There she studied with Windsor Utley, exhibited at Mahon Hall and with naturalist artist Pat Wright in "Wild and Still Life". She also designed twenty-five theatrical productions and was an active member of Gulf Islands Community Arts Council, Salt Spring Players, British Columbia Drama Association, The Island Operatic Group and Salt Spring Summer Theatre.
Having prowled the American Southwest for many years with her children, Madison returned south when they flew the nest. She meandered, explored, camped and painted the deserts and missions, eventually meeting and marrying G.B. Madison, a "wild ol' Okie boy" who ruled a little Arizona quarry town with generosity and a willful spirit.
In 1982 she adapted the musical "Salt Spring Madness" to the little town on Route 66 for its centennial. The result, "Ash Fork Madness", was a standing room only production.
Madison became a member and exhibited with the Mountain Artists Guild in Prescott and the Art Barn in Flagstaff, as well as painting in The Old Building Studio Gallery. In 1983 the Art Barn booked Madison to exhibit with "Big Deal" McNeil, an old foot wanderer, artist and gold miner. In November 1983 she was burned in a gas explosion and the following June, McNeil was stricken with congestive heart failure. With her twenty-five paintings completed, she met McNeil's quota in the seven weeks prior to the exhibit by painting fifteen more pieces. The August 18, 1984 show, "Stone and Canvas" was rated a success by the Flagstaff media.
Madison returned to Canada in 1986 and became active with the Delta Community Arts Council and Delta Cable, until she moved to Nanoose Bay on Vancouver Island in 1989. She has since exhibited at Rogue's Gallery, Gallery 223, the Nanaimo Art Gallery, The Dancing Bean and The Old School House Arts Centre. When she returned to Canada Madison continued to feed her spirit by traveling and painting each year in Arizona and New Mexico. Madison was joined on these painting trips by her daughter Nana Cook and her granddaughter Morgan A.Cook. In 2008, after the loss of her son, Madison was jolted into searching for "something to paint" close to home. Inspiration touched her when a First Nations acquaintance agreed to pose. The delight of this experience has triggered a new direction for Madison and her paintings. "The first moment I saw the desert I heard words in my mind, 'I am home'. But I am here by the sea...and it's right" |
These works are from the 2011 Small Works Show. All works under Five Hundred dollars. The show runs until December 22nd. Call for Info and Pricing 250-585-5506. |
