After debuting last year, the Art of Cheese Festival returns to Madison from Sept. 25 to 28. The schedule is packed with dairy-themed events to celebrate Wisconsin’s many artisan cheeses, including the unveiling of a new mural at 1902 E. Johnson St.
The mural, painted by Melanie Sartori ( whose work was previously featured in the May issue of Madison Magazine ), depicts a table full of Wisconsin cheeses in a lush prairie landscape. It was unveiled officially on Sept. 28 during Cheese Fair Off the Square.
On National Cheese Lover’s Day (Jan. 20), Wisconsin Cheese announced the Wisconsin Cheese Dreams Contest — an opportunity for turophiles around the country to submit their “cheese dream.” More than 100 entries were received, and in March, Sartori was announced as one of the winners.
“When I got the email, I couldn’t believe it,” says Sartori, who wished to paint an original cheese mural. “It was so exciting, and the whole process has been a really positive experience.”
(We would be remiss to exclude some of the other winning cheese-themed dreams , including a soon-to-be-bride from D.C. who requested a bachelorette party thrown by Wisconsin Cheese and another bride who dreamed of a carriage made of cheese for her big day.)