Mad City Story Slam - Best Gift Ever

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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Ruth Comfort


"The Metaphysical Affect"


January 2026



A diverse collection of mixed mediums, extensively encapsulating my heart and soul concerning the dreams of the human condition. ARTISAN RUTH COMFORT My given name is Ruth Comfort. Named after the amazing artist Louis Comfort Tiffany. I hail from a very long line of artisans and musicians. Even dating back to the great German philosopher...
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Friday, December 5, 2025
7 - 9 pm

This month's theme is brought to you by an attendee at last month's slam! Come share a story about your best gift ever. The bicycle with the big bow on top. The handmade scarf that kept you warm all winter. The surprise visit from a friend. The weird casserole from a neighbor that wasn't that good, honestly, but renewed your trust in community.

Share a 5-minute story at the mic, or just come to listen. Show starts at 7PM. As always, this event is free.

Open Mic