Carnelian Art Gallery Announces Four New Solo Shows

MADISON, WI – 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 Schmirer to put this artist talk together,” said Emilie Heidemann, Carnelian Art Gallery marketing director. “I can’t imagine a more timely theme.”

About each artist

Davis grew up in the mountains of Wyoming, and has painted natural ephemera for decades. Her recent work celebrates the desert and her connection to it. The earthy tones, pops of vibrant color and layered texture offers dynamic harmony. As a nature-based artist, Davis is interested in the rhythm of the land- light and shadow, line and form, pattern and color. Davis attempts to capture the natural cadence, flow, and life of the desert through movement, and emotional tone. She currently resides in southwestern New Mexico.

Soderling was born in Madison, Wisconsin. He attended University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where he earned undergraduate degrees in art and biology. Soderling then moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where he attended the Maryland Institute College of Art. Those three years in Baltimore really cemented his interest in art and his need to be a painter. New Hampshire would be Soderling’s subsequent home for five years where he received his graduate degree from the University of New Hampshire. During graduate school, Soderling traveled to Italy to explore his passion for painting outside. He continued painting outdoors when he returned to New Hampshire, re-creating scenes of water bodies and mountains, among other things. Now, and for the past 10 years, Soderling has been painting in and around Madison. The Capitol, lakes, ponds, bridges and streets are all part of his visual language. This visual language is backed up by mark making, color, composition and light. The formal elements are stressed in his painting to give the viewer a feeling of place and season.

Schirmer is a social practice artist based in Madison, Wisconsin. Her work, grounded in printmaking, letter press and book arts, embodies collaborative, participatory creative processes, and is driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of storytelling, collective imagination and the possibility of healing. Schmirer works predominantly with youth in the court system and uses art as a medium for dialogue; witnessing grief in tandem with a yearning for a world of possibility, connection and change. She earned her graduate degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee specializing in trauma-informed care and will be attending the University of Alabama in the fall to earn a graduate degree in book arts. 

Waddell grew up in Columbus, Wisconsin. He now lives and works in Madison as a collage artist. He did not start taking his art practice seriously until after college, and works on the same easel he bought at a Goodwill 17 years ago. When not making art, Waddell enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Elizabeth, and their two dogs.

“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.”

Madison Night Market Celebrates Madison Sports

Showcase of 50+ Local Businesses, 100+ Unique Vendors, Live Music and Food Trucks

DOWNTOWN MADISON, WI – Madison’s Central Business Improvement District (BID) welcomes the entire community to the return of the expanded Madison Night Market on June 12, from 5-9 p.m. Last year’s expansion onto N. Carroll and W. Mifflin Streets on Capitol Square is back, along with State Street and Gilman Street, showcasing more local artisans and food vendors in the heart of Madison’s fast-growing downtown district.

Celebrating Madison Sports!

Get ready to meet some of Madison’s favorite mascots at the Madison Night Market! Forward Madison FC’s “Strut” and the Madison Mallards’ “Maynard” will be on-site bringing the energy and handing out goodies to eager fans. Plus, the Madison Nightmares women’s softball team will be there repping the city’s newest sports sensation. Come snap a selfie, score some goodies, and show your hometown pride. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind chance to hang with your favorite local teams!

Madison is known for great shopping, amazing food and a talented arts scene, and the Madison Night Market brings our urban experience together in celebration. Vendors and State Street retailers combine to showcase handmade products, local art, artisan gifts, artisanal foods, and fresh produce. The event includes live music, special visiting food carts, and pop-up restaurant experiences.

NEW: Family Activity Zone

Fun for the whole family! Where State Street meets Capitol Square, you’ll find the Madison Night Market Family Activity Zone, filled with a rotating slate of family-friendly activities to keep kids (and their grown-ups!) engaged and entertained. Stay tuned for a new batch of activities for each market in 2025. The June 12 market will feature:

• Madison Mallards, Forward Madison & Madison Nightmares

Layer on your hometown sports gear and head down to the market to meet your favorite teams. Participate in pop-up activities with Forward Madison and the Madison Mallards on the Capitol Lawn and find your favorite teams’ mascots roaming the market. Fun for the whole family!

• Madison School & Community Recreation Mobile Programs

Visit Play on the Go and the mobile Art Cart for kid-friendly activities that channel your child’s creativity and imagination.

Live music lineup

Peace Park Music Stage – 452 State Street

5:00 – 6:30pm – Mona Augustin
7 – 9pm – Kat & the Hurricane

Capitol Square @ State Street

5:00-9:00 p.m. – Eric De Los Santos

200 Block of State

5:00-7:00 p.m. – Wendy Lynn Marcus

Frances Street Plaza

6:00 p.m. – Becca Murray

The most up-to-date market details, including vendors and participating businesses, can be found here: https://madisonnightmarket.com

Follow along on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/madisonnightmarket/

And on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/madisonnightmarket/

Stay up to date on ALL downtown events here: https://visitdowntownmadison.com/events/

The Madison Night Market is brought to you by Madison’s Central Business Improvement District and the City of Madison. Special thanks to our generous sponsors: Madison Gas & Electric, Steve Brown Apartments, Bubbl’r, Henry Vilas Zoo and Findorff.

ABOUT MADISON’S CENTRAL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID)

The BID represents more than 370 businesses and 250 property owners. It is dedicated to supporting the economic vitality, safety and vibrancy of downtown Madison. We serve the greater State Street, Capitol Square and First Settlement district, working collaboratively with property owners, small businesses and city stakeholders to make downtown Madison the best place to shop, dine, work, live and explore. As a special assessment district, we provide important services, including marketing, public programming, small business support and storefront advocacy to ensure a thriving downtown.

Image Credits: Beth Skogen Photography

Agrace Offers New ‘Learning to Live with Dementia’ Education Series

MADISON, Wis. — Agrace knows that caring for a loved one with dementia can be both rewarding and challenging, and that caregivers often find themselves searching for guidance and help. To support any person providing care or navigating this journey, Agrace is offering Learning to Live with Dementia,a comprehensive education series.

The Learning to Live with Dementia education series consists of eight classes taught by experienced Agrace staff who have experience caring for people with dementia and by experts from the community. These sessions provide valuable insights into the unique needs of individuals living with dementia and offer caregivers a space to learn, ask questions and connect with others who share similar experiences.

Classes are $20 each and take place at Agrace, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, or online using Microsoft Teams. In July, Agrace is offering these classes:

• “Legal and Financial Decisions” – July 1, 11 a.m.
• “Facility Support when You Need It” – July 17, 12 p.m.
• “Living at Home with Dementia” – July 26, 12 p.m.

Whether you’re new to caregiving or have been supporting a loved one for years, these classes will help you navigate legal and financial planning, options for facility care and strategies to help individuals who are living alone with dementia. You do not need to be receiving Agrace services to attend—these classes are open to any caregiver looking for guidance and support.

Attend all eight classes for $100 or register for an individual class for $20. To register, visit Agrace.org/Dementia. For questions, contact DementiaSupport@Agrace.org or call (608) 276-4660.

Founded in 1978, Agrace is a nonprofit, community-supported health care organization dedicated to providing high-quality care and support to people who are aging, seriously ill, dying or grieving. With offices in Madison, Wauwatosa, Watertown, Janesville, Baraboo and Dodgeville, Agrace serves more than 1,700 patients and clients across southern Wisconsin every day.

Pellitteri Waste Systems: Three Generations of Growth

This article was sourced from Waste Advantage Magazine. you can read the full story on their website here.

The Pellitteri tradition of service began more than 85 years ago in Madison, WI, when Tom Pellitteri’s father, Tony, and his uncles used a borrowed truck to deliver coal and haul away garbage for merchants on Madison’s Capitol Square. Steady business and a strong dedication to customer service ensured the growth of the business to a point at which the Pellitteri brothers purchased their own trucks and built a respected reputation in the disposal business. Pellitteri was the first company to bring mechanized packer trucks and automated container systems to Madison to reduce the “back-breaking” lifting of 55-gallon drums and GI garbage pails. Tony continued to operate the business, Tony Pellitteri Trucking Service, until his death in 1968, after which it was sold to a national trucking company, SCA Waste Services.

In 1979, Tom Pellitteri and his wife, Michele, founded Pellitteri Waste Systems, Inc., which has become a comprehensive waste disposal and recycling business. They built their business on the principle of always looking for a better way to meet the needs of their customers. Today, the third generation of the Pellitteri family oversees the business’s day-to-day operations and long-term planning.

Currently serving 44 communities and more than 80,000 households, as well as thousands of commercial accounts, Pellitteri Waste Systems provides waste and recycling collection, specialty recycling services, onsite confidential data destruction and single-stream recycling processing to commercial, industrial and residential customers throughout Southern Wisconsin.

In 2024, the company sorted more than 77,500 tons of mixed recycling at its local MRF, recycled almost 27,000 tons of specialty recyclables from manufacturers and industrial customers, hauled over 6,500 tons of construction materials to be recycled and shredded and recycled more than 1,400 tons of confidential data.

With roughly 170 employees, 110 trucks in their fleet (with CNG vehicles added to the fleet in 2015, and maintenance facilities expanded internally to accommodate the servicing and maintenance of CNG trucks), a materials recovery facility (MRF) and an industrial recycling facility, Pellitteri Waste Systems continues the family business’s tradition of service.

Growth Strategies
In late 2020, one of Pellitteri’s largest competitors acquired another competitor in its area, and the company saw a large increase in customers looking to switch to its services, but trucks, parts, containers and employees were all hard to find on short notice. Fortunately, Pellitteri had built strong relationships with its vendors and had access to everything they needed to bring on the new business growth.

“Our vendor partners were right beside us, working with us to prioritize our needs because they knew we weren’t just there for today and wouldn’t walk away tomorrow,” explains President David Pellitteri. “We’ve always looked at our vendors as valued business partners with whom we work hard to develop strong relationships. We shed off vendors we feel are not valuing partnerships and replace them with vendors who take the time to understand our needs and help us fulfill them in the short and long term. Between 2021 and 2024, our revenues increased by 68 percent. We work hard to earn our new customer accounts one at a time, and our vendors helped to provide what we needed to support our growth.”

A recent situation exemplified how having good business partnerships is crucial to long-term growth and success. David explained that he always recommends that communities that go out to RFP give haulers six to nine months to get the equipment, trucks and communications lined up for a smooth hauler transition.

“This is essential to the success of the transition to deliver on our mission,” he says. “Our families live in these communities. We want to hear great feedback when we meet someone at a kid’s sporting event that they love the new collection program, not how spotty the service was at first, or that the cart delivery got screwed up. However, in early December, we received a call from a community that was on the fringe of our service area and wasn’t on our radar. They had awarded a new curbside contract to a hauler starting a couple of weeks later, but the hauler had just backed out. They heard about our good reputation from other communities in the area so they reached out and asked if we could start servicing their community of 1,000+ homes, spread out over 30 square miles, starting January 1st. Our cart manufacturer, Cascade Carts, was able to remove all the prior hauler’s carts and install our carts before the first service in January. In situations like these, strong vendor partnerships show their true value above a couple of pennies in pricing. Now, we will have a customer for a minimum of 10 years. As an extra kicker, business owners involved with the community are seeing how well we were able to handle the issue and are asking us to service their commercial businesses.”

Facing Challenges
Over the years, labor challenges have limited the ownership team’s ability to spend time growing the business. For much of the organization’s history, the team struggled to find experienced drivers because pay and benefits were not keeping up with the market.

“It took us a while to understand how big this issue was and how it cost us more than we thought,” says David. “Around 2015, we systematically began increasing our pay and benefits package by adding or upgrading a new program each year. By 2021, we felt we had a top-tier package that could compete with any private trucking company and the local government CDL-level jobs. As part of the plan, we put a truck replacement program in place to keep our fleet fresh and provide the trucks experienced drivers would want to drive. We also remodeled our headquarters to provide a more professional environment and help attract new sales and administrative talent. Our employee count has increased by 50 percent in the past four years, and we are hiring experienced, well-qualified drivers from both our industry and other hauling industries.”

Working safely is one of the company’s core values. Pellitteri has weekly safety meetings with all employees and bi-weekly management safety meetings to review any recent safety issues or concerns.

“Over the past 18 months, we have revamped and updated our new driver training program and also added more safety reward programs to ensure we are emphasizing and encouraging employee safety, each and every day,” says Operations Vice President Drew Cochrane.

Pellitteri Waste Systems says battery fires currently pose the greatest industry challenge and risk to its trucks, recycling facilities, and workers. Other recycling facilities continue to experience catastrophic damage from fires that are believed to have begun by rechargeable and lithium-ion batteries. The number of fires will continue to grow if these batteries are disposed of by traditional methods.

“I serve on a number of committees that are working to create a safe and easily accessible infrastructure for battery disposal in Wisconsin to ensure the batteries are not put in the normal waste stream,” says David. “There are answers and solutions available, and we will learn best practices as other states also try different disposal methods.” In the meantime, the company has been running paid campaigns on social media channels to educate the public on proper battery disposal.

Working Efficiently
Not only did Pellitteri Waste Systems open a new Data Destruction Division in 2002 to protect customers’ confidential information, but the company was also proud to be the first Wisconsin data destruction service provider certified by the National Association for Information Destruction.

In 2012, Pellitteri Waste Systems added a BHS single-stream MRF in Madison. For many years, the third generation of Pellitteris traveled around the country attending the NWRA Chairman’s Council tours and learning about MRFs, as well as connecting with other industry leaders to learn how to build, design and run an MRF. Since the build-out of the MRF, the company has had two major upgrades. The first upgrade added robotics and a glass cleanup program. The second upgrade added additional opticals, more robots and AI technology.

All of the communities they serve now have expanded single-stream recycling collection so residents and businesses can co-mingle and recycle more materials than what is required by Wisconsin law. Recyclables are sorted, baled and shipped to manufacturers to be made into new products. Items that are acceptable for recycling at the MRF beyond what is required by state law include:

• Paper cups (hot and cold)
• Cartons
• Metal pots and pans
• Shredded paper in clear plastic bags (smaller than a basketball)
• Small metal appliances like toasters and blenders (smaller than a basketball)
• Small metal plumbing fixtures, faucet, valves and short pipe
• Aluminum foil
• Pizza boxes

In 2021, Pellitteri Waste Systems created a new Recycling Solutions Division to provide specialized recycling services for manufacturing companies. Operating in a facility between Madison and Milwaukee, the division has expanded the scope of materials that can be recycled for industrial and manufacturing customers.

“Diverting materials from the landfill and finding reuse/recycling options has always been a priority for the company. By offering more specialized recycling services to higher volume waste generators who can source separate their materials upfront instead of intermingling them, it opens up more marketability of the materials for reuse,” says David. Organizations with large volumes of pre-and post-consumer paper, plastics, cardboard, metals and other materials can benefit from a customized recycling plan to save money and reduce waste. The company also accepts stretch film/clear bags, electronic waste, ingredient bags and wood and plastic pallets. They also host e-waste events and refer communities they serve to their local Clean Sweep for household hazardous waste.

Educational Outreach
Pellitteri Waste Systems has developed several educational resources over the years to help customers and communities become better recyclers and divert more unnecessary waste from the landfill.

“We created more than two dozen short recycling tips videos that can be found on our website and have been promoted through paid YouTube and social media campaigns, and we regularly publish recycling tips on our social media channels,” says Vice President of Sales and Marketing Danielle Pellitteri.

In fact, their seven-minute video showing how recyclables are sorted at their MRF is shared with many organizations and schools and shown on MRF tours. In addition, they are featured in a great educational video for kids called “Becoming Stewards of Recycling,” and their mobile app and website include a Recycle Right Search Tool, allowing users to verify if items can be recycled.

“We are proud that our company has been recognized for its educational outreach by several organizations. In 2023, Pellitteri Waste Systems received the Recycling Excellence Award from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Outstanding Achievement in Education Award from the Associated Recyclers of Wisconsin and the Business Friend of the Environment Award from Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce,” comments Danielle.

“The response to our investments in recycling education programming has been great,” notes Marketing Coordinator Joleen Engeseth. “We’ve always received a lot of questions about recycling and our availability for in-person presentations. Building up our digital resources in recent years has helped us to reach and educate a much larger number of people, making access to recycling education easy and fun while better using staff time.”

Giving Back
The company also supports many local fundraising events and charitable causes, such as fire/police departments, youth sports teams, non-profit organizations and community festivals, providing monetary support as well as in-kind service donations.

“Additionally, last year Pellitteri Waste Systems supported 84 local community programs and raised thousands of dollars for food pantries in Southern Wisconsin as part of its ThanksGIVING Back employee fundraising effort,” says Vice President of Information Technology Tim Pellitteri.

“Giving back to the community is extremely important at Pellitteri Waste Systems,” adds Tim. “In fact, it is part of our mission statement—foster an environment which benefits our team, clients and community. This isn’t just lip service; our families and employees live in the communities we serve, so we want to do our part to strengthen our communities.”

Future Success
Pellitteri’s ownership team believes the company’s most outstanding achievement to date is transitioning ownership from one generation to the next while honoring its mission and core values.

“We continue to prepare for our children, the next generation, to have an opportunity to become equal partners in the future,” says David. “We’ve evolved from a strong mom-and-pop hauling business to a professional organization providing waste and recycling collection, recycling processing, expanded specialty recycling and onsite confidential data destruction services to commercial, industrial and residential customers throughout Southern Wisconsin.”

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For more information, visit www.pellitteri.com.
To see their MRF in action, visit www.pellitteri.com/mrf.
To see the list of acceptable recyclable items, visit www.pellitteri.com/residential-recycling and www.pellitteri.com/industrial-recycling.

RMHC-Madison and Rogers Behavioral Health Collaborate to Bring Home-Like Support to Families’ Health Journey

RMHC-Madison and Rogers Behavioral Health Collaborate to Bring Home-Like Support to Families’ Health Journey 

Madison, WI — Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison and Rogers Behavioral Health are proud to announce a new collaboration that will provide daytime access to the Ronald McDonald House for families whose children are receiving treatment at Rogers’ Madison clinic.

This collaboration expands RMHC-Madison’s mission of keeping families close by offering a welcoming and supportive environment for caregivers and siblings during the day while their child is receiving mental health treatment. Families can now enjoy a restful space filled with the comforts of home, including access to nourishing meals, laundry facilities, play areas for siblings and quiet spaces to recharge while their child is in care.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rogers families into our House during the day,” said Stephanie Hayden, CEO of RMHC-Madison. “Navigating a child’s health journey, either physical or mental, can be overwhelming. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment by both organizations to support the whole family during a child’s medical journey — recognizing that healing happens best when families are cared for, too.”

Day-use families will be welcomed by RMHC-Madison’s caring staff and volunteers and have full access to the House’s communal amenities from morning through late afternoon. This service is offered at no cost to families thanks to the generosity of RMHC-Madison donors and partners.

“At Rogers, we believe in the power of family involvement in the healing process,” said Cindy Meyer, president and CEO of Rogers Behavioral Health. “This collaboration with RMHC-Madison helps ease the emotional and practical burdens on parents and caregivers while their children receive vital treatment. Having a space to rest and recharge makes a meaningful difference in the whole family’s recovery journey.”

For more information on how RMHC-Madison strengthens families and promotes healing, please visit rmhcmadison.org. For more information on Rogers’ life-saving services, visit rogersbh.org.

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About Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison: Since 1993, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison has provided a continuum of care for those who live hours or even a plane ride from their child’s treatment. By offering housing, meals and a supportive community, RMHC-Madison is Keeping Families Close during life’s most challenging moments.

Through the Ronald McDonald House® and the Ronald McDonald Family Room® at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, families can stay close during life’s most challenging moments and receive the care they need.

About Rogers Behavioral Health
Rogers Behavioral Health is a nationally recognized not-for-profit provider of mental health and addiction services. Rogers offers evidence-based treatment for adults, children and adolescents with depression and other mood disorders, eating disorders, addiction, OCD, anxiety disorders, trauma and PTSD. In addition to locations in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Washington, Rogers operates three inpatient behavioral health hospitals, 17 residential programs and nine centers offering PHP and IOP treatment in Wisconsin. Outpatient services for medication management and psychiatric evaluations are offered virtually and in-person in Wisconsin.

The System also includes the Ladish Co. Foundation Center, home to Rogers Research Center and the Ronald McDonald Family Room®. In addition, Rogers leads the nationwide WISE coalition with the goal of eliminating stigma related to mental health and substance use disorders. Learn more at rogersbh.org.