New Art Exhibits Going Up at Six Madison Public Library Locations

MADISON, WI – The Bubbler at Madison Public Library is excited to announce six new art shows opening at Madison Public Library locations this September and October. All shows feature local artists who were selected through an open call held from January-March 2024.

“Our goal in doing exhibitions at our libraries is to elevate artists who reflect our diverse communities and this group of artists is a great example of that,” said Trent Miller, Head Bubblerarian at Madison Public Library. “The work on display draws people in, stimulates inquiry, and broadens horizons.”

The following artists were chosen through a juried review process from a pool of over 68 applicants, and the exhibits will be available to view during open hours at each of the following libraries: 

Henry Obeng for We Exist

CENTRAL LIBRARY [SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER]

Henry Obeng’s We Exist at Central Library is an ethnographic art project that delves into the lives of African immigrants in Wisconsin, particularly in the Madison area. Obeng converts dark cotton fabrics collected from immigrants into paper to both preserve and transform their cultural significance, linking the past with the present. Obeng's exhibit will be on display in the Diane Endres-Ballweg Gallery on the 3rd Floor of Central Library during the Wisconsin Book Festival Fall Celebration. 

Stephen Kennedy for Atlas of an Isthmus: Creative Cartography of Madison & Beyond

SEQUOYA LIBRARY [SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER]

Stephen Kennedy’s Atlas of an Isthmus: Creative Cartography of Madison & Beyond at Sequoya Library is a show of maps that provide an unexpected vantage point about Madison's communities and context.

Elaine Pasinski Thomas for Portraits

ALICIA ASHMAN LIBRARY [SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER]

Elaine Pasinski Thomas’ Portraits at Alicia Ashman Library consists of large-scale portraits of those who are often overlooked by society. Pasinski Thomas’ work allows the audience to see individuals as they are and to observe others in a new perspective.

Jonathan Shipley for Guide to Fun in Wisconsin

HAWTHORNE LIBRARY [SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER]

Jonathan Shipley’s Guide to Fun in Wisconsin at Hawthorne Library explores Wisconsin through higgledy piggledy analog collages. Shipley, who moved to Madison a couple of years ago, uses the collage process to explore the state's stories through glue sticks and scissors.

Sirena Flores for Representation Matters

MEADOWRIDGE LIBRARY [SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER]

Sirena Flores’s Representation Matters at Meadowridge Library explores the idea of self-love as the way that we value ourselves and the way we talk about ourselves. Flores, who identifies as Afro-Latina, is an artist, poet, activist, community builder, healer, teacher, and learner. She believes children of color deserve to see people who look like them in positive roles. Her paintings of children accompanied by affirmations are intended to remind the viewer that they are strong and worthy.

Liz Boyd for Circulation: Circuits + Cycles. Body + Nature

LAKEVIEW LIBRARY [OCTOBER-NOVEMBER]

On view beginning October 4

Liz Boyd’s Circulation at Lakeview Library is a photographic journey through the seasons and senses that spans four years of nature walks along familiar Madison landscapes. Boyd witnessed the changing of the seasons, observed the repeating cycles of nature, and took solace in the meditative practice of returning to the same place at a different time of year to see how both the external--and her own internal--environment had changed. 

“This is an extremely strong grouping of artists, with a broad variety of work that depicts different versions of what it’s like to live in Madison,” said Miller. “Through various mediums this group of artists tell stories of connection and community. Whether you see yourself in the work or you see a new perspective, we hope that these exhibitions enhance your learning experience when you visit the Library. ” 

You can read more about each of the artists and exhibitions, as well as additional ones coming this fall at madisonbubbler.org/exhibitions.

Bubbler exhibitions are supported by Dane Arts, Madison Arts Commission, and Friends of the Madison Public Library.

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 Instagram.

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.  Visit the library online at www.madisonpubliclibrary.org, or @madisonpubliclibrary on Facebook and Instagram.