Emilie Heidemann

2 weeks ago | isthmus.com | Emilie Heidemann

“We try to keep music accessible,” Toffer Christensen says, his voice permeating the soon-to-open Atwood Music Hall. “We want people to go out and see as many shows as possible.” Christensen, co-owner of the new venue at 1925 Winnebago St. as well as the Bur Oak, down the street, is in some ways sticking his neck out with the new hall, which, at its 700-seat capacity, will need to attract some national touring bands to fill its space.

2 months ago | isthmus.com | Emilie Heidemann

A 2005 black gown made of 40 pounds of river rocks and lead weights. Red mittens with tassels from 1950s Norway. A large 1956 Frank Lloyd Wright-made screen print on linen in earthy tones. A 20th century Chinese indigo robe with intricately sewn designs. An early 1900s Hungarian camisole embroidered on cotton, and a 2024 binder cover made in response to a question of “What did trans-masculine people wear as undergarments during the Edwardian era?” And butterflies, butterflies, and more butterflies.

Feb 7, 2025 | isthmus.com | Emilie Heidemann

The women are gathered around a table inside a meeting space at the Meadowridge public library, smiling, laughing and greeting one another in both Spanish and English and exchanging hugs. One attendee says she emigrated from the Dominican Republic, and another from Honduras. More are from other Latin countries. On pieces of paper cut into circle shapes, they draw their favorite meal.

Jan 27, 2025 | madison.com | Emilie Heidemann

Big smiles. Squeals of joy. Pastel colors. Sparkly unicorns and other stuffed animals that line tables, shelves and the display windows. Those are wares and reactions you can find and see at the recently opened Mochi store at 631 State St. in Madison’s Downtown. Co-owner Bonnie Liu, who has lived in Madison for 14 years, said the store resembles the adorable shops she frequented as a girl growing up in China.

Jan 27, 2025 | madison.com | Emilie Heidemann

Madisonian Kristina Riley-Rowell remembers being 17, pregnant with her son and relying on public assistance to help pay for basic needs like housing and food. “I worked every day,” said Riley-Rowell, a Black woman who went on to become a certified nursing assistant while working in the restaurant industry to make ends meet. Then at 20, Riley-Rowell was able to buy her first home. She described her motivation as ensuring a better life for her child. “I don’t want to be a statistic,” she said.