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Madison Public Library’s new Artist-in-Residence has big wishes for locals

Tap into your creative side with Maria Schirmer Devitt, the Artist-in-Residence with Madison Public Library’s Bubbler program.

608 bubbler wishing well

Maria Schirmer Devitt’s residency theme is “Wish Well/Well Wishing.” | Photo via City of Madison

Maria Schirmer Devitt is The Bubbler’s newest Artist-in-Residence this fall and winter season. Keep reading to learn more about The Bubbler and Devitt’s “Wishing Well/Well Wishes” residency.

The Bubbler

Madison Public Library launched The Bubbler a decade ago to create an artistic hub for local artists and residents alike.

Artists are contracted by Madison Public Library to facilitate free workshops, community events, and exhibitions at all nine of the library’s branches.

Past projects:

  • Utility Box Project | Bubbler artist Kim Charles Kay led creative workshops to spruce up some otherwise drab utility boxes in the city.
  • Mural Alley | Local teens joined forces with The Bubbler in order to create five murals at the Madison East Shopping Center.
  • Whoopensocker! | A Theatre LILA arts education program for elementary students.
mural alley

Find Mural Alley on the backside of the Madison East Shopping Center. | Photo by 608today

Meet the artist

Devitt will be on the ground floor of the Central Library through the end of the year exploring the ins and outs of what wishes are and how they can come true. Pro tip: Look for the life-sized wishing well.

The Madison artist has worked on a few local projects you may recognize — The Shoe at Vilas Park and “The First Step” mural at the Dane County Juvenile Detention Center.

    Check it out

    Open Studio | Thursdays | 5:30-7:30 p.m.
    Stop by with your own ideas, or help Devitt out with ongoing projects. Old-school typewriters are set up for visitors to write a wish that they can keep or leave for Devitt to use in a project.

    Make a Sweet Something | Sunday, Dec. 10 | 1:30-3:30 p.m.
    The best gifts are handmade. Create something sweet for someone sweet in your life just in time for the holidays.

    Wishing Deck for the New Year | Friday, Dec. 29 | 1-4 p.m.
    Adults will create a mixed-media wishing deck to set intentions for 2024.

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