Kathryn’s Blog: In Awe of Art

My framer and great friend, Donna Heideman, and friend, pastel painter, Sally Hall, and I used to take the ride out to Paoli to visit the ‘Artisan Art Gallery’ often. Fantastic art and a great little restaurant was an ideal day out for us. It has taken some time for that gallery to get to it’s new home in Stoughton (with it’s new name), but it was well worth the wait! What Theresa Abel has accomplished is really a miracle. I’d shopped in that old antiques building by the railroad tracks for many years looking for old treasures. Theresa (pictured below) has found the real treasure by creating all that glorious space and newly exposed beams. I must mention too that she kept the original tobacco lift intact. It is as beautiful as all the great forms of art now gracing the huge building. Within a few months, the downstairs will offer studio space to artists to rent out at a very reasonable cost. I’m lucky enough to have my own studio but it’s a great deal for any artist that needs space to feel free to be ‘artsy.’
I’m aware that the Sundance Theater in Hilldale Mall has changed hands and is reinventing itself to be an AMC grouping, but back in 2007, when the Sundance Theater opened in Madison, I was blessed to be juried into that opening show event with my ink, metallic powders and cold-water dyes painting. It was called ‘Voyage.’ Along with me in that juried show were pastel artist, John Ribble, and oil painter, Chris Gargan. Both these local artists are represented at the Abel Contemporary Gallery. Nature artist, Jonathan Wilde, also a friend, oil painter and local artist, is on display as well. It’s wonderful and exciting to see such support for Wisconsin artists in such a classy place!
Theresa is not only kind, smart, & experienced in every aspect of running a fine art gallery, she is a gifted artist herself. I hope when you stop in to visit the Abel Contemporary Gallery (524 E. Main Street, Stoughton) you will be sure to ask to see her work! To connect with Abel Contemporary Gallery, click here.

Hear Kathryn Vaughn on Magic Sunday Mornings from 7AM to noon. Read more of her blogs here!