A cold, dismal rain did little to dampen the spirits on Friday as all over Madison, people strolled from gallery to gallery, and in and out of artists' open studios. This evening, my companion was someone who had never before attended a gallery night.
Our first stop was Studio Paran, where we watch one of the always fascinating glass-blowing demonstrations. ("Woah! They have wine and snacks," said my companion. Yup, welcome to the world of gallery events. There is usually a 90% chance of alcohol and munchables.)
As we listened to a CD of Rosemary Clooney singing "Mambo Italiano", a large vase was formed from two fragile lumps of red-hot glass. Fortunately, they got through the entire process without a mishap his time around. Part of the excitement of the demonstrations is in waiting with baited breath to hear the sudden clatter of shattered glass. Also enjoyable is the friendly way that the artisans engage the watchers and both invite and answer questions about the studio and the process.
Once the vase was successfully into the cooling oven, we ventured across the street to the Winnebago Street Studios. Usually a favorite stop for me, this time the joint was less than jumping. Many of the studios, including some of my favorites, were not open this time. The crowd of visitors was rather sparse (though the refreshment table was rather abundant). A quick walk-through and we were ready to move on. I do hope that next spring's Gallery Night finds those spaces back to their usual hustle and bustle.
Braving the chilly rain, we ventured farther west to the Art Beat gallery on Williamson Street. If the Winnebago Studios were empty, this was quite the reverse. Buzzing with the low hum of many conversations, the place was literally wall-to-wall people. The light and the noise and warmth were a welcome change from the chilly downpour outside.
The wine and the food were both plentifu and delicious. The art was even better. As a collective show, the art ranged from ceramic mugs (some with a rather suggestive shape), to black and white photography, to collages and assembleages, to paintings, to sculptures and dolls. Some pieces were for sale outright. Others could be won by purchasing one of the raffle tickets that were being sold to help support Art Beat. I obtained a ticket, and put in for a small, red photograph that seemed to be of a firework or a flower. Whether I shall win still remains to be seen.
Eventually, it was time to go, and we dash back through the rain to our parked car. There is never time on Gallery Night to see everything, but what we did see was grand. I look forward to spring, not just for the obvious reasons of more light and warmth, but for the next episode.
