grief, love, self-discovery, and ritual. She explores these themes through quilt and fiber work, meditative photographs, and candle-lighting and melted wax.

"I Am the Moon" by Jennifer Bastian

"I Am the Moon" by Jennifer Bastian

"What Is The Matter" by Jennifer Bastian

"What Is The Matter?" by Jennifer Bastian

"What Is The Matter" by Jennifer Bastian

"What Is The Matter?" by Jennifer Bastian

Candle Mountain by Jennifer Bastian

"Candle Mountain" by Jennifer Bastian

"I Have Missed You" by Jennifer Bastian

"I Have Missed You" by Jennifer Bastian

The opportunity to be an artist in residence in the city I reside in is huge. Parent-artists, as well as artists from lower income brackets, are not often afforded the privilege of leaving their families or jobs to attend residencies around the country. I am grateful to the City of Madison, the Bubbler at Madison Public Library, and the Madison Arts Commission for making this local residency possible.

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New Thurber Park Artist-in-Residence Jennifer Bastian

Bastian will host an opening reception on October 5th from 10:00am – 12:00pm at Thurber Park. The public is welcome to stop by to meet the artist, explore the studio, and learn about upcoming engagement opportunities.

From her artwork, which overflows with care as a central theme to co-founding Communication, the sober, all-ages arts and music venue, in 2018, Jennifer's dedication to community makes her the perfect choice to serve as the Thurber Park Artist-in-Residence.

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Madison Arts Commission Chair Nick Pjevach

The Thurber Park Artist Residency is currently funded by the Madison Arts Commission through the City of Madison’s Municipal Arts Fund, as well as the Town of Blooming Grove.

Learn more about the Thurber Park Residency program and upcoming events on The Bubbler's residencies website.

About the Madison Arts Commission

The Madison Arts Commission (MAC) is an 11-member citizen commission appointed by the mayor to advise the City of Madison about matters of arts and culture. MAC’s mission is to foster arts appreciation by initiating partnerships, developing new audiences, and sponsoring diverse artistic activities by emerging and established artists and arts organizations while preserving Madison’s rich artistic tradition. To support a full creative life for all, The Madison Arts Commission commits to championing policies and practices of cultural equity that empower a just, inclusive, equitable city.

About The Bubbler at Madison Public Library

The Bubbler’s hands-on workshops, performances, and events introduce participants to a variety of local experts who share their talent and passion for art, design, and maker culture. For more information, visit madisonbubbler.org, Madison Bubbler on Facebook, or @madisonbubbler on Twitter.

About Madison Public Library

Madison Public Library’s tradition of promoting education, literacy, and community involvement has enriched the City of Madison for nearly 150 years. Nine locations throughout the City of Madison are open six days per week and welcome nearly 2 million visits each year. For more information, visit madisonpubliclibrary.org, or follow @MadisonPublicLibrary on Facebook and @madisonpubliclibrary on Instagram.

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