Local arts group thanks board for grant, says gallery, youth programs and plein-air event are drawing visitors

Kim Nyberg, speaking for The Spot (an arts organization in Madison), thanked the Jefferson County Board of Tourism for a grant and summarized programming and attendance figures.

"We nurture our creative community, and we bring opportunities for people to enjoy," Nyberg said. She said The Spot’s gallery hosted 756 attendees in the period since January, showcased 114 artists in seven months, and involved 92 children in a student art exhibit this year. She described recurring meetups and mentorship programming and said the organization will provide a final budget report for the grant to the board.

Nyberg also described a forthcoming September event: Madison will host a plein-air painters gathering expected to include about 55–60 visiting painters who will stay multiple nights and exhibit works during a wet-sale. Nyberg said the Spot and partners plan an art alley mural project between Bello’s Pizza and Taproom and other public-art installations.

Board members asked logistical questions about lodging and whether painters would stay in commercial lodging or with hosts. Nyberg said most visiting artists would use commercial lodging and campsites, and the organization is coordinating city locations and ticketing for events. Nyberg also noted that the board’s support is listed on event materials and that she will follow up with a written budget report.

What happens next: Nyberg will provide the board with a final grant report and budget breakdown; the board and local partners will coordinate lodging and promotional details in the run-up to the September event.