MADISON, WI -- The Bubbler at Madison Public Library is welcoming a new Artist-in-Residence at Central Library for the fall. Maria Schirmer Devitt is a local artist who was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin and will be in-residence in the Bubbler Room on the ground floor of Central Library through December 2023. Schirmer Devitt’s residency is titled Wishing Well//Well Wishes.

“When we wish, we wish for something just out of reach of what seems possible. What would it take to make them come true?” questions Schirmer Devitt. “My goal with this residency is to create a space for wishing, where we can explore the magic that exists in the natural world, our community and in ourselves.”

Throughout the fall, visitors to the library are invited to stop into the Bubbler Room to share a wish on the old-school typewriter. This is an ongoing offering available anytime the library is open, and participants can take their wish with them, leave it behind for Maria to integrate it into an upcoming project, or throw it into a life-size wishing well! Schirmer Devitt worked with Lower Astronomy Studios to create a wishing well that will be in the Bubbler Room starting in mid-October.

Schirmer Devitt’s art practice is centered around printmaking, collage and sculpture and there are multiple opportunities to interact with her throughout the residency, including open studio hours and workshops.

Open Studio Hours:
Thursdays, October 12 - December 7, 2023, 5:30-7:30pm | Bubbler Room at Central Library
(No open studio on Oct 19, Nov 2 or 23)
During open studio hours, community members are welcome to drop-in and interact with the artist, who will be present and offering projects for people to participate in. No registration is required for these programs.
The Bubbler Room is open to the public whenever the Central Library is open. It is closed to the public only temporarily for any scheduled workshops and/or community partner site visits.

Workshops:
Wish on a Stick
Sunday, October 15, 1:30-3:30pm | Bubbler Room at Central Library
What would it take for your wishes to come true? If you were going to make a wish-granting instrument, what would it be? Drop in for a sculpture and collage session where you will be encouraged to use recycled materials to create something that’s not yet been made. Hot glue will be a component of these creations, so younger participants may need assistance from an adult. All ages are welcome; no registration required.

Make a Sweet Something
Sunday, December 10, 1:30-3:30pm | Bubbler Room at Central Library
Create a gift for someone special — a teacher, your neighbor, a loved one, or yourself —as the year draws to a close. There will be a few options for gift-making projects offered during this workshop. All ages welcome; registration required. Please register for each member of your group. REGISTER. *Registration opens two weeks prior to the event.

Wishing Deck for the New Year
Friday, December 29, 1-4pm | Bubbler Room at Central Library

• What do you envision for your year ahead?
• How will you set intentions and capture the wishes you embody?
• How will you stay on your intended path and recenter when life takes you off course?

Join the artist-in-residence in creating a wishing deck for the new year. Using mixed media and print-making experimentation, Maria will lead participants through creating a deck of cards that is unique to the maker and filled with symbolism, reflection, and purpose. REGISTER. *Registration opens two weeks prior to the event.

Residencies at Central Library are supported by the Evjue Foundation, Madison Arts Commission, and Scooter Software.

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
Madison Public Library’s tradition of promoting education, literacy and community involvement has enriched the City of Madison for more than 145 years. Visit the library online at www.madisonpubliclibrary.org, madisonpubliclibrary on Facebook, @madisonlibrary on Twitter, or @madisonpubliclibrary on Instagram.