“Creating for a Cause” Sees Another Year of Success

Middleton Outreach Ministry Holds Third Annual Art Fair, Celebrates Community

by Sarah Useche, age 16 and Ali Khan, age 18

Bringing together over 60 local artists, Middleton Outreach Ministry (MOM) hosted its third annual “Creating for a Cause” art fair earlier this month.

MOM is dedicated to preventing hunger and ending homelessness. In keeping with this goal, its annual art fair is held at its food pantry on Parmenter Street in Middleton. At least 20% of the fair’s proceeds—garnered from items like colored pencil portraits, fused and stained glasswork, and ceramic pottery—benefit the community.

This year, Simpson Street Free Press student reporters enjoyed attending the fair and speaking with its coordinators and artists. According to MOM Special Events Coordinator Elaine Bogen, most of the participating artists choose to give 100 percent of their earnings from the fair back to the community. Many also gave generous personal donations.

Jan Fulwiler, MOM volunteer and a “Creating for a Cause” coordinator, indicated that the annual art fair is one of Madison’s most successful. Artists come back year after year to participate in the fair. In fact, over 10 artists were actually turned away from this year’s fair, Fulwiler said.

The youngest artists present at the fair were middle school age children from the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County’s Beading Club. These students get together after school on Mondays to design and create beaded jewelry. We perused their fascinating array of holiday earrings, decorative bracelets, and other stunning pieces. Each item displayed by the Beading Club had a unique sense of style—like the members of the club themselves. According to Beading Club member Ameria, the group is a great “creative outlet” and provides the “opportunity to make friends.”

Simpson Street reporters had a great time getting to know these young artists who enjoy making a difference in the community in a special way. We are proud of the fair’s success and can’t wait to go back next year!

I had a fantastic time at the art fair, and it was awesome to re-live the memories through this article! Great work, Sarah and Ali. – Mckenna , UW-Madison (2015-12-16 11:44)
This art fair sounds so cool! I really like that the artists give the money they make to the community. I've never been, but I hope I can go next year!!! Good job. – Amie , LaFollette High School (2015-12-16 11:45)
Cool article! Good work!!! I like that they're in beading club, I think that would be so fun! – Izamara R. , Verona (2015-12-16 11:47)
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