The Jambalaya, a nonprofit gallery for local and Wisconsin based artists, provides a space for creators to display their work. Sponsored by the Wisconsin Arts Board, the Jambalaya is hosting free drop-in bookmark making from 10:00 AM to 2:00 P.M. on Saturdays.

This event was inspired by the current Paine exhibition, “The Triumph of Nature,” another opportunity open to the public that has various Art Nouveau pieces on loan from the Chrysler Museum of Art. From August to October, the bookmark designs will feature images derived from the beauty of nature.

Currently, the display is centered around Art Nouveau, which was an international design movement that peaked from roughly 1890 to 1910, aiming to create a completely modern style based off of the natural world.

Amy Johnson, the host of this event, received a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board in order to do something free for the community and create something fun. The Arts Board is known for funding the state’s creativity, expression, and arts in hopes to support the education of a community. The bookmark making activity is new to the Jambalaya, adding to their previous workshops including many drawing sessions, slow-stitching lessons, and open-flow opportunities.

Johnson had been notified that the Paine would be partnering with downtown businesses to promote their exhibit. Taking advantage of this, the Jambalaya is now offering 10% off in-store items with a ticket stub from the Art Nouveau exhibit. Despite the nice discount, Johnson makes sure to reiterate that it’s free and open to the public, where anyone can have fun and express themselves.

Sophomore Oakley Conklin visited the gallery after seeing the activity running on their Instagram page.

“You can have a colorful bookmark that you made, and laminate it,” they said. “And with pretty colors in your book, it can help literacy rates go up!”

According to EdWeek Research Center, over half of 700 polled educators said at least a quarter of their middle and high school students faced challenges with basic reading skills. Creating these fun bookmarks may create a simple incentive for reading to those with interest.

Sophomore Stella Victor heard through social media.

The Jambalaya posts about upcoming activities months in advance, whether its music, workshops, or new art in-store. With individuals being notified of the events, they can attend and connect with others who have come for similar reasons.

“This event can bring people together whether or not they do or don’t like books, and they could be like ‘hey I like this book, maybe you could read this book,’” Victor said.

A freshman from Oshkosh North attended as well, joining her friends at the Jambalaya.

“I think it’s a good opportunity for people to get out of the house and be creative.”

With less access to traditional safe third-spaces for teens like malls or diners, teenagers lose that neutral ground where they can hang out. The downtown area of Oshkosh is slowly fixing this one step at a time, with local businesses hosting events like these.

Instead of charging interested locals, Jambalaya staff reached out and received funding so that anyone can come in and enjoy the environment.

“You get a chance to create something and bring something home,” Johnson said. “It’s a great way to encourage locals to stop by and give it a shot.”

by Sophia Mazza

Published October 5, 2026

Oshkosh West Index Volume 123 Issue 1

Jambalaya connects with Paine exhibit to offer free crafting experience