Island  Women's Views
Wenonah Madison
WenonahMadison@me.com
 

"I have enjoyed drawing and painting from life since I was a child. I am inspired by the personalities, life experiences and physical forms of the people I paint.

I was born and raised in Gay Head, Massachusetts on this beautiful island of Martha’s Vineyard.  I am a member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) and my family has been here for many generations. I was introduced to the arts at a young age by my great aunt, Wenonah Silva, who taught me pottery, sculpture and beading. I also shared a love of painting with my grandfather, Thomas Waldron of West Tisbury.

One of my fondest memories is having my first show with him in Chilmark when I was a teenager. It is a privilege to now show my work in the West Tisbury Library, a property adjacent to what was once my grandparent’s farm.  

I graduated with a BA in Studio Art and Art History from Dartmouth College. I have been fortunate enough to study with many notable artists at Dartmouth, RISD, MassArt, Chautauqua Art Institute and NYAA over the years. 

I’m back at the easel after many years designing clothes in New York City and raising my 4 children with my lovely husband, Daniel Sauer. I now spend most of my time with my kids, working and running our local business, 7a Foods. I am truly grateful when I find time to paint.

The ladies in this show have been a blessing and inspiration to me. I have thoroughly enjoyed spending some time with them, whether in the studio at Featherstone or painting around the island."