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The history of Open Art Studios, in the Madison area
 Artists Unite Madison-area Open Art Studios was started in 2003, in order to provide an annual city-wide arts event, with an emphasis on increasing awareness and appreciation for Madison art and it's artists and giving the public access to the working, and often living environments of local artists. This inclusive and democratic event celebrates the diversity and vitality of the visual arts in the Madison area in a unique way. Unlike a commercial setting of a gallery, art fair, or museum, this is an opportunity for artists to share their creative and technical processes directly with the public, who in turn, have the opportunity to explore, learn, and expand their artistic horizons and collections. By creating a personal connection between the public and these emerging, mid-career, and professional artists, in this way, a more intimate understanding and appreciation is established; more individuals may try doing art themselves, or may purchase art for the first time, or simply have a great time visiting Madison's creative community on their own turf. Over the past years, the artists have received wonderfully positive feedback from people in their neighborhood, community, and surrounding communities who have participated in the event. "This is amazing." "I am really enjoying going in to an artist's studio and seeing for myself what it's like." "This is so much more interesting than a gallery." "I feel like I can understand more about the mind set of an artist." "I want to start doing art myself." Madison-area Open Art Studios is a free event and open to the public. It awards the city with the opportunity to celebrate and support the vibrant visual arts community, while enabling artists to share their creative talents. OAS Artist Image Galleries 2007 Participating Artists 2006 Participating Artists 2005 Participating Artists Madison area Open Art Studios - 2004Event Coordinator - Jesse WaltersGallery Host - Art Beat Gallery The 2004 event was coordinated by Jesse Walters, a native of Wisconsin, who had resided for a while in Chicago. A printmaker with fund-raising experience, she was a professional event planner in Chicago. Jesse wrote the proposal for the grant that MaOAS received from Madison CitiARTS Commission and the Wisconsin Arts Board, for advertising costs. Jesse received help for making the event possible from "The Crew". Jesse Walters..................................................event planner, grant writer Terra Gold.................................organizational; and administrative support Matt Luther............organizational and administrative support, grant writer Cate Loughran....................................publicity and administrative support Nicole Olthafer..........................................website designer, map support Karin Wrzesinski.....................................................map layout and design Chris Maitzen..................................distribution and administrative support Tom Jarvis..................................website, map and administrative support Molly Krochalk..........................................................administrative support Tom Robichaud..........................................................................distribution Kylian Wrzesinski...........................................poster designer and printing The artists in the 2004 event had to pay extra to have an image of their artwork included in the map, so we do not have thumbnails images from all the 2004 artists. Link to the Gallery of 2004 OAS Artists. The map was printed as 8 1/2" x 11" booklet, in full color. The name of the event was changed slightly to acknowledge the participants from outside the city. There were 3 website addresses that year, the original - MadisonOpenArtStudios.com, plus MadisonareaOpenArtStudios.com and the abbreviated MaOAS.com. List of the Artists in the 2004 Madison area Open Art Studios Open Art Studios - 2003Event Coordinator - Cate LoughranGallery Host - Art Beat Gallery Cate Loughran returned to Madison in 2001, after living in California for 12 years, both in San Francisco and in the Sierras. On her move back to Madison, she set about volunteering her time and experience to introduce "Open Studio Tours" to Madison. "Everywhere in California, 'Artists' Open Studios' are incredibly popular events," Cate explained, "It's time Madison artists had the opportunity to share their work with the public." As a longtime member of the Wisconsin art scene, Loughran holds an MFA from the University of WI, Madison and has won numerous national awards for her art and has over 200 shows under her belt. Her works are in permanent collections around the country including The Art Institute of Chicago, The Madison Art Center and The Portland Museum of Art. The following people helped Cate organize the first Open Studio event in Madison: Molly Krochalk - brainstorming, grant-writing, layout and design of the Artists Unite brochure, leafleting and various gallery tasks. Bill Sumner - unlimited support, editorial services, and printing of the Artists Unite brochure. Noemi Hollander - layout of the brochure. Terra Gold, owner of Art Beat - use of the gallery space, services and invaluable time and support. Ira Slatter - phone help. Stephanie Adams and David Milne - for phone help, chair-hauling and positive vibes. Noemi Hollander, Nicole Olthafer, Emmalee Pearson, and Tom Jarvis - created the MadisonOpenArtStudios.com website. 89 Artists participated in the 2003 Open Art Studio event in Madison. For the original map, an artist had to pay extra for an image of their art work to be included, and the images were only printed in grayscale. List of the Artists in the 2003 Open Art Studios
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