An artistic tour of Union South
Union South is truly a special place. Along with the innovative design of the building itself, a myriad of local artistry, generous donations, and student dedication helped bring artistic touches to every corner of the building. The Union’s many works of art and the stories behind them could fill a book, but below we highlight just a few of the most prominent installations and the people that made them happen. A recurring naturalistic...
Recap of Union South opening weekend
Grand opening video filmed and edited by Capture House Video. The huge orange ribbon waited patiently until just noon on April 15. In a rush, it was cut multiple times and more than 2,000 students, faculty, staff, and Union members hurried in to discover the wonder that is the new Union South. Without exception, jaws dropped as guests moved quickly throughout the building, exploring every nook and cranny they could reach. Exclamations...
Isthmus Jazz Fest has many new offerings
This year’s Isthmus Jazz Festival, June 3-4 at the Memorial Union Terrace, will feature many artists never before seen on the Isthmus Jazz Festival stage. New to the festival this year is Grupo Candela, a twelve member Latin group featuring utterly danceable rhythms. In addition to Salsa music, the band also plays Merengue, Bachata and Cumbia. The group recently performed for the grand opening of Union South, in conjunction with...
Jeremy Denk brings wit and humor to the piano
If a hum drum normal article on pianist Jeremy Denk was needed, it might read something like this: “Jeremy Denk has recently become one of the most acclaimed American pianists of our day. He has won numerous awards- -the Juilliard Piano Debut Award and the Avery Fisher Career Grant to name a few. He has appeared as a soloist with Philadelphia Orchestra, the St. Louis Symphony, the Houston Symphony, the San Francisco Symphony, the...
You’re invited to the grand opening!
In 1904, University of Wisconsin President Charles Van Hise articulated his vision of a Union building to provide for “the communal life of instructors and students in work, in play and in student relations. Over a hundred years later, the Wisconsin Union is only days away from opening a campus landmark that is ready for the 21st century. For months now, a group of students and staff at the Union have been meeting to put...
Art collection donation brings one Union story full circle
When Larry Neckar stopped outside the Porter Butts gallery in the Memorial Union, he didn’t expect to see his brother’s name anywhere in the gallery, much less on a plaque as the first winner of the Porter Butts Creative Arts Award. Neckar decided to contact the Wisconsin Union Art Collection manager, Robin Schmoldt, to see if the Union would like a piece of his brother’s artwork, titled “Space Blooms,” to add to...