Best Madison Magazine photos of 2021
Over the past year, Madison Magazine has written stories about notable locals, delicious restaurants, talented artists and the day-to-day happenings impacting our community.
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Donald County Park at night (September 2021)Photo by Amandalynn Jones
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Ice Castles in Lake Geneva (December 2021)Photo by Nikki Hansen
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Bibimbap from K-Peppers (December 2021)Photo by Sharon Vanorny
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Left to right: The Cider Farm's Cyser, Hidden Cave Cidery's Lavender Lemongrass, Brix Cider's Rye Whiskey Barrel Aged Cider, Restoration Cider's Door County Cherry, Mershon's Artisan Cider (September 2021)Photo by Nikki HansenLeft to right: The Cider Farm's Cyser, Hidden Cave Cidery's Lavender Lemongrass, Brix Cider's Rye Whiskey Barrel Aged Cider, Restoration Cider's Door County Cherry, Mershon's Artisan Cider (September 2021)Photo by Nikki Hansen
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Rudy Bankston wrote a guest column for Madison Magazine. (August 2021)Photo by Paulius Musteikis
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Burger from Dotty Dumpling's Dowry (April 2021)Photo by Nikki Hansen
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Dr. Sami Schalk was part of the magazine's June 2021 cover story. (June 2021)Photo by Paulius MusteikisDr. Sami Schalk was part of the magazine's June 2021 cover story. (June 2021)Photo by Paulius Musteikis
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Kristie Goforth wrote a guest column for Madison Magazine. (September 2021)Photo by Paulius MusteikisKristie Goforth wrote a guest column for Madison Magazine. (September 2021)Photo by Paulius Musteikis
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By the time he was 15, Ryan Rose had gained a reputation for taming wild mustangs. Now he teaches others how to do the same. (February 2021)Photo by Sharon VanornyBy the time he was 15, Ryan Rose had gained a reputation for taming wild mustangs. Now he teaches others how to do the same. (February 2021)Photo by Sharon Vanorny
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Frostie Freeze was one of the seasonal stands featured by the magazine. (August 2021)Photo by Sharon VanornyFrostie Freeze was one of the seasonal stands featured by the magazine. (August 2021)Photo by Sharon Vanorny
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Aniqueka Scott was one of the 2021 Top Nurses. (January 2021)Photo by Paulius Musteikis
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Photographer Sam Li shared some of his beautiful photos and information about his inspiration in the magazine. (March 2021)Courtesy of Sam LiPhotographer Sam Li shared some of his beautiful photos and information about his inspiration in the magazine. (March 2021)Courtesy of Sam Li
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Dr. Kai Shiu, a vet helping pets with cancer, with Sully (August 2021)Photo by Amandalynn Jones
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Thai Chicken Sunn Bowl from Sunn Cafe (July 2021)Photo by Sharon Vanorny
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Photo by Patrick Stutz
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Francesca Hong, a chef and representative of the Wisconsin State Assembly, was featured on the cover of the March 2021 issue.Photo by Paulius MusteikisFrancesca Hong, a chef and representative of the Wisconsin State Assembly, was featured on the cover of the March 2021 issue.Photo by Paulius Musteikis
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Local chocolate makers deliver tempting cocoa offerings. (February 2021)Photo by Nikki Hansen
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Mo Cheeks creates sourdough bread out of his home kitchen. He established a micro-bakery called Bread and Justice in January and donates proceeds to local social justice nonprofits and racial justice organizations. (March 2021)Mo Cheeks creates sourdough bread out of his home kitchen. He established a micro-bakery called Bread and Justice in January and donates proceeds to local social justice nonprofits and racial justice organizations. (March 2021)
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This year Madison Magazine introduced The Amy Awards. We loved all of the portraits taken by Paulius Musteikis and couldn't pick just one or two to feature. (November 2021)Photos by Paulius MusteikisThis year Madison Magazine introduced The Amy Awards. We loved all of the portraits taken by Paulius Musteikis and couldn't pick just one or two to feature. (November 2021)Photos by Paulius Musteikis
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Chloe Homan now has a light-filled studio to create content for her online brand, Frizz & Frillzz. Her home was featured in our October 2021 home cover story. (October 2021)Photo by Nikki HansenChloe Homan now has a light-filled studio to create content for her online brand, Frizz & Frillzz. Her home was featured in our October 2021 home cover story. (October 2021)Photo by Nikki Hansen
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Allison Kelley (right) and Saraid Claxton (left) are fashion bloggers with distinct styles. Claxton (@sunsetsaraid) has thrifted since she was a little kid. Her style is all about bright colors and vintage fashion of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘90s. Kelley (@heyallie.xo) describes her style as “Minnie Mouse goes to a decades-themed New Year’s Eve party.” The two are pictured at St. Vincent de Paul on Willy Street. (April 2021)Photo by Sharon VanornyAllison Kelley (right) and Saraid Claxton (left) are fashion bloggers with distinct styles. Claxton (@sunsetsaraid) has thrifted since she was a little kid. Her style is all about bright colors and vintage fashion of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘90s. Kelley (@heyallie.xo) describes her style as “Minnie Mouse goes to a decades-themed New Year’s Eve party.” The two are pictured at St. Vincent de Paul on Willy Street. (April 2021)Photo by Sharon Vanorny
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Briarwood Leather Co. was one of this year's "Madison Makers." (June 2021)Photo by Nikki Hansen
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This impactful illustration by Nicole Xu was included in the feature "When Safer at Home Isn't."(January 2021)Illustration by Nicole XuThis impactful illustration by Nicole Xu was included in the feature "When Safer at Home Isn't."(January 2021)Illustration by Nicole Xu
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Rachel Ruhland was one of this year's top nurses. (January 2021)Photo by Paulius Musteikis
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Noodles from Little Tibet (November 2021)Photo by Amy Stocklein
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Jo Um (right) says she agrees with Phillip Lee (left), co-owner of The Shop, who says “a food and beverage program should be about feeding the community and not about the ego.” (April 2021)Photo by Sharon VanornyJo Um (right) says she agrees with Phillip Lee (left), co-owner of The Shop, who says “a food and beverage program should be about feeding the community and not about the ego.” (April 2021)Photo by Sharon Vanorny
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Nirvana at the WORT 89.9 FM radio station in Madison in April 1990. Left to right, Krist Novoselic, Kurt Cobain and Chad Channing. This never-before-seen photo was included in our special Nirvana in Madison issue. (July 2021)Photo by Tyler JarmanNirvana at the WORT 89.9 FM radio station in Madison in April 1990. Left to right, Krist Novoselic, Kurt Cobain and Chad Channing. This never-before-seen photo was included in our special Nirvana in Madison issue. (July 2021)Photo by Tyler Jarman
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Jessie Lin created this illustration about the struggles facing the restaurant industry. The illustration was accepted into the Illustrator 64 by the Society of Illustrators. (October 2021)Illustration by Jessie LinJessie Lin created this illustration about the struggles facing the restaurant industry. The illustration was accepted into the Illustrator 64 by the Society of Illustrators. (October 2021)Illustration by Jessie Lin
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Maly Vang is a macramé artist incorporating her Hmong heritage into her pieces. (September 2021)Photo by Nikki HansenMaly Vang is a macramé artist incorporating her Hmong heritage into her pieces. (September 2021)Photo by Nikki Hansen
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Ice Castles in Lake Geneva (December 2021)Photo by Nikki Hansen
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Tibetan dumplings from The Globe (October 2021)Photo by Sharon Vanorny
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Timelapse photography from Jamie Seidel, an astrophotographer from Cross Plains (September 2021)Photo by Jamie SeidelTimelapse photography from Jamie Seidel, an astrophotographer from Cross Plains (September 2021)Photo by Jamie Seidel
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Safe Communities program manager Tanya Kraege holds a candle at an event at Olbrich Park on Aug. 31, 2021, which is International Overdose Awareness Day. She was a source in a feature about advocates bringing awareness to Dane County’s ongoing opioid overdose epidemic. (December 2021)Photo by Beth SkogenSafe Communities program manager Tanya Kraege holds a candle at an event at Olbrich Park on Aug. 31, 2021, which is International Overdose Awareness Day. She was a source in a feature about advocates bringing awareness to Dane County’s ongoing opioid overdose epidemic. (December 2021)Photo by Beth Skogen
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Brittany Nesbit was one of this year's top nurses. (January 2021)Photo by Chris Hynes
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David Rodriguez owns multiple businesses, including The International, a drive-up restaurant serving items such as the Melted Smashburger. (September 2021)Photo by Sharon VanornyDavid Rodriguez owns multiple businesses, including The International, a drive-up restaurant serving items such as the Melted Smashburger. (September 2021)Photo by Sharon Vanorny
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Ryan and Chloe Homan ended up with was a farmhouse that was surrounded by not one, but nearly seven acres of land in Sun Prairie. (October 2021)Photo by Nikki HansenRyan and Chloe Homan ended up with was a farmhouse that was surrounded by not one, but nearly seven acres of land in Sun Prairie. (October 2021)Photo by Nikki Hansen
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A spread of plant-based dishes from Maharani Indian Restaurant (February 2021)Photo by Larry Chua
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These days Patrick O’Halloran is working the line at his restaurant, Lombardino’s. This is something he hasn’t done in years, but staffing shortages have forced him to fill in the gaps. (October 2021)Photo by Patrick StutzThese days Patrick O’Halloran is working the line at his restaurant, Lombardino’s. This is something he hasn’t done in years, but staffing shortages have forced him to fill in the gaps. (October 2021)Photo by Patrick Stutz
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Jeremy and Simona Ebner renovated a Girl Scouts lodge to become their home. (October 2021)Photo by Nikki HansenJeremy and Simona Ebner renovated a Girl Scouts lodge to become their home. (October 2021)Photo by Nikki Hansen
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Jim Lattis knows quite a bit about the telescope he’s operating below at the Washburn Observatory, down to the fact that the ship-style steering wheel was an extra touch added by former observatory director Joel Stebbins, who collaborated with the engineering school to create the quirky mounting in the late 1920s. (September 2021)Photo by Darren HauckJim Lattis knows quite a bit about the telescope he’s operating below at the Washburn Observatory, down to the fact that the ship-style steering wheel was an extra touch added by former observatory director Joel Stebbins, who collaborated with the engineering school to create the quirky mounting in the late 1920s. (September 2021)Photo by Darren Hauck
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Oscar Villarreal balances the menu with meat and vegan offerings, including the smothered breakfast burrito (blue plate), vegan tacos with black beans and Mexican rice (red plate) and vegan huevos rancheros (green plate). (August 2021)Photo by Sharon VanornyOscar Villarreal balances the menu with meat and vegan offerings, including the smothered breakfast burrito (blue plate), vegan tacos with black beans and Mexican rice (red plate) and vegan huevos rancheros (green plate). (August 2021)Photo by Sharon Vanorny
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Xizhou Xie is one of the makers featured in the magazine this year. She specializes in pour art. (July 2021)Photo by Nikki HansenXizhou Xie is one of the makers featured in the magazine this year. She specializes in pour art. (July 2021)Photo by Nikki Hansen
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Dina Nina Martinez, a local comedian, was featured on the cover of the June 2021 issue. (June 2021)Photo by Paulius MusteikisDina Nina Martinez, a local comedian, was featured on the cover of the June 2021 issue. (June 2021)Photo by Paulius Musteikis
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Black Locust Café is a dreamy cafe in Madison. (August 2021)Photo by Amandalynn Jones
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Makela Humke became south-central Wisconsin’s first female Eagle Scout. (June 2021)Photo by Amandalynn JonesMakela Humke became south-central Wisconsin’s first female Eagle Scout. (June 2021)Photo by Amandalynn Jones
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Dineo Dowd with daughter Armani on Lake Monona (July 2021)Photo by Sharon Vanorny
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Ruyi handmakes their noodles from scratch. (July 2021)Photo by Sharon Vanorny
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Madre Yerba was one of the makers featured in Madison Magazine this year. (April 2021)Photo by Nikki HansenMadre Yerba was one of the makers featured in Madison Magazine this year. (April 2021)Photo by Nikki Hansen
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Writer Doug Moe shared Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway's life story. (June 2021)Photo by Paulius MusteikisWriter Doug Moe shared Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway's life story. (June 2021)Photo by Paulius Musteikis
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Airstream site at Camp Kettlewood (May 2021)Photo by Nikki Hansen
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Nicole Xu created this illustration for a piece about meditation written by Mike Muckian. (May 2021)Illustration by Nicole XuNicole Xu created this illustration for a piece about meditation written by Mike Muckian. (May 2021)Illustration by Nicole Xu
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Francesca Hong (pictured) wore this traditional Korean hanbok for her wedding and — inspired by Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland of Washington — for her Jan. 4 swearing-in. The hanbok is often worn for special occasions such as New Year’s Day and Lunar New Year. “For me it’s about building that kind of tradition with George,” Hong says about her 4-year-old son. (March 2021)Photo by Paulius MusteikisFrancesca Hong (pictured) wore this traditional Korean hanbok for her wedding and — inspired by Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland of Washington — for her Jan. 4 swearing-in. The hanbok is often worn for special occasions such as New Year’s Day and Lunar New Year. “For me it’s about building that kind of tradition with George,” Hong says about her 4-year-old son. (March 2021)Photo by Paulius Musteikis
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Adding to its winter festivities, Lake Geneva hosts Winterfest and the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship, which will be Feb. 2-6, 2022. Every year, teams work in a 72-hour competition to create snow sculptures. Last year’s entries included “2020." (December 2021)Photo by Nikki HansenAdding to its winter festivities, Lake Geneva hosts Winterfest and the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship, which will be Feb. 2-6, 2022. Every year, teams work in a 72-hour competition to create snow sculptures. Last year’s entries included “2020." (December 2021)Photo by Nikki Hansen
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Stacy Harbaugh picked up a polka DJing hobby over the pandemic. (April 2021)Photo by Paulius MusteikisStacy Harbaugh picked up a polka DJing hobby over the pandemic. (April 2021)Photo by Paulius Musteikis
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Bubble tea from Taiwan Little Eats (March 2021)Photo by Nikki Hansen
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Henry Doane pushes forward at Tempest Oyster Bar and Tornado Room Steak House. (April 2021)Photo by Patrick StutzHenry Doane pushes forward at Tempest Oyster Bar and Tornado Room Steak House. (April 2021)Photo by Patrick Stutz
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Timelapse photography by astrophotographer Jamie Seidel (September 2021)Photo by Jamie Seidel
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Jessica Cavazos is the Madison-based president of the Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce. Membership has grown to more than 400 businesses and the organization was one of three nationally to receive the 2020 Hispanic Chamber of the Year Award. (March 2021)Photo by Chris HynesJessica Cavazos is the Madison-based president of the Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce. Membership has grown to more than 400 businesses and the organization was one of three nationally to receive the 2020 Hispanic Chamber of the Year Award. (March 2021)Photo by Chris Hynes
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This summer was all about the patio and we still can't get over this one at The Great Dane. (June 2021)Courtesy of Great DaneThis summer was all about the patio and we still can't get over this one at The Great Dane. (June 2021)Courtesy of Great Dane
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Jay Kang uses rescued urban wood, which grows in adverse conditions. Kang was one of this year's featured makers. (February 2021)Photo by Nikki HansenJay Kang uses rescued urban wood, which grows in adverse conditions. Kang was one of this year's featured makers. (February 2021)Photo by Nikki Hansen
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Saraid Claxton (left) and Allison Kelley (right) love to thrift locally. (April 2021)Photo by Sharon VanornySaraid Claxton (left) and Allison Kelley (right) love to thrift locally. (April 2021)Photo by Sharon Vanorny
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Assuming the role of Madison Metropolitan School District’s superintendent is a return to Madison for Alabama-raised Carlton Jenkins, who worked as an associate principal at Madison Memorial High School in 1993.Photo by John FicenecAssuming the role of Madison Metropolitan School District’s superintendent is a return to Madison for Alabama-raised Carlton Jenkins, who worked as an associate principal at Madison Memorial High School in 1993.Photo by John Ficenec
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Bre Loughlin (left) and Tracy Zvenyach (right) launched Nurse Disrupted to help homeless populations throughout the pandemic. The team was selected as top nurses this year. (January 2021)Photos by Chris HynesBre Loughlin (left) and Tracy Zvenyach (right) launched Nurse Disrupted to help homeless populations throughout the pandemic. The team was selected as top nurses this year. (January 2021)Photos by Chris Hynes
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Dominique Lenaye opened Itty Bitty Bookstore this year, the only Black-owned business on Stoughton's Main Street and one of few Black-owned bookstores in Wisconsin. (January 2021)Photo by Larry ChuaDominique Lenaye opened Itty Bitty Bookstore this year, the only Black-owned business on Stoughton's Main Street and one of few Black-owned bookstores in Wisconsin. (January 2021)Photo by Larry Chua
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Chris and Amy Stanford (pictured far left and right, respectively) and their four kids, Paige, Claire, Edith and Ben (left to right) sit on the stairs they remodeled in their Madison home. (April 2021)Photo by Nikki HansenChris and Amy Stanford (pictured far left and right, respectively) and their four kids, Paige, Claire, Edith and Ben (left to right) sit on the stairs they remodeled in their Madison home. (April 2021)Photo by Nikki Hansen
Over the past year, Madison Magazine has written stories about notable locals, delicious restaurants, talented artists and the day-to-day happenings impacting our community.
To look back on the past year and the stories we’ve shared, we’ve selected 65 of our favorite photos (and a couple beautiful illustrations) from our talented freelance photographers. Take a look back at the year through photography.
If you’re interested in reading stories from the past year, visit our archive.
To see all of our gorgeous photography each month, consider subscribing to Madison Magazine.
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