Carnelian Art Gallery to host art workshops starting Jan. 23

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CARNELIAN ART GALLERY
221 KING ST., SUITE 102
MADISON, WI 53703
CARNELIANART.COM

CONTACT: EMILIE HEIDEMANN
MARKETING DIRECTOR
EMAIL: EHEIDEMANNCAG@GMAIL.COM
PHONE: 920-763-6980

MADISON, Wisconsin, Jan. 3 – Carnelian Art Gallery, located at 221 King St., Suite 102, in downtown Madison, is pleased to announce that it will for the first time ever host art workshops starting on Thursday, Jan. 23, with a course in coffee painting.

“Our brand new roster of workshops represents a culmination of months of work researching how we as an art gallery can best serve our clients and the artists we host,” said Emilie Heidemann, Carnelian Art Gallery marketing director. “Visitors to and residents of downtown Madison deserve a space where they can learn about the many facets of art. We also wanted to find an additional way to support local artists besides selling their art in our gorgeous gallery space.”

“Carnelian Art Gallery is pleased to offer educational programming for the first time,” said Evan Bradbury, Carnelian Art Gallery owner and acrylic painter. “We wanted these workshops to be fun, engaging and accessible. There’s something for everyone.”

Here is the gallery’s educational programming schedule as it stands:
• “Learn How to Paint With Coffee” from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23, with art instructor Chele Ramos
• “Intro to Oil Painting” from 6-9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28, with art instructor Kim Strittmater
• “Websites for Artists” from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30 with instructor Julie Raasch
• “Watercolor Painting for Beginngers” from 6-8:30 p.m. from Tuesday, Feb. 4, to Thursday, Feb. 6 with Ramos

Chele Ramos is a self taught portrait artist raised in Madison, Wisconsin. She has been painting since 2016 and teaching for a couple of years. Ramos works with a variety of mediums such as watercolor, oils, acrylics, graphite, charcoal, pastels, and coffee.

Kim Strittmater is an artist living on the Wisconsin River. She finds inspiration in the natural world around her. She is fortunate to be near ancient land that has been carved by glaciers and is surrounded by healing waters, which she often goes to for grounding and reflection. Her style of

painting blends the fluidity and emotion of impressionism with the detail and accuracy of realism.

Julie Raasch is a Madison jewelry artist and photographer. She has always been a creative person, loving art and making since she was a child. Julie studied anthropology and biology in college, but after graduation realized she enjoyed creating the covers and making the graphics and diagrams for the papers she turned in more than writing them. With that in mind she returned to school to study graphic design.

After graduation, Raasch worked for years as a graphic and web designer. She designed for real estate agents, for Brava Magazine, several small businesses, and at UW-Madison. Raasch has also designed and built websites for several arts organization and artists. She is versed in various web platforms. Raasch has been a working artist since 2012 so she is well versed in what makes a good artist website.

Classes will take place inside Carnelian Art Gallery’s open studio space, which is in the back of the building after you walk through the gallery.

Private rentals

In addition, Carnelian Art Gallery is now offering up its gallery and open studio space for private rentals.

Organizations and businesses are now able to rent out both spaces for private events like fundraisers, or art classes of their own.

“Renting out Carnelian Art Gallery for a private event offers a dynamic and inspiring experience,” Bradbury said. “Event attendees may network and socialize while viewing the beautiful fine art that adorns our walls.”

For more information about class pricing, event rental pricing, square footage of the gallery and open studio space, capacity limits, parking, and more, please reach out to Emilie Heidemann or visit our website at carnelianart.com.

M3 Promotes Alicia Kiser to Executive Vice President of Human Resources

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For Media Inquiries:
Angela Joyce, Director of Communications
M3 Insurance
Phone: 608.229.6409
Email: angela.joyce@m3ins.com

M3 Promotes Alicia Kiser to Executive Vice President of Human Resources

Milwaukee, WI – M3 Insurance is proud to announce the promotion of Alicia Kiser to Executive Vice President of Human Resources. Kiser, who has been a valued member of the M3 team since 2011, will assume an expanded leadership role, joining the company’s Executive Operating Committee.

Alicia Kiser’s career at M3 began over a decade ago where she has consistently demonstrated excellence and dedication to M3’s mission, progressing through roles including HR Business Partner, HR Manager, HR Director, and most recently, Vice President of Human Resources—a position she earned in 2020.

Kiser holds both a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wisconsin. She is also a shareholder of M3, reflecting her commitment and impact within the organization.

In her new role as Executive Vice President of Human Resources, Kiser will contribute to shaping M3’s strategic direction at the highest level. Her visionary leadership, business acumen, and collaborative approach will play an integral role in driving M3’s continued success and ensuring it remains a workplace of choice for top talent. Kiser will continue to lead M3’s HR strategy, ensuring M3’s most valuable resource—its people—thrive in an environment that supports growth and innovation.

“Alicia has been instrumental in fostering a culture that prioritizes people and innovation,” said Mike Moore, Chief Operating Officer, and Partner at M3. “Her promotion to Executive Vice President is a recognition of her exceptional leadership and the tremendous impact she has had on M3. We are excited to see her bring her vision and expertise to the Executive Operating Committee as we work to achieve our strategic goals.”

For more information about Alicia Kiser and her role at M3 Insurance, visit her digital portfolio.

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About M3
M3 is a top insurance broker and risk management firm in America. We’re leaders in the products we represent and the industries we serve. M3’s people are an extension of your team, providing world-class resources to help you manage risk, purchase insurance, and provide employee benefits. And our focus on community builds better places to live and work. For more information on M3, visit www.m3ins.com.

Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm Opens a New Office in Eau Claire

Eau Claire, WI – Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm is excited to announce the opening of its newest office location in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. This expansion marks a significant step in the firm’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional legal representation to individuals and families across the state.

Located in the heart of Eau Claire, off West Madison Street, the new office will allow Pemberton to better serve clients in the area who are seeking dedicated and compassionate legal support for personal injury matters. The firm’s attorneys specialize in handling cases like motor vehicle accidents, nursing home abuse, and wrongful death, ensuring justice for those who have suffered due to negligence.

With a proven track record of successful outcomes and a reputation for personalized service, the team at Pemberton is proud to bring their skills to a new region.

“The opening of our Eau Claire office represents a milestone in our mission to make high-quality legal representation accessible to every corner of Wisconsin”, said CEO and Founder, William Pemberton. “We’re not just expanding our footprint; we’re deepening our commitment to the communities we serve by ensuring that individuals and families facing challenging times have the support, advocacy, and care they deserve.”

The Eau Claire office will begin accepting clients on January 1st, 2025. The team invites the community to learn more about the firm’s services on their website: pembertonpi.com.

For more information, contact:

Moses Ehlers
Marketing Director
Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm
608.448.6242
moses@pembertonpi.com
Pembertonpi.com

Wisconsin Union: Rap Duo Smif-N-Wessun Joins Black Box Sessions Hip-Hop Series, Replaces Feb. 13 Performance By th1rt3en

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 30, 2024

Contact Information:
Shauna Breneman, Public Relations and Communications Officer, Wisconsin Union
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 262-8862

READ RELEASE ONLINE: union.wisc.edu/about/news/smifnwessun

RAP DUO SMIF-N-WESSUN JOINS BLACK BOX SESSIONS HIP-HOP SERIES, REPLACES FEB.13 PERFORMANCE BY TH1RT3EN

MADISON – Rap duo Smif-N-Wessun, comprised of artists Tek and Steele, will bring its popular lyrical style to the Play Circle Theater on Feb. 13, 2025, at 8 p.m., as part of the Wisconsin Union Theater’s (WUT’s) performing arts series, the Black Box Sessions. This event replaces the previously scheduled performance by th1rt3en.

As Smif-N-Wessun celebrates 30 years of shaping the underground hip-hop scene, its Feb. 13 performance promises a blend of anticipated new material and previous projects. The Smif-N-Wessun artists released their first album “Dah Shinin’” on Jan. 10, 1995, and will release the title track and the first single off their new album, “Infinity,” on Jan. 10, 2025.

The rap duo draws inspiration from lived experiences growing up and coming up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant and Brownsville neighborhoods. Smif-N-Wessun infuses soulful beats, jazz and reggae into its hip-hop music-making. Some of the themes listeners will hear in its candid storytelling include disenfranchisement, resilience, and empowerment.

“This, and all of the Black Box Sessions, is a chance to experience hip-hop steeped in the history and context of the performing arts,” said Kate Schwartz, Black Box Sessions curator, Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee programming advisor, and WUT artist services manager. “Smif-N-Wessun is an example of the heart within hardcore hip-hop, and its energy and unfiltered storytelling transcend many elements of the medium.” 

The WUT team designed the Black Box Sessions series, which is in its debut year, intentionally as intimate, club-style performances that occur in WUT’s black box theater, the Play Circle. This year’s lineup aims to honor groundbreaking underground and popular hip-hop. Additional Black Box Sessions events include Marlowe on Jan. 30, 2025, and Blackway on March 6, 2025.

A rescheduled date for th1rt3en is being explored but is not available at this time. The team will provide WUT season schedule updates at union.wisc.edu/theater. Patrons, who purchased tickets to attend the th1rt3en event, can use their tickets to attend the Smif-N-Wessun performance.

The WUT team invites patrons to celebrate 30 years of Smif-N-Wessun and its history-making music on Feb. 13. Smif-N-Wessun performance and ticket information is available here.

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About the Wisconsin Union Theater

For more than 80 years, the Wisconsin Union Theater has served as a center for cultural activity in the heart of the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. The Theater hosts performances in multiple locations, including Memorial Union, and has an extensive history of remarkable performances. The Wisconsin Union Theater is committed to social justice and works to create an equitable, diverse, and inclusive place for all who engage with the Theater’s programming, events, and activities. The Wisconsin Union Theater is part of the Wisconsin Union, a membership organization that blends study and leisure to create unique out-of-classroom opportunities. Learn more: union.wisc.edu/wisconsin-union-theater.

About the Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee

The Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee is part of the Wisconsin Union’s leadership development program for UW–Madison students and supports the Wisconsin Union Theater’s mission of serving students through the performing arts. By helping to program the Theater’s annual season of performing arts presentations, the students learn about program curation, relationship-building, marketing, communications, budgeting, and production. Learn more: union.wisc.edu/get-involved/wud/performing-arts.

Thrill Factory Entertainment Set to Open in Madison

Madison, WI – The wait is nearly over! Thrill Factory, one of Wisconsin’s largest family entertainment centers, will open its doors this New Years Eve at East Towne Mall, bringing over 50,000 square feet of non-stop fun and excitement for all ages. Featured on the hit tv show, Shark Tank, Thrill Factory received deal offers from THREE of the famous sharks! This massive facility will offer a diverse range of attractions and activities designed to deliver unforgettable experiences for everyone from families to corporate groups. 

Thrill Factory will feature a 12-lane bowling alley, with four lanes located in a VIP section, ideal for hosting private events and birthday parties. The center will also offer HyperBowling, a modern twist on traditional bowling that adds an extra layer of interactive fun.

In addition to bowling, Thrill Factory will be home to:

• State-of-the-Art Laser Tag Arena: Step into a futuristic, adrenaline-pumping laser tag experience, complete with special effects and multi-level gameplay.

• Escape Rooms: Get ready to crack codes, solve puzzles, and test your wits in a variety of fully immersive themed escape rooms.

• Arcade and Redemption Center: Thrill Factory’s arcade will feature the latest games, and players can redeem their winnings for fantastic prizes at the redemption center.

• Mini Golf Course: A creatively themed mini golf experience that’s perfect for family fun or a friendly competition with friends.

• Wizard’s Adventure: A magical quest for guests of all ages! Embark on an interactive journey to complete enchanted tasks and challenges.

• Zombie Town Shooting Gallery: Prepare to be scared! Our haunted walk-through attraction will feature terrifying animatronics, special effects, and an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers.

• Restaurant and Bar: Take a break from the action and refuel at our full-service restaurant. We offer a wide variety of delicious options for everyone. For those seeking a more unique experience, we have a tiki bar, perfect for tropical vibes and island-inspired drinks. Our adults-only section comes with the added fun of a dumbwaiter, delivering food and drinks directly to guests from the bar below. Additionally, we feature one more themed bar within the center—styled like a lively pirate bar.

“We’re excited to create an all-in-one entertainment destination here in Madison,” said Guy Kitchell, founder of Thrill Factory. “From laser tag and escape rooms to our mini golf course and VIP bowling lanes, we’ve designed this facility to cater to guests of all ages and interests.”

Thrill Factory is also preparing for a wide range of private events, birthday parties, and corporate gatherings, with flexible packages available to suit different group sizes and needs.

Grand Opening Event – December 31, 2024

Thrill Factory will kick off with a grand opening celebration, offering special promotions, giveaways, and an exclusive first look at its incredible attractions.

About Thrill Factory

Located in East Towne Mall, next to Dick’s Sporting Goods, Thrill Factory Entertainment is Madison’s newest family fun center, offering laser tag, bowling, arcade games, escape rooms, mini golf, and more across its 50,000-square-foot facility. Designed to provide memorable experiences for guests of all ages, Thrill Factory is the go-to destination for family outings, corporate events, and parties.

For more information, visit www.thrillfactoryentertainment.com

For media inquiries, please contact:
Bryan Born
Sales & Events Manager
Thrill Factory Entertainment 
(608) 285-5584 Ext: 3bryan@thrillfactoryentertainment.com