While young people in the LCEC’s afterschool programs are working hard to prepare artwork and performances for Gallery Night on May 11, they also never miss an opportunity to clown around. Luckily, when Marcia (Mars) Miquelon and Jacob Mills of Wild Rumpus Circus are in the building, preparation and clowning go hand in hand.

Wild Rumpus has been offering circus- and theater-based experiences to kids and adults for 15 years. For the past three years kids at the LCEC have explored traditional arts of the circus, including stilting, and in the process they’ve discovered their ability to overcome challenges and connect with others in a way that is safe, non-competitive, and fun.

Mars and Jacob are just two of the talented, generous artists in residence who guide young people in our afterschool and summer programs as they explore diverse forms of creative expression — from hip-hop dance to painting to violin to theater to spoken word poetry to welding and beyond. We’re grateful to all of our artists in residence and to Madison Community Foundation, Madison Arts Commission, Dane Arts, and American Girls’ Fund for Children for supporting Art a la Carte at the LCEC and making sure all kids get a chance to stretch themselves creatively.

Want to see more? Celebrate the arts at our 6th annual Gallery Night, 5:30-7:30pm on Friday, May 11. This event is free and open to the public thanks to event sponsors Custer Plumb Financial Services and the Willy Street Co-op. See the work of talented community artists. Learn more about this year’s artists in residence. And enjoy exciting performances, including one by LCEC afterschoolers and Wild Rumpus Circus. We won’t ruin the surprise for you, but come with HIGH expectations!