The Council offices were abuzz the night of Friday, November 1 as community members joined us for our annual Gallery Night event. Gallery Night was once again a success, as we carried on our tradition, now more than a decade old, of showcasing artists from across Wisconsin who are blind or low vision.
The work of nine Wisconsin artists with vision loss, ranging from paintings to photographs to ceramics to fiber arts, was on display throughout our space. This year’s featured artists were Evelyn Becker, Richard Berkholtz, Illana Dehoyos, Rosemary Fortney, Duncan Hamilton, Janae O’Connell, Lynn Olson, Albert Schmiege and Nicole Wolf. Five of our Gallery Night artists were able to join us in person for the event.
In addition to the art, we provided visitors with other learning opportunities. Access Technology Specialist Jim Denham gave demonstrations of different pieces of technology artists with low vision might use; Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Brent Perzentka highlighted strategies and techniques people can use to continue to live independently; and Customer Care Specialist Greg Schmidt provided information to people perusing the Sharper Vision Store.
Amy Hansel first heard about Gallery Night while organizing a fundraiser for the Council with her music students, and even found a Large Print Grand Staff Music Notebook in our Sharper Vision Store. “I was so intrigued by all of the artwork on display and found so many interesting items in the store downstairs,” Amy said.
Richard Berkholtz’s ceramics and homemade fire starters were among the creations on display, and he sold multiple pieces over the course of the evening. “I was here for ten minutes, and already a man asked if he could buy one of my vases,” Richard said. “This event is great, and I always feel so welcome here.”
Photographer Nicole Wolf had several pieces included in this year’s Gallery Night exhibit. “It feels really good to have my art hanging on these walls,” Nicole said. “I’m really enjoying sharing my art with people and having the opportunity to get my name out there.”
Thank you to everyone who attended Gallery Night, and to all the wonderful artists whose work was on display. We’re also grateful to this year’s Gallery Night sponsors: Associated Bank, SVA Certified Public Accountants, Numbers4Nonprofits, Kwik Trip and Community Shares of Wisconsin.
If you were unable to attend Gallery Night, you can view the featured pieces online in our Virtual Gallery at WCBlind.org/Events/Virtual-Gallery. Most of the art will remain on display for the rest of 2024, so you can also view it by visiting our offices at 754 Williamson Street in Madison during regular business hours.
