Carnelian Art Gallery July-August Show Opening Reception
Carnelian Art Gallery, located at 221 King St., Suite 102, in downtown Madison, is pleased to announce its third art exhibition of the year, which is a collection of four solo shows.
“Synchronized Burn” by Madison artist Maria Schirmer is all about finding togetherness amidst chaos. “Expressions of Home” by Madison artist Mark Soderling tells stories about belonging. “Found Forms” by New Mexico artist Camille Davis celebrates her connection to nature. “Trial and Error” by Madison artist Dylan Waddell explores the value of taking risks and experimentation with collaging.
This collection of shows opens on Thursday, July 3, with a reception to officially kick it off set for Friday, July 11, starting at 5 p.m. The exhibition will last until the end of August.
For the first time, Carnelian Art Gallery has partnered with cocktail bar, Oz by Oz, 113 King St., to offer the first 25 visitors to the reception a ticket for a free drink at Oz by Oz. Light refreshments will otherwise be served, and as always, admission is free.
At 6 p.m. on the night of the reception, Schirmer is set to deliver a half-hour artist talk regarding her solo show, which includes an interactive piece titled “Murmuring.”
The work is a representation of how large flocks of birds, specifically starlings, create and coordinated almost hypnotizing aerial formations as they fly together in the sky. This behavior, scientists say, is meant to prevent predators from singling out and attacking a specific bird. Reception visitors will be able to interact with “Murmuring” starting at 6:30 p.m. by designing their own bird-shaped plastic mirror and affixing it to a large batik 8’ by 8’ canvas — becoming part of the larger flock of birds.
Schirmer will also invite reception visitors to reflect on their own contributions to their community, as well as how we might synchronize our actions at a time when many societal structures are “burning,” she said.
“Before colonization, fire was used strategically by indigenous land stewards to support thriving ecosystems,” said Schirmer. “If we take this concept and apply it metaphorically to the political and economic landscape of 2025, What do we want to see burn? And what do we hope grows in its place? How can we synchronize our actions like a flock of murmuring birds?”
“It’s been a fun experience to work with Schirmer to put this artist talk together,” said Emilie Heidemann, Carnelian Art Gallery marketing director. “I can’t imagine a more timely theme.”
“Carnelian Art Gallery is proud to work with a pool of such talented artists for this summer show,” said Evan Bradbury, Carnelian Art Gallery head curator. “We are also excited to have partnered with Oz by Oz, a staple cocktail bar on King Street. We hope you stop by our gallery to not only view this incredible collection of exhibitions, but to experience the eclectic culture King Street has to offer.”
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