Madison Welder Picks Up Pieces After Life-Changing Fire
Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (traffic.megaphone.fm) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.
Show Notes
Artist Erika Koivunen is no stranger to tragedy. Just eighteen months after losing her husband, Aaron Howard, a massive fire torched her entire S. Park Street workshop. Acme Ironworks, the shop that she and her husband shared as metalworkers, burned to the ground after a thunderstorm. The fire caused millions in damages and destroyed several businesses on the block.
You’ve probably seen Erika’s work all over Madison: the thirty-foot tall metal tree that greets you on Willy Street, the metal flowers in front of Madison Sourdough, the benches at B.B. Clarke beach, the huge bird sculptures on S. Patterson Street.
Now after decades of making art for the Madison community, Erika’s learning to let the community support her. Friends have started a GoFundMe campaign. But how do you pick up and carry on when your world changes overnight?
🫶🏽 Support south side businesses recovering from the fire:
Bike Right/Unbroken Chains Cycles
Fuegos Towing and Transmisión Latino
⚙️ Learn about Erika’s friend, mentor and inspiration: Dr. Evermor’s Art Park.
Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram!
Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.
Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast ads at citycast.fm/advertise.