The Association of Wisconsin Artists (AWA) is pleased to announce that the 2026 Wisconsin Regional Art Program (WRAP) State Art Exhibit has been installed and is now on display at the Pyle Center on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus.
The exhibit, located at the Pyle Center, will be open to the public August 6 through September 26, 2026, during the building's regular business hours of 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Pyle Center is located at 702 Langdon Street, Madison, Wisconsin.
The annual WRAP State Art Exhibit showcases nearly 200 outstanding works selected from regional WRAP exhibits held throughout Wisconsin. The exhibit celebrates the creativity, skill, and dedication of Wisconsin's talented nonprofessional artists. The main WRAP exhibit is located on the main level of the Pyle Center. Artwork from the WRAP-Teen program is displayed on the second and third floors, WRAP-Kid artwork is featured on the second floor, and the Tiny Treasures exhibit and fundraiser is located on the third floor.
“Jurying an exhibition is a slow process, bringing me close to each work and to the artist who made it,” said Katherine Steichen Rosing, juror for the 2026 Wisconsin Regional Art Program (WRAP) State Art Exhibit. “In selecting awards, I look for work with a unique voice, ideally paired with skilled use of materials and technique, but it’s the voice I look for first—the personal connection the artist has with their subject. Sharing a thoughtful perspective on the world, whether it’s a view of a rugged hike, a battle between swans, or a humorous portrait of a dog reminiscent of a 19th-century French portrait, offers the viewer a fresh vision to live with in our daily lives. In a state like Wisconsin, where funding for the arts is desperately low—we rank 48th in the country per capita—organizations like the Association of Wisconsin Artists keep the arts alive across our beautiful state, enriching the lives of artists, their families, and friends.”
The exhibit culminates with the AWA State Conference and Awards Reception on Saturday, September 26, featuring nationally recognized watercolor artist Joye Moon and exhibit juror Katherine Steichen Rosing.
WRAP (Wisconsin Regional Art Program), administered by the Association of Wisconsin Artists, has encouraged artistic growth and lifelong learning for Wisconsin artists for more than 80 years. Through regional workshops, exhibits, and constructive critiques by professional artists, WRAP provides opportunities for nonprofessional artists of all experience levels to develop their skills and share their work with the public. The annual State Art Exhibit also features artwork from participants in the WRAP-Teen and WRAP-Kid programs, encouraging and recognizing the creative achievements of young Wisconsin artists. Visitors can also enjoy Tiny Treasures, AWA's annual fundraiser and a unique exhibit and competition featuring small, original works of art. Now celebrating its 17th year, proceeds from Tiny Treasures are reinvested into AWA programs, educational opportunities, and the communities the organization serves. Together, these programs foster artistic growth and provide meaningful exhibition opportunities for youth and adults throughout Wisconsin.
Each year, WRAP brings artists together through regional exhibits and workshops held in communities across Wisconsin. Current regional exhibits take place in Antigo, Beloit, Cambridge, Fond du Lac, Germantown, Janesville, Madison, Madison-East, Monroe, Oshkosh, Rhinelander, Richland Center, Waukesha/Oconomowoc, Waunakee, Wausau, Wautoma, Whitewater, and through a statewide virtual exhibit, providing artists of all ages with opportunities to exhibit their work, receive professional critiques, and continue their artistic growth.
The Association of Wisconsin Artists gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the Wisconsin Arts Board, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Fond du Lac Area Foundation. AWA also extends its sincere appreciation to the dedicated volunteers who make WRAP possible, including the WRAP, WRAP-Teen, and WRAP-Kid Regional Coordinators, the AWA Board of Directors, participating artists, judges, donors, sponsors, and the many organizations and individuals whose contributions of time, expertise, and financial support, including award sponsorships, help sustain the WRAP program and State Conference year after year.
AWA also extends special thanks to photographer Eric Tadsen, whose annual photography of the State Art Exhibit preserves each selected artwork in the official exhibition catalog. His work helps document and celebrate the accomplishments of Wisconsin artists while creating a lasting record of each year's exhibit.
Visitors are invited to experience this inspiring exhibition celebrating the creativity and artistic achievements of Wisconsin artists.
For more information about the Association of Wisconsin Artists and WRAP, visit https://wiscartists.wildapricot.org/ or email president@wiscartists.org.
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