The Association of Wisconsin Artists (AWA) celebrated Wisconsin artists, students, art organizations and supporters during the 2026 AWA WRAP State Conference and Awards Ceremonies on Saturday, September 26, at the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St., Madison.
The annual State Conference brought artists together for a full day of education, fellowship and celebration. Attendees enjoyed a continental breakfast, presentations by speakers Joye Moon and Katherine Steichen Rosing, a box lunch and the opportunity to connect with fellow artists from throughout Wisconsin.
AWA WRAP has encouraged artistic growth and lifelong learning for more than 80 years. Through regional workshops, exhibits, and encouraging feedback by professional artists, WRAP gives nonprofessional artists of all experience levels opportunities to develop their skills and share their work. Its program welcomes artists at every stage of life, from young people in WRAP-Kid and WRAP-Teen to adults.
WRAP serves communities across Wisconsin through regional exhibits and workshops in Antigo, Beloit, Cambridge, Fond du Lac, Germantown, Janesville, Madison, Madison-East, Monroe, Oshkosh, Rhinelander, Richland Center, Waukesha/Oconomowoc, Waunakee, Wausau, Wautoma, and Whitewater, as well as statewide virtual exhibit. The annual State Exhibit also features work by WRAP-Kid and WRAP-Teen participants (please see website for locations). Visitors can enjoy Tiny Treasures, AWA’s annual small-art exhibit and fundraiser, now in its 17th year; proceeds support AWA programs, educational opportunities, and the communities it serves.
The conference also featured the annual awards ceremonies recognizing outstanding artwork entered in the AWA WRAP State Exhibit, as well as service to the arts and accomplishments by young artists participating in the WRAP program.
For AWA artist and longtime WRAP participant Jan Wood of Muskego, attending the State Exhibit has become an annual tradition.
“I look forward to the AWA State Exhibit every year. I’ve been attending for 16 years, since 2010, and one of my favorite parts is reconnecting with artist friends I’ve made over the years. I feel like I’m coming home to my neighborhood. I love seeing all of the artwork, it’s truly a building full of artistic goodness. This is something I look forward to every year, and I believe it’s the only program of its kind in the United States. I’ve also been really pleased with how the WRAP program has evolved under the current management. It has been wonderful to see the program continue to grow and improve.”
— Jan Wood, Muskego, Wisconsin, AWA artist and longtime WRAP participant
The 2026 AWA WRAP State Exhibit recognized the following artists with special awards:
The conference also recognized individuals and organizations whose support helps strengthen the arts and AWA’s WRAP program:
WRAP-Teen Awards
The WRAP-Teen Awards recognized three young artists:
Additional WRAP-Teen awards included:
The Association of Wisconsin Artists extends its appreciation to the Wisconsin Arts Board, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Fond du Lac Area Foundation for their support of the arts and programs that provide opportunities for Wisconsin artists.
Special thanks to the AWA Board of Directors for their leadership, dedication and work throughout the year, as well as the many volunteers, sponsors, participating organizations, artists, students and supporters who helped make the 2026 WRAP State Conference and State Exhibit possible.
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