Artists' Pipeline #45 - January 2005

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

Ancestor Energy, the legendary Minneapolis poetry-jazz collective, will hold a CD release celebration for Allwhere, the first recording in its 23-year history, on Sunday, January 30 at 3:00 PM at the Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant, 1010 Nicollet Avenue S., Minneapolis. Featured on the CD are Carei Thomas, poet Louis Alemayehu, David Wright III, Mick LaBriola, Gary Schulte, Donald Washington, Jeroen Van Tyn, Jocko McNally and special guests. According to Tom Surowicz, Twin Cities jazz journalist, says "Dynamics is the operative word here. Ancestor Energy offers a fairly unique amalgam of bristling post-Coltrane jazz, taut social commentary, potent poetics, striking melodies, and freewheeling yet insistent rhythms. Few groups have combined verse and jazz music with more art and less artificiality. Tickets are $10 at the door, and CDs will be sold for a special $10 price. For more information: 612-823-5857, the Dakota at 612-332-1010 or Dakota Bar and Grill (www.dakotacooks.com), or CD Baby: ANCESTOR ENERGY: Allwhere (www.cdbaby.com/cd/ancestor).

Six Minnesota artists have been awarded $1,000 grants through the VSA arts of Minnesota Artist Recognition Program. The ninth annual competitive grant, funded by the Jerome Foundation of St. Paul, recognizes excellence by Minnesota artists with disabilities. Selected from 41 applicants, the grantees are:

Roald Molberg, Duluth, Visual Artist - Stoneware;
Naomi Cohn, Saint Paul, Writer - Poetry;
Stephen Goldstein, Minneapolis, Performer - Sound Design;
Mark Davison, Minneapolis, Visual Artist - Sculpture;
Serik Kulmeshkenov, Minneapolis, Visual Artist - Cartoons, Photography, Drawing;
Eric Skoglund, Minneapolis, Visual Artist - Relief Prints;

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

Arts Advocacy Day at the Minnesota State Capitol will be Tuesday, February 22, 2005. For updates, contact Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (MCA) at 651-251-0868 or Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (www.mtn.org/mca).

Walker West Music Academy in St. Paul has named Twin Cities native Marcus L. Walker as Executive Director. An accomplished music director, educator, entrepreneur and Walker West Alumni, he will lead the artistic and administrative growth of the organization, founded 16 years ago by Grant West and Rev. Carl Walker. Dedicated to instruction and performance inspired by and reflected in the African-American experience and language of music, the music school is committed to the recognition and celebration of diverse cultures through the study of their unique expression and contributions to the language of music. Recitals are given at 2:00 on the fourth Sunday of each month. For more information: 651-224-2929 or Walker West Music Academy (www.walkerwestmusicacademy.org).

Springboard for the Arts will hold its first Health Fair for Un-insured and Under-insured Artists and Arts Organizations on Saturday, January 22 from 1-4 pm at Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Avenue S., Minneapolis. This event is FREE and will provide information and resources about health care insurance options, clinic information and health and wellness tips for artists and their families. For more information and to register, go to Springboard for the Arts (www.springboardforthearts.org) or call 651-292-4381 or 800-546-2891.

Do you have a disability and are hoping to achieve self-support? The PASS program (Plan for Achieving Self-Support) is a Social Security program designed for individuals with disabilities who would like to return to work. The plan helps them get skills, items or services in order to reach their goals. For more information, visit: Social Security Online - Working While Disabled (http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/11017.html#1) If you have questions about Social Security, a free service called the Disability Linkage Line can point you in the right direction. Call 1-866-333-2466 or email: mcil@mcil-mn.org. If you need to apply for Social Security benefits or aren’t sure whether you qualify, you can apply for benefits online by visiting: Social Security Benefit Application (https://s3abaca.ssa.gov/pro/isba3/wwwrmain.shtml).

The Minnesota Department of Human Services, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division and the Saint Paul Fire Department are giving away 250 free visual smoke alarms. You may qualify for an alarm (valued at $169) if you live in Saint Paul, do not have a visual smoke alarm, have a hearing loss of at least 25 decibels AND register and attend a 2-hour fire safety presentation. To register, contact Liz Brown at Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services/Metro, 651-297-1313 (TTY), or 651-297-1316 (Voice), or 651-215-6388 (fax). Required registration form must arrive at the DHHS Metro Office before the presentation date. Class size is limited.

On December 15, the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) presented the 2004 Paul G. Hearne/AAPD Leadership Awards for emerging leaders with disabilities to Berhanu Joffe Deboch, Portland, OR; Alan D. Muir, Knoxville, TN; and Elise C. Roy, Washington, DC.

The recipients were selected on a highly competitive application basis by a national advisory committee to receive cash awards of $10,000 each to further their work in the disability community. The award program was established by the Milbank Foundation for Rehabilitation in 1999 to recognize and carry on the work of Paul G. Hearne, AAPD founder, to cultivate emerging leaders in the disability movement. Administration of the program passed to AAPD in 2000. For biographies, visit: American Association of People with Disabilities - AAPD - News (http://www.aapd-dc.org/News/aapd/04pghannounce.html).

Gary Smolik

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

VSA arts of Minnesota invites all visual artists with disabilities, ages 6-13, to participate in FACES of the FUTURE, a call for art that celebrates the essence of "what makes you one of a kind." Submit your artwork along with an entry form to be part of a traveling exhibit that will move around the state of Minnesota. All submissions will be included in the exhibit. All participants will receive a certificate of participation.
Eligibility Requirements: ages 6-13, must have a disability. Deadline: send your original artwork (no larger than 8.5” x 11”) along with an entry form (see below) or by mail, to VSA arts of Minnesota by May 1, 2005.
Send to: VSA arts of Minnesota, FACES of the FUTURE, 528 Hennepin Avenue., Suite 305, Minneapolis, MN 55403; 612-332-3888 or 800-801-3888 voice/TTY, Fax 612-305-0132.

With the goal of exploring, sharing and recording disability history and culture, VSA arts of Minnesota invites young writers (age 14-22) to participate in REFLECTIONS III. This third annual publication will feature up to 50 poems and short essays by students with disabilities. In your original poem or short essay, address one or more of these issues: How do you see yourself? How do you think others see you? How would you want the world to be? What part does your disability play in how you view yourself, how others view you, how the world views you? All entries will be reviewed for (a) level of technical proficiency, (b) originality and (c) presence of a personal style or vision. All participants will receive a certificate of participation, a copy of REFLECTIONS III, and an invitation to a book signing honoring the showcased young authors. Eligibility: ages 14-22, must have a disability.
Submission: Submit a copy of your poem(s) or short essay(s) (each writer may submit up to five entries) plus a completed entry form (see below) or by mail, to VSA arts of Minnesota by May 1, 2005.
Guidelines:
Submissions must be original and written by the student submitting the entry.
Poems and essays must be not exceed 800 words.
Poems intended to be used as song lyrics are acceptable.
Submissions must be typed.
Entry form must be signed by both the author and parent or guardian.
Write name and poem/essay title in pencil on the back of the submission.
Submissions will not be returned, so students should make a copy of their submission prior to submitting it.
Poet and parent or guardian grant VSA arts of Minnesota the right to use the poetry or essay submission for public relations purposes including the REFLECTIONS III publication, VSA arts of Minnesota website and newsletter, and related media.
Send to: VSA arts of Minnesota, FAces of the Future, 528 Hennepin Ave., Suite 305, Minneapolis, MN 55403; 612-332-3888 or 800-801-3888 voice/TTY, Fax 612-305-0132.

Nancy Donoval will offer a Story Coaching Intensive Workshop February 4-6 at 2415 24th Avenue South in Minneapolis. Your story material (personal narrative or source material other than your life) can be at any stage of its development. Limited to 6 registrants, it will be a smoke-free, scent-free on Friday 7-10 pm, Saturday 9 am - 7 pm, Sunday 10 am - 6 pm. Registration is $250. A featured performer at the 2004 National Storytelling Festival, Donoval also teaches storytelling through Metro State University. For more info or to register, call 612-721-8489 or email NancyStories@yahoo.com.

Springboard for the Arts has announced the following workshops, meetings and grant deadlines dates. For more info, to get on their mailing list, or to register, call 651-292-4381, go to Springboard for the Arts (www.springboardforthearts.org), or write to 308 Prince St., #270, St. Paul, MN 55101-1437.

January:
22 - Health Fair for Uninsured and Underinsured Artists & Arts Organizations
1-4 PM, Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls.
24 - Artist Loan Fund Information Meeting
5:30 PM, High Point Center for Printmaking, 2638 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls.
25 - Recordkeeping and Financial Management
6:30 - 8:30 PM, ArtReach Alliance, Historic Courthouse, 101 W. Pine St., Stillwater
29 - Career Planning for Artists
10 AM - 4:30 PM, MCAD main building, Emeritus Conference Room, 2501 Stevens Ave. S., Mpls.

February:
1 - Marketing 101
6:30 - 8:30 PM, ArtReach Alliance, Historic Courthouse, 101 W. Pine St., Stillwater.
5 - Working Across Cultural Boundaries
noon - 4 PM, Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls.
8 - Developing Your Portfolio and Working With A Gallery
6:30 - 8:30 PM, ArtReach Alliance, Historic Courthouse, 101 W. Pine St., Stillwater.
10 - Peer Roundtable Information Meeting
6:30 - 8:30 PM, Springboard's Offices, 308 Prince St., #270, St. Paul.
12 - Dangerous Dreaming
10 AM - 1 PM, Textile Center, 3000 University Ave. SE, Mpls.
14 - Artist Loan Fund Information Meeting
5 PM, Bloomington Center for the Arts, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington.
15 - Time Management for Creative People
6:30 - 8:30 PM, Springboard's Offices
17 - The New Technology and the Arts
6:30 - 8:30 PM, on-line at Minnesota Artists (www.mnartists.org)
22 - Pricing Your Work
6:30-8:30 PM, Springboard's Offices
23 - Professional Practices Workshop Series for Musicians: Shopping for a Record Deal in 2005
6:30 - 8:30 PM, McNally Smith College of Music (formerly Music Tech College), 19 E. Exchange St., St. Paul
25 & 26 - Studio Practices Workshop Series for Artists in Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI; Visit Wisconsin Arts Board (www.arts.state.wi.us) for registration information.

March:
2 - Artist Loan Fund Information Meeting
4 PM, with NEMAA at the Minnesota Center for Photography, 165 13th Ave. NE, Mpls.
3 - Legal Live!
6:30 - 8:30 PM, on-line at Minnesota Artists (www.mnartists.org)
5 - How to Work with Your Professional Photographer
10 AM - noon, Fire Station 21, 643 Ohio Street, Saint Paul
11 & 12 - Studio Practices Workshop Series for Artists in Wisconsin
Platteville, WI; Visit Wisconsin Arts Board (www.arts.state.wi.us) for registration information.
22 - Effecting Positive Discipline in the Classroom
6:30 - 8:30 PM, Springboard's Offices
30 - Professional Practices Workshop Series for Musicians: Careers in Music
6:30 - 8:30 PM, McNally Smith College of Music (formerly Music Tech College), 19 E. Exchange Street, Saint Paul

Works by over fifty artists belonging to the FM (Fargo-Moorhead) Visual Artists organization will be on exhibit through February 25, 2005 on the lower level of the Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center, 202 First Ave. N., Moorhead. A new traveling exhibit, Finding North Dakota: 250 Years of Mapping, will also be on display through March 31. This exhibit looks at how explorers and map makers have visualized the place North Dakotans now call home. Twenty-seven maps from the collections of the State Historical Society of North Dakota are highlighted: from 18th-century maps of "America" to modern aerial and topographic maps. FMI: contact Dean Sather at 218.299.5511 ext. 226.

A "Visions of World Religions" exhibit is showing through February 5th at Outsiders and Others, 1010 Park Avenue S., Minneapolis Featured Artists are: Fahima Lalli, an Afghan-American who creates artwork she says, "is direct from God"; Lilli Anne Sprintz, dealing with chronic illness, who went back to being Jewish for "the joy, beauty of her culture that kept her alive"; June Moon, surviving tragedy, who uses art to confirm the existence of God; Susan Anderson, who paints blessings that are layers of prayers; Sindibad O'Dell, whose mystical artwork mixes traditional Catholicism, Buddhism, and African worship dolls; and Ryan Sweere, who mixes traditional Mexican folk art with found objects. Free parking in lot. For more information: 612-338-3435 or Outsiders and Others: Art Gallery and Mentorship Studio (www.outsidersandothers.org).

Intermedia Arts has space to rent for rehearsals, meetings, and shows. The theater has 120 seats, 36' x 28' stage, sprung wood floor suitable for dance, full technical capabilities including installed lighting and sound systems and video projection capability. For details, contact Production Manager Mike Grogan, 612-874-2808 or email Mike Grogan.

TC Theater is a free weekly e-mail about Twin Cities theatre topics, distributed by Dominic Papatola, theatre critic for the Saint Paul Pioneer Press. If you would like to be on the emailing list, contact TCTheater@mn.rr.com.

Two books by Dr. Beth Mount on life planning are now available through the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota. One is "Life Building: Opening Windows to Change" and the other is "Person-Centered Planning: Finding Directions for Change Using Personal Futures Planning." These would be useful to individuals interested in Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS). Copies of the books are free and can be ordered by contacting Michelle Brandes at 612-378-2742.

A new website has been launched The World Bank and Disability (www.worldbank.org/disability) to raise awareness of disability and development issues internationally. It will introduce a wide range of topics as well as links to publications and additional resources.

A free service was started in 1999 to help anyone send messages to others who rely on Braille. By logging on to their website, HotBraille.com (www.HotBraille.com), and registering, you can give the mailing information, type your message, and it will be Brailled and sent anywhere in the U.S. within 2-15 business days. The website also offers other resources to locate Braille schools, a demonstration of the (visual) configuration of the individual letters, and more. In the Community section, it also offers instant messaging to individuals logging on at the same time. And it has links to other resources related to blindness. (From Northern Lights newsletter).

Vision Loss Resources in Minneapolis has a small library of Audio Described videos that can be rented. The deposit is $5 and rental is only $1. Please return them within two weeks. Audio Books are also available on loan at no charge. If you would like to check out videos or books, ask Bernie at the front desk. VLR is at 1936 Lyndale Avenue S. (at Franklin). 612-871-2222 or Vision Loss Resources (www.visionlossresources.org). The activity line # is 612-253-5155.

Planning an Arts-Centered school: A Handbook is a new publication of the Dana Foundation's arts education program. Eighteen essays by artists and educators highlight best practices and offer approaches from their experiences in the development of arts-centered schools. The publication was designed to guide organizations in curriculum and development, governance, funding, assessment and community participation. Published by The Dana Press, it is being distributed free to schools, school boards, arts agencies, and other organizations interested in arts and education. Essays include:
"Developing the Drama Curriculum at the NewWorld School of the Arts" by Jorge Guerra-Castro.
"A Public-Private Partnership for Training Young Talent: The Special Music School of America" by Lydia Kontos.
"A Model for Drama in Education from the American Place Theatre" by Lisa Richards and David Kener.
"Pointers and Pitfalls in Creating a Visual Arts Curriculum" by Emanuelle A.Kihm and Odili Donald Odita.
"A Prescription for an Effective Dance Program" by Nasha Thomas Schmitt.
"Finding the Money for a School Focused on the Arts" by Lauren Katzowitz & Susan Cahn.
The Dana Foundation is a private philanthropic organization with particular interests in science, health and education. Its arts education grants support innovative programs leading to improved teaching in the performing arts in public schools.
For more information about the Handbook, including how to order a print copy and a click to the PDF version, is available at Dana Press, Planning an Arts-Centered School: A Handbook (www.dana.org/books/press/artshandbook).

The City of Los Angeles has developed a Guide to Accessible Event Planning, which can be downloaded for free at City of Los Angeles, Guide to Accessible Event Planning (www.lacity.org/dod/pdf/Guide_to_Accessible_Event_Planning.PDF). According to VSA arts, it has good references about the needs of deaf and hard of hearing persons, touching on "etiquette" and such things as CART, interpreters, and assistive listening systems.

What's going on with arts in schools? Go to the Minnesota Alliance for Arts in Education website (www.allarts4allkids.org) and click on "Jump to the Arts Education Calendar" to see. To have a listing included, send calendar submissions regarding events, professional development, advocacy or funding opportunities with statewide or regional significance to Holly Wright. Include (1) Date, (2) Very short description of item, and (3) Web address (URL) for more information or phone number and contact name. Teaching artists opportunities were provided by the Perpich Center for Arts Education.

This article gives an interesting overview of the development of disability arts practice in Australia. Originally published in RealTime 52 (Dec 2002-Jan 2003) and reproduced with the permission of the writer and the publisher. Read it in full at Arts Access Australia - enabling art (http://www.dadaanat.net.au/enablingart.htm).

This resource kit consists of series of pocket checklists across all areas of access from marketing to publications and exhibitions. Developed by Accessible Arts, it is useful for all arts managers. Go to Accessible Arts Australia - Accessing the arts resource kit (http://www.dadaanat.net.au/accessingkit.htm).

Recently released by the U.S. Centre for Arts and Culture, this report looks at how people experience the arts and examines some of the barriers that impede participation in the arts. The report can be found at U.S. Center for Arts and Culture - Access and the Cultural Infrastructure (http://www.culturalpolicy.org/pdf/access.pdf).

The National Arts and Disability Center (NADC) publishes a Calendar of Arts and Disability Events. You can submit press releases or postings on any arts event, class, workshop or conference that is accessible to individuals with disabilities and/or features the work of an artist or performer with a disability. Send to: Beth Stoffmacher, technical assistance coordinator, Tarjan Center for Developmental Disabilities, National Arts and Disability Center, 300 UCLA MP Suite 3310, Los Angeles, CA 90095-6967; 310-825-5054; Fax 310-794-1143; Email: Beth Stoffmacher.

A new executive director is being sought to implement the long-term strategic plan and manage day-to-day functions of Springboard for the Arts, a nonprofit organization serving artists of all disciplines and their organizations. Start in April. Applications should be received by January 24. FMI or to apply: 651-292-4381. Springboard for the Arts, Attn: Executive Director Search Committee, 308 Prince Street, Suite 270, St. Paul MN 55101-1437. Or email to: info@springboardforthearts.org. For more information: Springboard for the Arts (www.springboardforthearts.org).

Interact is a multidisciplinary arts center for adults with disabilities, licensed as an adult day program for up to 90 clients per day. They seek a Care Coordinator to work in collaboration with instructors, artists/clients and their extended support teams to ensure delivery of excellent client focused care. Full Time (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM). $20,000-30,000 plus benefits. For more information or to apply: Mail or email resume by with cover letter by February 7, 2005 to: Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, Attention: Amy Hero Jones, 212 Third Avenue North, Suite 140, Minneapolis, MN 55401; Amy@interactcenter.com. For more information: 612-339-5145. Interact Center for Visual and Performing Arts (www.interactcenter.com).