Madison Magazine - Sept 2022

Local abstract artist and live painter Hanna Bruer doesn’t use a brush. “I prefer to be closer to the work than a paintbrush can get me,” Bruer says. “I guess I never really outgrew fingerpainting. I also use shop towels, scraping tools, ink pens and paint markers.” Some of Bruer’s work can be found at Farwell Gallery in McFarland, Lakeside St. Coffee House and elsewhere.

Highway 81 Revisited - Dec 2021

'"Carry It,” the new track from University Drive, is a dark journey with dark, pointed lyrics like “When I was dead you were deaf ears.” With a lyric video that debuts exclusively below, it’s part of the group’s currently untitled third album. Like 2019’s “Clear,” its a deeply personal effort.

“The record basically picks up where the last one left off,” says Ed Cuozzo, who sings, write songs and plays multiple instruments for the Northeastern Pa. band. “It’s more so about the aftermath of going through something insane, like grief and watching families struggle. ‘Carry It,’ that song especially, that’s a heavy, heavy song, kind of some heavy family stuff going on at the moment.” …

Isthmus Madison - Nov 2019

It’s the “magic hour” when the sun is setting and Hanna Bruer swipes the first layers of paint on a canvas in the lobby of HotelRed. Enormous glass windows look right onto Camp Randall, which glows in the waning sun. Perhaps inspired by the pink-orange tone of the stadium’s stone facade, she adds a layer of pink to a canvas propped up on an easel near the front door.

It’s Gallery Night, the twice-yearly event when museums, galleries and businesses throw open their doors for roving crowds of art lovers. HotelRed’s hip red and gray interior has high ceilings and cement floors, and when Bruer starts to paint, it’s nearly deserted. But Bruer is relaxed and taking her time. She plans to take the whole evening, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., to create her painting. …

Cap Times Madison - Oct 2017

Nearly 70 venues participated in fall Gallery Night on Oct. 6, many showing art for sale. The following week, the third annual Dane Arts Buy Local market drew several hundred people to a locally focused evening art market.

“Gallery Night for so many years was focused on standing art galleries, and it has morphed into something with many more venues,” Lundberg said. “It’s giving people another place to see art, but I don’t know if that has translated into the best business plan for artists.” …

Isthmus Madison - Oct 2015

Hanna Bruer has lived with mental health issues for as long as she can remember. When she was younger, she dealt with depression, anxiety and an eating disorder. Then in 2013, she was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, a condition marked by impulsivity and a tendency to self-harm.

Bruer is not alone. Approximately one in five people in the U.S. — 43.7 million — experience mental illness, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia.

Throughout her challenges, Bruer has found comfort in making art. “Painting is the most effective way I’ve found of dealing with my demons,” she says. “It helps calm me.” …

NBC 15 WMTV - Sept 2015

Interview with Amy Carlson for NBC 15 WMTV news.