USgathering is a Madison organization that creates people powered social sculpture projects.
USgathering is an independently funded art organization that works with communities to develop sustainable programs. We work with children, families, schools, educators, designers, civic leaders and community institutions to generate large scale participatory pieces from everyday materials that would otherwise end up discarded as waste.
the project, combines participatory workshops, energetic public / collective activities, specific materials gathering initiatives, Schools and offices visits, development of monumental pieces, abstract art, alternative education, and environmental activism. USgathering is constantly exploring local resources for the practice, but also, possibilities for collaborative social sculpture projects with institutions, individuals and organizations.
USgathering’s efforts during the last year include collaborations and specific projects with the Madison Art Commission (Public art pieces grant), the Madison Public Library (the Meadowridge Art Project, artist in residence), the Dane County Juvenile Detention Center (ARTinside), the UW Arboretum, The UW Nelson Institute, and some visits and activities in different schools like Glacier Edge Elementary School in Verona. In 2015 Usgathering is developing projects with Dane Arts and Edgewood College, among others.
The USgathering Team
TetraPAKMAN is a Mexican artist working in social sculpture. His work focuses on questions of sustainability, the environment, educational strategies, and social networks. His community-generated projects are made from thousands of repurposed, often discarded everyday objects that are gathered by people from all walks of life. TetraPAKMAN’s work has been shown in Mexico, Spain, Peru, and the United States. He currently lives and works in Madison, WI.
One of the central aims of TetraPAKMAN’s work, has been to challenge the perception the people have about packaging and other disposable materials. The process of involving the community in all the stages of the project, gives participants an opportunity to re-imagine the possibilities and potentials of these materials in art, design, construction, and perhaps science, but also the opportunity to take action, to demonstrate the use of alternatives as a viable solution to our contemporary society problems, and to experience something (different) to finally deliver the invitation to switch.
Pablo Baxter
Photographer. Pablo is a photographer with experience in numerous styles of photography. His work has been featured in concert venues, design shows, and contests. He also has experience in videography, sound and video editing, and radio broadcasting. Pablo is a dedicated volunteer to scores of various causes, groups, and organizations. He received his degree in Marketing from California State University, Sacramento.
Alison Jones Chaim
Alison was the director of the Wisconsin Book Festival for the Wisconsin Humanities Council for more than ten years, and was instrumental in the success of the 4-day multi-event festival, which attracts thousands of attendees and showcases local, national and international authors. She has a degree in English, and is a native of Detroit.