Art In hosted its share of non-music events, including comedy nights, readings, and the occasional theater performance. “Art In was the first place I was able to try stand-up comedy, something I incorporate into my storytelling frequently, but hadn't ever been given the opportunity to perform in a more 'purist' form, until that point,” says storyteller, host, and self-described “occasional comedienne” Muirrieyah de la O, who also frequently went to punk shows at the space. “And as a show attendee somewhat known for dancing in the front row in heels and extravagant outfits during many a punk show, it brought me a great sense of satisfaction that the first music-related show I helped book, happened at Art In.”

De la O also points out that even though Art In served alcohol, it managed to not quite feel like a typical bar venue: “Art In was one of the venues I felt safest and most welcome at in this city. I am sober by choice, so I often feel out of place at regular bars and other nightlife venues. Art In wasn't like that. It bridged an interesting gap because it did have a bar (with the same name as me!), but it wasn't the same old ‘bar scene.’ It was, to me, one on a short list of places I could go where I could more or less guarantee running into a couple of my friends, but without having to worry about some sleazy older guys leering at me because they were just there to drink.”

The rotating fleet of pinball machines at Art In offered not just a good way to while away the setup time between bands, but also an opportunity to build community. Art In served as home base for the Madison chapter of Belles & Chimes, a worldwide organization of women-run pinball leagues. Jessica Kent, who co-founded the Madison chapter, credits Chandler for taking a chance on the group and being a generous host. “It became one of my favorite spots in general, as well,” Kent says. “I would pop in on non-league nights to drink whisky, play pinball, and chat with Jack about the latest pinball news. Jack let me host a couple of charity tournaments out of the space, didn’t mind when I moved machines because they were slanted or too close to each other, and trusted me enough to lock up the place with myself inside, pinballin’ away, if I got there early and he needed to run to the store. When I wasn’t traveling for work, I was usually there.”

Over the past year and a half, independent venues have been springing up at an exciting pace in Madison, which means lots of options for artists and audiences and way more competition for Art In. Crucible opened on New Year's Eve 2018, the new Café Coda opened on Willy Street in September 2018, The Venue on Winnebago Street opened in February 2019, BarleyPop Live opened in April 2019 in the old Frequency space, and plenty of existing spots have stepped up their role in booking local music, including Bos Meadery, Robinia Courtyard, and the Tip Top Tavern. Arts + Literature Laboratory closed up its Winnebago Street space in December, but will be re-opening this spring in a much larger new spot on East Main Street. The Sylvee, while in a much bigger league, still represents more competition for nightlife dollars in the area. In a sense, Art In’s closing is an unfortunate consequence of a lot of otherwise positive developments.

I'll be gathering reactions from Madison's music and arts community to update this story later. If you'd like to share your thoughts, reach out.