Artists' Pipeline #41 - December 2003

Any artist - of any art form -- with any disability is invited to participate in a networking meeting with other artists with disabilities on Tuesday evening, December 16, from 6:00 PM to 8:15 PM at Interact Center for Visual & Performing Arts, Minneapolis. This will be the tenth meeting held since last November to carry on the energies generated at 2002 Arts Careers forums sponsored by the Minnesota State Arts Board, VSA arts of Minnesota and Springboard for the Arts. The group, currently called the Artists With Disabilities Alliance, has been discussing what participants would like to pursue in a group, and is shaping a mission statement and agenda of activities. Thirty-six attendees thus far have networked with each other on arts opportunities, services and experiencing art. Terri Mayer, Pamela Bottoms, Joy Purchase and Lynn Schwartz recently showed their visual art work, Tony Wentersdorf and Janet Winckler performed on autoharp and piano respectively, Tara Innmon presented poetry and visual art, Deb Costandine offered fresh baking, and Laurie McKiernan performed an original story. Recent meetings have been held at Interact, at the Outsiders and Others gallery and at the Center for Independent Artists, all in Minneapolis.

The group's tentative mission is to create:

• a supportive environment for all Artists with Disabilities;
• opportunities for artists to give and receive feedback, critique and support;
• mentorship opportunities to allow artists to share and/or increase their skills;
• connections with the broader community through our artistic expression.

As a result of these priorities, processes are being developed for support group meetings, workshop proposals and mentoring.
The December 16 gathering will be a "fun" event at Interact, 212 Third Avenue N., #140, Minneapolis (Interact Center, www.interactcenter.com, Phone: 612-339-5145). Enter from Second Street N. (below Moose & Sadie's coffeeshop, next to the House of Balls). More details will be available on the group's website, Artist with Disabilities Alliance (www.angelfire.com/mn3/awda).

Membership is open to any person with a disability who is an artist in any artistic discipline, amateur or professional, or has an interest in the creative arts. There are no fees or dues to participate at this time. Meetings are fragrance-free. If you need an interpreter or other accommodations, or wish to receive postcard, e-mail or phone notices, contact Jon Skaalen at VSA arts of Minnesota, Phone: 612-332-3888 voice/tty or jon@vsaartsmn.org. Potluck refreshments are welcome, as well as ideas for hosts and artist presenters for future meetings.

Congress has agreed to increase funding of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The Interior Appropriations Bill for 2004 set spending for the NEA at $122.480,000, an increase of $6.7 million over 2003. $5 million of the new funding will be for grants to arts organizations, while $1.7 million will cover increased administrative expenses. Since 40 percent of the NEA's program funds are legislated for state arts agencies, that means that $2 million of the $5 million in new funding is reserved for Challenge America state partnerships. The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is set to receive $137 million, an increase of $12.1 million over 2003. $10 million of the increase will be directed towards the "We the People" initiative on American history and civics. The measure has gone to the White House for the President's signature
This latest Congressional action comes just weeks after passage of the 2004 Defense Appropriations bill that earmarked $1 million for the NEA to bring its Shakespeare in American Communities program to U.S. military bases.

"The Grinch Family Cancelled Christmas" will be performed Thursday, December 11 by participants of eQuality: Pathways to Potential in Plymouth. The program, which helps adults with special needs live more independent lives through jobs, education and recreation, will present the performance at 7:00 PM at Plymouth Creek Center, 14800 34th Avenue N. in Plymouth. Admission is by a can of nonperishable food or by donation of $5, children $2, under age 5 free.
About five years old, the program is based at the Maple Grove Community Center. They contract for jobs with employers, conduct classes and discussion groups, take virtual (and real) trips and now are planning this arts event as well. For reservations or more information, call 763-479-3014.

The 2003 VSA arts/MetLife Foundation Award of Excellence in Arts Access has been awarded to four arts organizations "that have greatly increased access to the arts for people of all abilities," according to Soula Antoniou, president of VSA arts. The four organizations received $5000 each from the MetLife Foundation, whose president and CEO, Sibyl Jacobson, says " The arts not only provide an important outlet for creative expression, but can teach us about ourselves and others. We're pleased to recognize organizations for creating opportunities for all to experience cultural events to the fullest." Honored in August at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts were:

• The Museum of International Folk Art, Santa Fe, NM, which shows its commitment to education and the needs of diverse audiences through the Spectrum program. Specifically targeting adults with physical and mental disabilities, Spectrum offers multi-sensory art experiences to give participants the chance to learn new skills and meet new people. Activities are tied to museum exhibits, such as a ceramics exhibition followed by a hands-on clay project. The program also trains museum docents, professionals, and members of the public in working with people with disabilities.
• Wang Center for the Performing Arts, Boston, MA, has developed partnerships and dialogues with members of disability communities to make sure inclusive practices offer what people need. Among the improvements are a barrier-free entrance and drop -ff areas; wheelchair and companion seating locations in all price sections; volunteers fluent in American Sign Language at all performances; and educational partnerships with organizations such as The Perkins School for the Blind, The Learning Center for Deaf Children, and the National Birth Defects Center.
• Arts for All, Inc., Tuscon, AZ, has a Third St. Ensemble Company that offers children and young adults with and without disabilities the opportunity to be part of a high-caliber stage production. The only arts program in the Tucson area with a comparable range of accessible offerings, from "therapeutic" and creative activities to professional training, the company performs about twice a month in Arizona, and also travels to countries such as Mexico, Australia, Hong Kong, and the Czech Republic. This exposure to other countries and cultures has been an additional benefit of the program, which has led to better communication and motor skills, higher self-esteem, and an increased sense of camaraderie among the participants.
• Paper Mill Playhouse, Millburn, NJ, offers its patrons open captioning, allowing the theater to address the needs of its diverse audiences. Open captioning helps theater patrons who are hard of hearing by projecting dialogue onto a large digital screen displayed on the left side of the auditorium. Through this and other initiatives, Paper Mill positions itself as a leader in outreach and accessibility programming.

More information is found at: VSA arts, MetLife Foundation Award (www.vsarts.org/bestpractices/metlife.html).

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts offers ASL-interpreted tours for visitors who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing at 2:00 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month. Occasionally, interpreted tours are scheduled on other days at other times (indicated in bold below). For more information, call the museum's Visitor and Member Center at 612-870-3131 (voice) or 612-870-3132 (TTY). Or email: dhegstro@artsmia.org. The museum is located at 2400 Third Avenue South, and its website is: Minneapolis Institute of Arts (www.artsmia.org):

Sunday., December 7, 2:00 PM: "Holiday Traditions in the Period Rooms";
Sunday, December 7, 3:30 PM: "Holiday Traditions at the Purcell-Cutts House";
Thursday, December 11, 7:00 PM: "Holiday Traditions in the Period Rooms";
Sunday, January 4, 2:00 PM: "It's a Classic: The Classical Tradition";
Sunday, February 1, 2:00 PM: "Living Arts of Africa";
Sunday, March 7, 2:00 PM: "Beauty, Honor, and Tradition: The Legacy of Plains Indian Shirts" (These tours are free, however, there will be a charge to enter the special exhibition);
Sunday, April 4, 2:00 PM: "Roman Portrait Sculpture";
Thursday, April 29, 7:00 PM: "Art in Bloom";
Friday, April 30, 11:00 AM: "Art in Bloom";
Sunday, May 2, 2:00 PM: "Porcelain for the Dragon Throne";
Sunday, June 6, 2:00 PM: "How Was it Made?"

A 2002 production of "Totally Talents & Tunes," performed by people from Richfield, Bloomington, Edina and Eden Prairie, recently garnered two awards. The National Recreation Parks Association gave TT&T its Dorothy Mullen Arts & Humanities Award for innovative arts programming. Arc Minnesota gave the production its Boggs Mitchell Award. Sponsored by the Adaptive Recreation and Learning Exchange, a partnership between the four cities, the show was performed and produced by people with disabilities, volunteers and Richfield High School drama students. The awards were celebrated on November 18 at the Bloomington Center for the Arts. For more information: 612-861-9361.

The weekly radio program "Disabled and Proud, (it's NOT an oxymoron)" offers insights into, ideas about and discussions of disability culture. The show's goal is to educate and generate questions about disability topics. It is broadcast on Tuesday nights from 7:00 to 7:30 on KFAI 90.3 fm Minneapolis and 106.7 fm Saint Paul. Or on the web, go to: KFAI 90.3 fm Minneapolis (www.kfai.org), click on the archive link, and then on Disabled and Proud. The archives are one week back. You must have a Real Audio Player downloaded to your computer.
"Disabled and Proud" features an Artist of the Month. In November Leslye Orr told stories and talked about her new kids book, The People on the Corner. On December 16th Don Orr will be talking about his new CD, Just Like Him.
To express suggestions for future shows or receive e-mail updates of upcoming programs, email sam@winternet.com, call: 612-341-3144 extension 817, or write KFAI, 1808 Riverside Avenue S., Disabled and Proud Box 116, Minneapolis MN 55454.

Bridget Riversmith and Jane Gerus

Bridget Riversmith (Duluth) and Jane Gerus, Saint Paul, are in the "Strictly Women" show at Outsiders & Others (1010 Park Avenue S., Minneapolis). Bridget is also in "We 3: The Artwork of Sarah Anderson, Bridget Riversmith & Adeline Wright" at the Lakeview Coffee House in Fitger's Mall, Duluth. Opening reception is Friday, December 5, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Both exhibits are up through the end of December.

Paul Jagolino

Paul Jagolino is one of the artists in a "Playthings" exhibit sponsored by Outsiders & Others on the second floor of Calhoun Square at Lake & Hennepin, Minneapolis. thru December 24.

Kevin Kling

Kevin Kling's play "Lloyd's Prayer" will be performed at the University of Duluth's Marshall Performing Arts Center on December 4-6, 9-13 at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, December 7 at 2:00 PM. For ticket info, contact the UMD Box Office at 218-726-8561 or email: smorgan@d.umn.edu; or go to University of Minnesota Duluth, Department of Theatre (www.umdtheatre.org). Kling will also perform his solo show, "Tales from the Charred Underbelly of the Yule Log" at the Guthrie Theater on Monday, December 15 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $25 (seniors/students $20), Phone:612-377-2224, web site: Guthrie Theater (www.guthrietheater.org).

Denise Martineau

Denise Martineau has been hired as part-time coordinator of a statewide series of Careers in the Arts workshops for VSA arts of Minnesota.

Don Orr

Don Orr will talk about his new CD, Just Like Him, on the December 16 "Disabled & Proud" radio program on KFAI-FM.

Leslye Orr

Leslye Orr told stories and talked about her new kids book, The People on the Corner, as the November Artist of the Month on KFAI's "Disabled & Proud" radio program.

Maureen Pranghofer

Maureen Pranghofer gave a concert on November 14 at the Church of the Open Door in Maple Grove. Her CD of original Christian music, "Some Run the Race," is available at Northwestern Christian bookstores.

Wendy Savage

Duluth artist Wendy Savage was in an exhibit, "Three Savage Sisters," with Karen Savage-Blue, and Lisa Savage August thru October at the Duluth Art Institute's John Steffl Gallery.

VSA arts of Minnesota is seeking artwork created by Minnesota artists with mental illness to be used in a poster campaign promoting the employment of people experiencing mental illness. At least two works of art will be selected and reproduced as 17" x 22" posters as part of an awareness campaign aimed at employers, providers of mental health services and the general public. Artists selected will be paid a stipend of $500 and will be recognized at a public reception in February at the Minnesota Department of Human Services office in Roseville which is sponsoring the Promote Awareness Campaign in partnership with VSA arts of Minnesota.

Submitted work should reflect the campaign focus: the fact that people with mental illness have talents and skills that can be valuable in the workplace. Posters should be eye-catching with a multi-cultural appeal. Representational work rather than abstract will be most highly considered. Artwork should either: (a) Represent the theme of people with mental illness in employment settings through the created visual piece as a stand-alone piece of art OR (b) Represent the theme of people with mental illness in employment settings through the created visual piece in conjunction with a descriptive phrase or a small amount of text that would provide an added clarification to the piece of art. This phrase or text does not have to be included as part of the finished piece of art. However, it should be included as a written attachment as well as in the "Text to include with work" line of the Entry Form.

Guidelines: Artists can be of any age and must currently or in the past have dealt with personal mental health issues. Art work must be original, two-dimensional, any medium EXCEPT photography. Artists can submit one or two pieces of art work. Original art work can be no larger than 8 ½" x 14"; if larger, a slide or slides of the original art work must be submitted. (The posters will be 17" x 22".) Submitted art work should not be framed. A completed and signed Entry Form must accompany the art work, and both must be received (not postmarked) at the VSA arts of Minnesota office no later than 5:00 PM on Wednesday, January 7, 2004. For the complete application, contact VSA arts of Minnesota, Phone: 612-332-3888 (voice and TTY); Greater Minnesota: 1-800-801-3883; craig@vsaartsmn.org.

Bloomington Art Center, founded in 1976, has a new home in the new Bloomington Civic Plaza! Located at 1800 W Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington, the Center features a visual arts gallery, gift store, mainstage theatre, black box theatre and classrooms. Other arts organizations participating in the Civic Plaza include Bloomington Civic Theatre, Bloomington Symphony Orchestra, Bloomington Chorale, Continental Ballet.

The Inez Greenberg Gallery is open Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-10:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Sunday 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM. The current exhibit, "War and Peace," features the work of John Ilg & patrice avon marvin until Janurary 2, 2004. John Ilg's "Tragedies of War" series, inspired by news of tragic events throughout the world, document his feelings in a variety of media, from large oils to intimate drawings. Bold primary colors and expressive lines are crammed into tight spaces, creating the tension and anxiety of war. As a counterpoint, Patrice Avon Marvin's cheerful oil and acrylic paintings are engaging and whimsical. They celebrate cultural diversity and exhibit an innocent, childlike quality. "I am indebted to the child in myself," writes marvin, "and try to play hard every day with my paints."

The Bloomington Art Center Gallery Players, which just completed "The Mousetrap," will present a live "Radio Theater" performance of the Dickens classic "A Christmas Carol," December 12-13 at 7:30 and December 14 at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $7.00 (reservations: 952-563-8587). Both events will be in the Black Box Theater in the Bloomington Civic Plaza.

BAC staff include: Susan Anderson, Executive Director; Rachel Flentje, Exhibition Director; Dohn Thibault, Producing Director; Nancy Lamberger, Publicity Director; Diane Meskan, Office Manager; and Connie Gunderson, Pottery Studio & Gift Shop Manager.

Bloomington Art Center's 2006 Exhibition Program encourages artists to submit artwork for consideration. Artists may enter alone or as a group. If individual artists are chosen, the exhibition coordinator will decide how to group them. If there is more than one artist entering a joint proposal, each individual must still include 10-20 slides of their artwork. When entering as a group, artists are still judged on individual merit. Deadline is March 31, 2004. Eligible artists must be over age 18, live in the five-state region (MN, WI, IA, ND, SD) and not have exhibited
through the BAC within the last two years, (excluding Member's Juried Exhibit). Submit your work as follows: 10 - 20 slides labeled with name and address, medium and size; resume; proposal description (optional); self-addressed, stamped envelope; postcard (SASE) for confirmation of receipt (optional). Mail to Rachel Flentje, Exhibition Program, Bloomington Art Center, 1800 W Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington, MN 55431. FMI: 952-563-8587; Fax 952-563-8576, Bloomington Art Center (www.bloomingtonartcenter.com).

Directions: from I-35W, take 98th Street west. Turn south to Bloomington Civic Plaza and parking on either James or Logan Avenues. (The arts facilities are closer to 98th than to Old Shakopee Road.)

Ask to speak to the person in charge of exhibiting work. Be prepared to talk about your work in a clear and concise manner (i.e., "My work is 2-dimensional, 18 x 24 inch, acrylic paintings of southern landscapes…"). Typically, you will arrange a time to show your work in person or will send photos or slides accompanied by an artist resume, an artist statement and a short biographical statement. If you receive a showing you may be asked to provide a list of persons to invite to the opening (if one is provided) as increasing customer base for both you and the business. You want to know what's in it for you. They will want to know what's in it for them. If they grant you a showing, confirm the details: set-up dates, opening, times the exhibit is open, closing, pick-up of artwork, etc. Signage: who is responsible, how large will the type be, what info is included on labels for each work of art and what info on the artist's background & statement should be included? Who will create, pay for and distribute postcards or other publicity? What are the timelines? What is the cut if someone wants to buy a piece (artist gets __%, exhibitor gets __%)? How does a potential buyer contact you? When & how can they pay for and pick up a purchased work? What paperwork do you need? Do you have slides of the works that could be sold? Can you sell cards or prints at the store as well? If so, what is the cut? Will you have business cards available at the exhibit? Be sure you and the exhibit space have each other's contact information correct.

Grants for Toshiba laptop computers are available from the Beaumont Foundation of America to schools in low-income areas (at least 50% of school student population must be eligible for National School Lunch Program) and to persons with disabilities. Individual grants appear to be by invitation only. Letters of interest are required for school programs that meet the guidelines. For more information: call 1-866-546-2667 or go to Beaumont Foundation of America (www.bmtfoundation.com/grants). December 10 is the deadline for letters of interest online. These awards seem to be the result of a class action lawsuit and are required by the court system.

The Disabled Artist Juried Exhibition is looking for all kinds of artwork by artists regardless of experience or formal training. The exhibit, to run May 13-28, 2004, aims to encourage patients and visitors to reach beyond limitations and encourage the creative spirit in everyone. No entry fees. All work must be available for sale. Submit by January 21 to Ruth Hall-Daly, Viewpoint Gallery, Sunnypoint Rehabilitation Hospital, 1270 Belmont Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12308; or Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital (http://www.sunnyview.org). Or send SASE for application forms.

Saint Paul Photographer Lynn Schwartz is looking to collaborate with a writer for a book for the Dorothea Lange-Paul Taylor Prize. This $10,000 award from the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University promotes the collaboration between a writer and photographer in the formative or field work stages of a documentary project. Lynn is open to ideas on the documentary topic. Submissions are due in January. Contact her at 651-312-1277 or 651-206-3262.

Three movie complexes in Minnesota offer MoPix-equipped captioning equipment for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing, and description equipment for people who are blind or of low vision. Current films that are captioned (CC) or described (DVS) are listed at: VSA arts of Minnesota, Theater Listings (http://mn.vsarts.org/theater.html). A weekly listing can be e-mailed by contacting VSA arts of Minnesota at jon@vsaartsmn.org or: 612-332-3888 (voice & TTY). You can also call each theatre.

For Minnesota Open Captioned Films go to Minnesota's Open Captioned Movie Site (www.mnocfilms.org/movies.html).
For Rear Window Captioned Films go to National Center For Accessible Media/Motion Picture Access (http://ncam.wgbh.org/mopix/nowshowing.html).

For MoPix-equipped theater locations, films and showtimes, movie descriptions and more, go to AOL Keyword MoPix or: National Center For Accessible Media/Motion Picture Access (http://ncam.wgbh.org/mopix/nowshowing.html).

For plot descriptions for MoPix films, go to: NCAM, Descriptions of First Run Movies Shown with Mopix (http://ncam.wgbh.org/mopix/moviedesc.html).
It's always a good idea to double-check films and showtimes by calling the theaters before heading out. Try to arrive 15-30 minutes early to visit the customer service desk to get your Rear Window Captioning reflector for closed captions or DVS Theatrical headphones for audio descriptions.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul Area cinemas include:
AMC Eden Prairie Mall 18 Theatres, Phone: 952-656-0010, 4000 Flying Cloud Drive (Eden Prairie Shopping Center, Hwy 212 & 494, park on upper level parking lot between Sears & Kohl's)
Crown Theater Block E Movie Complex, Phone: 612-338-1466, 600 Hennepin Avenue, third floor, Minneapolis (enter parking ramp on 7th Street next to the Hard Rock Cafe)
Science Museum of Minnesota Omnitheater, 120 Kellogg Boulevard W., Saint Paul, Phone: 651-221-9444, TTY 651-221-4585, info@smm.org or: Science Museum of Minnesota, Show Times (www.smm.org/visitorinfo/hours/showtimes_dynamic.php).