Artists' Pipeline #37 - August 20, 2002

VSA arts and MetLife Foundation presented three Cultural Access Awards at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, on August 10th. The awards recognize museums and performing arts organizations for making the arts more accessible to people with disabilities.
In the museum category, The Dayton (Ohio) Art Institute was recognized for its Access Art Internet tour of its permanent collection. In the performing arts category, Imagination Stage in Bethesda, Maryland, and the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities in Denver, Colorado, received awards for innovative programming. Selected from 21 national entries, each recipient will receive $5,000, an original bronze plaque commissioned by VSA arts, and publication in its "Guide to Best Practices in Cultural Access."
The Dayton Art Institute's Access Art program demonstrates the strong potential of technology to open a museum's doors to millions of people. Developed with an understanding of the barriers that might hinder a patron who has visual or hearing impairments or limitations in mobility, Access Art allows anyone with a computer and an Internet connection to experience the world of art. A visitor who is blind can enjoy the audio descriptions of an artwork. A visitor with a hearing impairment can enjoy the text transcript provided. The site's image enlargement system lets visitors zoom in on an image by using a keyboard rather than a mouse.
The Imagination Stage received the honor for More Dreams to Sign, a program using theater productions, tours and workshops to help people with hearing impairments and those who hear to communicate better.
The Arvada Center offers shadow-interpreted shows for people with hearing impairments, audio description for people with visual impairment, raised-letter and Braille signs on doorways, and fully accessible facilities including a children's playground called Squiggles.
Wayne Forbes of Dillon, Montana, created the award, "Anima Rising," an emblematic plaque honoring those who have risen above hardships in life. To view the bronze award sculpture, visit: VSA arts commissioned a bronze relief by Wayne Forbes of Dillon, Montana, as the award plaque (www.vsarts.org/pr/releases/2002/011502.html).
For more information, contact:
VSA arts: www.vsarts.org or call Dani Fox at (202) 628-2800
Access Art -The Dayton Art Institute: www.daytonartinstitute.org/accessart.
Dayton Art Institute: Susan Anable at (937) 223-5277.
Imagination Stage: Laurie Levy-Page at (301) 320-4386.
Arvada Center: Susan Dyer at (937) 223-5277.

VocalEssence, the new name of the Plymouth Music Series, has appointed Jon Cranney as interim general manager, succeeding Frank Stubbs, who served as general manager for 10 years before pursuing other career opportunities in July. Cranney was artistic director of the Children's Theater Company from 1984-1997. He directed "Barnum's Bird" last season for the music organization and has been working on a new opera by Cary John Franklin, "Loss of Eden," that will open its 34th season. A national search will be conducted to find a new General Manager. Philip Brunelle is Artistic Director & Founder. For more information: VocalEssence (www.vocalessence.org) or call 612-547-1451.

The 2002 U.S. Bank Sally Ordway Irvine Awards were presented to two theater projects, a cultural historian and a leader in the Minnesota music community. Awarded annually for the past 10 years to organizations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the arts, the Sallies this year went to the Minnesota Fringe Festival, the Chicago Avenue Project, historian Maya Lopez-Santamaria, and Philip Brunelle, founder of the Plymouth Music Series, newly renamed VocalEssence. Each received $2,500 and a crystal trophy in a presentation at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Saint Paul.
The Minneapolis Fringe Festival has become the largest festival of its kind in the nation, attracting about 30,000 people to 10 days of performances in early August. Executive director is Leah Cooper.
The Chicago Avenue Project, a part of the Pillsbury House Theatre, brings children together with theater artists to write and perform short plays each summer. Key personnel are Noel Raymond, co-artistic director; playwright Dana Gillespie; and actor Payton Woodson.
Lopez-Santamaria has documented the history of Mexican-American musicians, and last year wrote "Los Rumbaleros," a play produced by the Great American History Theatre about prominent musicians on the West Side of St. Paul.
Brunelle founded the Plymouth Music Series in 1969. Its 1992 recording of Dominick Argento's "Te Deum" was nominated for a Grammy. He also served as music director of the Minnesota Opera for 17 years, has taught at several colleges, performs on Prairie Home Companion, and earlier this month led the Sixth World Choral Symposium in the Twin Cities.

The Minnesota DeafBlind Association (MDBA) is raising funds by participating in the 7th Annual Headwaters Walk for Justice from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15, at Boom Island Park in Minneapolis. Last year, more than 700 people representing 70 groups walked together, raising over $60,000 for grassroots nonprofits. The 3.5-mile route takes an average of 1.5 hours to complete, and there is also a short-cut route. The route is accessible to people who use wheelchair and other mobility aids. MDBA's goal is to have at least 20 walkers who raise at least $100 each, but the event is also free for people who just wish to participate in the Walk. Prizes will be awarded to those who raise the most money for MDBA. A community picnic and live music will be provided. Volunteers are needed as sign language interpreters, support service providers (to assist deafblind people by providing sighted guide services and sensory information) and walkers or donors. All donations are tax-deductible. To sign up yourself or a friend, or for more information, contact Marisa Bennett, MDBA Fundraising Manager, at 612-870-4584 voice/TTY, email cyberfibro@hotmail.com, or go to the 7th Annual Headwaters Walk for Justice Home Page (www.walkforjustice.org).

November 1 is the deadline for outstanding young soloists with disabilities, age 25 or younger, to apply for the 2003 VSA arts Panasonic Young Soloist Awards. Vocalist or instrumentalist award winners will receive national recognition, scholarship funds to pursue studies in music, a flight to Washington, D.C. to perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and possible additional performance opportunities. The annual award is sponsored by the Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. The application requires a brief autobiography and a sample of performance on a video/audio tape or CD. For an application packet, contact VSA arts Panasonic Young Soloist Award, 1300 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036; 800-933-8721, tty 202-737-0645; e-mail soloists@vsarts.org, or go to www.vsarts.org. Materials are available in alternative formats by request.

Arts International has a fund which awards grants to individual performing artists and arts organizations that have been invited to participate in international festivals or exhibitions outside the U.S., particularly in areas where U.S. work is less frequently seen -- Africa, Asia and Latin America. The next deadline is Sept. 5. For more info: 212-674-9744 or e-mail: thefund@artsinternational.org. Or go to Arts International (www.artsinternational.org).

Autism Arts is collecting artwork and hosting an essay contest (at no cost for submission) to select children or adults with autism to participate in the Inaugural World Autism Congress this November in Melbourne, Australia. The Art Exhibition, Autism Arts: United We Stand: USA, will be displayed in the You Yangs Exhibition Hall. For more information, go to Autism Arts (www.AutismArts.com) or e-mail Sandy McMurray at Info@AutismArts.com.

A Pacific Rim conference to be held Feb. 10-11 in Honolulu, Hawaii, has called for submissions by October 1. One focus is on Arts, Culture and Disability: professional development for artists with disabilities; women with disabilities; and international disability culture, policy and practices. Presentations are also invited that address Early Childhood: young children with special needs; infants and toddlers at risk for disabilities; abuse and neglect; child-find; long-term outcomes results from early intervention; services in natural environments; effective transitions; service coordination; systems advocacy and support coordination for children and their families; and early childhood education. For details, go to Pacific Rim - Call for Papers (www.cds.hawaii.edu/pacrim/call_for_papers/index.html).

The Yale School of Management, the Goldman Sachs Foundation, and the Pew Charitable Trusts have joined to form a Partnership on Nonprofit Ventures. Its National Business Plan Competition for Nonprofit Organizations will award grants and technical assistance to nonprofits seeking to start or expand successful profit-making ventures. The competition will award $100,000 to four grand-prize winners, and $25,000 to four semi-finalists. In addition to cash awards, winners will receive technical business planning consultations to assist their organizations in moving their earned-income ventures forward.
To be eligible, nonprofit organizations must: have established 501(c)(3) status; be headquartered in the United States; be in the planning stages of establishing an earned-income business venture, or have an earned-income venture in operation for no more than 24 months as of August 30, 2002. The applicant venture may be a nonprofit subsidiary, a for-profit subsidiary, or a program of a nonprofit organization. Entrants may operate or seek to operate various types of business ventures. There is no minimum or maximum annual budget requirement. For competition guidelines, entry procedures and forms, go to: National Business Plan Competition for Nonprofit Organizations (http://ventures.yale.edu/aboutcompetition.asp).

Minnetonka Center for the Arts seeks art for its Holiday Juried Art Show and Sale, on display Nov. 14 - Dec. 23. Work will be chosen for artistic merit and shown primarily in the Laura H. Miles Gallery. If interested, submit three slides or samples of the range and type of work that you would submit by October 15 to Jack Becker, Program Director, Minnetonka Center for the Arts, 2240 North Shore Drive, Wayzata, MN 55391. Include a documentation sheet listing your name, address, phone, e-mail, medium, size and price of each work. Mark slides with name and include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for their return. Media considered include original painting, drawing, sculpture, jewelry, glass, fiber art, photography, ceramics, printmaking, wood, multi-media; Do not submit items mass-produced or made from kits, photocopies, offset lithographic reproductions or floral arrangements. As work sells, more work can be restocked. The MCA commission is 50%, 40% for artists who assist during set-up, sale or take-down. (The event is primarily a fund-raiser for the Center.) Security will be provided but the Center is not liable for missing or damaged items. The opening reception will be Nov. 14, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. FMI: 952-473-7361, ext. 13, or Minnetonka Center for the Arts (www.minnetonkaarts.org).

The city of Eden Prairie will open a new library in fall 2003 in the former Lund's grocery store, one block from the present library. It will have a new community-access gallery wall to display original works of art. A series of integrated public art projects are planned, facilitated by FORECAST Public Artworks. A total of $60,000 is available for production of artistic components inside and outside of the building. The library requests submissions of preliminary artistic design options by August 26, 2002. A selection committee will review submission and select finalists for interviews in October. Finalists will receive $500 stipends for sketches and related materials presented at the interview. Designs selected must be completed by June 2003. Projects include a metal relief for horizontal exterior wall facing Prairie Center Drive (budget $16,500), outdoor plaza seating wall mosaic murals ($17,500), monumental light pillars ($16,000), artist-designed carpet tiles ($5,000), children's reading "throne" ($3,000), custom coat hooks ($2,000). All projects may be considered individually or as a group by an artist or team of artists. A single unifying theme may be used for all projects; imagery may be representational or abstract; all costs must not exceed listed budget amounts. To be considered, submit a brief letter describing your approach and which projects interest you, up to 10 slides or photos of previous work or related projects, and biographical information for key project people (two-page limit). If you wish return of your materials, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Send materials postmarked by August 26 to FORECAST Public Artworks, Eden Prairie Resource Library, 2324 University Avenue W., #102, Saint Paul, MN 55114. For more info about the Eden Prairie Library, go to Hennepin County Library (www.hclib.org). With other questions, call Jack Becker, FORECAST Artistic Director, 651-641-1128; e-mail: forecast@visi.com; fax 651-641-0028.

The 2002 Choreographers' Evening will be presented by Walker Art Center and DanceToday (formerly Minnesota Dance Alliance) on Saturday, Nov. 30. This event showcases contemporary Minnesota dance talent, unveiling new works by emerging, mid-career and established choreographers age 18 or older. This year's curator is Paula Mann, dancer, teacher and artistic director of Time Track Productions (formerly Paula Mann Dance). Choreographers are asked to audition one 5-7- minute piece. Choreographers selected will receive small stipends. Auditions will be held by appointment at the Walker Art Center on Friday, Sept. 6, 5:00-9:00, and Sunday, Sept. 8, 10:00-1:00 and 2:00-6:00. To sign up for an audition time (every 15 minutes), call 612-746-4761. Paula Mann will return your call to confirm your time. If, due to Rosh Hashanah, you need an audition on an alternate day, that can be arranged. Funding is provided in part by the Walker's Doris Duke Fund for Jazz and Dance.

Application deadlines for the 2003 Bush Artist Fellows program are coming up this fall. Artists may apply in four categories including literature (fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry), music composition, scriptworks (playwriting and screenwriting), and film/video. Up to 15 fellowships of $44,000 each will be awarded.
Application deadlines are:

• October 18 - Scriptworks, Film/Video
• October 25 - Literature
• November 1 - Music Composition

A program of the Bush Foundation, the BAF provides artists with significant financial support that enables them to further their work and their contribution to their communities;
Fellows may decide to take time for solitary work or reflection, engage in collaborative or community projects, embark on travel or research, explore new directions, continue work already in progress, or accomplish work not financially feasible otherwise.
To be eligible to apply, an artist must be at least 25 years old and a resident of Minnesota, the Dakotas or the 26 counties of western Wisconsin that lie within the Ninth Federal Reserve District. Applicants must have lived in one of these states for at least 12 of the 36 months preceding the application deadline. Students are not eligible.
Separate preliminary panels are convened for each category to review application materials and select finalists. Final selection of fellows is made in April 2003 by an interdisciplinary panel.

Meetings: Artists interested in applying for a fellowship are encouraged to attend a one-hour informational meeting at which Program Director Julie Gordon Dalgleish will present an overview of the program, discuss guidelines and eligibility, and answer questions. Meetings are at 7:00 p.m.:

• Monday, August 26
  Saint Paul, Penumbra Theater, 270 N. Kent Street (To pre-register call Springboard for the Arts, Phone: 651-292-4381.)
• Tuesday, August 27,
  Bismarck (ND) Art and Galleries, 422 E. Front Avenue.
• Wednesday, August 28,
  Fargo, ND, Plains Art Museum, 704 First Avenue N.
• Thursday, September 5,
  Menomonie, WI, Mabel Tainter Memorial Theater, 205 Main Street.
• Thursday, September 12,
  Rochester Art Center, 320 E. Center Street.
• Monday, September 16,
  Hill City, SD, Warrior's Work & Ben West Galleries, 363 Main Street (hosted by the Hill City Area Arts Council).
• Tuesday, September 17,
  Aberdeen, SD, Northern State University Student Center, 1200 S. Jay Street.
• Monday, September 23,
  Minneapolis, Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Avenue S. (To pre-register call Springboard for the Arts, 651-292-4381.).
• Tuesday, September 24,
  Washburn, WI, Historical Museum & Cultural Center, 1 E. Bayfield Street.
• Wednesday, September 25,
  Duluth, MN, Depot Board Room, 4th Floor, 506 W. Michigan Street.
• Thursday, September 26,
  Bemidji Public Library, 509 America Avenue NW (hosted by Region 2 Arts Council).

For more information or to request an application, contact Kathi Polley, BAF program assistant, at the Bush Foundation, 651-227-5222 or 1-800-605-7315, or write to: Bush Artist
Fellowships, E-900 First National Bank Building, 332 Minnesota Street, St. Paul, MN 55101, or download the form from Bush Foundation (www.bushfoundation.org).

The Shoreview Human Rights Commission has teamed with four-year-old Gallery 96 Art Center to attract talented visual artists from the Twin Cities metropolitan area to an October exhibition in Shoreview. "Expressions in Diversity" is intended to reflect and celebrate the richness of multiculturalism available to north suburban residents.
A number of awards from $100 to $1,000 have been donated by local businesses. Artists must be 18 or older, and can use any media, except electronic media, provided it has not been done under the direction of an instructor. Entry deadline is October 1. The exhibition will run Oct. 25 - Nov. 22 at the Shoreview Ramsey County Library.
To obtain a Call for Entry, call 651-784-5011, e-mail ExpinDiv@aol.com or write Gallery 96 Art Center, P.O. Box 270002, Vadnais Hts, MN 55127. The event is funded in part by a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council through a McKnight Foundation grant and an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature.

The Inside-Out Gallery of Interact Center for the Visual & Performing Arts is showing through August 30 an exhibition on "Space & Place: On the Edge of Perception."
The next exhibit, "Red Clay / Black Dirt: A North & South Collaboration,"will open Sept. 11 and run through Oct. 12, with a reception to meet the artists on Friday, Sept. 13 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Collaborative works by Interact artists will be showing Oct. 18 through Nov. 22.
Interact is located at 212 Third. Ave. N., Suite 140, Minneapolis. Works are by artists with disabilities. FMI: 612-339-5145, info@interactcenter.com or Interact Center for the Visual & Performing Arts (www.interactcenter.com).

Leslye Orr has been performing "Women Who Drink," her solo work featuring 16 loopy ladies named by their drink of choice, once a week this summer at the Bryant-Lake Bowl Theater, 810 W. Lake St. in South Minneapolis. She closes with shows on Thursday, Aug. 22 & 29 at 7:00. Tickets are $14. For reservations, call 612-825-8949.

The Phipps Center for the Arts Galleries in Hudson, Wisconsin, are showing works by four artists in August: Kelly Povo, Field Work (photographs of the feminine), Frank Brown, Sculpture, Inc.; Theresa Puffer, Homage; and Richard Blue, The Wonderful World of Jewelry. The Atrium Gallery will feature pastels by Barb Pinc and students. Beginning Sept. 6 and running through Oct. 13 will be an exhibit of "Uncanny Visions: Contemporary Romantic Landscapes featuring 23 artists. An opening reception will be held Sept. 6 from 6:30 to 8:30, with a tour from 6:30 to 7:00. Located at 109 Locust St. in downtown Hudson (15 minutes east of St. Paul off I-94), the Phipps Galleries are open Monday-Saturday 9:00 - 4:30, Sunday, noon-4:30, and one hour before and through intermission of performances in the Phipps theatres. FMI: 715-386-2305, Phipps theatres (www.thephipps.org).

Wonder Women Tackle Art! is the theme of the 2001-2 WARM Mentor Program Exhibition, running Sept. 7-29 at DiStilo Gallery, 2837 Dupont Ave. S., Minneapolis. Sponsored by the Jerome Foundation, Annette Kavanaugh and Marilyn Summers Cool, the Mentor Program will include a Sept. 14 opening reception from 7:00 to 10:00, an introductory eveng Sept. 19 at 6:30, and an artists talk Sept. 22 from 1:30 to 4:00. Gallery hours are 1:00-8:00 Thurs.-Fri. and 1:00-5:00 Sat.-Sun. FMI: 612-292-1188. For wheelchair access call 612-529-3150. Among the 55 artists will be Anne Krocak, a past VSA arts of Minnesota award winner.

Flatland Gallery's second anniversary show, featuring work by Rene Joseph and Kii Arens, is showing through Sept. 5 at 208 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis. FMI: 612-378-3890 or Flatland Gallery (www.flatland-gallery.com).

The same folks who coordinate about the Herman Iron Pour will lead an Iron Pour and Casting Workshop Oct. 17-20 at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts. Participants will follow every step in the process of creating cast iron sculptures, from making wax patterns and two-piece sand molds to the community pour in front of the Art Center. Beginners and experienced sculptors are equally welcome. A potluck party with open air grilling will be held on Sunday afternoon. The event is limited to 50 participants at a cost of $40 per person. To enter, send your name, address, phone, e-mail, payment (credit card OK) to the Minnetonka Center for the Arts, 2240 North Shore Drive, Wayzata, MN 55391; call 952-473-7361, ext. 16; or e-mail registration@minnetonkaarts.org.
The Center's Laura H. Miles Gallery will host a University of Minnesota Sculpture Show October 4-29.

Heidi Arneson will present a fall Solo Performance Workshop involving writing/acting that will be designed to spark your creativity & get you onstage performing your original work. Each class begins with a series of simple physical, vocal, relaxation & writing exercises & ends with the opportunity for each student to perform their original work onstage. All levels are welcome, beginner to professional, with the main goal being to provide a safe space for individuals to take creative risks, express themselves and expand their spirit.
Class for All Levels: 8 Wednesdays, September 4 - October 23, 6:30-9 pm at Patrick's Cabaret, 3010 Minnehaha Avenue S., Minneapolis. $200.
Master Class: 4 Thursdays, September 5-26, noon - 2:30 pm at Patrick's Cabaret. $120.
To register, mail nonrefundable $50 deposit to HeidiHouse, 1916 S 8th Street, Minneapolis 55454. Full fee due first day of class. One makeup class allowed. Bring a journal to write in, clothes to move in & water to drink. Please be scent-free. FMI: 612-362-3381, HeidiHouse1@yahoo.com or HeidiHouse Performance and Visual Art (www.HeidiHouse.com).

The Tactile Mind Press is publishing two new books by Raymond Luczak, a deaf author.
Silence Is A Four-Letter Word: On Art& Deafness is a call to arms for deaf artists, using a cross-platform approach--a short story, a series of rapid-fire mini-essays, a short play, and a self-interview--to illuminate points. Luczak says, "I hope my meditations on what makes art 'art' and deafness 'deaf' will enable artists everywhere to rethink observations on their work and live differently. For excerpts, go to Silence Is A Four-Letter Word: On Art& Deafness (www.raymondluczak.com/silence).
This Way To The Acorns: Poems is a collection that has nothing to do with deafness. The author returns to his childhood where he spent days and seasons exploring the woods "across the street" where he encountered unexpected guests such as a scraggly fox, a starving doe, and other animals. For sample poems, go to: This Way To The Acorns: Poems (www.raymondluczak.com/acorns).
The current issue of The Tactile Mind, a literary quarterly for the signing community, excerpts poems and mini-essays from both books. For purchase or subscription information, go to The Tactile Mind (www.thetactilemind.com).

The syndicated game show "To Tell the Truth" recently featured a mystery guest who was a blind movie reviewer - Jay Forry. He does not use audio description. You can learn more about him at: Blindside Reviews (www.blindsidereviews.com/bio.html).

The Service League of Hennepin County Medical Center, a private nonprofit organization in Minneapolis, is seeking a person to develop and carry out a comprehensive arts program for Hennepin County Medical Center, including visual and performing arts benefiting patients, visitors and staff. Responsible for organizing and staging exhibitions and performances, cataloging and maintaining the visual art collection, handling all aspects of public relations related to program, and fund-raising. Should have experience in public relations, event management, program administration, supervision, preparing budgets. Desire experience in arts or related field and a healthcare environment. $30-45,000, full-time. For full job description, call 612-347-2512. Send cover letter and resume by August 23 to Judy Takkunen, Executive Director; Service League, Hennepin County Medical Center, 701 Park Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55415.

The Arts High School in Golden Valley seeks FT school guidance counselor. Interviews start August 12. Contact Marla Riemer at 763-591-4737. Fax credentials to 763-591-4646.

Minnetonka Center for the Arts seeks a person familiar with metal casting techniques, stone carvings & welding; with background in art. Must be detail-oriented & have managerial experience. Send resume & salary requirements to: Program Director, MCA, 2240 North Shore Drive Wayzata, MN 55391.

Volunteer at Ebenezer Nursing Home in Minneapolis on the first and third Sundays of each month from 2-4 PM. Join the DeafArt Club and visit with Deaf Elders.
Info: renate_lien@yahoo.com.