On September 17, 2026, the Promega Art Showcase opened its fall exhibition, the 14th PhotoMidwest Biennial Juried Exhibition. Sixty-five photographs by photographers in 13 Midwestern states are on display in the Promega BioPharmaceutical Technology Center (BTC).
This exhibition opening marked another notable occasion – the Promega Art Showcase is honoring its 30th anniversary. Since 1996, Promega has hosted the showcase to celebrate the intersection of art and science. Dozens of professional artists have displayed their work at Promega, connecting Promega employees and the Madison-area community with exhibits exploring the human condition.
30 Years of the Promega Art Showcase
“Since the beginning of Promega, Bill Linton has brought his art appreciation into the foundations of the company,” says David Rousseau, longtime Architectural Consultant. “‘Science Meets Art’ is a deeply rooted theme at Promega. Both science and art are fundamentally creative endeavors.”
The first Promega Art Showcase was held in 1996, only a few months after the BTC building was completed. Daniel Swadener, an artist and curator who was friends with Promega founder Bill Linton, had discovered a garage holding fifty paintings by Ugandan artist Francis Nnaggenda in Nairobi, Kenya. Promega purchased the entire collection and brought both Nnaggenda and his paintings to Madison. While on-site, Nnaggenda carved the statue Mother and Child, which is still on display in the BTC.
“Bill Linton…is an old friend of mine,” Daniel told the Fitchburg Star in 1996. “It was an idea that I presented to Bill; instead of decorating the place how about some exhibitions?”
After a successful initial exhibition, the art showcase became a permanent fixture on the campus, with Daniel as its ongoing curator. Over the past 30 years, the showcase has featured painters, sculptors, photographers and much more.
The showcase is about more than decorating the walls. For a science-focused company, art enhances creativity and inspires employees to think differently.
“Working for a biotech company that values creativity can add tremendous value to the daily employee experience,” says Kay Rashka, Sr Production Scientist. “Laboratory environments require precision and focus to succeed. But one walks out of the lab into a vibrant, colorful art-filled space to refresh the soul.”
The mission goes beyond simply viewing art; the program also invites members of the Promega community to share their own artistic passions. The annual Employee Art Showcase features more than 100 works by employees and family members of all ages.
“I really appreciate the way Promega opens up events to family and friends,” says Jaime Dwight, Director of Environmental Health & Safety and Controlled Substances. “The Promega art show is especially cool because it invites family and friends to not just join but participate. We get a chance to celebrate our loved ones and recognize them for something that they do.”
Fall Art Showcase: PhotoMidwest Juried Biennial Exhibition
PhotoMidwest is a Madison-based organization offering educational programs and exhibitions for photographers. Every two years, the group hosts a festival including a juried exhibition of photographers from 13 midwestern states. The 2026 exhibition was juried by Karen Irvine, Chief Curator and Deputy Director of the Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College Chicago. The 65 images in the exhibition were chosen from 819 submissions.
The September 17 opening began with a video commemorating 30 years of Daniel Swadener’s curatorial work, followed by a symposium with Karen Irvine and PhotoMidwest Biennial Chair Asher Imtiaz. The reception featured live music by singer, songwriter, guitarist and visual artist Andy Ewen alongside longtime musical partner and Honor Among Thieves co-founder Doug DeRosa and guitarist Ryan Repenshek. The following day, Karen Irvine and PhotoMidwest President, Ralph Russo held free photography workshops at Promega.
The PhotoMidwest Biennial Juried Exhibition will be on display until February 26, 2027. The gallery is open to the public; details are at Promega-artshow.com.
Watch the recording of the Opening Symposium and 30th Anniversary Celebration here.
Browse the commemorative 30th Anniversary photobook here.
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