Artist finds beauty in everyday objects

A UW–Madison graduate, Tad Gloeckler’s studies in natural resources and landscape architecture took a turn when he began a woodworking class. This sense of transformation, in and out of the natural world, continues to define his work.

Now known as a multidisciplinary designer, artist and architect, Gloeckler often plays with the idea of looking past an object’s expected use. Two upcoming events, part of Gloeckler’s semester-long Arts Institute residency, challenge students and members of the community to engage with art and design on multiple levels.

Gloeckler will present his works in a discussion titled “Rethinking the Everyday” at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25. The talk, in conjunction with an exhibition of found-object sculpture, will take place in the lecture hall of the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA).

From 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26, Gloeckler will lead a free workshop at MMoCA on the meanings of everyday objects. The workshop is open to the first 20 people who preregister (before Friday, Feb. 18) and is appropriate for ages 16 and up.

To register, call 257-0158. Information on Gloeckler’s residency is available online or contact the Arts Institute at 263-9290 or by e-mail.