The Deliciouser: Businesses at Main Street Industries To Host Open House Saturdays

The Deliciouser and other local small businesses are teaming up and opening the doors to the Main St. Industries Building every Saturday starting on January 18th from 3-6 PM to the general public. This is a joint effort to showcase the local businesses housed at the former Greyhound Bus Station. People will be encouraged to walk the halls and tour the diverse business suites found there. If their door is open, walk on in. Owners and employees will be around to help with retail, answer questions, provide tours, and promote their businesses. The event is free to enter and open to the public.

The building is part of Commonwealth Development, a private non-profit that helps elevate communities and neighborhoods in the Madison Metro Area.

For more information, please contact:
Mayra Linares or BJ Lee at The Deliciouser
(608) 286-1226
mayra@thedeliciouser.com

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.

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.

Wisconsin Union: Winter Carnival, An Annual Madison Tradition for More Than 80 Years, Returns Feb. 6-9, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 12, 2024

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

Read release online: union.wisc.edu/about/news/wintercarnival2025 

WINTER CARNIVAL, AN ANNUAL MADISON TRADITION FOR MORE THAN 80 YEARS, RETURNS FEB. 6-9, 2025

MADISON – An annual tradition for more than 80 years, the nonprofit Wisconsin Union’s winter-themed event series Winter Carnival returns Feb. 6-9, 2025, with more than 30 events, including bringing Lady Liberty to Lake Mendota and a freestyle skiing and snowboarding competition.

The 2025 Winter Carnival series currently includes:

• Feb. 6
  • Horizontal Ice Climbing Race, hosted by the Hoofer Mountaineering Club
  • Snowfall – a Tetris Challenge, hosted by University Recreation & Wellbeing
  • Flannel Day $1 Cheese Curds, hosted by the Wisconsin Union
  • Open Ice Skating with Outdoor UW
  • Mario and Sonic at the Winter Olympic Games Tournament, hosted by University Recreation & Wellbeing
• Feb. 7
  • Learn to Ice Fish with the Wisconsin Fishing Team
  • Community Service Project: Pet Beds and Toys-Making, hosted by the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD)
  • Mindful Meditation and Wellness Goals, hosted by University Recreation & Wellbeing
  • Luminary-Making with the Hoofer Outing Club
  • Broomball, hosted by the Hoofer Outing Club
  • Lady Liberty on Lake Mendota, hosted by the Wisconsin Union
  • Connolly Classic Pond Hockey Tournament, hosted by University Recreation & Wellbeing
  • Open Ice Skate with Outdoor UW
  • Boy Bands Skate Night with Outdoor UW
  • Snow and S’mores with Outdoor UW
  • WUD Music Committee Free Concert: Johannes Wallmann with the Dennis Mitcheltree Quartet
  • Snow Ball with the Hoofer Sailing Club
• Feb. 8
  • Luminary-Lit Lake Walk with the Hoofer Outing Club
  • Lady Liberty on Lake Mendota, hosted by the Wisconsin Union
  • Cheerful Sock Snow People-Making, hosted by Wheelhouse Studios
  • Carriage Rides with the Hoofer Riding Club
  • Rail Jam, hosted by the Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club
  • Maple Taffy-Making with the WUD Cuisine Committee
  • Ice Diving Demonstration and Gear Try-On with the Hoofer Scuba Club
  • Wisconsin Union Chili Cook-Off
  • Connolly Classic Pond Hockey Tournament, hosted by University Recreation & Wellbeing
  • Broomball, hosted by the Hoofer Outing Club
  • Open Ice Skate with Outdoor UW
  • ‘70s and ‘80s Rock ‘n’ Roll Skate Night with Outdoor UW
  • WUD Music Committee Free Concert: Indie Folk Artist Hollow Bastion
  • Fireworks, hosted by the Wisconsin Union
  • ALPs Secret Agent Scavenger Hunt, hosted by University Recreation & Wellbeing
  • Frosty Fun in Alumni Park hosted by the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA)
• Feb. 9
  • Sledding with Hoofer Ambassadors

The Winter Carnival lineup celebrates all things Wisconsin winter with mostly free indoor and outdoor activities, including numerous family-friendly events.

The event lineup is subject to change, including due to weather conditions. Some events include age restrictions, participation restrictions, or registration.

“Winter Carnival brings the community and visitors together each year for classic and new winter fun, from candy-making in the snow to sledding,” Wisconsin Union Public Relations and Communications Officer Shauna Breneman said.

The Wisconsin Union team has hosted Winter Carnival for 85 years. The team works with UW–Madison student leaders and community partners, such as University Recreation & Wellbeing and WAA, to make Winter Carnival’s winter fun possible.

One beloved, annual Winter Carnival tradition brings a touch of New York to Madison: Lady Liberty on Lake Mendota; the Wisconsin Union team places an inflatable replica of the Statue of Liberty’s head, arm, and torch on frozen Lake Mendota.

This tradition traces its origins back to 1979, when University of Wisconsin–Madison alumni and Pail and Shovel Party leaders Leon Varjian and Jim Mallon ’79 turned a student government campaign promise into reality: to bring the Statue of Liberty to Madison. They fulfilled their promise with Styrofoam versions of the torch, hand and head on Lake Mendota. Those curious about this campus tradition and its more recent reimagining as an inflatable can read more details here.

While attending Winter Carnival, patrons can enjoy the Wisconsin Union’s heated nearby building Memorial Union, which offers indoor, year-round dining options. Purchases at Memorial Union and tax-deductible donations to the nonprofit Wisconsin Union help make the Union’s low-cost and free events, spaces and Wisconsin Union student leadership opportunities possible.

Winter Carnival patrons can visit union.wisc.edu/wintercarnival for the most up-to-date Carnival lineup.

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About the Wisconsin Union

The non-profit Wisconsin Union strives to enhance and support student leadership and community engagement, including through recreational, cultural, educational and social opportunities and by providing world-class support services, such as event management. The Wisconsin Union includes student leadership opportunities available through the Wisconsin Union Directorate, the Center for Leadership and Involvement, the Wisconsin Singers, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee; Memorial Union; Union South; various dining options throughout downtown Madison; UW Conference Centers; and the Fluno Center. Learn more about the Union and its tradition of providing experiences for a lifetime: union.wisc.edu.

Expanding a Long-Standing Collaboration: SupraNet and Overture Center for the Arts Announce Wi-Fi Provider Partnership

Madison, WI – December 12, 2024 – SupraNet Communications and Overture Center for the Arts are excited to announce a new phase in their partnership, with SupraNet becoming the official Wi-Fi provider for the entire Overture facility. Overture guests can access the Wi-Fi by connecting to the network named Overture Public WiFi.

Building on more than 15 years of collaboration, this latest development will enhance the guest experience for the thousands of visitors who attend performances, events, and exhibitions at Overture each year.

Since partnering with Overture in 2009, SupraNet has been instrumental in supporting the venue’s evolving digital needs. Beginning with colocation services, the partnership expanded in 2015 to include internet connectivity, and now, in 2024, SupraNet is providing an additional audience Wi-Fi network that is actively managed by SupraNet.

“SupraNet has been an invaluable partner in helping us evolve our digital infrastructure to meet the needs of a modern audience,” said Chris Vogel, Chief Financial and Business Officer at Overture Center for the Arts. “Today’s audiences expect fast, reliable internet access to enhance their experience—whether it’s sharing moments on social media, accessing show times and digital tickets, or simply staying connected. With SupraNet’s expertise, we’re able to provide the level of connectivity that our patrons expect.”

Overture Public Wi-Fi: Seamless Connectivity for Guests
The newly launched Overture Public WiFi network is now live and available to all guests. This Wi-Fi upgrade ensures that Overture patrons can stay connected from the moment they enter the venue.

To continually improve the Wi-Fi experience, visitors are encouraged to provide feedback by scanning QR codes located throughout the facility, which link to a short survey. Guests input will help ensure the highest quality service.

“We’ve enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Overture Center, and this next step reflects our shared commitment to providing exceptional experiences for visitors,” said Bryan Chan, Founder and CEO of SupraNet Communications. “The feedback we receive from patrons is essential as we work to ensure that our Wi-Fi meets the needs of all guests.”

A Continued Partnership
In addition to providing internet services, SupraNet has proudly supported Overture Center as a sponsor of several Broadway shows—including the upcoming production of “Shucked” in 2025—and the Overture Presents series. This partnership reflects SupraNet’s commitment to both the arts and the community, ensuring that visitors have a world-class digital experience alongside world-class performances.

Looking Ahead
The partnership between SupraNet and Overture Center represents a shared vision for the future—one that blends cutting-edge technology with the cultural vibrancy that Overture brings to Madison. By managing the venue’s Wi-Fi network and providing real-time audience insights, SupraNet is helping Overture continue to create extraordinary experiences for all who visit.

About SupraNet Communications
Celebrating 30 years of helping Everyone do more on the Internet. SupraNet delivers innovative, reliable solutions rooted in transparency, loyalty, gratitude, a problem-solving mindset, and our deep local connection to Madison.

About Overture Center for the Arts
Celebrating 20 years in Madison, Wis., Overture Center for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization that features seven state-of-the-art performance spaces and four galleries where national and international touring artists, nine resident companies and hundreds of local artists engage people in more than 500,000 educational and artistic experiences each year. Overture’s mission is to support and elevate our community’s creative culture, economy and quality of life through the arts. overture.org