Everyday places in Darbo-Worthington turned into points of connection through art
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Image credit: Jennifer Bastian
This fall, Madison-based artist and community organizer Jennie Bastian (she/her) invites neighbors and visitors alike to experience THE SUN WILL FIND US, a temporary public art project unfolding in and around Thurber Park in the Darbo-Worthington neighborhood.
At the heart of the project are 13 hand-sewn banners, each featuring a section of a longer poem written by Bastian. The banners are installed across 10 outdoor locations throughout the neighborhood. These banners transform familiar, everyday places into points of reflection, connection, and care.
Image credit: Jennifer Bastian
“My time at this artist residency has deepened my commitment to creating work that is outward-facing, publicly-engaged, and often made in collaboration with others,” Bastian said.
The project is the result of months of collaboration with local residents who contributed in meaningful ways such as donating bed sheets, cutting and sewing fabric squares, hosting banners on their homes and in their yards, and even helping with installation.
Image credit: Jennifer Bastian
The community in our physical vicinity is the community we have to rely on to keep safe, to make change, and to lean on in a crisis. How do we connect to them more at a time when we are increasingly isolated from each other? This project is one way to explore that question.
Jennifer Bastian, Thurber Park Artist-in-Residence
This work is listed as a participant in the Terrain Exhibitions, a national grassroots public art festival that brings artists and neighbors together in neighborhoods across the world. Bastian’s first banner was created for the Terrain Biennial in 2021, and she is again connecting with Terrain to expand the viewership and community that is able to engage with this year’s work.
Image credit: Jennifer Bastian
Local visitors are encouraged to explore all 10 sites. Each location features a colorful box offering free takeaway packets that include:
- A map of all banner locations
- The full poem THE SUN WILL FIND US
- A curated book list inspired by the project (all titles available through Madison Public Library)
Banners can be found at the following locations:
- 200 block of Oak St (Secret second banner visible from Reger Park!)
- 2900 block of Union St
- 3000 block of James St
- 100 block of Powers Ave
- Corner of Memphis Ave & St. Paul Ave
- 3325 Thurber Ave
- 400 block of Memphis Ave
- 500 block of Rethke Ave
- St. Paul Community Garden
- Corner of Memphis Ave & Thurber Ave
If you would like to share the work on social media, please use the hashtag #TheSunWillFindUs and tag @jenniebeee and @madisonbubbler.
Join the Celebration
The project will culminate in a community gathering and closing ritual on Sunday, November 9, from 2:00 – 5:00pm at Thurber Park. All are welcome to honor the stories, objects, and connections shared during this project. The banners will remain on display through November 15, 2025.
About the Artist
Bastian’s work blends photography, fiber, candle-making, and storytelling with a strong focus on accessibility and care. Throughout the residency, she is engaging the neighborhood with hands-on opportunities to make, reflect, and gather. Participants might write letters to loved ones who have passed, help build a temporary altar, or add a unique assemblage to the community grief garland. Her residency will continue through Fall 2026.
About the Thurber Park Artist Residency
The Thurber Park Artist Residency is a collaborative effort between the Madison Arts Commission and The Bubbler at Madison Public Library. It provides artists with a dedicated studio space, a multi-year residency, and opportunities for the artist to engage with the public and local organizations.
About the Madison Arts Commission
The Madison Arts Commission (MAC) is an 11-member citizen commission appointed by the mayor to advise the City of Madison about matters of arts and culture. MAC’s mission is to foster arts appreciation by initiating partnerships, developing new audiences, and sponsoring diverse artistic activities by emerging and established artists and arts organizations while preserving Madison’s rich artistic tradition. To support a full creative life for all, The Madison Arts Commission commits to championing policies and practices of cultural equity that empower a just, inclusive, equitable city.
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.
About Madison Public Library
Madison Public Library’s tradition of promoting education, literacy, and community involvement has enriched the City of Madison for nearly 150 years. Nine locations throughout the City of Madison are open six days per week and welcome nearly 2 million visits each year. For more information, visit madisonpubliclibrary.org, or follow @MadisonPublicLibrary on Facebook and @madisonpubliclibrary on Instagram.
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