Madison Reporter

The Bubbler at Madison Public Library has announced six new art exhibits set to open at various library locations this September and October. The shows feature local artists chosen through an open call held earlier this year.

“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 selected artists and their respective exhibits are:

- **Henry Obeng for We Exist**: Central Library [September - December]. This ethnographic art project delves into the lives of African immigrants in Wisconsin. Obeng uses dark cotton fabrics collected from immigrants, converting them into paper to preserve and transform their cultural significance.

- **Stephen Kennedy for Atlas of an Isthmus: Creative Cartography of Madison & Beyond**: Pinney Library [September - December]. Kennedy’s show features maps offering unexpected vantage points about Madison's communities.

- **Elaine Pasinski Thomas for Portraits**: Alicia Ashman Library [September - December]. Thomas presents large-scale portraits focusing on individuals often overlooked by society.

- **Jonathan Shipley for Guide to Fun in Wisconsin**: Hawthorne Library [September - December]. Shipley explores Wisconsin through analog collages, using the collage process to tell the state's stories.

- **Sirena Flores for Representation Matters**: Meadowridge Library [September - December]. Flores’s work emphasizes self-love and representation, featuring paintings of children with affirmations aimed at promoting positive self-image among children of color.

- **Liz Boyd for Circulation: Circuits + Cycles. Body + Nature**: Lakeview Library [October-November], starting October 4. Boyd’s photographic journey spans four years of nature walks along familiar Madison landscapes, observing seasonal changes and personal reflections.

“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,” added 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.”

More information about each artist and exhibit can be found at madisonbubbler.org/exhibitions. The Bubbler exhibitions are supported by Dane Arts, Madison Arts Commission, and Friends of the Madison Public Library.

Madison Public Library has been promoting education, literacy, and community involvement for nearly 150 years. For more information visit www.madisonpubliclibrary.org or follow @madisonpubliclibrary on Facebook and Instagram.