At Promega, we believe that creativity drives innovation, challenges conventional thinking, and amplifies our ability to solve complex problems. Our annual Employee Art Showcase, a tradition since 1998, serves as a perfect expression of this belief. This event highlights the incredible creative talents of our employees and their families, offering a space to explore art in all its forms.
This year’s event was nothing short of inspiring, with 130 pieces of art submitted by employees and their families, beautifully displayed at the BioPharmaceutical Technology Center on the Promega Madison campus. The opening reception, held on January 16, featured a lively atmosphere with music performed by the Promega band, Major Groove, and a cozy hot cocoa bar—setting the perfect stage for appreciating the diverse artwork on display.
“Art of Adaptability” Theme
This year, we invited participants to embrace the theme “Art of Adaptability,” encouraging them to rethink, reuse, and reimagine everyday items. The theme reflected our values of adaptability, sustainability, creativity, and innovation, all of which came to life in the submissions.
Notable works inspired by the theme included:
- Lifecycle Symphony – A mobile created by the ISO 14001 EMS Team, celebrating their focus on sustainability and environmental management. This project was a testament to the power of collaboration and adaptability within Promega.
- Waves of Connection – A vibrant, colorful tapestry created by the Corporate Affairs team using repurposed pages from past Corporate Responsibility Reports. This piece turned discarded materials into a powerful symbol of our global impact and the team’s diverse talents.
Creativity Across the Globe
The Employee Art Showcase has become a global tradition, with submissions from Promega employees around the world. For example, our team in Switzerland embraced the Japanese art of kintsugi, repairing broken Promega mugs with gold to create beautiful, meaningful works of art. This project embodied resilience—transforming flaws into strength and beauty.
Even first-time participants, like Joe Steffen, Corporate Security Manager, joined the show, saying, “I thought, hey, I’ve never been in an art show! I’m going to try this out!” His enthusiasm is just one example of how the showcase encourages creativity and participation from all corners of our company.
Honoring Artistic Talent
Every year, the showcase features a judging panel from Tandem Press in Madison, WI, who help recognize the best entries. This year’s winners included:
- General Line Art (paintings, drawings, photography, etc.)
- 1st Place: The Conservatory by Paula Hebble, parent of Katie Herbrand
- 2nd Place: Sheep on the Tee by Erika Schoonveld
- 3rd Place: Seascape #4 by Chris Rogers, father of Jaime Dwight
- Mixed Media & Sculptural Art
- 1st Place: Guinevere’s Heart by Guinevere Dettmers, child of Lavonne Dettmers
- 2nd Place: Coffee Table and End Tables by Don Smith
- 3rd Place: Woodland Tea Set by Athena Gates, child of Trish Gates
- Art of Adaptability Theme
- 1st Place: Drawing on Receipts by Jacob Shrader
- 2nd Place: Time Flies by Cynthia Robey-Duncomb
- 3rd Place: Bloom Outside the Box by Emily Torio
A Celebration of Creative Culture
The Employee Art Showcase is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of our company’s culture of creativity and collaboration. From paintings and sculptures to photography and music, this event is a platform for employees and their families to express themselves in ways that inspire innovation and bring our community closer together.
Our commitment to creativity doesn’t end with the Employee Art Showcase. Since 1996, Promega has hosted quarterly art exhibitions at the BioPharmaceutical Technology Center, featuring works from local, national, and international artists—continuing to energize imaginations throughout the year.
Creativity and Corporate Responsibility
The Employee Art Showcase is just one example of our dedication to corporate responsibility. By nurturing creativity, sustainability, and community engagement, Promega demonstrates a commitment not only to our employees but also to making a positive impact in the world. Through our Employee Art Showcase, we encourage people to think creatively, embrace adaptability, and contribute to a culture that values both individual expression and collective growth.
To learn more about our corporate responsibility efforts, visit our Corporate Responsibility website.
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