It's pretty amazing to think that Carnelian Art Gallery has had another successful year of exhibitions, building community, and establishing itself as a proud member of downtown Madison. 

That's all despite what continues to happen to our country and the world around us. That world may be burning, but art will never die.

What exactly did Carnelian Art Gallery accomplish in 2025?

We held another five two-month-long roster of exhibitions, each with its own story to tell. And we showcased the works of just under 20 Wisconsin artists.

In March, we held "Finding Color In the Chaos," which featured abstract works. The gallery's grand re-opening had its first-ever live painting demonstration and poetry reading by Madison artist Jen Dunlop and myself, respectively. We put together a lovely collection of poems that I wrote based on Dunlop's works titled "The Secret Realm." I recall that we printed 15 copies of the book, and it nearly sold out within the first night of going on sale. I had to make sure I spared a copy for myself. It now sits on my coffee table as a reminder of one of my personal highlights of the year. 

After Finding Color, we held another exhibition highlighting abstract artists called "Dreams In the Undergrowth." Our summer exhibiton was a collection of four solo shows, and the opening reception for that event engaged gallery visitors in an interactive art project. 

During that opening reception, exhibiting artist at the time Maria Schirmer delivered a half-hour artist talk regarding her solo show, which included an interactive piece titled “Murmuring.”

The work is a representation of how large flocks of birds, specifically starlings, create and coordinated almost hypnotizing aerial formations as they fly together in the sky.

This behavior, scientists say, is meant to prevent predators from singling out and attacking a specific bird. Reception visitors were able to interact with “Murmuring” by designing their own bird-shaped plastic mirror and affixing it to a large batik 8’ by 8’ canvas — becoming part of the larger flock of birds. That night was another particularly special one. I'll never forget witnessing gallery visitors, young and old, letting their inner-children come alive with creativity as they conceptualized loving messages to share with others, the only separation being time. 

We held "Tending the Balance," after that show, which featured three-dimensional works, both sculpture and hanging. Now, Surrealism adorns our walls. The opening reception for Surrealism had a record 184 visitors, which is record attendance for us. 
 

In addition to exhibitons, we experimented with educational programming, put our communal studio up for rent, formed lasting partnerships with fellow arts institutions and clients.

We also established and continue to grow our in-house art collection, which holds the works of artists Amanda Langer, Nastia Craig, James Widder, Kevin Kiley, Dylan Waddell, Eric Peterson and gallery owner and head curator Evan Bradbury. 

Looking forward to 2026, we will pivot to month-long shows, and will continue to explore strategic partnerships with other businesses and arts institutions meant to bolster Madison's art community and ecosystem in a time that people need art more than ever. 

We appreciate your support, and thank you for another amazing year at Carnelian Art Gallery.