Friday, February 11, 2011

Tonight, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art hosts a night of art and music. Guests can participate in short tours focusing on exhibitions, the architecture of the museum, and behind-the-scenes areas of the building, and enjoy refreshments in the lobby. There is a small charge for non-members and members get in free. This is at the Museum, 227 State Street, from 6:30 to 9. Check mmoca.org for details.

Tomorrow, the Phoenix Forum presents a discussion "Lincoln's Legacy: How Can We Retrieve American Democracy?" This is at Orient House Restaurant, 626 South Park Street, at 11:30. Call 442-8399 for more information.

Tomorrow evening, the Department of Art at the UW hosts opening receptions for first year M.F.A. Graduate students. The exhibition will feature the work of over 30 M.F.A. graduate students who work in various art mediums including painting, printmaking, sculpture, glass, wood and photography. These events are free and open to the public. They are at the Art Lofts Building on North Frances Street, and the 7th Floor Gallery at the Humanities Building, 455 North Park Street, both from 5 to 8. Check art.wisc.edu for more details.

Tomorrow night, Neighborhood House holds Operation Welcome Benefit Dinner. The dinner is to celebrate their community work of the past year, and the work they will continue to do together. This features soul food, live music, silent auction, and raffle awards. There is a suggested admission. This is at Neighborhood House, 29 South Mills Street, from 6 to 9. Go to brownpapertickets.com for tickets.

Tomorrow night, there is an opening reception for “Abandon All Ships: An exhibition of works by Alice O’Neill and Tyanna Buie”. The works explore the complexities of human emotion and desire. It is composed of highly process-oriented prints including Photographic elements, Collage, Chine Collé, Serigraphy, Monoprints, Cyanotypes, and Vandyke prints. Alice O'Neill is a UW MFA candidate and Tyanna Buie is UW Alumni. This is at Common Wealth Gallery, 100 South Baldwin Street, from 7:30 to 9:30. Check tyannajbuie.com and aliceoneill.com for more of their work.

Sunday morning, Madison Hours hold its monthly Pancake Breakfast. All pancakes are organic and vegan with nuts or fruits. The breakfast also features oven-roasted potatoes, organic fair trade coffee, orange juice, and live music. Madison HOURS promotes local trade through local currency. This is at the Wilmar Center, 953 Jenifer Street from 8:30 to 11. Check madisonhours.org for more details.