Madison Public Library Welcomes New Artist-in-Residence at Pinney Library
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Bernie Witzack of Bernie & Zuzu will be in-residence at Pinney Library through October 2023 offering open studio hours, workshops and more.
The Bubbler at Madison Public Library is welcoming a new Artist-in-Residence at Pinney Library. Bernie Witzack of Bernie & Zuzu is a local printmaker who specializes in unique, one-of-a-kind art, home goods, accessories and prints all done in bright, bold colors with playful shapes. Bernie will be in residence at Pinney Library through October 2023 and will host weekly open studio hours from 2-4PM on Thursdays.
Bernie’s open studio sessions will focus on color, shape, and mark-making in abstraction through the mediums of drawing, collage, printmaking and painting. Bernie will be in the studio from 12-2PM each Thursday to work on their own projects. Visitors are welcome to observe during that time, as well.
"My hope is that the joy I feel when creating comes through...and inspires tiny moments of happiness, joy and wonder," said Bernie.
Throughout the week, Bernie has also organized passive, color-filled projects for library visitors. The activity changes each week and people are invited to participate in it during open library hours, with or without the artist present.
“Bernie is bringing a lot of amazing color and energy to the Pinney Studio! I think library patrons are going to love getting to know Bernie and seeing the space change over time,” said Head Bubblerarian Trent Miller.
Aside from open studio hours, library visitors will have multiple opportunities to explore and learn alongside Bernie throughout the summer. An interactive workshop exploring different mediums is planned for each month of the residency. Registration is required for these workshops and space is limited.
Upcoming Events:
Open Studio Hours: Thursdays, 2-4PM April-October 2023.
Workshops:
Mixed Media & Abstract Drawing: Tuesday, April 25 | 6-8PM
Join us for a process-based class exploring abstraction through improvisational drawing. You will be led through a series of creative prompts that encourage flow and process-based art and mixed media exploration. No prior experience with art or drawing skills are needed.Supplies provided, simply bring your creativity. Intended audience is age 16-99 (older teens and adults). REGISTER
Block Printing: Tuesday, May 23 | 6-8PM
Come learn to block print! Block printing is an ancient process that is widely used today in both paper and fabric applications. In this workshop you will be led through the ideation process, carve your own soft-kut block, and learn how to print multiples on paper. Registration opens 2 weeks prior to the event.
Fabric-Dyeing Rainbow Flags (2-Day Workshop)
- Part I: Tuesday, June 6 | 6-7:45PM
- Part II: Wednesday, June 7 | 6-8PM
Screenprinting: Tuesday, July 11, 6-8PM
This event is intended for older teens and adults. Learn more about the process of screen-printing with Pinney Library’s Artist-in-Residence. Supplies provided; simply bring your creativity. More information coming soon. Registration opens 2 weeks prior to the event.
Passive Program: Projects rotate weekly and are available during open library hours throughout the residency. Pieces created by the community in the weekly open studio hours will inform and be included in a unique 3-D art installation at Pinney Library compiled by and complemented by the creativity of Bernie & Zuzu. It will be full of color, whimsy, and patterns with the goal to "make the world a little more rainbow".
Pinney Studio Collection: Library visitors are also invited to explore the Studio Collection, which is a special, curated collection of books and materials focused on art, creativity and making. Every artist-in-residence so far has contributed to the collection by recommending books and magazines, and it has grown to include 75+ items.
Learn more about the residency at madpl.org/bernieandzuzu.
This unique residency is made possible with a gift from Madison Public Library Foundation and the Friends of Pinney Library. Programming and internal support is provided by Madison Public Library and Bubbler staff.
About the Artist: Bernie & Zuzu
Bernie & Zuzu is named for Bernie Witzack and her cat Zuzu. Bernie studied Studio Art at Beloit College and has been making and exhibiting her art ever since. She earned an MFA in Fine Art from the University of Michigan, focusing on improvisational drawing and painting. She also studied graphic design at Madison College and was working as a graphic designer before leaving the field to focus on her art full time. She launched Bernie & Zuzu in 2021.
About the Bubbler at Madison Public Library
The Bubbler’s hands-on workshops, performances, and events introduce participants to a variety of local experts who share their talent and passion for art, design, and maker culture. For more information, visit madisonbubbler.org, Madison Bubbler on Facebook, or @madisonbubbler on Instagram.
About Madison Public Library
The Madison Public Library's tradition of promoting education, literacy, and community involvement has enriched the City of Madison for more than 145 years. All 9 library locations are currently open for in-person browsing, pickup-up of holds, computer service and in-person reference.
Links
-
announcing_pinney_artist-in-residence_press_release_2023.pdf - Upcoming Events in the Residency
- Artists Page on Bubbler Website
- First Workshop Registration
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