VORTEX!

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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Saturday, August 27, 2005

Another edition of the unusual music showcase.

Vortex is a showcase of local experimental improvisors. The live show is recorded and then select selections are re-broadcast on WORT, 89.9 fm on the second Friday of each month from 11 pm to midnight.

This particular version will feature: Jon Arnold, Greg Taylor, Tom Hamer and db pedersen.

Expect weird electronics, wild vocal gymnastics, virtuoso rubber band playing, odd percussions and general musical mayhem.

Music