Spring Gallery Night, Madison's semi-annual celebration of the visual arts organized by the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, returns this Friday, May 2, from 5 to 9 p.m., with a record-breaking 58 venues participating. (Curiously, the University of Wisconsin's Chazen Museum of Art, which has two striking shows of circus art on display)  is not participating this time.)

Art and craft lovers can enjoy an evening filled with grand openings, benefits, free dance lessons, discounts on purchases and new works of art on display across the city. The evening offers a unique opportunity to meet artists and view their latest works.

Gallery Night exhibition spaces include museums, galleries, coffee shops and - especially this year - other businesses and alternative art venues in east, west and central areas of the city.

The printed guide to Gallery Night, with details about offerings and locations, is available free of charge at participating establishments. A map and list of Gallery Night participants will also be available in the May 1 edition of Isthmus and online at www.mmoca.org.

Highlights of Spring 2008 Gallery Night include:

"¢ A double opening of the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra's fundraising "Art of Note" show of art violins at Grace Chosy Gallery, 1825, Monroe St. (see photo at below right) and the dual show "Human/Nature" with new paintings by area artists Randall Berndt and Charles Munch (see photo at top left) will be featured.

"¢ The Curved Artists U-Haul Gallery will drive its exhibition to three locations.

"¢ Bungalow 1227 will donate 10 percent of its profits to the YWCA.

"¢ Douglas Art and Frame will exhibit portraits dating from the 1800s to the present.

"¢ Steep & Brew Gallery will present live Tango performances.

"¢ Anthology will showcase made-in-Madison paper creations.

"¢ Madison School & Community Recreation will provide Art Cart activities for children.

"¢ MMoCA will host blues music by Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo on the rooftop (weather permitting).

"¢ An Artful Affair, which includes art by more than 50 Dane County artists, will celebrate Older Americans Month at the Madison Senior Center.

"¢ Fine Earth Studio & Gallery will celebrate the grand opening of its new pottery-teaching studio and gallery on Regent Street.

"¢ Mary Kay Baum's photographs of southwestern Wisconsin, which she takes to alleviate her symptoms of Alzheimer's, will benefit the forMemory project.

"¢ Studio Paran will offer free letterpress broadsides to its first 100 visitors.

A complete list of Spring 2008 participating venues follows:

EAST

1. 2158 Atwood Healing/Art Collective, 2158 Atwood Ave. #102"“110 "¢ 332.2262 "¢ www.humnat.com

Resident artists and healers and their guests present photography, sculpture, jewelry, and other media, including objects inspired by natural and cultural heritage.

2. Absolutely Art, 2322 Atwood Ave. "¢ 249.9100 "¢ www.absolutelyartllc.com

Don't miss Short Stories, a Gloria Van Dixhorn exhibition featuring ceramic wall hangings and other unique ceramic sculptures. Stop by for food, drink, and merriment.

3. ARTSPACE Twenty-Two-Eleven, 2211 Atwood Ave. "¢ 241.8051

ARTSPACE Twenty-Two-Eleven, a working darkroom, frame shop, and exhibition space, features Alison E. Mader's original hand-colored photographs.

4. Azena Photography, 1935 Winnebago St. "¢ 245.2797

View an eclectic body of photographic work at Azena Photography's NEW space. Complimentary refreshments.

5. bad dog Frida, 2094 Atwood Ave. "¢ 442.6868 "¢ www.baddogfrida.com

Bad dog frida features really cool things for good dogs and their people. Meet artist Tisha Templin and see her bold acrylic dog portraits.

6. Black Earth Kiln Group/Quicksilver Pottery, 2138 Pennsylvania Ave. "¢ 244.5040

Come enjoy the Black Earth Kiln Group's latest works of functional and contemporary art at Quicksilver Pottery. Reception includes snacks and Lake Louie beer.

7. Body Conscious PILATESPA, 2045 Atwood Ave., Suite 107 "¢ 244.0402 "¢ www.pilatespa.com

Sinuous figures scratch their way up from the rugged depths of the Industrial. Metal Canvas, the art of Rich Matheson. Reception 6:30"“9 pm.

8. Bungalow 1227, 1227 E. Wilson St. "¢ 206.6584 "¢ www.bungalow1227.com

This new east side gallery presents wonderful local, regional, and international artists. Ten percent of the show's profit benefits the women of YWCA Third Street.

9. Bungalow Pros, 229 North St. "¢ 241.9243 "¢ www.bungalowpros.com

Bungalow Pros offers furnishings, handcrafted decorative goods, and design services inspired by historical styles. Join us to view works by selected local artists.

10. Cafe Zoma, 2326 Atwood Ave. "¢ 246.2009

Cafe Zoma will be displaying the paintings of Pat Leather.

11. Common Wealth Gallery, 100 S. Baldwin St. "¢ 256.6565 "¢ www.cwd.org

Artists Katarina Riesing and Robin Russo present multimedia works featuring sculpture, video, photography, and drawings exploring themes of landscape and identity.

12. Curved Artists, www.getcurved.com

Keep up with the Curved Artists' U-Haul Gallery as they roadshow-it to three different locations: 200 block N. Henry St. (5"“6 p.m.), 800/900 block E. Johnson (6:30"“7:30 p.m.), 100 S. Baldwin (8 p.m.).

13. Jean Thuerer at Glass Nickel Pizza, 2916 Atwood Ave. "¢ 245.0880

Works by Jean Thuerer include oils and pen/ink on paper. Subject matter varies, depending on whether one thinks from the inside out or the outside in.

14. Jackie Macaulay Gallery at Social Justice Center, 1202 Williamson St. "¢ 257.0143 "¢ www.socialjusticecenter.org

Mary Kay Baum shares photographs of southwestern Wisconsin. Photography alleviates her symptoms of Alzheimer's. Proceeds benefit forMemory, a program focusing on links between personal health and the health of the planet.

15. Lazy Jane's Cafe, 1358 Williamson St. "¢ 257.5263

Enjoy a glass of champagne and meet local artists and craftspeople while viewing unique prints, paintings, jewelry, and mixed-media dolls. Open 5"“9 pm.

16. Off-Center Studios, 2716 Atwood Ave. "¢ 249.0102 "¢ www.off-centerstudios.com

OC S features pottery by Anjee Sorge, May featured artist Todd Hafele, plus jewelry, woodwork, photographs, and original art of numerous local artists.

17. Radiant Glass, 100 S. Baldwin St., Suite 100 "¢ 628.9292 "¢ www.radiantglass.com

Radiant Glass has gone public! Ask us about glass-blowing classes and hot-glass studio rental time. Live glass-blowing demonstrations, 5"“9 pm.

18. Renee Glass Factory, 100 S. Baldwin St., Suite 100 "¢ 255.1000 "¢ www.reneeglass.com

Renee Glass Factory is an active fused-glass studio and gallery. Large and small free-hanging widow art and architectural pieces. Commissions welcomed.

19. Studio Paran, 2051 Winnebago St. "¢ 242.1111 "¢ www.studioparan.com

Opening tonight: Terrarium and Bell Jars. New work in the Tokonoma by Richard Jones. Free letterpress broadsides to first 100 visitors. Glassblowing demonstrations.

20. Tandem Press, 201 S. Dickinson St. "¢ 263.3437 "¢ www.tandempress.wisc.edu

Painter Sam Richardson will be working at Tandem during the week of Gallery Night. New works by Judy Pfaff, David Lynch, Suzanne Caporael, Robert Cottingham, and Sam Gilliam.

21. U-Frame-It Gallery, 857 E. Johnson St. "¢ 257.7717 "¢ www.uframeitmadison.com

Described as "elegantly whimsical," Jesse Walters' abstract, mixed-media paintings bring you into a realm of painterly rich colors and coded details.

22. Willy Street Co-op, 1221 Williamson St. "¢ 251.0884 "¢ www.willystreet.coop

Featuring Logu Ramasamy's current works in ink and metal on handmade paperboard. The artist's recent works focus on South Indian spirituality.

23. Winnebago Studios, 2046 Winnebago St. "¢ www.winnebagostudies.org

A dozen artists and three studios. Photography, pottery, painting, woodworking, and mixed-media, from outsiders to professional artists. Sales encouraged. Refreshments.

DOWNTOWN

24. A Room of One's Own, 307 W. Johnson St. "¢ 257.7888 "¢ www.roomofonesown.com

Mixed-media prints by Hilary Berg explore the whimsical and haunting imagery of nature and dreams, plus metal and stone jewelry by Rachel Rosenblum.

25. Anthology, 218 State St. "¢ 204.2644

Anthology features unique made-in-Madison creations by Laura, Sachi and Hirochika Komai, Mike and Natalie Bass, Naomi Richardson, Emily Kircher, Amber Roelfs, and Amy Swoboda.

26. Arts 4 All at the Madison Senior Center, 330 W. Mifflin St. "¢ 236.9577

Arts 4 All supports the creation, promotion, and sale of art. Gallery Night show and auction benefit the inclusion of people with disabilities in the creation of art.

27. Broden Gallery, Ltd., 218 N. Henry St. "¢ 256.6100

Opening night for Rural Life to Still Life, featuring realist paintings by Jay Paul Bell, Alan Sanborn, and George Gonzalez.

28. Context, 113 King St. "¢ 250.0113 "¢ www.contextclothing.com

Context is Madison's premiere men's clothing store. We have received distinctions from GQ and Details magazines as one of the country's best places for men to shop.

29. Epoch Vintage Clothing, 214 State St. "¢ 255.2385

Epoch is celebrating the grand opening of its new location! Come see our lovely new space, fantastic vintage treasures, and bespoke gift items. Wine & cheese reception.

30. Hyart Gallery, 133 W. Johnson St. "¢ 442.0562 "¢ www.hyartgallery.com

Browse a unique selection of one-of-kind fine art by critically acclaimed local, national, and international artists. Jewelry, metal, ceramics, glass, and photography.

31. Little Luxuries, Inc., 230 State St. "¢ 251.1995

Unusual gifts for life's special occasions, including birthdays, weddings, housewarmings, and anniversaries. Twenty percent off purchases during event with Gallery Night brochure.

32. Madison Children's Museum, 100 State St. "¢ 256.6445 "¢ www.madisonchildrensmuseum.org

Madison Children's Museum provides hands-on exhibits and programs that celebrate and encourage children's imaginations and offer learning through play.

33. Madison Senior Center, 330 W. Mifflin St. "¢ 266.6581 "¢ www.madisonseniorcenter.org

An Artful Affair includes art by more than 50 Dane County artists over the age of 55. This juried show celebrates Older Americans Month. Reception 5"“8 p.m.

34. Madison Museum of Contemporary Art & Museum Store, 227 State St. "¢ 257.0158 "¢ www.mmoca.org

Stop by MMoCA to see "Altered Geometry: Contemporary Sculpture from MMoCA's Collection" and "Making Visible the Invisible: Abstract Art from MMoCA's Permanent Collection." Blues music by Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo on the rooftop (weather permitting).

35. Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State St. "¢ 258.4961 "¢ www.overturecenter.com

Overture Galleries presents The Women of Madison Glass: Cultivating Movements in Glass, and proudly welcomes back UW-Madison's Fresh Hot Press, a group of student printmakers.

36. Sixteen Hands Studio, 104 King St. "¢ 219.0342

Several artists, including Linda Massey, Richard Springer, and Brian Strassburg, present works in oil, collage, and photography.

37. State Street Gallery, 109 State St. "¢ 819.0304 "¢ www.statestreetgallery.com

State Street Gallery, established in 2006 and located just off the Capitol Square, features original contemporary art, jewelry, and wines from around the world.

38. Steep & Brew Gallery, 544 State St. "¢ 256.2902 "¢ www.steepnbrew.com

Featuring photographs of the intense and passionate Argentine Tango by Paula White. Champagne, chocolate, wine, and cheese reception 6"“9 pm, with live Tango performances.

39. Wisconsin Academy's James Watrous Gallery, 201 State St., 3rd floor, Overture Center for the Arts "¢ 265.2500 "¢ www.wisconsinacademy.org

"Building a Visual Arts Legacy: The Wisconsin Visual Arts Lifetime Achievement Awards." Gallery talk by Graeme Reid, Assistant Director, Museum of Wisconsin Art, West Bend, at 6:30 p.m.

40. Wisconsin Union Galleries, 800 Langdon St., Room 507 "¢ 262.5969 "¢ www.union.wisc.edu/art

Opening receptions for MFA exhibitions by Katelyn Alain and Jon Fowler. The Wisconsin Union Galleries are student-curated, professional exhibition spaces in Memorial Union.

WEST

41. Bindley Collection Gallery, Hilldale Mall - 702 N. Midvale Blvd. "¢ 441.0505 "¢ www.bindleycollection.com

On display through May 30: fine jewelry by Ed Rubio-Arzate and Michele Friedman, Turtle Ridge Leather, and sculpture by Nana Schowalter, Don Esser and Ellis Nelson.

42. Bohemian Bauble, 404 W. Lakeside St. "¢ 333.2646 "¢ www.bohobauble.com

A funky little shop that sells handmade wares of seven local artists. Stop in for libations, appetizers, and 15 percent off your purchase.

43. Calabash Gifts & Home Accents, 2608 Monroe St. "¢ 233.2640

Art Jewelry - Basketry - Beadwork - Vases - Raku - Fine Art - Prints - Beautiful Wall Hangings - Tabletop Ceramics - Sculptures - Wood Carving Shona - Tablecloths - Cushions. Reception 5-9 p.m.

44. Century House, 3029 University Ave "¢ 233.4488 "¢ www.centuryhouseinc.com

Join us to view the ceramics of Prisca Benson Fittshur and Renee Schwaller, and to meet jeweler Sarah DeAngelo and painter/photographer Ann Singsass.

45. Chiripa, Artisan Crafts of the Americas, 636 S. Park St. "¢ 441.8808 "¢ www.chiripashop.com

View beautiful new products from Chiripa's latest trip to Mexico and meet the artists via photographs and stories. NEW: clay figures, pottery, rugs, and mirrors.

46. DiRicci Gallery at Edgewood College, 1000 Edgewood College Dr. "¢ 663.2800 "¢ www.art.edgewood.edu

Joshua Van Stippen's senior exhibition, "Endorphin," includes sculptural and ceramic works, April 27"“May 9. Join us on May 2 for a gallery talk and reception starting at 4:30 p.m.

47. Douglas Art and Frame, 3238 University Ave. "¢ 441.9948

Douglas Art and Frame presents an exhibit of portraits dating from the 1800's to the present.

48. Fine Earth Studio & Gallery, 2207 Regent St. "¢ 232.1744

Madison's newest pottery-teaching studio and gallery welcomes you to its GRAND OPENING, featuring demonstrations and a selection of functional local pottery and fine art.

49. Higher Fire Clay Studio, 2132 Regent St. "¢ 233.3050 "¢ www.higherfireclaystudio.com

The Art and Craft of Clay features work from twenty-eight artists including handmade tile, sculptures, and functional pottery.

50. Janet's Antiques Gallery, 3800 University Ave "¢ 238.3300 "¢ www.janetsantiques.com

Please join us at Janet's Antiques, in our second year of participation in MMoCA's Gallery Night, for wine, cheese, cookies, and interesting conversation. 7"“9 pm.

51. Janus Galleries, 2701 Monroe St. "¢ 233.2222 "¢ www.janusgalleries.com

Spring has sprung! Stop in to see works spanning three centuries, including oils from the U.S., Europe, Asia, and out-of-this-world paintings by Lois Silver.

52. Ma-Cha Teahouse and Gallery, 1934 Monroe St. "¢ 442.0500 "¢ www.machateahouse.com

Endangered Beauty features new work by Nina Bednarski. Reception from 5"“9 pm with music and refreshments.

53. Madison School & Community Recreation, 3802 Regent St. "¢ 204.3005 "¢ www.mscr.org

Enjoy free dance lessons, watch pottery wheel demonstrations, view works of art and meet artists. Art Cart activities for children.

54. Milward Farrell Fine Arts, 2701 Monroe St., Suite 200 "¢ 238.6501

Spring explodes with color! Stop by to see new works by resident artists, featuring glass, ceramics, paintings, prints, and a great selection of art and jewelry. Reception 6"“9 pm.

55. Monroe Street Framing, 1901 Monroe St. "¢ 255.7330 "¢ www.monroestreetframing.com

Photographs by Suzanne Mixter and Richard Quinney. Opening reception on May 2.

56. Orange Tree Imports, 1721 Monroe St. "¢ 255.8211 "¢ www.orangetreeimports.com

Voted "Madison's Best Specialty Shop" for over 25 years! Beautiful gifts and kitchenware for Mother's Day, graduations, and weddings.

57. Studio Jewelers, 1306 Regent St. "¢ 257.2627 "¢ www.studiojewelerswi.com

Studio Jewelers represents more than two dozen independent metal artists and small jewelry studios from around the world, as well as glass blower Audrey Handler.

58. unearthed, 2501 University Ave. "¢ 441.1993 "¢ www.unearthed.com

Featuring architectural and vintage finds as art for the home and garden, industrial antiques, and timeless objects. Compelling furnishings with urban styles.

So go see some art and then let Art Talk know what shows were stand-outs that you would recommend to others.