Art in the Garden: Sharing Beauty, Expressing Ability

RECEPTION: FRI, MAY 6th, 5 pm to 7 pm

The beauty and inspiration of Olbrich Gardens served as the creative launch pad for this exhibition, which features work by artists in VSA Wisconsin’s “Art in the Garden” classes. Sessions began with tours of the gardens, followed by opportunities for artists to portray their interpretations of the gardens.

Artists explored how the creative process flows across different art media. They experimented with how images and styles change when drawing, painting, and mosaicking them. Each medium challenged the artists to portray the flora and fauna of Olbrich Gardens in different and new ways. The artists built upon their artistic skills, expanding their initial drawings to completed paintings and mosaics. They are excited to share their work and their stories* with viewers.

Exhibiting artists include:
 
Ken Adler
Barbara Brand
Fulton Damm
Christa Decker
Kathy Dryeson
Isaac Ehrhardt
Victor Furman
Mary Jo Gruber
Larry Latham
Ed Paris
Robert Quam
Terry Riddle
Dan Stace
Greg Sturm
 

Classes were led by VSA Wisconsin teaching artists Jennifer Retzlaff and Marcia Yapp.



VSA Wisconsin uses the arts to expand the capabilities, confidence and quality of life for people with disabilities. The VSA Wisconsin Art Center, located in Madison, conducts nearly 40 classes annually to adults with disabilities. Programming includes community collaborations, such as these classes at Olbrich Gardens.

This program has been supported in part by Alliant Energy Foundation, Brittingham Madison Trust, DeAtley Family Foundation, The Evjue Foundation, the charitable arm of The Capital Times, John J. Frautschi Family Foundation , Madison Arts Commission, with additional funds from the Wisconsin Arts Board, Madison South Rotary Foundation, PGA of America- Ryder Cup, Uniek, Inc., VSA (international office), under an award from the U.S. Department of Education, and proceeds from the VSA Wisconsin Golf Exhibition with Steve Stricker. VSA Wisconsin wishes to thank Olbrich Gardens for the donation of their space for this program, and Bob Vernig for his framing assistance.