Arts Access Newsletter February 2005

A growing number of nonprofit organizations in Minnesota in recent years have begun programs in the arts for people with disabilities or have created departments to meet arts programming needs of their clientele. These groups include Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts in Minneapolis, Anodyne Artists in St. Paul, Soho Artists in Hibbing and ArtAbility at Apollo (through People, Inc.). This growth has allowed more people with disabilities to access opportunities in the arts.

VSA arts of Minnesota plans to convene a gathering of administrators from these organizations in April to learn what each other is doing, to share experiences, successes and solutions. This day-long meeting will address issues such as:
How to Keep the Lights On (financial matters);
How to Find and Keep Artists/Participants/Clients;
Developing a Good Programming Mix;
How to be Self-Sustaining;
How to Collaborate with Local Arts or Disability Organizations.

A registration fee will cover a portion of the costs not covered by VSA arts of Minnesota. To attend or suggest program topics, please contact VSA arts of Minnesota.

A forum on Dance and Disability, January 21 at the Hennepin Center for the Arts, gave 30 dance instructors, administrators and students an opportunity to learn how to involve people with disabilities as part of their classes, companies, productions and outreach. The day included presentations by Tara Arlene Innmon, Linda Shapiro, Marcia Chapman, Craig Dunn; a dance by Maggie Bergeron and Jeremy Heyer; a video on the Danceability Project from the 1990s; and discussion of future topics.

Autumn's First Cabaret & Silent Auction on September 26th raised about $3,600 for VSA arts of Minnesota's programs for and by people with disabilities. Jimmie Hanson (left), retiring board member who sang and played harmonica with guitarist Kip Shane, were among the performers.

Six Minnesota artists received $1,000 grants in December through the VSA arts of Minnesota Artist Recognition Program. The ninth annual competitive grant, funded by the Jerome Foundation of Saint Paul, recognizes excellence by Minnesota artists with disabilities. Selected from 41 applicants, the grantees are:
Naomi Cohn, Saint Paul Poet;
Mark Davison, Minneapolis Visual Artist - Sculpture;
Stephen Goldstein, Minneapolis Performer - Sound Design;
Serik Kulmeshkenov, Minneapolis Visual Artist - Cartoons, Photography, Drawing;
Roald Molberg, Duluth Visual Artist - Stoneware;
Eric Skoglund, Minneapolis Visual Artist - Relief Prints.
Samples of their work will be on the VSA arts of MN website.

The Recognition Grants were awarded following a jurying process conducted by individuals with extensive backgrounds in the written, visual and performing arts. Panel members included:
Larry Fuchsberg, Saint Paul, Minnesota Chorale director of development, freelance writer;
Anita Gonzalez, Ph.D., Saint Paul, Adjunct Faculty, Master of Liberal Studies, U of M-Twin Cities;
Warren Hanson, Saint Paul, illustrator/author;
Anne Krocak, Prior Lake, visual artist, past grant winner;
Amy Rice, Minneapolis, Spectrum Community Mental Health arts coordinator;
Beth Russell, Montevideo, retired Chippewa County Extension Director;
Sarah Whiting, Minneapolis, photographer, past NEMAA Board, Art-a-Whirl Coordinator.

If funded again by the Jerome Foundation, 2005 grant applications will be due in October.

The 2005 VSA arts calendar features artwork from artists with disabilities across the country. Minnesota is represented in October by Mari Alice Newman of Minneapolis, whose "Ghosts Among Us," a 17x14" work in crayon, "stood out for its artistic strength and unique style." A limited number of calendars are still available at VSA arts of Minnesota for a donation.

Minneapolis musician Carei Thomas performs with Ancestor Energy, a poetry-jazz collective whose first CD in their 23-year history was released January 30 at the Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant. Also featured on the CD are poet Louis Alemayehu, David Wright III, Mick LaBriola, Gary Schulte, Donald Washington, Jeroen Van Tyn, Jocko McNally and special guests. For more info on the Allwhere CD, go to CD Baby: Ancestor Energy: Allwhere - hear and buy it at CD Baby. (www.cdbaby.com/cd/ancestor).

Writer Gary Smolik of Eagan won an Honorable Mention award in the Third Annual Minnesota Literature Essay Contest, writing on the question "What's Your Best Mistake?" First place went to Claire Walter-Marchette, Blaine; Second: Julie Zappa, Saint Paul; Third: Anne Burke, Minneapolis All writers were invited to read at a public celebration on January 16.

Denise Fletcher, a freelance writer from Richfield, had a book review on Some Kind of Miracle by Iris Rainer Dart published in the fall issue of Open Minds Quarterly Magazine. She has also had poetry, songs and short stories published in Poetry Sharings Journal, Quill Books, and other publications.

It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, creativity and advocacy to make arts programs and facilities more accessible to people with disabilities. In an effort to encourage people to create greater access in their communities, VSA arts of Minnesota presents annual Arts Access Awards, nominated by the public, to recognize artists, educators and arts organizations whose exemplary achievements enable Minnesotans with disabilities to participate in the arts.

Nominees for the 2005 Arts Access Awards are now being sought in categories such as:

• Outstanding Arts Educator of Students with Disabilities;
• Most Active & Visible Minnesota Artist with a Disability (performer, visual artist, writer,...);
• Most Active Producing/Performing Group Involving People with Disabilities;
• Most User-Friendly Performance or Exhibiting Space for People with Disabilities.

Award winners will receive an original artwork created by a Minnesota artist with a disability, and publicity about the access issues they promote. Nominations may be submitted by mail, fax or e-mail (up to 2 pages) or on audio tape (up to 5 minutes). Include contact information about nominee and nominator (name, address, phone, etc.); relationship (if any) of the nominee to the writer; and reasons why the nominee deserves to be recognized. Attach any relevant news clippings, photos or website information. Nominations must be received by June 1, 2005. Send to VSA arts of Minnesota, 528 Hennepin Avenue S., Suite 305, Minneapolis, MN 55403; fax 612-305-0132; or info@vsaartsmn.org.

Last year's awards, created by Joseph Pendergast of Saint Paul, went to Cora Culbert, Hibbing, Range Center & SoHo Artists; Allyson Hogan, Worthington, Playwright Discovery award winner; Interact Center for the Visual & Performing Arts, Minneapolis; Kevin Kling, Minneapolis performer and author; Rachel Parker, Minneapolis, PACER Center disability rights advocate, trainer of arts staffs; Pat Young, Minneapolis, 26th Street Artists (Spectrum Community Health), visual arts program administrator.

Arts Advocacy Day at the Minnesota State Capitol is Tuesday, February 22. To participate, contact Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (MCA) at 651-251-0868 or Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (www.mtn.org/mca).

Arts Advocacy Days nationally are planned for March 14-15, 2005 in Washington, D.C.

VSA arts of Minnesota is issuing a Call to Artists to create a logo for the 15th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The celebration will be Tuesday, July 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Anne Sullivan Communication Center and School, 3100 E. 28th Street, Minneapolis. A committee representing many government and nonprofit disability organizations is planning activities on the theme of "15 Years Later: Where Have We Been, Where Are We Now, Where Are We Going." The logo will be used in promotion materials for the day's events.

Submit logo designs to VSA arts of Minnesota no later than March 31, 2005. One logo will be chosen by April 15, and the artist will be notified immediately and paid a stipend of $250. Entry and submission requirements are available from VSA arts of Minnesota or at VSA arts of Minnesota - What's New - Americans with Disabilities Act Celebration - Call for Logo..

Minnesota Brass, Inc. and other prominent local drum and bugle corps will hold their 2005 Spring Showcase on Saturday, April 23 in Saint Paul. For the second year in a row, a portion of the proceeds from the concert will go to support the programs of VSA arts of Minnesota.

The concert will be kicked off by Alec Sweazy, a pianist and accordionist from Minnetonka. Alec, who has William's Syndrome, performed at VSA arts of Minnesota's Cabaret & Silent Auction in September. He recently graduated from Music Tech in Saint Paul and is looking forward to these new performing opportunities.

We encourage you to attend the concert from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Highland Park High School, 1015 Snelling Avenue South. The emcees for the evening are Minnesota Public Radio's Lynne Warfel-Holt and KARE-11's Allan Costantini. For more information about Minnesota Brass, Inc. and this performance, go to Minnesota Brass Inc. (www.mnbrassinc.org).

VSA arts of Minnesota invites all visual artists with disabilities, ages 6-13, to participate in FACES of the FUTURE, a call for art that celebrates the essence of "what makes you one of a kind." All artwork will be included in a traveling exhibit, and all will receive certificates of participation.

Artwork must be original, either representational or abstract, that represents your self-image. Eligible media are paintings (oil, watercolor, acrylic), drawings (pencil, charcoal, pastel), photography, and two-dimensional mixed media. Send your original artwork (no larger than 8.5" x 11") along with an entry form or by mail to VSA arts of Minnesota by May 1, 2005.

The annual VSA arts Playwright Discovery Award program challenges students in grades 6-12 of all abilities to take a closer look at the world around them, examine how disability affects their lives and the lives of others, and express their views by writing a one-act play. Winners receive scholarships and a trip to see their show performed at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. For more information: visit VSA arts (www.vsarts.org).

With the goal of exploring, sharing and recording disability history and culture, VSA arts of Minnesota invites writers age 14-22 with disabilities to participate in Reflections III, an annual publication of poems and essays.

To enter, address one or more of these issues in your poem or short essay: How do you see yourself? How do you think others see you? How would you want the world to be? What part does your disability play in how you view yourself, or how others or the world view you?

All entries will be reviewed for technical proficiency, originality and presence of a personal style or vision. All participants will receive a certificate of participation, a copy of Reflections III, and an invitation to a book signing honoring the showcased young authors.

Submit up to five typed poems or short essays (up to 800 words) and a completed entry form to VSA arts of Minnesota by May 1, 2005.

Poems intended to be used as song lyrics are acceptable. Write your name and title of the poem/essay in pencil on the back of each submission. Submissions will not be returned, so make a copy for yourself before mailing it. Entry form must be signed by both the author and parent or guardian.

On Friday, February 18, VSA arts of Minnesota will co-host Art Beyond Sight, a workshop focusing on creative approaches to working in the arts with students who have visual impairments.

To jump-start the workshop, Leslye Orr will explore the possibilities of disabilities by engaging participants in an adaptation of her play Hand in Hand, based on the post-"miracle" years of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan.

Kate Grathwol, PhD, will talk about vision loss and introduce participants to Resources for Education Professionals available at Vision Loss Resources.

In Snapshots of Success students, teachers, teaching artists and project partners will share their perspectives on successful artist-in-residence projects at the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind. This will feature photographer Barry Kleider and Media Mike Hazard.

It will be from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm at Vision Loss Resources, 1936 Lyndale Avenue S., Minneapolis (612-871-2222). $15 fee includes lunch.

For more information about Education activities, contact Kristi Gaudette, Education Coordinator.

Springtime with the Arts, VSA arts of Minnesota's annual festival for adults with disabilities, will be hosted by the Access Project of ISD 197 Community Education on Saturday, April 9 at Heritage Middle School in West Saint Paul. Adults involved in community education arts programs perform on stage, display their original art and experience new theatre, movement, music or visual art activities. For more information, contact VSA arts of Minnesota.

The Artists With Disabilities Alliance holds monthly networking meetings in the Twin Cities. Faye Buffington-Howell will show her art on February 9. In March, Deb Costandine will coordinate a hat-making workshop & tea party. In April Tara Innmon will offer a dream sculpture workshop. For more info, call VSA arts or go to Artists With Disabilities Alliance (www.Angelfire.com/mn3/awda).

Autumn's First Cabaret & Silent Auction on September 26th was a beautiful afternoon at the Nicollet Island Pavilion. With backdrops of the Mississippi River and of Jon Leverentz' masterpiece Millennium, the event featured 10 Minnesota performers, 200 auction items, and great food, beverages & desserts. VSA arts of Minnesota's first fund-raiser raised $3,600 for statewide arts programs for and by people with disabilities. Thanks to all 110 who attended and bid, as well as all donors. (photos by Jeff Farnam)

(italic = in-kind)

Memorials (unrestricted):

In memory of Goldie Daum - Merle & Dolores Hart, Craig Dunn & Candy Hart, Kelly Hart & John Lane.
In memory of Body Hanson - Margaret Dawson, Jim Hanson.
In memory of Norman Peterson - Craig Dunn & Candy Hart.
In memory of Nathan Schmidt - Gail Burke, Kristi Gaudette, Ann Heydon, Jon Skaalen, Anna Thompson.
In memory of Jim Scott - Robyn Alexander.

Gifts to the VSA arts of Minnesota Endowment Fund:

In memory of Nancy Bergh - Craig Dunn & Candy Hart.
In memory of Nathan Schmidt - Deana & David Carr, David Marty, James Sloan, Eric Straubmuller, Beverly Soll & Jennifer Hinners.

Major Benefactors:

ArtSpace Projects, Jerome Foundation, McKnight Foundation, Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota State Arts Board, Saint Paul Travelers Foundation, VSA arts (through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education).

Benefactors:

Care Chiropractic Health & Resource Center, ELA Foundation, General Mills Foundation, Guthrie Theater, Judd, Ostermann & Demro, Medtronic Foundation, Lisa Skluzacek, United Arts.

Advocates:

Jaime Becker, Britta Beeck, Jean Blazer, Bob & Kay Burland, Jaehn Clare, Cora Culbert, Cornerstone Copy Center, Courage Center, Stephen & Jean Danko, Joe Dowling & Siobhan Cleary, Craig Dunn & Candy Hart, Taras & Mary Dykstra, Carol Earle, Clete Fleming, Mary & Chuck Gibis, Pam & Jim Hall, Jean Stephen Galleries, Janet & Winton Jones, Dodie Kostishack, Bob & Jeannine Lavens, William Muchow, Minnesota Brass, Inc., Park State Bank - Warehouse District, Pure Blue Swim Shop, Inc, Lawrence Redmond, Kit & Dick Schmoker, Mary Schoessler & Mark Haeffner, Stablish Foundation, John Stanoch, Nancy Straw, Anna Thompson, Dorothy Timm Meili, Steven & Susan Turbenson, Patricia Young.

Sponsors:

Shane Anderson, Howard Ansel, David Bach, Diane Baldwin, Perrin Boyd, Cindy Carlson, Yvonne Condell, Joy Daly, David Dunn, Mavis Dunn, James & Beverly Dusso, Pamela Endean & Colleen Carey, Sherri & Wayne Fuller, Ray Haverstock, Julie & Anders Himmelstrup, Margot Imdieke-Cross & Stuart Cross, Tom & Chris Janda, Kelly & Dianne Lorix, Myles Reif Performing Arts Center, Terry McEowen, Bill & Fern Miller, Cathy & Bill Milota, David & Karen Minge, Nancy & Larry Robbert, Kay Robinson, Ed Schwarz, Nadine Sehnert, Mark Siegel, Susan Singer, Gerald & Jane Skluzacek, Jayne Spain, State Bank of Faribault, United Bank (Faribault), Ann Wasserman, Louise Ziegler.

Supporters:

Shirley Adamczyk, Patricia Alcott, Derek Appleyard, Mary Anne Bennett, Margaret Bergh, Beth Bloomquist, Ruth Braun, Sondra Brust, Gail Burke, Cathy Carlson, Elizabeth Childs, Paul Danko, Mary Darnall, Barbara Davis, Randy Edinger, Richard Erickson, Thomas & Patricia Fetsch, Pat Finucann, Marvin & Rosemary Fish, Denise Fletcher, Marlys Foss, David Fraher, Kristi & Chris Gaudette, Debra Glassman, Sandra Lou Goers, Marge Goldberg, Wendy Harbour, Sara Haugen, Kathy Heffern, Bob & Betty Helman, Clarice Killian, Yvonne Klocek, Paula Krippner, Kristen Mathisen, Twyla Missel-horn, Robert Niederkorn, Donna Norberg, Laurie O'Connor, Chris Orr, Don & Kathy Park, Ben Patrick, Bob Payton, Mary Carol Peterson, Peggy Peterson, Lorraine Marie Peterson, Bela Petheo, Steven Porter, Sally Ratke, George & Mary Ray-mond, Bridget Riversmith, Mary Samuels, Dale Schatzlein, Steve & Elizabeth Schmidt, Susan Searle, Jan Severson, Pam Truesdell, Rick Vogt, Tom & Kathy Weber, Gerrhart & Janet Weiss, Philip & Katherine Welter, Elizabeth Wright.

International Festival Gifts:

Stanley Aldrich, Roy Bakke, Joan Niki Balach, Beth Bloomquist, Ruth Braun, Sondra Brust, Valleen Carlson, Susan Carstens, James Conway, Bonham Cross, Cora Culbert, Emily Day, Sue & Mark Erickson, Marlys Foss, Anna May Gallup, Bob & Betty Helman, Laura Hendrickson, Clarice Killian, Agatha Ledin, Gaylan & Joy Mathiesen, Twyla Misselhorn, Jean Monahan, Tom & Carol Nace, Chris Osgood, William Pedersen, Mary Perunovich, Peggy Peterson, Catherine Rundell, Catherine Sandell, Susan Sasse, Paula Schwartz, Ed Schwarz, Dr. and Ms. Carl W. Sjoding, Laurel Stumbo, Phyllis Thomforde, Martin & Lorraine Tonn, Jim & Krista Turchi, Robert Winberg.

Fundraising Event In-Kind Service/Product Donations:

Jigsaw Unlimited & Susan Diamond, Mintahoe, Urban Wildlife Bar & Grill, Class A Valet, Museum Services, Perpich Center for Arts Education, Caribou Coffee, Courage Center, AVVR, Aarcee Rentals, Schmitt Music Roseville, Kevin Kling, Michael Deutsch, Alec Sweazy, Stephanie Dawn & Dann Thornton, Joseph Baird, Jim Hanson & Kip Shane, Jeff Farnam, Jon Leverentz.

Silent Auction Donors:

Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Anodyne Artists Co., Applause Community Theatre, Applebees, Yuri Arajs, Avant Salon, Linda Back McKay, Jaime Becker, Dennis Behr, Kimberly Benning, Big Brain Comics, Black Forest Inn, Block E 15 Crown Theatres, Bloomington Art Center Gallery Players, Bloomington Civic Theatre, Bryant-Lake Bowl, Cabela's, Calliope Women's Chorus, Caribou Coffee, Howard Carson, Center for Independent Artists, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Chevy's Fresh Mex, Children's Theatre Company, City Hairstylists, ComedySportz, Com-monweal Theatre, Lisa Cotton, Tismel Crow, Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant, Steve & Jean Danko, The Depot Bar & Grill, Mari Jayn Duchene, Dunn Brothers Coffee, The Egg & I, Shoshana Elana, Electric Fetus, Faribault Woolen Mills Store, Kathie Foslien, Dennis Frandrup, Game, Inc., General Mills Foundation, Kathy Gerts-Senger, Gluek's Restaurant, Green Mill Restaurant, Guthrie Theater, Jim Hanson, Candy Hart, Haskell's, Hennepin Theatre Trust, Herkimers, Hopkins Center for the Arts, Ike's Food & Cocktails, Illusion Theater, In the Heart of the Beast Theatre, Interact Center for Visual & Performing Arts, Javalife Coffee House, Jon Hassler Theater, Jungle Theater, Bob Kingston, DDS, Lakeville City Ballet, Landmark Theatres, The Local, Phill Lindsay on behalf of the Lindsay family, Karen Listgarten, Litespa, Loring Pasta Bar, Lyon's Pub, Lyric Arts of Anoka, Market Bar-B-Que, Denise Martineau, Masque Youth Theatre & School, Mill City Museum, MN Assn. of Community Theatres, MN Fringe Festival, MN Jewish Theatre Co., MN Orchestra, MN Timberwolves Fastbreak Foundation, MN Youth Symphonies, Mixed Blood Theatre, Morris Park Players, Mounds View Community Theatre, National Camera Exchange, Mari Newman, Old Chicago, Old Log Theater, Ordway Center for Performing Arts, Leslye Orr, Chris Osgood, The O'Shaughnessy, Outward Spiral Theatre Co., Shelly Owen & Ann Kranz, Panera Bread, Park Square Theatre, Rachel Parker, Joe Pendergast, Pillsbury House Theatre, Playwrights' Center, Ready for Success, Red Eye, Bridget Riversmith, Rochester Civic Music, Harry Rosenbaum, Tara Roth at Elevation Therapeutic Massage, Saint John's/St. Ben's Fine Arts, Dean J. Seal, Janice Severson, J.M. Shephard, Sidney's Restaurant, Jon Skaalen, Jane & Jerry Skluzacek, SoHo Artists, Southern Theater, St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra, St. Croix Festival Theatre, Stages Theatre Co., Jay Storlie, Studio 52 Hair Salon, Michael Sutton, Lori Sweazy, TGI Fridays, Don Taylor, Dee Teller, Theatre in the Round Players, Theatre Limina, Theatre Unbound, Tonic of Uptown, Town Hall Brewery, Treehouse Records, Triple Espresso Co., Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus, UMD Theatre, Utrecht Art Supplies, VSA arts of Wisconsin, Theresa Wanta, Whillock Woodcarving, Morgan Grayce Willow, Wuollet Bakery, Youth Performance Company.

The VSA arts of Minnesota Board of Directors elected Stephen Danko to a second term as president at its annual meeting in October. Steve and his wife Jean own Jean Stephens Gallery in Minneapolis. Also reelected as officers were Vice-President Mark Siegel, a policy consultant with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, and Secretary Jaime Becker, Saint Paul disability advocate. Rick Vogt, Lakeville, was elected Treasurer. Vogt is an attorney with Mackall Crounse & Moore. Jim Hanson became the first board member to retire after having served three full terms. Employed by Sister Kenny Institute, he was treasurer, chair of the Program committee, and chief solicitor of donations to the Silent Auction. The Board accepted Mary Schoessler's resignation from the Board of Directors, and elected Sue Warner, who also works at Courage Center in the Marketing Department. Nancy Straw of Fergus Falls was elected to the Board in January. President of West Central Initiative in Region 7, she previously was executive director of Very Special Arts South Dakota.

Nathan Scott Schmidt, 15, the son of former Board President Steve Schmidt of Rochester, died on Christmas Day in a carbon monoxide accident in Red Wing. Steve's daughter Nicole and former wife Susan were hospitalized with carbon monoxide poisoning but were later released. Nathan's uncle and a friend of the uncle also died. The tragedy could have been worse but Steve's holiday call awoke his daughter, who was able to call 911. Nathan, who had congenital hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy and developmental delays, was an eighth grader in Red Wing. Our condolences go out to Steve and his family for their loss. We thank Steve for designating our organization as a recipient of memorials. We know that Nathan's exuberance, good-naturedness and joy will live on through gifts to the Endowment Fund, which was established while Steve was still on the board for the long-term sustenance of the organization.

Condolences also go to former Board President Eric Peterson, whose father Norman died in September. The Peterson family, of Plymouth, has long supported VSA arts of Minnesota. Shortly after his father's death, Eric received a long-awaited transplant of a kidney and pancreas. He continues to recover and hopes to return to his volunteer activities soon.

The final performances nationally of Five Foot Feat, a dance theater piece created by Catherine Cole and Christopher Pilafian from Santa Barbara, California, were hosted by VSA arts of Minnesota on December 11-12 at Red Eye in Minneapolis.

Cole, who lost her left leg to cancer three years ago, worked with the idea of. the public spectacle of disability, the energy of people's visual interest in her body. "I felt that by giving people permission to look, and to look on my terms, we could move beyond awkwardness to something more interesting."

The one-hour work used live music, spoken text and dance to focus on three characters, each of whom faces some limitation or obstacle, and then undergoes a transformation. Post-show discussions elicited audience feedback praising the creativity of both concept and movement as well as the skillful execution by four dancers and a key onstage musician.

Thanks to the marvelously talented company, the Red Eye crew, and the people who attended an event to remember.