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Time Running Out to View “Tending the Balance” at Carnelian Art Gallery
Madison, Wisconsin, Sept. 29 – Carnelian Art Gallery, located at 221 King St., Suite 102, in downtown Madison, is pleased to announce its last art exhibition of the year, titled “Surrealism,” whose theme is centered around the weird, strange and bizarre. The art in this show takes on a dreamlike and uncanny quality. Some works are two-dimensional, while others are three-dimensional.
Participating artists include Kimberly Burnett, Rachael Hunter, Samantha Jane Mullen, Helen Klebesadel and Natalie Jo Wright.
Surrealism will kick off with an opening reception at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, as part of Gallery Night. It is slated to be on display until the end of the year.
Organized by the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Gallery Night “offers art lovers and art novices alike an opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of exhibitions, opening receptions, special events and demonstrations at venues throughout the city. During Gallery Night, dozens of venues open their doors to invite the public in to see and shop for original artwork,” according to MMoCA.
As always at Carnelian Art Gallery, admission on opening night is free and light refreshments will be served. And the first 25 visitors to Surrealism’s opening will receive a drink ticket good for one cocktail at Oz by Oz, the gallery’s friend and neighbor at 113 King St. Oz by Oz is known for its zodiac-themed drinks, as well as eclectic and artsy vibe and aesthetic.
At 6 p.m. on opening night, Burnett will conduct a live painting demonstration.
“I am honored to be showing my work at the Carnelian Art Gallery,” said Burnett. “I really enjoy hearing what people take away from my art, and Madison seems to be full of people who appreciate art.”
“I’m really looking forward to live painting and exhibiting in such a beautiful gallery in Madison. My hope is that I get to make new connections which will inspire my future art.”
Burnett is a self-taught artist from North Carolina. Her art is inspired by her childhood love of the old masters of Europe. She taught herself oil paints by studying books on their works and then copying her favorite masterpieces. Today, her works mostly feature lone figures in interior spaces and surreal landscapes with a focus on colors.
She has been painting full time since 2020, when she moved to Milwaukee. In Burnett’s free time, she enjoys gardening, hiking, baking, learning languages and searching for insects.
Surrealism is an exhibition that shines a light on the unconscious mind,” said Carnelian Art Gallery marketing director Emilie Heidemann. “And hopefully, this show will encourage gallery visitors to unlock and explore their respective imaginations, particularly the strange concepts and ideas they drum up sometimes.”
About the Artists
Wright was born in central Illinois in 1977. She received her undergraduate degree in fine arts from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design in 1999 and her graduate degree in fine arts from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2008.
Her current series, “Four Eyed Cats in MidCentury Spaces,” grew out of memory, imagination and a lifelong love for mid-century design. Wright’s family (on her mother’s side) owned a furniture store for 50 years in the small town where she grew up. As a child, she spent countless hours wandering its rooms and paging through design catalogues. Years later, rediscovering those same books sparked this series.
The paintings combine nostalgia with playful surrealism: Wright’s two cats, depicted with a “four-eyed” twist, inhabit richly detailed interiors drawn from catalogues, memory, and her own home. Handmade “meat pillows” from an earlier body of work and vintage lamps from her collection collapse past and present, blurring the boundary between real and imagined environments. Originally conceived as an immersive installation, the series still carries that spirit—paintings that feel as though the spaces could spill off the wall and into the viewer’s world.
Wright currently works with water-soluble oils, a medium that has shifted her practice from large-scale portraiture toward finely detailed interiors. Her work reflects both a devotion to mid-century design and a desire to invite viewers into spaces that appear familiar at first glance, but reveal something more curious and uncanny the longer you look.
Klebesadel, who has a graduate degree in fine arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is a visual artist, born and raised in rural Wisconsin near Spring Green. Klebesadel is known for her watercolors focused on environmental and feminist woman-centered themes.
An artist, activist and educator for four decades, Klebesadel’s watercolors push the traditional boundaries in scale, content, and technique. Her paintings are exhibited nationally and internationally. They are also represented in numerous public and private art collections.
Klebesadel was previously a university educator for more than 30 years. Her contributions to the larger arts community included serving as a member of the Wisconsin Arts Board and as the national president of the Women’s Caucus for Art, the nation’s oldest organization of women artists and art historians.She maintains an art studio in Madison, where she continues to grow her artistic vision, build a creative community and support others to do the same by mentoring emerging artists.
Mullen is mostly a sculptor, sometimes a writer and always a curious creature who currently exists in Madison, Wisconsin. Self-taught, Mullen uses polymer clay, paper clay and various other mediums to create playful, yet shocking, narrative sculptures which focus on our connection to the land, society, childhood and monsters. Her work delves into the weird and the curious, the parts of ourselves we correct and mask and the perceived failures that act as building blocks for the walls we build between ourselves, our community and our planet. Each piece is a love letter to the panic attack, the shame shadowed, the glittering and tired, the imagination driven dragon seekers and monster lovers, the playful, hopeful, damned but kind.
Mullen strives to build a mythology within her work that invokes a magical realm in which we are all little monsters exploring the unknown together, inviting the beasts within like wolves to the fire and giving them a little treat.Hunter is a painter based in Madison, Wisconsin. Growing up in Minnesota as an only child, she spent much of her time alone playing make-believe. She continues this practice today by creating paintings that inhabit a world parallel to ours, entirely her own.
Her focus is on creating ambiguous and unsettling narratives that invite viewers to create their own meaning. She works primarily with vibrant oil, acrylic and Flashe paints on alternative surfaces. Wood planks found on the side of the road are intuitively carved into blobs, and bedsheets sourced from second-hand stores, friends, or even her own bed become her canvas.
A key influence in Hunter’s artistic journey is the legacy of the magical realists of the Midwest, such as Sylvia Fein and John Wilde. Like these artists, Rachael uses her paintings to explore and understand an increasingly horrifying reality. With fascism on the rise and a small group of people attempting to control every aspect of daily life, she paints to keep it together and find meaning in it all.
“We are so thrilled to showcase the works of these talented artists,” said Carnelian Art Gallery owner and head curator Evan Bradbury. “This show is all about allowing oneself to be weird and have fun.”
MMSD Targets Growth in College Credit and Career Credential Opportunities by 2026–27
MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is setting its sights on helping more students graduate with real-world credentials and college credit, unveiling a new performance objective that underscores its commitment to college, career and community readiness.
By the 2026–27 school year, MMSD aims to increase the percentage of students who graduate with credits or credentials that carry postsecondary value, whether through college-level coursework, industry-recognized certifications or work-based learning experiences.
“This focus ensures our graduates leave MMSD not only with options and confidence, but with high-value credentials that open doors to real opportunity,” said Cindy Green, MMSD’s assistant superintendent of strategy and innovation. “We want every student to have meaningful experiences that connect their learning to life beyond high school.”
Approximately 64% of MMSD’s Class of 2025 earned college credit through Advanced Placement, dual credit or dual enrollment courses, the district’s highest percentage in five years. Students across MMSD accessed 33 AP courses, 10 dual credit offerings and 273 dual enrollment opportunities through programs such as Early College Academies and Start College Now.
To continue that momentum, MMSD is advancing several key focus areas:
Advanced Placement Courses: Mapping AP offerings to specific career clusters so students can see clear links between rigorous coursework and future careers.
Dual Credit Courses: Expanding college-credit classes taught by MMSD teachers, giving students access to college-level learning without leaving their high school campus.
Dual Enrollment Pathways: Strengthening partnerships with UW–Madison, Madison College and Wisconsin’s technical college system to provide early access to college coursework and career-aligned academies.
Work-Based Learning: Creating tiered experiences, from introductory work credit to youth apprenticeships, that give students hands-on experience and real credit for their efforts.
Industry Credentials: Expanding awareness and access to industry certifications in areas such as health care, construction, automotive technology and culinary arts.
“By linking learning to purpose, we are supporting students in preparing for college while also helping them uncover their passions,” said Mary Jankovich, MMSD’s executive director of college, career, and community readiness. “Our forward-looking efforts guarantee that every MMSD graduate can envision a pathway ahead that is both attainable and motivating.”
These initiatives are designed to create a more seamless connection between what students learn in school and the opportunities available to them after graduation. Whether earning a certified nursing assistant license, a college algebra credit or a youth apprenticeship in IT, MMSD students are gaining tangible experiences that translate directly into postsecondary success.
“This work is about building bridges between schools and colleges, students and employers, and classroom learning and the real world,” Green added. “When students can see a clear line between their education and their aspirations, their engagement deepens, and so does their sense of purpose.”
The district is also focused on ensuring these opportunities reach all students equitably. Data analysis and school-based support systems are being used to identify barriers to access (e.g., transportation, course scheduling, awareness, etc.) and to expand participation among underrepresented student groups.
Ultimately, MMSD’s performance objective serves as a reflection of a broader vision for what readiness looks like in today’s world. By prioritizing college credit, credentials and real-world learning, the district is equipping every student not just to graduate, but to take their next step with confidence.
To learn more about the district’s secondary programs and pathways, please visit the MMSD website.
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About the Madison Metropolitan School District
The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.
Bergstrom Automotive recognized among the Top Dealership Organizations to Work for in the U.S. in 2025
(Neenah, WI – October 10, 2025) – Automotive News has announced that Bergstrom Automotive has been named the top dealership group to work for in the United States. In the 2025 “Top 150 Dealerships to Work For” list, Bergstrom led the nation with 39 dealerships earning this prestigious distinction—more than any other automotive group. Additionally, two Bergstrom dealerships were ranked among the top 10 dealerships in the country for minority leadership.
General managers representing the winning Bergstrom Automotive dealerships, along with their spouses, joined Tim Bergstrom, Jake Bergstrom, and John Bergstrom, and other honorees, at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, October 9th for the formal recognition and ceremony.
Automotive News, the leading publication serving the North American automotive industry, selected the winners from more than 18,000 dealerships nationwide, recognizing organizations that excel in workplace culture, employee satisfaction, and leadership.
The Automotive News “Best Dealerships to Work For” list is compiled through an independent, two-part process managed by Workforce Research Group. The first part evaluates each dealership’s workplace policies, practices, and benefits, while the second part measures employee satisfaction through an anonymous survey of team members. Combined results determine the top-ranking dealerships that demonstrate exceptional workplace culture, strong employee engagement, and a commitment to supporting and valuing their people.
“We’re extremely proud of our team, and are thrilled their efforts are being recognized. As we’ve grown it’s been very important that we stay intentional to our culture. This allows us to execute on our guest service promise consistently across our company,” stated John F. Bergstrom, Executive Chairman, Bergstrom Automotive. “When you do business with people that enjoy their job, you feel it; and we want that for our guests. When your team loves what they do, and cares about each other, you attract the best to work with you. It’s a simple model, but takes all 2,500 of our teammates committed to it.”
This is one of the highest honors in the retail automotive industry. For more information about the awards and the process through which they are granted, visit www.bestdealershipstoworkfor.com.
About Bergstrom Automotive
Bergstrom Automotive, headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin, is one of the top automotive retailers in the U.S. and the largest in Wisconsin. The company employs over 2,500 teammates statewide and proudly represents 34 automotive brands across 60 facilities. Guided by a commitment to outstanding guest service, Bergstrom sells and services Acura, Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, Ford, Genesis, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Ram, Sprinter, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo.
The clinics will offer all vaccines required by the Wisconsin Student Immunization Law, including DTaP, Polio, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tdap and MenACWY. Additional vaccines for influenza, Hepatitis A and HPV will also be available and are highly recommended.
“It’s important for us to offer families convenient access to the vaccinations that keep their children healthy and in school,” said Sarah Breon, MMSD’s director of health services. “By hosting these clinics in partnership with trusted local health providers, we’re removing barriers and making it easier for families to stay on track with their and their child’s immunizations.”
All MMSD students over the age of 5, as well as members of the general public, are eligible to receive shots. Appointments are strongly recommended and can be scheduled through the Public Health Madison & Dane County system. There is no out-of-pocket cost for participants. Families with insurance are asked to bring their insurance card.
Families should also bring their child’s immunization record to the appointment. Records can be accessed through a healthcare provider, the Wisconsin Immunization Registry, or the Infinite Campus Parent Portal by selecting More → Health → Immunizations.
“These clinics reflect MMSD’s commitment to student well-being,” Breon added. “Healthy students are better learners, and we’re grateful to our community partners for helping make these opportunities possible.”
Additional information can be found at the MMSD website.
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About the Madison Metropolitan School District
The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.
Sun Vault Roofing Unveils Madison’s First Integrated Solar Roof
MADISON, WI — October 8, 2025 — Sun Vault Roofing is proud to announce the successful installation of Madison’s first integrated solar roof, a major milestone in the state’s clean energy journey. Construction was completed at a home on Madison’s west side in September.
As the only certified installer of Solstice solar shingles in Wisconsin, Sun Vault Roofing is pioneering a new era of solar roofing that blends cutting-edge energy technology with superior finesse. Unlike conventional solar panels, Solstice shingles integrate directly into the roofline and attach directly to the roof deck, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic without compromising durability or design.
“Solar shingles create clean energy without the trade-offs of conventional panels,” said Jon Torre, co-owner of Sun Vault Roofing. “They maintain clean, modern aesthetics while preserving the integrity of the rooftop—every roofer’s top priority.”
Sun Vault Roofing’s first solar roof installation is just the beginning. The company is currently on track to complete several more solar roofing projects in Madison, Evansville, Sheboygan, Oconomowoc, and Cambridge by the end of the year. These installations will deliver over 52 kilowatts of solar capacity. The environmental benefit of planting roughly 1,200 trees across Wisconsin.
But the impact goes beyond energy output. Thanks to the integrated design of Solstice shingles, these projects will prevent drillign over 1,000 holes in customer rooftops, preserving the watertight integrity of each building’s roof and reducing long-term maintenance risks. For homeowners and business owners alike, this means cleaner installs, fewer leaks, and longer-lasting roofs.
Sun Vault Roofing’s mission is to reimagine the future of roofing by making solar smarter, more accessible, and more beautiful. By popularizing solar shingles, the company aims to drive down costs over time and increase accessibility, just as widespread adoption did for conventional panels in the past decade. This commitment to equity and innovation is central to Sun Vault Roofing’s vision for a more sustainable Wisconsin.
Explore the Future of Roofing
We invite fellow Chamber members and Madison residents to explore the benefits of our solar shingles. Whether you’re considering a roof replacement or looking to enhance your property’s energy efficiency, our team is here to assist.
