Rae Atira-Soncea (1953 – 2009)

These exhibits, in honor of Rae Atira-Soncea’s contribution to Overture Center and the larger community, can be viewed at:

Time Capsule Hallway Wed, Sep 22 – Sun, Jan 9, 2011
Overture Gallery I and Rotunda Lobby Mon, Oct 25, 2010 -Jan 9, 2011
Rotunda Studio Mon, Oct 25, -Sun, Nov 28, 2010

Opening Reception: Fri, Nov 5, 6-8 pm
Closing Reception:  Sat, Jan 8, 3-6 pm  


 Rae Atria-Soncea was the coordinator of education, community engagement and accessibility at the Overture Center for the Arts from 2001 – 2008. Rae believed in the intrinsic value of every living creature and committed her art and work to making the world a welcoming place for the art, creativity, and intelligence of all people.  She lived her beliefs daily.  Her efforts extended to creating access, making connections and community building in her work and volunteer life as well.

Rae Atira-Soncea’s creative work reflects her deeply held belief that art could make a better world. She drew on fine art, folk art and storytelling traditions and chose collaborative with partners  with the goal of taking her audience on a journey awareness, understanding and growth.   Whether telling stories, binding brooms, casting bronze caldrons, carving sculptures, constructing cabinets, or embroidering elaborate story cloths Atira-Soncea was connecting her creative and critical thinking to the world with the goal of revealing another way to see and a more inclusive way to live.

Many, many people credit Rae Atira-Soncea with showing them new ways to lead and collaborate in the service of social justice for all.   For Rae life, art, work, and making the world a place she wanted to live were all connected through creative thinking and art making.


Visit Rae’s website: http://raeatirasoncea.com

Please consider making a gift in Rae's memory to the Rae Atira-Soncea Accessibility Fund. Contact Jessica Brys at 608.258.4142 or click here for more information.