Arts Access Newsletter March 2009

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The Artists With Disabilities Alliance (AWDA) in the Twin Cities will host a statewide retreat June 12-14 at Macalester College in St. Paul. Funded by the Metro Regional Arts Council, its purpose is to facilitate networking and to spur creation of art through several workshops. Other funds from the National Arts and Disability Center will enable a focus on enhancing opportunities for careers in the arts. NADC funds have also enabled groups of artists with disabilities to meet regularly in Duluth (Arrowhead Alliance of Artists With Disabilities) and St. Cloud (We-R-Artists). Networking groups in Fergus Falls, Mankato, Bemidji and Mora/Hinckley still hope to convene and support each other more often.

The retreat at Macalester will be an affordable way to meet other artists, to stay overnight at college dorms, to participate in evening music making, to show and sell art, and to attend workshops. Thus far, these include Creative Writing: John Minczeski; Art: Dream Sculpture: Tara Innmon; Movement: Barbara Nordstrom-Loeb; Arts Career Focus: Springboard for the Arts. Dan Reiva will coordinate a performance for Sunday's closing session.

To learn more about the retreat at Grand & Snelling, Saint Paul, contact Jon at VSA arts of Minnesota or Erin at the Minnesota State Arts Board.

Seven Minnesota artists have been awarded grants of $1,250 each through the VSA arts of Minnesota Career Advancement Grant Program. The 13th annual competitive grant, funded by the Jerome Foundation, recognizes excellence by Minnesota artists with disabilities. Selected from 54 applicants, the grantees are:

Laurel Cazin, Saint Paul, Visual Art – photography.
Deb Costandine, Saint Paul, Visual Art – ceramics, sculpture.
Nancy Donoval, Minneapolis, Performance – storytelling.
Delia Jurek, Center City, Visual Art – printmaking.
Amy Mattson, Buffalo, Visual Art – video.
Roald Molberg, Duluth, Visual Art – pottery.
Nicole Zapko, Bloomington, Performance – theatre, mime.

The grants were awarded following a jurying process conducted by individuals with extensive backgrounds in the written, visual and performing arts. They looked at the artists' work, proposed projects, resumes and artist statements. Members of the panels included:

Sean Dowse, executive director, Sheldon Auditorium, Red Wing.
Beth Gauper, travel writer, MidwestWeekends.com, Minneapolis.
Robin Gillette, executive director, Minnesota Fringe Festival, Minneapolis.
Denise Martineau, artist, writer, disability advocate, Golden Valley.
Ken Moses, retired theatre producer, Art Saint Croix volunteer, Stillwater.
Kerry Osberg, executive director, Visual Arts Minnesota, Saint Cloud.
Patti Paulson, director, Robbin Gallery, Robbinsdale; asst. supt., MN State Fair Art Show.
Robin Pearson, executive director, Southeast Minnesota Arts Council, Rochester.
John Rasmussen, executive director, Midway Contemporary Art, Minneapolis.
Madge Thorsen, attorney, Golden Valley; past board president, Interact Center.

Applications will be sent to previous applicants or others who wish to have their art projects and art work considered.

Loc Tran, a 17-year-old pianist from Brooklyn Park, has been chosen as the first winner of Minnesota's VSA arts Young Soloist Competition.  His recorded performance samples were deemed to be the best after review by University of Minnesota Music Therapy Department faculty.

Craig Dunn, executive director of VSA arts of Minnesota, presented Loc with a framed certificate and a $100 gift card to Schmitt Music. Loc joins young musicians with disabilities from over 40 states whose applications will be adjudicated to select two national winners. They will join two international winners and perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. Each winner will receive $5,000.
Loc writes his own music as well as playing compositions by others. He has very low vision and is on the autism spectrum. Loc's teacher, Julie Kochevar, and his Mom, Thanh Mai, helped us learn more about Loc:

VSA arts: Tell us about yourself.
Loc Tran: I was born in Nha Trang, Vietnam and moved to the United States in July of 1993, when I was a year and a half old. My family moved first to California and then to Saint Paul when I was 2 or 3 years old. I started studying piano when I was 7. My brother also played piano when he was small, but he didn't continue like I did. Now I take piano lessons from an instructor at Northwestern College in Saint Paul. I enjoy participating in competitions like the Northwestern Music Festival (2002, ‘03, ‘04, ‘08) and Saint Paul Piano Teachers Award (2003). I have been studying primarily classical music, but I'm thinking about learning more about jazz. Making it to the state level of the VSA arts Young Soloist's Award is a good accomplishment for me; next year, I plan to apply again with a different type of piece -- my own composition.
VSA arts: What is your favorite kind of music?
Loc Tran:  Ragtime; I played The Entertainer and thought it was a good song. I have not played any other ragtime music. I also like 70s music, like Little Willie Really Won't Go Home.
VSA arts: Describe how you compose a piece of music.
Loc Tran: I just compose it in my head; I re-work several sections of a piece at a time. Then, I play it on the piano, and record it on CD so I have a record of it.
VSA arts: If you could perform with anyone else in the world, who would it be?
Loc Tran: I would play with Grant Henry Hill, a professional NBA player who plays for the Phoenix Suns. Grant Hill is also a piano player.
VSA arts: How do you learn a composed piece of music written by someone else?
Loc Tran: If it is a classical piece, I would learn it visually, with enlarged music (large print). Otherwise, I learn by ear, by listening to a CD.
VSA arts: How does singing in the Champlin Park High School choir compare with playing the piano?
Loc Tran: It is really fun to sing in the choir because I have a lot of good friends there.

To learn more about VSA arts' Young Soloists Competition, go to VSA arts - Arts In Action: Call for Entries (www.vsarts.org/x2283.xml). To enter the Minnesota competition later this year, email info@vsaartsmn.org and put Young Soloists in the subject line.

by Mark Siegel, Board President, VSA arts of Minnesota

This column is all about you. Yes, you. The rest of this newsletter provides a lot of information on all the great programming of VSA arts of Minnesota, but I want to spend some time talking about you.

VSA arts of Minnesota was started by people like you. People who care about providing people with disabilities opportunities to enjoy and experience the arts. People who understand that the arts should be accessible to everyone. You wouldn’t be reading this newsletter if those things didn’t matter to you.
Over the years, the support of people like you has made it possible for us to bring the arts to thousands of kids and adults with disabilities across Minnesota. Without you, we would not be able to bring musicians, storytellers, and other artists into classrooms full of students with disabilities who might otherwise not have an opportunity to beat on a drum or try their hand at pottery. Without you, we would not be able to help provide sign language interpreted performances for people who would otherwise not be able to enjoy a play.

Now, more than ever, we need your support. Nonprofits are struggling to survive in this troubled economy, but small organizations like VSA arts of Minnesota are particularly vulnerable. Craig and his staff are trimming expenses as much as possible without affecting our core programming, but that may not be enough. The public and private grants that fund much of our daily operations will be reduced this year. VSA faces the very real possibility of confronting a budget shortfall later this year, which would lead to significant programming cutbacks.

Your tax-deductible donation can ensure that VSA arts of Minnesota continues to provide quality programming that opens new doors of experience and opportunity for people with disabilities. I certainly understand that not everyone is in a position to make a contribution, but even small donations of $10 or $15 can make a tremendous difference. And if you can afford to give more, I hope you will consider doing so. You can mail your donation using the form at the back of the newsletter. You can also make a donation online.

As Board president, I have every confidence that VSA arts of Minnesota will overcome these challenges and emerge as an even stronger organization. VSA can look ahead to a bright future, including an anticipated move to a new space that will provide more exciting opportunities to bring art into the lives of people with disabilities. But to realize that future, VSA needs your help now.

The arts in Minnesota are more accessible to people with disabilities today – thanks in part to four individuals and one organization whose efforts were recognized by the 11th annual Arts Access Awards, presented in September by VSA arts of Minnesota. Nominated by the public, the awards recognize outstanding accomplishments by artists, arts organizations, advocates and educators that help achieve the VSA mission to create a community where people with disabilities can learn through, participate in and access the arts.

In 11 years of these statewide awards, VSA arts of Minnesota has recognized 38 individuals and 16 organizations. Each received an original work of art called the Jaehny, named after the organization’s co-founder, Jaehn Clare. The 2008 Jaehny awards were created by Saint Paul artist Maya Rose.

The 2008 VSA Arts Access Award recipients are:

Most Active and Visible Minnesota Artists with Disabilities:
Annie Hanauer, Center City, dancer (now dancing in England with CanDoCo Dance Co.);
Bridget Riversmith, Duluth, visual artist active with Arrowhead Alliance of Artists With Disabilities;

Outstanding Arts Educator of Students and Adults with Disabilities:
Rachael Lyons, Chaska, special education teacher recently at Waconia schools and now at Chaska schools;

Outstanding Organizations Actively Supporting Access to the Arts for People with Disabilities:
Jerome Foundation, Saint Paul, nonprofit arts funder;

Outstanding Individuals Actively Promoting Access to the Arts for People with Disabilities:
Britta Beeck, Minneapolis, accessible website designer.

Jenea Rewertz-Targui is the new Arts in Education Coordinator with VSA arts of Minnesota. She will coordinate artist residencies, the Artist Ambassador program, professional development opportunities and visual art exhibits.

Jenea hails from northwest Minnesota and holds a BFA with an emphasis in printmaking and a BS in Art Education from Bemidji State University. She worked recently as a program coordinator at the East Side Arts Council. In addition to creating her own artwork using a variety of media, she teaches visual arts classes for the Youth and Family Programs at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and the Minnesota Center for Book Arts.

Jenea succeeds Amie Pence, who left VSA arts of Minnesota after two years to teach art in Maple Grove, pursue her masters degree and get married! Good luck, Jenea, and best wishes, Amie & Peter Gale!

VSA arts of Minnesota’s Artist in Residence Grant Program provides administrative and funding support to schools and educational settings throughout Minnesota interested in hosting a teaching artist.

Teaching artist Jane Peck de-signed a project at Le Center School that engaged 80 students with disabilities in improving reading skills through movement and theater. Staff also participated in a hands-on workshop. A performance for the school and community was held on February. 13.

Twenty-five students with disabilities from InVEST Transition North and VENTURE Sec. Program in Brooklyn Park have been working with teaching artist Eileen Cohen from Northern Clay Center on basic hand-building and sculpture. Staff also participated in a hands-on workshop.  A final exhibit of students’ work will be held May 8.

WELS South Program in Little Canada invited teaching artist Felicitas Maria Sovek to work with 24 students with disabilities to make connections to social studies through mask-making and dance. A final show was held on March 6.

North East Metro 916 South Campus in White Bear Lake hosted storyteller Danielle Daniel and musician Alphonse Bolden. Sixteen students with disabilities explored storytelling through the music. A final performance for the school and community was held on March 13.

Fifteen students with disabilities in Special Programs for Adolescent Needs (SPAN) located at Washburn High School have been working with teaching artist Anne Krocak to create a collaborative tile mosaic to be installed in the school.

Roosevelt High School invited teaching artist Lori Brink from the Minnesota Center for Book Arts. Sixteen students with disabilities explored stencil design, paper laminating, pulp painting, embossing and paper casting. They made a presentation to classmates and peers December 1.

Denfeld High School in Duluth and Bay View Elementary in Proctor will host teaching artist Liz Vandersteen to work with 40 students with disabilities to explore the Elements of Art through printmaking. A final exhibition will be in May.

Teaching artist Perrin Boyd will engage students at the Hosterman Education Center in New Hope to make connections through clowning.

Involve YOUR School!

Are you a special education teacher looking to increase experiences in the arts for your students?

VSA arts of Minnesota is looking for partnering schools in Congressional Districts 1, 6 and 7 to develop Artist-in-Residence programs. Go to What’s New, Artist-in-Residency Grant Program and complete a Artist-in-Residence Request Form. Our Arts in Education Coordinator will then be in touch with some possible teaching artists! 

If you are a teaching artist interested in supporting and developing integrated arts programming for students of all abilities, download the Teaching Artist Application and Guidelines!

The Arts Ambassador program is designed to bring professional artists with disabilities into classrooms to engage people of all ages and abilities in presentations that discuss the Ambassador’s art form, disability and work as a professional artist.  Ambassadors are professional artists and are available for presentations and/or performances in a variety of venues. View our Arts Ambassador brochure under Forms and Guidelines, Arts Ambassador Brochure or contact our office.

Middle school students with developmental cognitive disabilities and peers from their school are invited to “Moving & Grooving,” the 8th annual Metro Arts Festival held at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. Coordinated by VSA arts of Minnesota, the event will feature a performance by Hayor Bibimma Dance Theater, which specializes in traditional West African music, dance and storytelling. Students will engage in hands-on sessions exploring various art forms as well as a session with the guest artists.

The free event is Friday, April 17, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., at Augsburg Music Department, 2211 Riverside Avenue. Any metro area middle school is eligible to attend, and may register 25 students. The registration deadline is Tuesday, March 31. Schools interested in attending are asked to complete the Metro Arts Festival Registration Form and send to VSA arts of Minnesota.

Accelerate

VSA arts seeks emerging visual artists with disabilities ages 16-25 for a national juried exhibition. Selected work will debut at the S. Dillon Ripley Center for the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. The “Accelerate” exhibition will tour for two years. Grand prize is $20,000; first award $10,000; second award $6,000; and 12 awards of excellence $2,000 each. Deadline: Friday, June 19

Revealing Culture

VSA arts is seeking visual artists who are interested in participating in the 2010 VSA arts International Festival. “Revealing Culture” will be the most comprehensive survey of international artists with disabilities brought to the United States. Applicants from a wide range of artistic practices are encouraged to apply. Disability is a requirement for eligibility, but will not be disclosed during the jury process. Artists will be selected on the aesthetic merits of their work. Artists are asked to consider the theme “Revealing Culture” as it relates to their submission, but a relationship to the theme does not have to be explicit or obvious in the work itself. Deadline: Friday, April 30

Playwright Discovery

The VSA arts Playwright Discovery Program invites middle and high school students (grades 6-12) to take a closer look at the world around them, examine how disability affects their lives and the lives of others by expressing their views through the art of playwriting. Playwrights may write from their own experience or about an experience in the life of another person or fictional character. Young playwrights with and without disabilities are encouraged to submit a script. Entries may be the work of an individual student or collaboration by a group or class of students. The winning playwright receives $2,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C., to see his or her play performed professionally at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Deadline: Friday, April 15

For more information regarding calls for entries, visit: www.vsarts.org.

Reserve Saturday or Sunday, May 30-31 to attend the 2009 International Children’s Festival at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Saint Paul. VSA arts of Minnesota will partner with ArtiCulture in a tent in Rice Park or Landmark Plaza that will offer hands-on arts activities from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The free international outdoor World Party features music, dance and visual arts activities for families by local and international artists as well as ethnic foods. For more information, visit: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Flint Hills Festival (www.ordway.org/festival).

This spring and summer, VSA arts of Minnesota joins forces with area community organizations and artists to make quality arts classes available and accessible to students with disabilities. If your center is searching for opportunities to develop classes that are creative and inclusive, contact our Arts in Education Coordinator.

Donations received from February 1, 2008 through February 28, 2009. If we missed your name, please contact VSA arts of Minnesota. (italic = in-kind)

Memorials(unrestricted)

Candy Hart in memory of Helen & Leon McBride, Richard Daum & Juanita Stanley
Gail & Brian Burke in memory of James Dusso

Gifts in Honor of...

Wade & Barbara Karli in honor of Scott Karli

Gifts to the Endowment Fund

In memory of Nathan Schmidt:
John & Marilyn Schmidt, Karl & JoAnn Schmidt, Rowan Zeiss, Steve & Elizabeth Schmidt

Major Benefactors ($10,000+)

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

Benefactors  ($1,000-9,999)

General Mills Foundation, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, Lisa Skluzacek, Target, United Arts, Sue Warner

Major Advocates ($500-999)

Joe Dowling & Siobhan Cleary; Craig Dunn & Candy Hart; Judd, Ostermann & Demro; Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, LLP; Mary Vavra Gibis & Chuck Gibis; Gary & Nancy Wagner

Advocates ($100-499)

Shane Anderson, Howard Ansel, Diane Baldwin, Jaime Becker, Britta Beeck, Bob & Kay Burland, Mary Catherine, Kay & Richard Chase, Jaehn Clare, Cornerstone Copy Center, Carol Earle, Pam Elliott & Jane Skorina, Dale Finke & Deb Rielley, Clete Fleming, Connie Fullmer & Jimmy Longoria, Dr. Paul Haack, Jimmie Hanson, Dolores & Merle Hart, Margot Imdieke-Cross, Jean Stephen Galleries, Wade Karli, Kathy Klein, Bob & Jeannine Lavens, Mackall Crounse & Moore PLC, Emily Maltz, Michael Malver, David & Karen Minge, Moore Family Fund for the Arts, William Muchow, Park State Bank - Warehouse District, Anne Peacock, Lawrence Redmond, Jack Roberts, Steve & Elizabeth Schmidt, Kit & Dick Schmoker, Mark Siegel, Jon Skaalen, John Stanoch, Thomson/Reuters, Steven & Susan Turbenson, Jody & Brian Van Ness, Wells Fargo Foundation, Louise Ziegler

Sponsors ($50-99)

Diane Blake, Gail Burke, Cathy Carlson, Cindy Carlson, Elizabeth Childs, Yvonne Condell, Craig Dahl, Richard & Dee Daum, Randy & Helen Edinger, Kristi & Chris Gaudette, Wendy Grethen, Julie & Anders Himmelstrup, Chris & Tom Janda, Johnstech International, Kristen Mathisen, Terry McEowen, Dorothy Timm Meili, Fern Miller, Sarah Millfelt, Linda & Mark Mindel, Paul & Dorthea Ofstedal, Bob Payton, Glen & Sandi Pence, Peggy Peterson, Richard & Rachel Quenemoen, Susan Singer, U.S. Bank, Kate Waters

Supporters (under $50)

Robyn Alexander, Robert K Anderson, Derek Appleyard, Jean Becker, Barbara Bollag, Bob Booker, Perrin Boyd, Woody & Joy Bridges, Suzanne Burke, James Conway, Courage Center, Barbara Davis, Don Druke, Pam Endean, Amy & Peter Gale, IceBox Quality Framing & Gallery,Tara Innmon, Yvonne Klocek, Paula Krippner, Ann Lohn, Patricia Mazurkiewicz, Dorie Miller, Kathy & Lynn Mockry, Len Nadasdy, Leslie Novak, Chris Orr, Chris Osgood, Don & Kathy Park, Bela Petheo, Nan Rech, Mary Sample, Stephanie Schwartz & James Kelly, Susan Searle, Jayne Spain, John & Mary Thoemke, Toner for Autism, Tom & Kathy Weber, Stacy Woods

Silent Auction Item Donors

Al Vento Restaurant, Applause Community Theatre, Applebee’s Eden Prairie, ArtReach Alliance, Bachman’s, Bibelot Shops, Black Forest Inn, Bloomington Civic Theatre, Richard Bonk, Brave New Workshop, Karen Bryan, Gail Burke, Cara Irish Pubs, Caribou Coffee, Howard Carson, Carter Ave. Frame Shop, Cedar Cultural Center, Central Square in Glenwood, Cookie Cart, Deb Costandine, Courage Cards, Courage Center Aquatic Dept., Courage Center Fitness Center, Doolittle’s, Craig Dunn & Candy Hart, Milton Evenson, Frank Theatre, Janet & Hal Gensler, Kathy Gerdts-Senger, G.B. Glaser, Guthrie Theater, Haskell’s, Mike Hazard, Ethan Heidlebaugh, Hell’s Kitchen, Hibbing Comm. College Theatre, History Theatre, Hopkins Center for the Arts, Tara Arlene Innmon, Interact Center, Internet Access Group, Inc., Ivey Awards, Izzy’s Ice Cream, Jawaahir Dance Co. & Cassandra School, Jax Café, Jenson’s Supper Club, Joe’s Garage, Jungle Theater, Robert Kingston, DDS, Anne Krocak, Lagoon Cinema, Lakeville City Ballet, Lisa Skluzacek, Loft Literary Center, Jimmy Longoria, Lyon’s Pub, Lyric Arts Co. of Anoka, Maid to Order, The Malt Shop, Mill City Museum, MN Center Chorale, MN Children’s Museum, MN Citizens for the Arts, MN Museum of American Art, MN Orchestra, Minnetonka Center for Arts, Morris Park Players, Mu Performing Arts, Muffuletta, Ginger Murray, Museum of Russian Art, Mari Newman, Donna Norberg, Northern Clay Center, NOTE-able Singers, The O’Shaughnessy, Rachel Parker, Terri Parks, Pure Blue Swim Shop, Q’Cumbers Buffet, Jenea Rewertz-Targui, Bridget Riversmith, Dr. David Rosenbaum, Harry Rosenbaum, Rochester Civic Music, Rosen’s City Tavern, Rosetown Playhouse, Saint Croix Festival Theatre, Saint Paul Chamber Orch., Sandbox Theatre, Kip Shane, Sheldon Theatre, Jon Skaalen, Skewed Visions Performance Co., Southern Theater, Step ‘n Stretch, Sue Rosenbaum, Theatre Associates of Stillwater, Toner for Autism, Triple Espresso, LLC, Troupe America, Pamela Veeder, Rena Vettleson, VocalEssence, Walker Art Center, Walking Shadow Theatre, Sue Warner, Tony Wentersdorf, White Bear Center for the Arts.

Steve Danko of Bloomington and Jaime Becker of Saint Paul were thanked and congratulated last fall for completing 3 full terms of outstanding service to the board of directors of VSA arts of Minnesota.

At the annual meeting in October Mark Siegel of Minneapolis was reelected board president. Other officers are Vice-President Sue Warner, Minneapolis; Treasurer Wade Karli, Faribault; Secretary Gail Burke, Woodbury.

Anne Peacock of Eden Prairie was elected to her first 3-year term. Other board members are: Cathy Carlson, Wayzata; Lisa Skluzacek, Minneapolis; Connie Fullmer, Hopkins; Jack Roberts, Saint Paul; Rick Vogt, Lakeville.

Craig Dunn, Executive Director, VSA arts of Minnesota.

So, how the heck are all of you, the regular readers of Arts Access and supporters of VSA arts of Minnesota? I write to you today on behalf of our board of directors and my fellow staff members, Jon & Jenea, hoping that the start of 2009 hasn’t been too cruel to you and those around you. Rather, we are hoping that the exhilaration that lifted us last November during the election, that continued with the joy the holidays bring and which climaxed with Inauguration week ceremonies are all sustaining you as we are pummeled with the daily barrage of doom and gloom, recession and uncertainty.

Let me tell you a couple of things that I hope can make you smile. First, not a single staff or board member received a million dollar bonus this year (Jon asked, “What’s a bonus?)! Our office make-over, conducted on December 29, consisted of a thorough dusting and vacuuming and we cleaned out the refrigerator for good measure – not a penny spent redoing our office to fit the “very different economic environment” (*) that we are now having to work in. Our endowment fund was not decimated by a Ponzi scheme and, though small ($6,600), has been growing steadily.  Finally, although I did get a little political last year working hard to pass the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment, I have received no offers of cash to fill our currently empty U.S. Senator seat – I learned some of the ropes but apparently not all of them!

My news to you today is that our door is open, we are in the midst of another busy year of arts programming, we have some money in our bank account and we have hopes for all of this to continue unabated.  We will be working this spring with Carlo Cuesta and his company, Creation in Common, to see how we can grow and how that growth can be supported by the Minnesota funding community.  One of the hoped-for outcomes of this work will be a new VSA arts of Minnesota office space, maybe by year’s end.

Like my fellow nonprofit Executive Directors, I wonder each day exactly how the organization I oversee will make it through the year. But also like them, I know that this organization will make it through this dire time and that, for another year, our staff members may not get bonuses, but we will know that because of our work, Minnesotans with disabilities will continue to learn through, participate in and have access to the arts in real and meaningful ways.
Keep your head up and thanks for taking time to read our newsletter!

(*) Words from ex-Merrill Lynch CEO John Thain on why he needed over a million dollars to redo his office.

Craig Dunn, who is current president of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, received the Lawrence Redmond (Larry) Award at Arts Advocacy Day from MCA Executive Director Sheila Smith.

Presented in front of nearly 800 arts advocates at the Minnesota History Center in Saint Paul, the award recognizes the 2009 Outstanding Minnesota Arts Advocate.

Two Harbors artist Michael Tonder created the original artwork.

Here’s an easy way to support the programming efforts of VSA arts of Minnesota. When you need ink or cartridges for your printers or copiers at home or work, consider Toner for Autism. The supplies sold at www.tonerforautism.com are priced competitively with other suppliers and profits go to causes supporting programs and services for people on the autism spectrum.

We saved more than 20% on our purchase of toner in late 2008 as compared to our usual cost through Dell.  The best part about this is that when you make your purchase and you select VSA arts of Minnesota from a drop-down list near the end of the order page, 5% of your purchase price will be sent to our organization!  What could be easier!
Be the first to make a toner purchase at this site and we will send you a Toner for Autism t-shirt. Choose from either a long-sleeved white shirt or a short-sleeved black shirt (each shirt is size large).

VSA arts of Minnesota works in Minneapolis with Park State Bank (430 First Ave. N., # 104) and Vision Loss Resources (1936 Lyndale Ave. S.) to exhibit artwork created by artists with disabilities. Check them out! And if you’d like your framed art to be considered for future exhibits, let us know!

The 46th International Art Show by Artists with Disabilities will take place April 16 - May 22 at the Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, 800 E. 28th Street, Minneapolis Awards in different art media categories will be presented at the opening reception, April 16 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. For information, call 612-863-4463, e-mail sisterkenny@allina.com, or go to Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute (www.allina.com/ahs/ski.nsf).