OUR STORY

Hi there, it’s Madison, the director and founder of Woodworks, here to tell you about our story.

The origin of Woodworks is deeply intertwined with the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, which redefined how we connect and create. Returning to Traverse City during this period was both a reconnection with my roots and an opportunity to dream new dreams of what I could bring home from everything I learned while away. Art has a way of pulling us in, asking us to question and reimagine the world around us, and Woodworks emerged from that spirit of rediscovery and renewal.

Woodworks was named as an homage to my grandparents’ passion for woodworking, a meditative and artistic craft that mirrors the ethos of the residency itself. They often shared stories of how their most beautiful creations emerged from mistakes that led to new approaches. They pointed out the intricate details that began as errors, transformed by curiosity and persistence into something extraordinary. In woodworking, they found a way to learn about themselves while creating gifts that added beauty to the world. What my grandparents discovered in woodworking, I found in dance and choreography—a hands-on, reflective process where experimentation and curiosity lead to meaningful creations. The Woodworks Residency reflects this ethos, emphasizing collaboration, exploration, and the shared growth that comes from embracing the journey as much as the outcome.

My journey has led me to work as a choreographer across the nation and beyond, from commercials in Shanghai to ballets at the City Arts Center in Guadalajara. I’ve had the privilege to choreograph for professional companies, collaborate with brilliant choreographers, composers, and filmmakers on new ways of presenting and creating dance, and participate in residencies and festivals across the country. Through these experiences, I have discovered that while dance is universally binding, the working conditions and support systems for artists often are not. Most residencies and festivals require application and participation fees, excluding many from even applying for the opportunity in the first place. These are the kinds of opportunities artists need to build sustainable careers—time in collaborative creative process, professionally documented work samples, and networks that enable them to secure broader-reaching jobs.

The Woodworks Residency emerged from this mission and challenge. It is designed to provide artists with the resources, environment, and encouragement needed to thrive. Through this program, we emphasize not just the product but the process, fostering a culture of experimentation, curiosity, and empowerment. It embodies the belief that art should be accessible and that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and create without barriers.

As I continue to travel and collaborate with artists worldwide, my commitment to building and nurturing an inclusive arts ecosystem in Northern Michigan remains steadfast. With every residency season, every workshop, and every performance, I am reminded of the transformative power of dance and its ability to connect, heal, and inspire. It is my greatest joy and privilege to contribute to this vibrant, creative community—one that thrives on curiosity, collaboration, and compassion.