Past Exhibitions
May 10 - May 31, 2025
Mary Jones’ paintings and drawings are filled with elongated figures that twist through layered compositions of collage, text fragments, and quirky perspectives. Her work carries a playful unpredictability and rich visual storytelling.
A native of Chicago, Jones has been making art for as long as she can remember. In her mind there is a relationship between walking, writing and drawing —each one a way to shape and share stories. The people she encounters on her walks often make their way into her art, along with bits of litter and texture collected from the streets, which she carefully incorporates into her layered backgrounds.
In her “Fabulist” series, stories unfold through a cast of imagined characters who navigate landscapes built from collage, pattern, memories and plans. These figures travel through their narratives in search of deeper truths. In Jones’ world, a drawing table is green, a house becomes a reflection of the self, and coffee cups provide fuel. When a catamount (a cougar, panther, mountain lion) is spotted in an urban environment, it becomes the evening news, and wild cats are common, and threatening as ghosts
In addition to receiving numerous awards for her art, Jones has illustrated several educational books. She holds a BFA from the University of Illinois and an MFA from Indiana University.
April 11 - May 31, 2025
Wisconsin painter Guzzo Pinc blends bold colors with graphic elements to create dynamic abstract compositions that blur the boundaries between abstraction, figuration, pattern, and decoration. Drawing inspiration from graphic design, skateboards, comic books, and pop art, Pinc’s lush tapestry paintings on jute and canvas are visually striking and immersive. The current exhibition focuses on the theme of landscape, reimagined through Pinc’s distinctive and energetic style.
March 15 - June 8, 2025
"Fred Stonehouse's new exhibition No Agenda is at MOWA in West Bend. Showcasing a collection of never-before-seen drawings from one of Wisconsin's most distinctive contemporary artists. Dating from 2008 to 2024, NO AGENDA assembles over 150 drawings of his iconic characters, fantastical hybrid creatures, and self-portraits that explore human vulnerability and complexity." The exhibition is open to the public and on view at the Museum of Wisconsin Art
Fred Stonehouse has been represented by the Tory Folliard Gallery since 2002.
MOWA (Museum of Wisconsin Art) | Saint Kate Arts Hotel
March 7 - June 1, 2025
"From beautifully layered enamel paintings of human-plant hybrids to delicate sculptures cloaked in opalescent translations of classical drapery, Jessica Calderwood infuses her work with historical references, personal narrative, and creative experimentation. Simultaneously beautiful and absurd, the artist’s anthropomorphic figurines investigate humankind’s strengths and frailties with humor and charm, inviting viewers to contemplate surface design, craft, and labor through her masterful workmanship and imaginative marriage of materials.
With a sophisticated understanding of materials and a sustained pursuit of diverse technical skills, Calderwood’s inventive combinations of traditional craft and industrial processes are an homage to once-considered marginal art forms as well as timely statements on contemporary life.”
- Museum of Wisconsin Art
Exhibition and events are open to the public.
Jessica Calderwood has been represented by Tory Folliard Gallery since 2016.
April 11 - May 3, 2025
Wisconsin artist TD Brenner draws inspiration from everyday life blending modern art influences with naïve and primitive styles. He works in series to refine his visual language, using objects, animals, and people to capture the essence of the Midwest experience.
March 8 - April 5, 2025
"In celebration of 100 years of Magic Realism, Tory Folliard Gallery is pleased to present its new exhibition, featuring the work of renowned Wisconsin artist John Wilde (1919-2006) and his student, Flora Langlois (b. 1927). The exhibition blends dreamlike imagery with vivid depictions of the real world, inviting viewers to explore the boundless creativity and otherworldly narratives that have shaped modern art for the past century."
February 8 - March 1, 2025
Claire Kellesvig is an intuitive painter who creates imagined landscapes rooted in emotion. By stenciling, and collaging uncountable layers of paint, fabric, paper, and glaze the paintings become a topographical map of accumulated time. She repeats the process until her paintings find their voice.
Kellesvig is a fine artist and curator living in Madison, WI. She graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in painting in 2011, and an MFA in painting and drawing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2022, where she currently teaches as a lecturer.
February 8 - March 1, 2025
Caitlin Lempia-Bradford is an intuitive abstract painter whose practice is deeply rooted in play. She creates games for herself, making various rules to constrain and enable her creative process. Bradford's preparation, planning, and translations result in color combinations that spark her interest and curiosity by creating unforeseen results. Her paintings lean into concepts of imperfection and messiness, accentuating irregularity, and soft geometry.
Bradford received a BFA from the University of Iowa in 2015 and an MFA in painting and drawing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2022. She currently makes her home and studio in Minnesota.
January 4 – February 1, 2025
Wisconsin artist, Bill Reid, creates brightly painted metal sculptures with wonderful stories. Imaginary animals built from wordplay, such as the Distanteater and the Artelope tell the stories of the artist’s own folklore. Often mechanical and toy-like, his creations are made entirely of welded pieces of thin sheet metal and metal rods. Reid’s work ranges in size from super small to motor vehicle size.
Born in Buffalo, NY, Reid received his BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute and MFA from the Cranbrook Academy of Art. He is currently the Artist in Residence at the Prairie School in Racine, Wisconsin. His work has gained him numerous awards and has allowed him over a dozen museum exhibitions across the country.
January 4 – February 1, 2025
Since the late 1970s, T.L. Solien has been linked with the Neo-Expressionism and Neo-Surrealism movements, constantly evolving as a figural painter. Known for his "absurdist cultural critique," Solien uses vivid colors and evocative imagery to bring his unique vision to life. His work draws deeply from Scandinavian heritage, personal experiences, and the legacy of art history, creating powerful narratives that explore themes of human vulnerability and cultural decay. Through his paintings, Solien invites viewers to confront the complexities of the human condition and reflect on the state of contemporary culture.
November 22 - December 28, 2024
"A Life in Color" celebrates the vibrant and dynamic work of Wisconsin artist Marion Coffey. Known for her expressive compositions and vivid use of color, Marion Coffey’s paintings take us on a colorful journey capturing the essence of her subject, whether it is a vase of flowers, the brilliant patterns of African warrior robes, or the Milwaukee skyline. Marion Coffey’s art embodies a spirit that remains forever young. The show will feature her original acrylic paintings on handmade paper and never-seen-before giclées, highlighting her work's unique textural qualities and bold color palettes. "A Life in Color" is a comprehensive exploration of Coffey's creative journey, offering an intimate glimpse into the world as seen through the artist's eyes.
Signs and Wonders
October 18th - November 16th
Known for his rebellious and exquisitely crafted paintings, Wisconsin artist Fred Stonehouse's sophisticated style draws on diverse cross-cultural influences and the spirit of outsider art. Signs and Wonders explores the unique and evocative blend of memory, mythology, and surrealism that has become Stonehouse's hallmark, offering viewers a glimpse into a world where the extraordinary meets the everyday. Stonehouse's contributions to the art world have solidified his status as a leading contemporary artist, and a storyteller who continues to push the boundaries of visual narrative.
Flower Paintings
October 18th - November 16th
Wisconsin artist, Laura Dronzek, is known for her masterful use of color and light, bringing a fresh perspective to the traditional genre of still life. Her paintings are characterized by a delicate balance of realism and abstraction, with each piece inviting viewers to explore intricate details and subtle nuances of her subjects. The flowers, whether blooming vibrantly or quietly fading, evoke a sense of tranquility and contemplation, drawing attention to the transient nature of her chosen subject.
September 14th - October 12th
Rodger Bechtold's oil paintings are a spirited celebration of the Midwestern landscape, marked by their exuberant colors and expressive brushwork. Influenced by his studies at the American Academy of Art, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and his mentorship under renowned painter Wolf Kahn, Bechtold's paintings balance realism and painterly interpretation. The artist's pieces evoke a sense of joy and vitality, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of the Midwest. Through his expert use of color, light, and composition, Bechtold creates scenes that resonate with warmth and emotion, offering glimpses into the heart of the landscapes he portrays.
ROOMS
September 14th - October 12th
Flushed with color and finished with confident brushwork, Wisconsin artist Paula Swaydan Grebel's work demonstrates quiet moments of the everyday. In her latest series of small oil paintings on canvas and panel, she transports us to light-drenched rooms and intimate views of thoughtful still-life arrangements. Each painting is a testament to Swaydan Grebel's ability to capture the ephemeral, offering viewers a momentary glimpse into calm, domestic spaces.
Summer in Wisconsin
July 19th - September 7th
"Summer in Wisconsin" highlights the extraordinary talent in Wisconsin art. This exhibition features paintings, drawings, sculpture, and photography by the state’s best-known contemporary artists.
As our largest exhibition of the year, "Summer in Wisconsin" includes over 100 new artworks from both established and emerging artists. This diverse collection showcases the creativity and mastery that define Wisconsin art.
In The Open Air
June 1 - July 13, 2024
Bethann Moran-Handzlik's paintings investigate the beauty of the natural world. A plein air artist, Bethann paints directly from nature all year long, including the cold winter months. Her preferred medium, oil paint, lends a discernable quality of truth to her work. The transparency, opacity, and ability for the paint to be worked and reworked inform the slow, observational approach to Moran-Handzlik's artwork.
Food and Fauna
June 1 - July 13, 2024
Chris Berti's sculptures of animals and everyday objects are created with methodical precision, honesty, and care. Utilizing and carving found ceramic drainage tiles, antique bricks, marble, and other various stones, Berti's creations reflect the wonder of the natural world.
Sitting Still
April 19 - May 25, 2024
Wisconsin painter, Peter Gehrig, is an expert at finding beauty in the ordinary, infusing his canvases with a profound sense of tranquility and nostalgia. Drawing inspiration from the simple moments of everyday life, Gehrig effortlessly captures the essence of his subjects, transporting viewers to serene landscapes and inviting interiors.
Folklore
April 19 - May 25, 2024
Tory Folliard Gallery was pleased to present Laurie Hogin: Folklore, an exhibition of provocative paintings that explore themes of nature, consumerism, and human-animal relationships. Her use of vivid colors and meticulous attention to detail creates visually arresting compositions that invite viewers to delve deeper into the layers of meaning within each piece.
Chroma Color and Abstraction
February 10th - April 13th
CHROMA is an exhibition of contemporary painting and sculpture that focuses on color and abstraction. Each artist explores a variety of themes using line, color, and texture as their language of expression within their respective media.
FEATURED ARTISTS:
Derrick Buisch, Ben Grant, Michael Hedges, Anna Kunz, Caitlin Lempia-Bradford, Shane McAdams, Guzzo Pinc, Jeremy Popelka, Jason Rohlf, TL Solien, Richard Taylor, Stephanie Trenchard,
Wisconsin: In All Its Glory
March 16th - April 13th
Cathy Martin, a self-taught Wisconsin artist, creates stunning photo-realistic paintings recounting a long history of early mornings on the family farm. Each meticulous painting tells the story of a subtle longing for life little changed from generation to generation.
An Open Book: Conversation with Fred Stonehouse
Saturday, February 24th,
Fred Stonehouse led discussion exploring his paintings on repurposed book covers and the importance of tactile and material nature. You can view a small showcase of his book cover here.
Thoughts and Reflections
January 6th - February 3rd 2024
Dennis Nechvatal is a Madison-based painter who explores hyperreal landscapes with an emphasis on detail and color
Mark Mulhern -Conversations
October 20th - November 25th
Mark Mulhern is an American painter best known for his large figurative works capturing the human experience. In each piece, Mulhern encourages the viewer to enter his realm of real and imagined scenes where his characters engage in the simple acts of walking and conversing to more sumptuous moments of making party preparations and enjoying elegant gatherings.
Charles Munch -Night and Day
September 16th - October 14, 2023
Wisconsin artist, Charles Munch, creates vividly imagined paintings that explore the complex relationship between humans, animals, and the natural world. Eliminating extraneous details, Munch expresses emotion through color, line, and shape. His paintings of simplified forms, pulsing with life and color, create dramatic scenes of man and animal, friend and foe.
The Tory Folliard Gallery celebrates its 35th anniversary with a major Anniversary Exhibition showcasing new art by the many talented artists who made this occasion possible. This is the Gallery’s largest exhibition of the year featuring over one hundred works of art in painting, drawing, sculpture, and prints.
Exhibiting Artist
Rodger Bechtold, Mary Bero, Chris Berti, Craig Blietz, Caitlin Bradford, TD Brenner, Derrick Buisch, Jessica Calderwood, Mark Chatterley, El Gato Chimney, Robert Cocke, Marion Coffey, Laura Dronzek, Susan Stamm Evans, Mark Forth, Peter Gehrig, Ben Grant, Harold Gregor, Doug Hatch, Michael Hedge4s, Kathy Hofmann, Laurie Hogin, Ron Isaacs, Mary Jones, Claire Kellesvig, Flora Langlois, Cathy Martin, Bethann Moran-Handzlik, Mark Mulhern, Charles Munch, William Nichols, Dennis Nechvatal, Michael Noland, Russel Panczenko, Jeanette Pasin Sloan, Guzzo Pinc, Jeremy Popelka, Bill Reid, Jeffrey Ripple, Jason Rohlf, Jan Serr, George Shipperley, TL Solien, Paula Swaydan Grebel, Fred Stonehouse, Richard Taylor, Stephanie Trenchard, Tom Uttech, Russ Vogt, John Wilde, Robin Whiteman, Mary Alice Wimmer, and James Win
Robert Cocke - Safe Harbor
June 2 - July 8, 2023
Robert Cocke’s intimate paintings are like looking through enchanted keyholes and finding a magical world of wondrous beauty. Elements of the natural world are arranged into unnatural formations and improbable combinations resulting in surrealistic landscapes. Currently living and working in Arizona, Cocke is awed and inspired by the mystery of nature and the enchantment of light.
Everything But the Kitchen Sink
June 2 - July 8, 2023
Midwestern artist, Jessica Calderwood, uses a combination of traditional and industrial processes to create compelling sculptures about contemporary life. Each piece contains strategically placed drapery over a figure that negates, censors, and reveals aspects of the human condition.
Finding My Way
June 8 - July 10, 2023
Michael Hedges effortlessly combines color, line, and form, producing a dialogue of reverberating hues and mark-making in every painting. He has thoroughly absorbed the push-and-pull lessons of paint and dimensionality on a flat surface as if the work emerged alongside the Abstract Expressionists of the 1950s. His love of painting is matched only by his tremendous skill and dedication.
Hedges grew up in the Chicago area and studied at the Art Institute of Chicago before receiving his B.A. in Studio Art from Loras College in Dubuque. His work can be found in private and public collections throughout the United States.