Madison Welder Picks Up Pieces After Life-Changing Fire

Artist Erika Koivunen is no stranger to tragedy. Just eighteen months after losing her husband, Aaron Howard, a massive fire torched her entire S. Park Street workshop. Acme Ironworks, the shop that she and her husband shared as metalworkers, burned to the ground after a thunderstorm. The fire caused millions in damages and destroyed several businesses on the block. 

You’ve probably seen Erika’s work all over Madison: the thirty-foot tall metal tree that greets you on Willy Street, the metal flowers in front of Madison Sourdough, the benches at B.B. Clarke beach, the huge bird sculptures on S. Patterson Street.

Now after decades of making art for the Madison community, Erika’s learning to let the community support her. Friends have started a GoFundMe campaign. But how do you pick up and carry on when your world changes overnight?

🫶🏽 Support south side businesses recovering from the fire:

Acme Ironworks 

Bike Right/Unbroken Chains Cycles

Fuegos Towing and Transmisión Latino

Jarka’s Art Studio 

⚙️ Learn about Erika’s friend, mentor and inspiration: Dr. Evermor’s Art Park.

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