Owen Connor
Beth Racette: Combining community and creativity in Overture Galleries
June 27, 2025
After 27 years of shaping Madison’s arts landscape, Beth Racette retired from her role as director of Overture Galleries in 2024. In this short video, we visit Beth in her Eastside Madison studio as she reflects on her artistic journey and career at Overture Center.
As director, Beth helped establish Overture Galleries as a welcoming and accessible space for visual artists to grow and connect with a wide audience. Free and open to the public, the Galleries feature rotating exhibitions in four gallery spaces, with at least half of the artists featured in Galleries I, II and III coming from the local community. Thanks to Beth’s leadership, Overture Galleries have become an essential part of Madison’s creative ecosystem—offering both visibility for artists and inspiration for visitors from all walks of life.
Galleries Photos
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Artist reception for "Roots, Our Foundation" in the Playhouse Gallery, winter 2023. -
Beth Racette's work (far right) shown in the Playhouse Gallery's "Democracy" exhibit in Spring 2023. -
Beth Racette with artist Heather Rasmussen during installation in Gallery I's "Burning at Both Ends," fall 2023. -
Fiber Arts Community Workshop in January 2023 with the Madison Contemporary Fiber Artists. -
Patrons in Gallery I viewing artwork by Lisa Frank. -
Artist Joe Landis presenting his work at the Spring Galleries reception on Rotunda Stage in March 2024. -
Attendees at the "Her Art" reception in Rotunda Gallery, Fall 2024. Photo by Beth Skogen.
