Welcome to It’s All the Rage!
This exhibit invites you to learn about the history of the Raging Grannies of Madison, their dynamic approach to activism, and the relationships forged through caring for their community. Since 2002 they have been part of an international Raging Grannies network including groups from the United States, Canada and beyond. Performing their satirical songs across Wisconsin, they raise their voices to elevate gender and social justice issues, protect the planet, and serve current and future generations. They believe each person — young to old — has an important part to play in standing up for justice and peace.
This historical array of their hats and aprons, banners, songbooks, political buttons, and instruments, are connected to videos featuring original songs and personal stories explaining the Raging Grannies’ involvement in grassroots activist work. This exhibit highlights the wide variety of social justice issues they have supported through performances across Wisconsin. It also reveals the close relationships that have formed in the process. As one granny, Denise Peebles, put it, “We aren’t just an activist group. We are a family. These are my sisters; my ‘Sisters in Sass.’”
This exhibition is on view in Nancy Nicholas Hall from September 16, 2024-February 7, 2025.
Acknowledgements
It’s All the Rage: Activism, Aging, and the Raging Grannies of Madison is the result of a collaboration between the Center for Design and Material Culture, the UW-Madison Intergenerational Activism and Gender Research Group, and the Raging Grannies of Madison. It was made possible through generous support from the Anonymous Fund.
This exhibition was developed with support from the Center for Design and Material Culture staff and students: Matthew Bruhn, Sarah Anne Carter, Emma deVries, Carolyn H. Jenkinson, Svea Larson, Dakota Mace, Addison Nace, Sophie Pitman, Laura Sims Peck, and Roberto Torres Mata. Design work by Charlotte Easterling of Creative Vixen Design. Special thanks to the following members of the UW-Madison Intergenerational Activism and Gender Research Group: Beatriz Botero, Kelsey Card, Carrie Danielson, Christine Garlough, Isabel Garlough-Shah, Natalia Iding, Hannah Kennedy, Amber Palson, Orion Risk, Rebecca Schmitt and Haritha Siddardh Gourishetty