Artists' Pipeline #43 - July 14, 2004

The final two Arts Career Development Workshops are being offered by VSA arts of Minnesota July 17 th in Bloomington and July 22 nd in Duluth. These interactive workshops are designed to help artists with disabilities focus on issues and solutions in their career interests in the arts. You can benefit from this workshop if you:

• are an emerging or established artist with a disability;
• are a person with a disability seeking to pursue the arts as a career;
• are an arts administrator or rehabilitation professional that wants to know more about the arts as a career for people with disabilities;
• belong to an organization that supports individuals with disabilities or individuals in the arts.

Workshop presenter is Denise Martineau, an award-winning entrepreneur, visual artist, writer and educator. The workshops are made possible by a grant from the Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation with additional funding provided by VSA arts.

The final workshops in the statewide series will be:

• Saturday, July 17, from 1-5 PM at Bloomington Art Center Rehearsal Room, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road.
• Thursday, July 22, from 4-8 PM in Duluth at First United Methodist Church East Lounge, 230 E. Skyline Parkway (enter on east side of building).

Please pre-register by sending your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, primary artform, which workshop you wish to attend, workshop fee of $15, and accommodations you need to VSA arts of Minnesota, 528 Hennepin Avenue, Suite 305, Minneapolis, MN 55403.

If you have questions, feel free to contact Denise Martineau at 763-537-7738 or at denise_martineau@yahoo.com; or call the office at 612-332-3888 or 1-800-801-3883, voice/tty.

People with chemical sensitivities will be attending so please do not wear perfumes, colognes, strong hairsprays, essential oils or other strong scents.

The next Artists with Disabilities Alliance meeting will be determined after a survey of the best days and places to meet. The first year's monthly meetings were held on the second or third Tuesday of the month from 6:00 to 8:15 p.m. at a variety of galleries and arts organization offices. A summer picnic was held June 30 th at Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis.

The group's 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.

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. Potluck refreshments are welcome, as well as ideas for hosts and artist presenters for future meetings. If you would like to receive the meeting survey or meeting notices via e-mail, postcard or phone, or need an interpreter or other accommodations, contact Jon Skaalen at VSA arts of Minnesota, 612-332-3888 voice/tty or jon@vsaartsmn.org, or Denise Martineau at 763-537-7738 or at denise_martineau@yahoo.com . More details are available on the group's website, Artists with Disabilities Alliance (www.angelfire.com/mn3/awda).

After more than 7 years as director of Springboard for the Arts (formerly Resources & Counseling for the Arts), Joan Wells is moving on. She says, "I'm leaving (after May 28) simply to pursue interests in other areas, including development, independent consulting, political organizing and – even making art!" Wells as spent the last 15-plus years in Minnesota's arts community, including collaborations with VSA arts of Minnesota and artists with disabilities.

Springboard's Board of Directors has selected Tammy Hauser as Interim Executive Director. Hauser has 18 years of nonprofit management experience in the arts and cultural arenas. She has worked for many local arts organizations including the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the State Arts Board, the Perpich Center for Arts Education and the Historic State and Orpheum Theatres. In 2001, she started Blue Sky Thinking, Inc. to provide organizational audits, strategic planning, executive leadership and fundraising services to nonprofits. Her passion blends creative thinking with solid management infrastructure. Her strengths are working with people to bring creative thinking into nonprofit organizations so that they may realize their goals in efficient, cost-effective and inspiring ways.

For more information: contact Tammy at 651-292-4381, ext. 2, director@springboardforthearts.org or go to Springboard for the Arts (www.springboardforthearts.org).

An Environment and Cultural Heritage Bill that would have dedicated a small percentage of sales tax receipts to the arts and culture, as well as to environmental causes, died May 16 at the Minnesota Legislature. The bill passed out of three Senate committees on strong bipartisan votes. But when the legislative leadership did not settle their differences on the larger budget or bonding bills, and there were threats that an amendment to ban gay marriage would have been attached to the bill, it was not brought up for a hearing on the Senate floor. In the House, the bill stalled in the Ways and Means Committee, and never included the arts and culture.

The bill (HF1166 Hackbarth, SF 401 Sams) would have dedicated 3/8 of one percent of existing state sales tax revenue to hunting and fishing conservation, parks and environmental items, and arts and culture, including the State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils, Minnesota Historical Society, Public Television and Public Radio, Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota Film Board, Minnesota Humanities Commission, Minnesota Children's Museum and Duluth Children's Museum.. If it had passed the legislature, the voters would have voted on the funding dedication in a constitutional amendment in November.

The Legislature adjourned without voting on the bonding bill, which might have funded renovation of the Shubert Theater in Minneapolis and the Ordway Center in St. Paul. Thus far, a special session has not been called to address unfinished legislative business.

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts invites you to a public meeting about the role of the arts community in the 2004 election. Come to the Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 26.

Learn what's going on in the community, how to get involved, including registering voters, volunteering on campaigns, and talking about the arts in campaign forums.

The entire Minnesota House of Representatives is up for election this November. The makeup of the Legislature has the biggest impact on how arts funding will fare in the 2005 session and if any of the recent funding cuts will be restored how to use your influence as a citizen, voter and arts advocate. This event is free but you must RSVP in advance by calling 651-251-0868 or e-mailing to mca@mtn.org . If there is a positive response to this event, more meetings in Greater Minnesota will be scheduled. For more information: Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (www.mtn.org/mca).

Monday, July 26, marks the 14 th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Come and celebrate from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Public Health Office Building, 1645 Energy Park Drive, Saint Paul (just east of Midway Stadium off Snelling Avenue). Kevin Kling , humorist and playwright, will speak at 11:30. Light refreshments will be provided. Please register by noon on July 21 by calling the Minnesota State Council on Disability at 651-296-6785 (v/tty). Directions are also available at Minnesota State Council on Disability (www.disability.state.mn.us) or Minnesota Department of Health, Directions (www.health.state.mn.us/about/sop.html).

Kevin Kling

Kevin Kling of Minneapolis has released a new CD with seven new stories, some originally heard on National Public Radio. A Fool's Paradise (ESD 81712) is now available in stores or on the web: A Fool's Paradise, by Kevin Kling (www.noside.com/catalog/CatalogAlbum_01.asp?Album_ID=211) or www.kevinkling.com. Kling will also be performing at this year's Fringe Festival (August 6-15) in two shows: "Cloud Cuckooland," produced by Interact Theatre, and his own short story show. And he will perform July 26 at a 14 th anniversary celebration of the signing of the ADA. (See separate story.)

Stephanie Dawn

Singer Stephanie Dawn from Duluth will sing the national anthem at the Minnesota Twins game against Anaheim on Tuesday, August 3 at 7:00 p.m .

The Visual Artist Focus Group is an ongoing forum, initiated in 1993, for visual artists interested in sharing ideas, discussing marketing strategies, supporting each other and critiquing work. 

After the demise of ArtPaper, a Minnesota published monthly newspaper for and about visual artists and the visual arts in the Upper Midwest, the Minnesota State Arts Board and Resources & Counseling for the Arts (now Springboard for the Arts) sought a way to facilitate a necessary exchange of ideas and useful information between visual artists. Since then, the Visual Artists Focus Group has met monthly, alternating venues and meeting times to accommodate attendees, presenters and specific project needs. Generally, there are no fees. Costs associated with specific project are divided among the participating artists. The Group has self-produced several exhibitions at various venues including the semi-annual Saint Paul Art Crawl.

The next meeting, Thursday, July 22, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at 316 4th St South, Stillwater, will include announcements, new/old business, and guest speaker Anastasia Shartin. Food and beverages will be offered in the host's new "backyard." To RSVP, call 651-351-7203 or e-mail stephenjgates@yahoo.com .

Directions to Stephen J. Gates' home – Take Highway 36 to Stillwater. Turn north at the 4th stoplight in Stillwater which is Osgood/4th Street. Follow Osgood/4th Street north for about a mile until it dead ends at the top of Stephen's driveway. The cross street is Oak. Look for a green mailbox with 316 on it at the top of the driveway. Do not drive down to the house. There is no space to park and turning around is difficult. Park in the lot at the SE corner of 4th St and Oak or on the street.

A Yahoo! Group has been set up at Visual Artist Focus Group - VAFG (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vafg) to facilitate communication among the Visual Artists Focus Group members.  Meeting notifications are sent out via email to members of the Yahoo! Group.

For the third year, VSA arts & Volkswagen of America, Inc. are calling for entries to identify promising young artists with disabilities. Fifteen finalists, ages 16-25, will be awarded a total of $30,000: a $10,000 grand prize, $5,000 first award, $3,000 second award, and 12 $1,000 awards of excellence. Selected artwork will be part of an exhibit that will open in Washington, D.C. in October and then tour the United States for two years. The postmark deadline for submitting work is August 6 , 2004.

This year's theme, “Driving Force,” challenges artists to consider what motivates and inspires creativity. Representational or abstract artwork may illustrate actual aspects of the artist's inspiration such as the environment, myth, or personal discoveries. Abstract work that relates to the artist's feelings or emotions is also encouraged. Work might also reflect the experience of living with a disability and its role in shaping or transforming motivations.

Applicants should present evidence to best exemplify the extent and quality of their accomplishment. The jury will look for development of original ideas in the work submitted - imagination, competence and skillful use of materials. Art must be original work completed in the last three years. Eligible media include: paintings and drawings (oil, watercolor, acrylic, pencil or charcoal), fine art prints (lithographs, etching, intaglio or woodcuts), photography, and two-dimensional mixed media. Artwork should not exceed 60 inches in either direction.

For more information or to download an application form, go to VSA arts, Volkswagen of America, Inc., Call for Entries and Awards (http://www.vsarts.org/programs/vw).

SURVEY 2005, which provides exhibition opportunities for untrained artists with mental disabilities, is seeking entries by Outsider artists in The Gallery at HAI in Soho, the heart of New York City, from January 12 through March 15, 2005. This exhibit will demonstrate the individual and nontraditional ways people with mental disabilities express themselves and will highlight the excellence of contemporary Outsider art on the American scene.

While there is little agreement on definitions and parameters of Outsider art, it is considered to be unconventional expressions of the most personal ideas and emotions of the creator. It is not an academic style of art nor simulates other historical art movements.

Entry is open to adults with mental disabilities and mental health consumers / service users.

Artists may submit a maximum of 5 work samples (slides, photos, digital prints) for jurying. Actual art should not be sent until accepted into the exhibit. Eligible artwork includes paintings, drawings, collage or mixed media in 2 or 3 dimensions. Two-dimensional art may be no larger than a combined 130 inches in length, width and depth and must conform to UPS shipping guidelines for standard packages. Three-dimensional art must be transported at the artist's expense. It will be requested that selected art be sent unframed. All art must be available for sale no higher than $1,500. HAI's commission is 35%. Entrants will be identified as individuals with mental disabilities or mental health consumers / service users OR as "anonymous."

Application and photos/slides are due October 1, 2004. Notice of jury decision is by Nov. 1 and accepted work is due Dec. 1 . For an application for OUTSIDER ARTISTS OF HAI & fresh art, contact 212-575-7696 outsider@hospaud.org or write to 548 Broadway, New York, NY 10012. For more information: HAI - Hospital Audiences, Inc. (www.hospaud.org) or fresh art (www.freshartnyc.org).

Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts presents “Interstellar Record Project,” a Hot Metal Pour demonstration with sound performances and creative activities for the public on Saturday, July 17 from 11:00 to 6:00 at Franconia Sculpture Park. The Pour is a collaboration between Sara Hanson and artists of Interact Studio, which serves adult artists with (dis)abilities. Experimental Sound Performances are by Dixie Treichel and the Galactic Bards; Paul Higham, electronic composer; and other guests.

This project is based on the “Interstellar Record” launched in the Voyager spacecraft in 1977 to represent life on Earth. Visual art was not included in the 1977 record, so the artists will create a cast aluminum interstellar record honoring the visual arts. The resulting sculpture will be installed at the Scenic Overlook in Taylors Falls, Minnesota. The project is supported in part by Franconia Sculpture Park, the City of Taylors Falls, FORECAST Public Art Affairs, and the Jerome Foundation.

Franconia Sculpture Park is located at 29815 Unity Ave., Shafer, MN 55074; 651-465-3701. It is on US Highway 8 between Shafer and Taylors Falls. From Minneapolis/St. Paul, take Hwy 35E north to Hwy 8. For more information, contact Sara Hanson at 612-616-6562 or e-mail slzhanson@yahoo.com . Or go to Franconia Sculpture Park (www.franconia.org).

Outsiders and Others Art Gallery in Minneapolis is now featuring International Artists: Anselmo Cornejo, Tis Mal Crow, Zinaida Gutmanis, Shakun Maheswari, Koffi Mbairamadji, and Rosemary Lang Roehl. The exhibit opened July 10 and runs through August 7.

The Outsiders and Others Gallery specializes in exhibiting works of self-taught and non-traditional artists. As part of the International Folk Art Show, the Gallery will host Gallery Grooves, a monthly series presented by The Rake and KBEM Jazz88fm, on Thursday, July 15 , from 7 to 10 p.m. Live music begins at 8:00 by the Mila Vocal Ensemble, an all-women's a cappella group that sings traditional folk songs in more than 30 languages and with over a dozen distinct vocal styles; and on the turntable: Joao Gilberto ( Live in Tokyo ), Dirty Dozen Brass Band ( Funeral for a Friend ), and Ben Allison ( Buzz ). Future events will be held July 22 & 29.

Located at 1010 Park Ave. S. in Minneapolis, Outsiders and Others is open Wed., Fri. & Sat. from noon to 5:00 and Thurs. noon to 7:00. Free parking in front. Directions: Take Washington Avenue to Portland; turn south to 14th Street, turn left to Park Avenue. FMI: Yuri Arajs, 612-338-3435 or Outsiders and Others: Art Gallery and Mentorship Studio, Minneapolis (www.outsidersandothers.org).

"Possibilities: Discovering Our Potential" is the theme of a new collection of paintings, drawings and mixed media created by artists with disabilities. The works are displayed at the Minneapolis Foundation, where an opening reception will be held Thursday, July 22 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Participating artists include Turner A., Larry Arndt, Bill Borden, Char Coal, Bill Crane, Joan Domini, Janis Essick, Sonia Gonzales, Lonna Heitala, Debra Helmke, Paul Jagolino, Nancy Janes, Mike Kramer, James Levine, Suzyn Lundgren, Denise Martineau, Clifford Quast, Herb Sargent, Gary Seal, Barb Thelen, William Tomaszewski, Dan Toomey, Robert Torfin, Tim Traver, Eddie Twait, Kari Wagner . Participating arts organizations include Anodyne Artist Co., Interact Center for Visual & Performing Arts / Inside Out Gallery, VSA arts of Minnesota, Spectrum Community Mental Health, Outsiders & Others Gallery and Fraser.

The exhibit and location are located at 800 IDS Center, 80 South 8 th Street, Minneapolis. To confirm your attendance no later than Friday, July 16, call 612-672-3844 or send an email to events@mplsfoundation.org . For more information: The Minneapolis Foundation, Donor Events (www.minneapolisfoundation.org/donors/events.htm).

You won't worry about your score at the Walker Art Center's Sculpture Garden mini-golf course this summer. The artists/architects/designers who crafted these holes had fun combining their talents and their sport in playfully mocking Podunk roadside pit stops, as well as other aspects of the American lifestyle.

In "Bolfing for Gowlers," Astroturf landscaping runs into the local bowling alley. Pretend to repair a man's wounds for par, "Op-par-ation," which parodies the "hands-on" medical relief of the colorful game Operation, or frolic through a minimalist grid ("Frank's Frolic"). Other games are also afoot: "Pachinko Generation" or "Mini Golf Smack-down." Get "teesed" by the "Black Hole" when you send your ball into deep space. Wear a winter coat to go skiing and ice fishing - and watch a trapped walleye wriggle beneath a clear sheet of ice in the seasonally confused hole, "Winter in Summer: Ice Fishing House," that even features faux icicles.

An 18th-century building inspired another hole constructed with Kasota stone from the old Ramsey County Courthouse ("Courthouse Folly"). "Life Sucks" is a delightfully not-so-subtle hole, literally and figuratively – players are predestined for one of three upshots: a winning casino cruiser, professional slacker or stifled middle management steeped in tedious office work. Lastly, take co-sponsor Target's dutiful mascot, Bullseye the dog, for a walk. Receive coupons for Joe's Garage and Bar Lurcat on Loring Park.

The golf course is open thru Sept. 6 in the Walker Art Center Sculpture Garden, 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis. Hours are Thurs.-Fri. 10:00-8:00, Sat.-Sun. 10:00-5:00, (plus Labor Day, Sept. 6, 11:00-5:00). Greens fees are $5. For more information: 612-375-7651 or Walker Art Center (www.walkerart.org).

Ramsey Center For Arts (RCFA) is continuously showing work from many Minnesota artists in its Main Gallery in the Shoreview Village Mall, 1071 West Highway 96 at Lexington Parkway, Shoreview. This summer the Mall Gallery is also displaying children's artwork as part of Ramsey Kids...Fine Arts Program. Gallery hours are: Tues.-Thurs. 4:00-8:00, Fri.-Sat. 11:00-4:00.

RCFA artwork is on display at the Harriet Alexander Nature Center (HANC), located at 2520 North Dale Street, between County Roads B and C, Roseville. This artwork is rotated every 2 to 3 weeks. HANC is, MN 55113. For more information: call 651-415-2161.

The RCFA recently lost significant exhibition, dance and performance space. If you know of large spaces that you think could be of interest to the organization, please call 651-486-4883 . For more information: Ramsey Center For Arts - A Community Arts Center (www.ramseycfa.org).

Twin Cities Commercial/Studio Spaces (http://www.mnartists.org/community/thread.jspa?forumID=32&threadID=469&tstart=0)

Twin Cities Living/Working Spaces (http://www.mnartists.org/community/thread.jspa?forumID=32&threadID=468&tstart=0)

Twin Cities Performance/Rehearsal Spaces (http://www.mnartists.org/community/thread.jspa?forumID=32&threadID=471&tstart=0)

Greater Minnesota Performance/Rehearsal Spaces (http://www.mnartists.org/community/thread.jspa?forumID=32&threadID=537&tstart=0)

Greater Minnesota Living/Working Spaces (http://www.mnartists.org/community/thread.jspa?forumID=32&threadID=538&tstart=0)

Greater Minnesota Commercial/Studio Spaces (http://www.mnartists.org/community/thread.jspa?forumID=32&threadID=536&tstart=0)

The Minnesota State Arts Board is seeking four Cultural Community Liaisons of color who can assist the program officer in outreach work within communities of color. These are part-time, contract positions.  For a detailed description of responsibilities, qualifications, and application procedures, go to: Minnesota State Arts Board, Community Liaisons (www.arts.state.mn.us/about/community%20liaisons.htm).

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. seeks an Administrator to assist the vice president in the management and supervision of the education department. Supervise and coordinate programs of the Vilar Institute. Must have a masters degree in education or equivalent experience and minimum two years management/supervisory experience in arts education or in one or more of the arts/dance, theater, music, visual arts. Experience teaching or experience working with college age students and adults preferred. Initiative, self-direction, ability to work with a minimum of supervision, strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, and skills in good judgment, interpersonal and counseling. Salary: High 50s. To Apply: Send cover letter indicating job title: Administrator , current resume and at least 3 names and phone numbers of professional references no later than 5:30 p.m. July 21, to The Kennedy Center, Human Resources, Washington DC 20566-0001. Fax 202/416-8630.

The Department of Education at The Museum of Modern Art in New York seeks highly energetic and dedicated individuals for the position of Freelance Museum Educator for the 2004-05 school year. The Museum's Access Programs serve individuals with a wide range of disabilities. Access Programs Educators work with MoMA staff, administrators and teachers to encourage visitors to develop skills for analyzing and enjoying art. Using an inquiry-based, multi-sensory approach to learning, the objective of Access Programs is to foster dialogue and facilitate participants' abilities to find meaning in modern and contemporary art by utilizing visitors' communication strengths and abilities. Through open-ended questions and guided discussions, MoMA Educators encourage students to support their ideas and interpretations with observations. Programs are conducted both at the newly renovated Museum of Modern Art and at schools throughout all five boroughs of New York City. Training will begin in October 2004. Work will begin in January 2005.

This is a freelance position contracted annually. Must have experience in teaching K-12 grade students, preferably in an urban public school system; integrating art-looking and art-making into school curricula; comfort working with people with various disabilities; degree in modern or contemporary art history, fine arts, art education, special education, or education, and strong knowledge of modern and contemporary art; flexible schedule; commitment of at least one year; bilingual proficiency a plus.

Send a cover letter no later than July 15 specifying area(s) of interest, resume, and two references to: Department of Education, Access Programs, The Museum of Modern Art, 11 West 53 Street, New York, NY 10019. Or email in Microsoft Word format a cover letter and résumé to accessprograms@moma.org.