Theme 3: Liminal spaces
Caregiving can feel like an in-between — a time of ambiguity, uncertainty and ceaseless waiting. We look the same, but everything feels different. We are here, but our mind is there. We are not who we once were, but we don’t yet know how to be someone new.
In this way, caregiving is a liminal experience. Liminal spaces are thresholds, places of transition. These spaces are often represented by arches, hallways, doorways or empty rooms. They can feel lonely, even unsettling, but they are spaces of opportunity as well. Liminal spaces offer us a moment to pause and reflect, to prepare ourselves for whatever comes next. In caregiving, this sense of liminality gives us a chance to take stock of our habits and values. We can let go of that which no longer serves us. We can slow down, rest and rebuild. We can become ready for what is yet to come.
Leaning on faith, September 2024
“Relying on the Lord. Praying without ceasing. My faith and trust in the Lord has grown so much in my struggle in being a caregiver. I need guidance all the time. Making the right decisions — saying the right words.”
Do our own thing, September 2025
“Struggle with worry about the UNKNOWN future. Living on a different year to year schedule then the world. Redefining success and celebration — screw the world, we’ll do what makes sense to us! Seeing continued growth when we stop to look for it and celebrate it.”
Cultivating strength, July 2024
“Planting-
Planting love, planting kindness, planting love this doesn’t grow along, but if you plant together respect, empathy, and patience, it will make it stronger in healing, and acceptance, keep watering yourself and others in a daily basis, that the roots will have a great soil of support.”
Her smile, March 2025
“Getting her to smile.”
In Care Of: Postcard-Sized Portrayals of Caregiving in Wisconsin aims to validate these heartfelt reflections and experiences while sparking conversation around caregiving — an essential yet often invisible role. The exhibition highlights how complex emotions are deeply woven into caregiving, shaping people in transformative ways.
Special thank you to our community partners:
- Ashley Berghoff
- Wisconsin Family and Caregiver Support Alliance
- UW–Madison Division of Extension
- Anonymous Fund
- Ira and Ineva Reilly Baldwin Wisconsin Idea Endowment
The exhibition is a collaboration between caregiving expert Kristin Litzelman, family caregiver Kristin Voss and the Nancy M. Bruce Center for Design and Material Culture at the UW–Madison School of Human Ecology. Litzelman, an associate professor in the Human Development & Family Studies department at the School of Human Ecology, conducts research focused on the relationships between caregivers and care recipients, caregiver access to both formal and informal support, and caregivers’ experiences more generally. Voss is the founder of the Center for Caregiver Serenity, a Madison-area nonprofit inspired by Voss’ own experiences that seeks to support family caregivers and educate society about family caregiving.