Dane Arts Announces 2027 Art Poster

November 03, 2026
brulla.augusta@danecounty.gov
County Executive, County Executive

Will hold celebratory reception November 6 at Aubergine Gallery

The Dane County Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission (Dane Arts) announces that the 2027 Dane Arts Poster will be available at locations throughout Dane County starting November, 2026. This year’s theme, “The Treasures of Dane County,” is represented in First Place for Ela May created by Alex Haunty, known widely through his work with Inspiring Art by Alex. The poster features a reproduction of an original artwork (First Place for Ela May, 2023, Acrylic on canvas, 30” x 24”) and was selected through a public call for submissions in spring of 2026.

Haunty’s artwork will be exhibited alongside twelve Dane Arts 2027 Calendar artists in the “Treasures of Dane County” exhibition on view at Aubergine Gallery October – December, 2026.

Dane Arts will host a reception at Aubergine Gallery (1226 Williamson St, Madison) on the evening of Friday, November 6, 5 – 9 p.m. The reception will honor the 2027 poster artist as well as the twelve 2027 Calendar artists. Appetizers will be provided and posters and calendars will be available for purchase. The reception is free and open to the public, no registration required.

“The arts have a special way of bringing people together, and Alex Haunty’s work is a wonderful reflection of the creativity and spirit that make Dane County such a special place,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “Alex has used his talents to inspire others and expand access to the arts for people with disabilities. I’m thrilled that his artwork was selected for the 2027 Dane Arts Poster, and I encourage everyone to join us in celebrating Alex and the many talented artists who enrich our community.”

About Alex Haunty:

Alex Haunty is an artist with a big heart to love people, paint happiness and bring life to everyone around him. While living with a cognitive disability, Alex uses his unique challenges as a springboard to achieve his dreams and has become a source of inspiration for many. Known for his bright whimsical colors, Alex paints originals using acrylic and oil on canvas. Alex donates a significant portion of the proceeds from his art sales to his nonprofit, Alex Haunty’s Theater and Arts Fund, Inc. (AHTAFI).

Alex’s Selected Career Highlights:

Alex’s art lines a hallway of American Family Children’s hospital in Madison and also resides in the Overture Center of the Arts.
2014: Founded Alex Haunty’s Theater and the Arts Fund, Inc
2015: Won the Outstanding Young Philanthropist Award in Madison WI.
2017: Received the Hometown Hero Award in Wisconsin by the state legislature.
2018: Received the Star of Touring Broadway national award.
2025: Selected as the Good Neighbor of the year in his city of Middleton, WI.

These awards were because of his creating accessibility to the arts for people with disabilities.
Learn more and preview the Dane Arts Poster: https://danearts.com/support-dane-arts/poster

The 2027 art poster is available to the public by voluntary donation at distribution locations throughout Dane County:

Municipalities

Black Earth Town Hall, 1210 Mills Street, Black Earth
Blooming Grove Town Hall, 1880 S Stoughton Road, Madison

Cottage Grove Town Hall, 221 E Cottage Grove Road, Cottage Grove

Dane Village Hall, 102 W Main Street, Dane

Dane County Treasurer’s Office, 210 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd (Room 114), Madison

Deerfield Village Hall, 23 W Nelson Street, Deerfield

Dunn Town Hall, 4156 CTY RD B, McFarland

Mount Horeb Village Hall, 138 E. Main Street, Mount Horeb

McFarland Village Hall, 5915 Milwaukee Street, McFarland

Middleton City Hall, 7426 Hubbard Avenue, Middleton

Monona City Hall, 5211 Schluter Road, Monona

Oregon Town Hall, 1138 Union Road, Oregon

Perry Town Hall, 10084 County Highway A, Mount Horeb

Springfield Town Hall, 6157 Co Highway P, Dane

Verona Town Hall, 7669 County Highway PD, Verona

Vienna Town Hall, 7161 County Road I, DeForest

Waunakee Village Hall, 500 West Main Street, Waunakee

Local Businesses

Douglas Art & Frame, 3238 University Avenue, Madison

Meuer Art & Picture Frame, 8448 Old Sauk Road, Middleton

Monroe Street Framing, 1901 Monroe St, Madison

The Great Frame Up, 6633 Watts Road, Madison

Art Exhibition Location and Hours:

Aubergine Gallery: A Willy Street Co-op Community Space
1226 Williamson St, Madison, WI

Gallery Hours: 11 AM – 2 PM, Tuesdays & Thursdays

Revenues from poster sales help sustain programs of The Dane County Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission (Dane Arts), whose mission is to enrich the quality of life in Dane County, Wisconsin by supporting, promoting and ensuring equitable access to the arts, culture, history, and creative expression for all residents.

Learn more about Dane Arts: https://danearts.com/