Friend of Howard w/ Mark Willer

Art in the cafe...

Laurel Statz


"The Spectator"


December 2025



Laurel Statz is a painter and Madison area native. Her work, while figurative, is influenced by abstraction and minimalism. The paintings often have a quick and instinctual nature, capturing just what’s needed. While she often times herself to eliminate extra details and over-precision, she has ventured into more detailed works as well. Laurel does not attach narrative to her pieces. Rather, she thinks of them like a journaling process for her scatter-brained psyche. The figures in the pieces are meant to be processing tools for the artist and the viewer. She hopes that seeing these figures helps the...
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Saturday, January 29, 2005

Friend of Howard stands out amongst the throngs of new, budding musicians. Armed with a genuine voice and songs of depth and devotion, FOH blends acoustic folk with the energetic passion of rock & roll. The talent behind FOH is singer/songwriter Martha Berner. On her self-released debut E.P., Martha's easy, friendly manner instantly charms listeners. Her poetic lyrics create a beautiful pulse and movement, while her comforting vocals and heartfelt guitar make for a collection that's every bit as seductive as it is engaging.

Mark Willer is one of Rockford, IL---s most talented singer /songwriters. On his debut release Dirt Filled Glass, Mark invites his audience to accompany him on a journey to where they desire to be. His sometimes bold lyrics with underlying roots in folk music, (that are also shaded by the tensions of rock --- akin to Tom Waits or Nick Cave) begin to define a new musical texture. And it's no mistake.

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