With the help of Bubbler artists and community partnerships, Our Town Everywhere artists began facilitating portrait making sessions for all ages throughout Madison in Fall 2022. Utilizing a set of custom, artist-created stamps of basic shapes and textures, participants were asked to connect and reflect on who they are in order to create a unique piece of art. Although everyone used the exact same tools, each portrait became one-of-a-kind. Participants then had their photo taken alongside their portrait and exchanged it for a risograph trade print of another Madisonian.

Over the last year and a half, we have facilitated more than 62 sessions with community organization, resulting in 1,100+ portraits created at library locations and outreach spaces. This exhibition captures the various facets of this dynamic project. The self portraits currently on display were created by a range of Madisonians and represent just a fraction of our vibrant participants.

We believe public libraries create endless opportunities for belonging, connection, and resource sharing. We are delighted that this project was able to help spark moments of connection, reflection, and joy within our community.