Mary Bero (American, b. 1949)

Mary Bero was born in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. In the 1970’s she studied textiles at the University of Wisconsin however she is untrained in drawing. Her work focuses on the psychology of existence. She uses stitched fabric and paper to explore issues of the self in relation to primal emotions. Pain, loneliness, and fear are all familiar elements of her work. Her primitive style makes these emotions instantly recognizable. The vivid colors and density of Bero’s compositions gives them a heightened sense of intensity. Similarly, the small scale of her work brings the viewer into intimate contact with her psyche.

Dennis Nechvatal

Dennis Nechvatal makes strong and powerful images whether it is a meticulous landscape, still-life or a network of metal masks. At first primitive in feel, they bid closer viewing and slowly convert into sophisticated reinventions of the natural world. The artist's Offerings series feature abundant floral bouquets lush with delicate brushstrokes. With over a dozen museum exhibitions under his belt including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Corcoran Gallery in DC, the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Indianapolis Center for Contemporary Art, Dennis Nechvatal is truly one of Wisconsin's top artists working today.