‘Impact!’ exhibition celebrates 20 years of art at Overture Center

Like a ripple in a pond: one idea or moment sparks something new and sets off a chain reaction of inspiration. For two decades, Overture has been a hub where art doesn’t just exist—it interacts, evolves and influences. This year, with our winter Playhouse exhibition we celebrate just that.  

“Impact” is defined as one object encountering another, the perfect description for how one act moves a second, one experience shapes the next and one artwork inspires another. Curated by Stephanie Barenz and Megan Landon, “Impact!” brings together artists who reflect on the intersections between artistic forms and the community. Viewers of the exhibition are encouraged to reflect on a vital question: How do the arts influence one another, and what role does a cultural hub like Overture Center play in this dynamic interplay? 

“The arts have always thrived on connection,” Barenz says in the curatorial statement. “Overture Center has served as a nexus for creative collaboration, dissolving boundaries between disciplines.”  

This idea is embodied in works exploring themes of inspiration, transformation and community. 

Currently, the Playhouse Gallery is filled with pieces that are both inspiring and inspired. From portraits to abstract works, textile to ceramic, the exhibition offers a range of styles and opportunities to find connection. Curated from inspirations like Andy Warhol, Wassily Kandinsky and Georgia O'Keeffe, the show celebrates the synergies that arise when art forms converge. 

Jennifer Angelo’s fiber artworks evoke a musical experience, a symphony of strings and woodwinds, while Vina Yang’s paintings have a flow reminiscent of ballet. 

Beth Racette’s piece, a layered homage to Overture Center, features maps of Madison and the world overlaid on a colorful web of interconnections, with Overture at the center. The round frame is made from the same maple wood used throughout the building and theaters. 

Sara Risley created vibrant kaleidoscopic pieces inspired by the rotunda oculus and the building’s historic architecture. GG of Green Goodies Studio painted 12 portraits of Overture staff members—those passionate supporters behind the work done here—while Chele Ramos’s portraits include artisans like GG herself! Mark Visor captures the nostalgic dreaminess of State Street and Overture Hall. Together, these works all reflect the enduring connection between artist, audience and environment. 

A highlight of the exhibition is a collection of paintings created during Overture Center’s 20th-anniversary celebration earlier this fall. Five artists from Madison's Atwood Atelier painted live on the stage of Overture Hall, interacting with guests. Each artist brought their own distinctive voice, responding to the architecture, history and energy of the evening. Some captured iconic details of Overture’s venues, referencing the Capitol Theater’s historic wallpaper and drapery, or drawing inspiration from the modern design of Overture Hall. Others focused on the community’s interactions and vibrancy, painting figures and moments from the celebration itself. 

In many ways, “Impact!” is more than an exhibition—it’s a dialogue. Over the past 20 years, Overture Center has been a meeting place for artists, audiences and ideas. Its role as a multidisciplinary space has inspired countless collaborations. The works in “Impact!” celebrate the diversity and unity of the Madison arts community. 

As Overture Center moves into its next decade, “Impact!" serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of the arts. Visit the exhibit, celebrate the artists and join the conversation about the evolving role of the arts in Madison. Together, we can ensure that Overture Center continues to inspire and connect for years to come. 

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