Brendan Scanlon, the artist known on the streets as “SOLVE,” grew up in Madison and graduated in 2002 from East High School. After graduating he lived in Chicago, where he earned his BFA at the Illinois Institute of Art, worked as Creative Coordinator at Relay Worldwide, and became recognized, in traditional art circles and on the streets, as a prolific and intensely creative artist. In 2008 he was struck down in a senseless act of violence. A retrospective of Scanlon’s art is now on display at the Art Gallery at Madison East High School. In connection with the show, the public is invited to the Gallery for a reception with light refreshments this Saturday, Sept. 26, from 5-8 PM.

Welcome October and welcome Oktoberfest! Just because you’re not in Munich, doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the best German festival of the year. LaCrosse hosts Wisconsin’s best fall celebration with beer, brats and a really long parade. Each year, designers submit their button designs in hopes that their artwork will be printed on thousands of fest buttons and signage throughout the city. This year Kelsey Matas took home the prize for the winning design. The fest begins this Friday, Sept. 25 with the “Tapping of the Golden Keg” and continues through October 3rd. Visit oktoberfestusa.com for more details.

Don’t miss AIGA’s next speaker: Patrick Coyne as he discusses the history and philosophy of everyone’s favorite magazine Communication Arts. As the mag’s editor and designer, he’ll explain how creatives are chosen for their profiles and he’ll also present a selection of award-winning design produced on limited budgets. So, mark your calendar for Friday, Sept. 25 at 6:30pm at the Intercontinental in Milwaukee. For registration and more info, check out AIGA WI.