Outsider artist Sid Boyum was a fixture of the Schenk-Atwood neighborhood on the east side of Madison until his death in 1991. His painted concrete sculptures feature fantastic beasts, lanterns, human forms, and abstract shapes, often with Asian influences. In addition to sculpture, he was an industrial photographer, political cartoonist, and graphic designer. He was a close friend and collaborator with Alex Jordan Jr., founder of House on the Rock, and Tom Every AKA “Dr. Evermor,” creator of the Forevertron. 

Boyum’s former home studio at 237 Waubesa Street is a colorful continuation of the aesthetic he explored in his sculptures, with every room decorated in a different theme. It was abandoned for many years; restoration efforts are underway and it is not open to the public.

Many of Boyum’s works are on display throughout the neighborhood, on a mix of public and private sites. One of those pieces is Crowning Woman, a life-sized concrete sculpture of a nude woman giving birth.

Visit the Friends of Sid Boyum website for more information about Boyum and a map of his other works.