Artists' Pipeline #48 - May 20, 2005

The Minnesota House and Senate passed the Economic Development bill, which contains arts funding, in the past week. Both House and Senate recommended, as has the Governor, that the arts receive stable funding for the next two years. The next step is to appoint a conference committee to hash out a compromise between the two bills.

According to Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, activity in the legislature seems is at somewhat of a stalemate - the Governor's budget relies on gambling income, the House recommends two budgets (one with gambling income and one that makes more cuts instead), and the Senate is not interested in gambling but prefers to increase taxes to solve the budget. Because many hurdles remain to be cross, it's not too late to tell your legislators what you feel about support of the arts to! You can do it by clicking on the left MCA Web Sticker.

A tax provision that could result in a flurry of half-cent sales tax increases in Minnesota cities passed the House this week on an 80-53 bipartisan vote. The provision specifies that any city with a population of 2500 or more, or a group of cities acting together, would not need to obtain legislative approval to increase their local sales tax by a half cent to pay for "specific regional capital projects that provide benefit to persons outside of the city boundaries...as well as to the city, and is approved by the voters" in an authorizing referendum. Among the qualifying projects listed in the provision are "regional public libraries, regional history centers, and performing arts centers." If also passed by the Senate and signed by the Governor, this provision could provide a new revenue source for building arts facilities around the state.

The Shubert Theater, which is owned by ArtSpace, succeeded in getting $1 million in planning funds from the state bonding bill. Unfortunately, other arts projects such as the Ordway renovation project were not funded. The bonding bill funds building projects owned by units of government that have a regional or statewide impact.

While Governor Pawlenty has pledged to increase education funding, he has recommended a 2.6% decrease in funding for the Perpich Center for Arts Education. This proposed reduction comes on the heels of a 15% cutback in the previous biennium. Thus, while education funding is expected to receive a 2-3% increase in budget, the Perpich Center budget may be reduced unless legislators can be convinced otherwise.

In honor of the 15th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a coalition of 13 local disability organizations will hold a free celebration at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., on Tuesday, July 26.

The event, "ADA 15 Years Strong: Then, Now and Beyond," will feature two keynote speakers, entertainment by Kevin Kling, Rebecca Kragnes and Ted Brown; exhibits, food and education sessions. The afternoon keynote address will be given by NBC correspondent John Hockenberry. A Peabody and Emmy-award winning journalist and correspondent for Dateline NBC, Hockenberry severed his spinal cord in a car accident in 1976 and became paralyzed below his chest. His book, Moving Violations: War Zones, Wheelchairs and Declarations of Independence, is a memoir on living with a disability and how disability is perceived in society.

The opening presenter is Barry Taylor, Legal Advocacy Director at Equip for Equality, Inc., the Illinois Protection and Advocacy system. Taylor will discuss how far the ADA has come in 15 years and his visions for the future.

Education topics include aging and disability, mental health issues in the workplace, reasonable accommodations at work, accessible web design, understanding Social Security and emergency preparedness for people with disabilities.

The celebration is open and free to the public. If you would like to be a sponsor, exhibitor or advertiser at the event, the deadline is June 10. Individual registration is due by July 15. Forms to register are available in Access Press, MCIL's Independently Speaking newsletter, VSA arts of Minnesota's newsletter and website, or by calling ADA Minnesota, 651-603-2015.

The event has been made possible by a generous donation by Cargill and by the activities of the coalition. The coalition includes, ADA Minnesota, VSA Arts Minnesota, ARC Hennepin-Carver, Institute on Community Integration, Access Press, Dept. of Human Services, MCIL, MN State Council on Disability, National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter, SMILES Center, State of Minnesota and UCP Minnesota.

The next Artists With Disabilities Alliance meeting is Wednesday, June 15, 6:00 - 8:00 pm in the main floor meeting room at 3121 Pillsbury Ave. S., Minneapolis. Park on the street or in the small lot off Pillsbury. Discussion will include how participation in Art-A-Whirl went, updates on upcoming workshops (see below), setting up committees to work on participation at the Powderhorn Art Fair (August 6-7) and the Saint Paul Art Crawl (October 14-15).

Tara Innmon is planning a workshop on Dream Sculpture on June 28 (see separate story) and Deb Costandine will lead a Hat-Making / Tea Party workshop at a date to be announced.

If a writer or a visual artist wishes to volunteer to present their work on June 15 or at future meetings, please contact Suzanne Byrne at 612-721-2615. Ideas for other workshops and outings wanted! To receive meeting notices and updates, call VSA arts of Minnesota: 612-332-3888 or 800-801-3883 ext. 4, voice/tty, or go to the AWDA website (www.Angelfire.com/mn3/awda).

Bridget Riversmith

Bridget Riversmith of Duluth is exhibiting five of her artworks at the Duluth Art Institute's George Morrison Gallery. The exhibit will be up into August. For more information: 218-733-7560, email getart@duluthartinstitute.org or go to Duluth Art Institute (www.duluthartinstitute.org).

Pauline Mitchell

Pauline Mitchell of Minneapolis has been commissioned by VSA arts of Minnesota to create the Jaehny Award for the 8th Annual Arts Access Awards. Mitchell, a sculptor who recently moved to the Twin Cities, was awarded an Honorable Mention Award at this year’s Sister Kenny 42nd Annual Exhibit. The Jaehnys will be presented at the ADA Celebration on July 26. Pauline will also have an Open Studio of her large and small Clay Sculptures at her home, 4901 16th Avenue S., on Saturday, June 18 from 10 am – 5 pm or by appointment: 612-724-8583. Much of her recent work can be viewed on her website: mnartists.org - Pauline Mitchell (www.mnartists.org/Pauline_Mitchell).

William Homan

Minneapolis graphic artist William Homan submitted the winning logo design for this summer’s celebration of the 15th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Homan was awarded $250. Ten other entries were received from individuals with disabilities in North Mankato, Roseville, Saint Paul and Minneapolis. The ADA celebration will be July 26 at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center (see separate article).

Alec Sweazy

Alec Sweazy played his accordion at the Drum & Bugle Corps Showcase on April 23 in Saint Paul. He played the National Anthem and the Jolly Caballero for about 600 people. A portion of the proceeds will benefit VSA arts of Minnesota.

Entries are being accepted until June 30 for the 2005 Juried Exhibition for Artists with Disabilities. Slides or photographs. No entry fee. Details: Sharon Wolfe, Abilities Festival, 70 Rosehill Avenue, Suite 608, Toronto M4T 2W7, Canada: Phone: 416-966-0393, Web site: Abilities Festival - A Celebration of Disability Art and Culture (www.abilitiesfestival.org).

Artists, here's an opportunity for an easy, effective and FREE way to get the word out about your artistic work. On Thursday, June 2, you can get your work onto the www.mnartists.org web page, attend workshops and panels, get one-on-one assistance with artistic statements and other essentials to better market your work, and network with other artists and arts organizations.

The event is sponsored by the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, Springboard for the Arts and mnartists.org, which was launched by the McKnight Foundation and the Walker Art Center in 2001 as a FREE online resource for to promote and support the work of Minnesota artists. Visit the site for more information and to see examples of artists’ web pages.

Maybe you need access to special equipment. Or maybe you're waiting for an excuse to finally sit down and get your images, audio, or video uploaded onto your very own mnartists.org web page. Whatever you’ve been waiting for, now is the time!

The free event for self-identified artists and arts organizations is from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Science Museum of Minnesota Computer Education Center, 120 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul. Come for all or part of the day. Lab time and sessions will be available morning, afternoon, evening. Because there is only one scanner, it’s best to reserve your lab-time in advance as a part of your registration. Special needs support will be available through VSA arts; simply state your needs when you register.

mnartists.org's Community Manager, Colin Rusch, will be joined by staff members and volunteers from MRAC and Springboard for the Arts to provide the following:

• Technical assistance to help you create your mnartists.org profile and upload your work samples including lab sessions and access to the technology to get your work online-uploading, scanning, formatting. They'll make this easy for you!
• One-on-one assistance to help you edit your artistic statement or a written introduction to you as an artist.
• Tips to help you create a strong resume.
• Workshops designed to help you learn about building relationships to grow your audience including opportunities to speak with art center administrators.
• Information on making an effective presentation for gallery representation.
• An opportunity to work on a marketing and communications plan for yourself and your artwork and learn how to use mnartists.org to help you implement your plan.

A complete schedule is posted on www.mnartists.org.

RESERVATIONS: In order to prepare adequate technical support for individual needs, please RSVP to Colin Rusch or call 612-375-7611.

BRING: Your email address (if you don't have one, they can help you create one between 11:00 and noon); a copy of your current artist's statement or introduction to you as an artist, or draft thoughts; and web-ready work samples on a CD-ROM (do not bring original work or slides). Go to mnartists.org - Supported File Types (www.mnartists.org/article.do?rid=14311) for a list of file types supported by mnartists.org.

If you would like more information on how to prepare your work samples for the seminar, or have any other questions, feel free to email Will Goldstein. Information will be available for artists needing digital documentation services at the workshop.

On Tuesday, June 28 the Artists With Disabilities Alliance (AWDA) will host a workshop on Dream Sculpture, led by Tara Arlene Innmon, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Interact Center for Visual and Performing Arts, at 212 Third Avenue N., Minneapolis.

The purpose of this workshop is to bring out and express our own deepest desires and fears by gaining knowledge about ourselves from the creative unconscious, which connects us to our spiritual selves. Innmon will begin the workshop with slides of her dream art and convey their significance through stories and poems. Her sharing will prepare participants for movement meditation and clay therapy. Participants will create their pieces while in the dark; then share their co-creation stories from their clay pieces.

Limited to 15 people, the workshop cost is $6 for AWDA members and $10 for non-members. If advance enrollment exceeds 15, priority will be given to people with disabilities. To register, call VSA arts of Minnesota at 612-332-3888 box 4, voice/tty, or Tara at 612-376-7779. Requests for interpreters or other accommodations must be made at least two weeks in advance.

Innmon is a writer, past visual artist in acrylics, pastels and sculpture, as well as a contact improvisational dancer. An MFA student at Hamline University in creative writing, Innmon completed a two-year course of training in hands-on energy work, worked with a Native American art therapist, and led other workshops - combining all these artistic expressions in Dream Sculpture to tell co-creation stories and to move through the process of her visual loss and her healing from past traumas.

Springboard for the Arts has announced the following workshops, meetings and grant deadlines. For more information, to get mailings, or to register, call 651-292-4381, go to Springboard for the Arts (www.springboardforthearts.org), or write to 308 Prince Street, #270, Saint Paul, MN 55101-1437.

Springboard Artist Loan Fund Informational Meeting - Monday, June 6, 6:00 pm at Hennepin Center for the Arts, 528 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis. Free.

Teachers - Want to give your students an exciting cross-cultural experience while still addressing key educational standards? Each year, ArtLink invites students ages 7-12 to share their culture, heritage and communities through visual arts. Students in participating classrooms create visual artwork based on a theme, compose individual descriptions of their work, and have the option of making an introductory video. Together, these items comprise the ArtLink exchange packet to be shared with the partner classroom. The project culminates with an art portfolio of color digital prints, a compilation of the projects created that year, and selected pieces of art are showcased in both live and virtual exhibitions.

To enhance your 2005-06 curriculum through ArtLink, simply complete an enrollment form and return it to VSA arts before June 30, 2005. A limited number of enrollment fee waivers are available for qualified classrooms. All other classrooms must pay a $300 enrollment fee. For more information or to apply for ArtsLink, visit VSA arts (www.vsarts.org).

Tea Leaf Gallery

The Tea Leaf Gallery, 1000 26th Avenue SE, Minneapolis, will open a new exhibit on May 20. "Portals: Another Place and Time" will feature:
Oils - "A Sampling of Produce," by Lynn Maderich;
Sculpture - spirit rattles, smoke fired clay and paper assemblies, by Lucy Grantz;
Drawings - pen and ink musings, by Vivian Davis;
Watercolor - vessels and statues, by Tzigonne;
Textile - Deanie Pass;
Photography - from the travels of Colin D. Claypool.
For more information: Phone: 612-623-1947, email: info@TeaLeafGallery-Mpls.com or Web site: Tea Leaf Gallery (www.tealeafgallery-mpls.com).

Robbin Gallery

Life: Drawings and Paintings (oils) by Eileen C. Kamp is the exhibit through May 28 at Robbin Gallery, 4915 42nd Avenue N., Robbinsdale. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday 5:30-8:30 pm, Friday-Saturday noon-4:00. For more information: 763-537-5906.

Hjemkomst Center

"Discovering The Rivers of Lewis & Clark" is the current exhibition at the Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center in Moorhead.

Another exhibit, "Red River Watercolor Society," is a national exhibition of watercolor artworks, and runs through June 21. The Red River Watercolor Society originated in 1989 with a charter membership of 13 and has grown to over 180 artists. Its mission is to promote education, achievement and inspiration. It offers a variety of programs and opportunities that address many aspects of the art profession including business and marketing, exhibition, artist growth and enhancement of art experiences in the community. The Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center (HHIC) is located at 202 First Avenue N., Moorhead. For more information: 218-299-5511 or Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center (www.hjemkomst-center.com).

Traffic Zone Center for the Visual Arts

Artists at Traffic Zone Center for the Visual Arts celebrated 10 years in their Minneapolis Warehouse District building by opening their studios to the public on May 7. Artspace Projects owns the building at 250 Third Ave. N. "50-50" with 23 mid-career artists. The first floor has a lobby gallery (near Bev's Wine Bar).

Blue Sky Galleries

Blue Sky Galleries in Golden Valley represents over 30 regional artists who offer design and creation of custom furniture, wall hangings, veneered panels, turnings and sculpture. Located at 1200 Mendelssohn Ave. N., it provides showroom space, classes and custom project services for studio furnishings, turnings, carvings, and sculpture. Their spring show features pieces from the recent Northern Woods Exhibition, sponsored by the Minnesota Woodworkers Guild (www.minnesotawoodworkersguild.com). Come see Mark Laub's Tra Vigne Cellarette, winner of three awards this year. The first 2.7 million people to visit the gallery and mention its web site: Blue Sky Galleries (www.blueskygalleries.com) will receive a FREE cup of latte' espresso. Only catch...it must be consumed in the gallery. Offer good while supplies last. Directions: take the Plymouth Avenue/13th Avenue exit from Highway 169, just north of Highway 55. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 - 6:00, Thursday open until 8 p.m. For more information: 763-546-8007.

Outsiders and Others

Outsiders and Others is hosting its 3rd Annual "Artists Living With Mental Illness" exhibit, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, through June 4. Featured Minnesota artists are Wallace White, Jay Benson, Anthony Haas, Denise Martineau, Christi Furnas, and Andrew Braunberger. Free admission. Free parking in the lot at 1010 Park Avenue S., Minneapolis. For more information: 612-338-3435 or Outsiders and Others (www.outsidersandothers.org).

Inside Out Gallery

Inside Out Gallery presents "A Collector’s Story" June 3-30. This show and sale of works from the collection of Kate Pabst features works by self-taught, folk and Outsider artists across the country. A creative partner at Velvetpeel Inc. (www.velvetpeel.com), Pabst says "I love to take a piece of my travel experiences home with me in the form of art. The conversations I have with the artists lift my heart, and I’m pleased to support the expression of who they are, that lives in the art I buy from them. I want to find a good home for these marvelous pieces, so that joy can carry on in the hearts of others."

A pioneer in interactive design, Pabst is an award-winning designer whose work is frequently published in books and design magazines. Her visual art is seen at Rosalux Gallery, Outsiders and Others Gallery, and www.mnartists.org. Meet her Friday, June 10 from 6 to 9 pm. Hear the stories behind the art and bargain with the seller. A portion of proceeds benefits Interact.

A F.A.M.E. (Fine Art Mentorship Experience) exhibit is up through May 27. Featured artists are Gail Mary Harbeck, Linda Johnson, David Wright, Matthew Zimdars.

Inside Out Gallery represents work by over 50 self-taught artists and artists with disabilities. A nonprofit extension of Interact Center for the Visual & Performing Arts, its mission is to bring new life to the arts while challenging society’s view of disability. Located at 212 Third Avenue N., Suite 140, Minneapolis (enter on Second Street), Inside-Out is open Monday-Saturday noon-4:00 and by appointment. For more information: Jennifer Schultz, Gallery Director, Phone: 612-339-5145x13. Interact Center for the Visual & Performing Arts (www.interactcenter.com).

The Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association offers a First Thursdays series of gallery openings on the first Thursday of each month, generally from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. The next openings are on June 2. For more information: 612-788-1679, admin@nemaa.org, or Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (www.nemaa.org).

"Orchard Adventures," a play by Carol Hough of Fargo, will be performed at The Historic Holmes Theatre in Detroit Lakes on June 17-18: Friday at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. A 2003 Artist Recognition Grant winner, Hough began writing this enchanting and educational play about bugs in an apple orchard when she was a University of Minnesota horticulture student. This spring she worked as an artist in residence at Roosevelt Elementary School in Detroit Lakes, and involved students in creating props and scenery for the show. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children at the door or by calling 218-844-7469.

The YWCA of downtown Minneapolis is interested in creating opportunities for artists to sell their wares on Thursdays on the Nicollet Mall when the Farmer's Market is there. For $15 (for YWCA members) or $25 (non-members) artists can rent a banquet table from the YWCA to sell their wares on the mall in front of the YWCA at 12th Street & Nicollet. Keep whatever you earn. Questions? Contact either Patrick Scully, or (for tables) Amara Sing, YW staff person, 612-215-4152.

Waterjam explores contact improvisation in the near-weightless environment of chest-high water. Contact improvisation is a dance form in which partners move in and out of physical contact, touching, rolling, spiraling, and supporting each other. It is safe, non-threatening, and non-judging, and you don't have to be a swimmer or a dancer. Topics will include gaining comfort in the water, sharing weight and momentum, exploring non-swimming movement, and passive vs. active partnering. Free sessions are Mondays, 7 to 8 p.m., at the downtown Minneapolis YWCA, 12th Avenue and Nicollet. Wear whatever makes you comfortable in the water. For a pass, to register or ask questions, please call / email: Galen Treuer, 612-209-1451; Noah Bremer, 612-501-6614.

Duties include teaching Tap and Jazz, coordinating dance school, choreography, and helping direct four yearly performances. Benefits paid and 401K. Now taking resumes. FMI: call David Marty at 218-327-5780 or go to Reif Center (www.reifcenter.org).

The VSA North Fourth Art Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is recruiting artists with and without disabilities to spend a year planning, organizing and teaching classes for people of all ages and abilities. Twenty-two positions (full-time, half-time and part-time (6 hours/week)) will be filled with dancers, theatre artists, musicians, and visual artists. All positions run September 2005 to August 2006.

VSA AmeriCorps members range in age from 18 to mid-50s and include people with and without disabilities. Educational backgrounds range from graduates of APS Transition Programs to PhD's. Recruited from a pool of both local and national applicants, members also participate in training and some service activities promoting volunteerism and learning about citizenship, health & safety, and disaster preparedness. Training in supporting people with disabilities is also provided. Full-time stipend is $12,000/year plus individual health coverage. Part-time positions offer a pro-rated stipend but no health insurance. All members are eligible to place student loans in forbearance during the term of service, and are eligible for an education award of $4,725 (full-time, pro-rated for part-time) at the completion of service. Child-care benefits are available.

If interested, submit your resume and a standard AmeriCorps application form, found online at AmeriCorps (www.americorps.org). For more information: application packet by mail or to find out more, contact: VSA's North Fourth Art Center, 4904 Fourth Street NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107; 505-345-2872, ext 18; dmashibi@vsartsnm.org.