Carnelian Art Gallery has been making some moves this last month.
Generally, we want to position ourselves in Madison’s arts and culture scene as more than just an independent art gallery, but a force that elevates independent art locally and nationally. We are working on a variety of projects that seek to do just that, from educational programming to exhibitions that highlight the work of emerging artists out of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Workshops and classes
The gallery is in the process of examining various promising ideas for classes and workshops, which would be offered in our back space that boasts roughly 2,000 square feet.
We are entertaining everything from open studio nights to painting classes to courses that would help artists springboard themselves as entrepreneurs. It’s also important to us that we create educational programming that’s suitable for all members of the public. While we acknowledge that some classes might be more expensive than others (artists have to get paid, too), we want to make sure there’s something available for everyone.
Not only are we eyeing partnerships with experienced individual art instructors on this front, but a Wisconsin nonprofit that specializes in making art accessible for all. We’ve also created a page on our website where you can submit suggestions for programming.
You can find more information about that under our “Events” tab.
The back space has two private studios that two Madison artists already rent for an affordable rate, as well as one small room way in the back that has potential as a third studio. Carnelian Art Gallery wants to use the space outside those rooms, which features countertops, cabinets, a sink and other amenities, for educational programming.
You can get a better view of our back space by watching the above video, which takes you on a virtual tour of Carnelian Art Gallery.
We don’t have an exact time frame for when educational programming will commence, but we are shooting for sometime at the beginning of 2025.
Art exhibitions
We are excited to announce that we have most of 2025 booked already for shows. That’s thanks to the continuous hard work and genius of owner and curator, Evan Bradbury.
Most of 2025 will feature the two-month-long group shows that we have been hosting since our March 2024 genesis. After taking a hiatus next January and February, you can expect art exhibitions to pick up again in March.
One twist that may come with our group shows next year, however, is having each art exhibition highlight an artist out of UW-Madison’s Master of Fine Art program. Just like the Chazen Museum of Art and Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, we, too, want to be a venue where UW-Madison art students are able to showcase their amalgamation of talents.
Come 2026, expect more of a diversity of art exhibitions and even artist representation. What does that mean? We would show an individual artist’s work, but for a more extended period of time. We want our walls to be covered with art that pushes the envelope and challenges its onlookers to ask thought-provoking questions.
Private events
We want to open up our space as a venue to those who would like to host small, private events.
Say you’re a nonprofit that wants to throw a fundraising gala or an arts organization looking to host a networking event. We have you covered.
In the coming weeks, expect more information about how your organization or business can rent out Carnelian Art Gallery for your shindig. We only ask that you respect the beautiful art adorning our walls and the gallery in general.
Onward and upward.