Artists' Pipeline #53 - June 2006

The Guthrie Theater has a new home – on the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis at 818 Second Street South (about 4 blocks north of the Metrodome on Chicago Avenue). It will officially open at a Community Celebration on Sunday, June 25, with activities from noon to 2 a.m. Free activities will happen in the Guthrie Learning Center, the Outdoor Public Plaza, the Level 5 Lobby, the Wurtele Thrust Stage (dedication address by Artistic Director Joe Dowling at 1:00 – ticket required, VocalEssence performance from 2:00 to 3:30), fireworks on the Riverfront Stone Arch Bridge, and a dance party at 10:30 p.m. in the Dowling Studio. Ticketed events ($10 each) on different stages are a performance by Peter Himmelman at 7:00, Heiruspecs at 8:00, the Steeles at 9:00 and P.O.S. at 9:30. For details, call 612-377-2224 or go to Guthrie Theater (www.guthrietheater.org).

Two members of the Twin Cities blind community will perform in a play this weekend in Stillwater. Sam Jasmine, who produces KFAI's "Disabled and Proud" radio show every Tuesday night, teams up with Juliette Silvers, who performed in the 2001 MACT Festival and 2002 Fringe Festival, to play two blind characters waiting for a bus who hijack an automobile when the bus is nowhere to be found. The short play is “Josephine’s Amazing Dreamboat,” by Jon Skaalen (program coordinator for VSA arts of Minnesota) and also includes Sam's dog Abby in the title role of Josephine.

The evening, “A Six Play Buffet,” includes six original scripts by Twin Cities playwrights. The other plays are about two others characters waiting for a bus, two people who rob a bank, a group of senior actors who can’t remember their lines, and two plays with supernatural overtones (including a visit from Jesus).

Performances are at 7:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday-Sunday, June 16-18 at Northern Vineyards Winery, 223 North Main Street, Stillwater. The Sunday performance will be Audio Described for patrons who are blind or of low vision, and ASL-interpreted for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Tickets are $15 ($10 for students or users of ASL/AD services). To reserve tickets, call 651-439-0993. For more information: Stillwater Theatre (www.StillwaterTheatre.org).

The shows will also travel to Saint Cloud on Saturday, June 24, to take part in the MACT Fast Fest, a 20-minute-play festival hosted by the Minnesota Association of Community Theatres. For more information on the 14 shows, go to Minnesota Association of Community Theatres (www.mact.net), email mactfactor@aol.com, or call 952-884-9676.

"The Broken Brain Summit," a new theatrical work-in-progress exploring philosophies of the human brain, will receive staged readings at Interact Center for the Arts June 15-17, Thursday and Friday at 7:30 and Saturday at 3:00 and 7:30 pm.

Collaboratively created by a cast of 14 performers, all of whom have experienced brain trauma, this “play with songs” weaves their real-life stories of strokes, accidents, neurological conditions and mental illness into a larger tale of man’s impassioned effort to understand and contextualize his own gray matter.

The quirky, renegade scientist Dr. John Dendrite is desperate to discover the brain’s place in the world – “Is it our identity, ego or id? Does it make me more moral than chipmunk or squid? Is it raw electricity, cells to be messed with? And what world religion does brain mass go best with?” After his research position is unfunded and his lab dismantled due to his unconventional ideas, Dr. Dendrite secretly sneaks back to the facility in the dark of night and gathers a motley collection of self-taught brain experts – the "Broken Brain Summit" – to help him continue his search for what he calls "the essence of brain."

“The Broken Brain Summit” reflects Interact’s commitment to develop cutting edge material that hasn’t yet been seen on stage and to fulfill the organization’s mission: to create art and challenge society’s view of disability. Brain Injury affects an estimated 5.3 million Americans and is the most common injury among soldiers returning from Iraq. The play strives to make the issue of brain trauma accessible, tangible and multi-dimensional for audience members, with a great deal of humor and hope.

The cast has been writing, improvising, discussing and experimenting with their stories of traumatic brain injury for over a year. With additional script development by Interact staff Scott Reynolds and Lola Lesheim, the show has been pulled into its present shape by playwright Amy Salloway (Does This Monologue Make Me Look Fat? and So Kiss Me Already, Herschel Gertz!). Artistic Director Jeanne Calvit and staff artist Eriq Nelson will direct the staged reading.

Interact is located in the Minneapolis Warehouse District, one block off Washington, at 212 3rd Avenue North, Suite 140. Admission is $8. For reservations, call 612-339-5145 ext. 13.

Two performances by artists with disabilities are being planned at Patrick’s Cabaret on Friday and Saturday, October 20-21. The event is being coordinated by the Artists With Disabilities Alliance. To get onto the program, performers are invited to introduce themselves to the AWDA performing committee on either Saturday, July 1 or July 15 from 2:00 to 5:00 at Walker Church, 3104 16th Avenue S., Minneapolis. Prepare and perform a 15-minute set. The committee will program six 15-minute sets for a diverse program at Patrick’s, as well as other future gigs. Two of the slots are taken by Tara Innmon, a member of Patrick’s performer roster, and Tony Wentersdorf, a musician and poet from Minneapolis who is event coordinator. Performers receive all of the ticket sales, but are asked to give 10% of their proceeds to AWDA to promote this and future AWDA activities. Volunteers are needed to sell tickets in advance and at the door, concessions, etc. If you have questions, call or email Tony at 612-872-0233 or tonywentersdorf@hotmail.com.

Inside Out Gallery has opened Garden of Earthly Delights, an exhibition of creative collectibles. Located at Interact Center for Visual & Performing Arts, 212 Third Avenue N., Minneapolis, the exhibit will run through July 7. A springtime feast for the senses, this event features creations for homes and gardens such as original birdhouses, ceramics, tiki torches, stepping stones and hand decorated planters (complete with a variety of flowers). Gorgeous hand-made jewelry, hand painted tiles, original art seed packets (plant the flowers and frame the art!), fantastic drawings and paintings have also been created by Interact artists including Donovan Durham, Mike Kramer and more. For more info, call 612-339-5145 ext. 13 or email anna@interactcenter.com.

Sandy Agustin, who has worked at Intermedia Arts in Minneapolis for 16 years, has decided to leave her position as Artistic Director on August 1 to pursue new adventures. She praised the diverse range of capabilities and creative thinking that percolates daily throughout the organization and the countless community members who “are truly the wind beneath my wings and continue to teach and amaze me with their many connections to the community-at-large and the many social and political issues that we understand to be at the core of our mission and vision.” Executive Director Daniel Gumnit praised her visionary work and the marvelous contributions she has made to the community and to the success of Intermedia Arts. He said the organization will honor Sandy this summer.

Theresa Sweetland, a 9-year IA veteran, will become the new Artistic Director. She has envisioned and managed some of its most successful programs including B-Girl Be and the Institute for Cultural and Community Development. For more information: 612-871-4444, Intermedia Arts (www.intermediaarts.org).

The University of Minnesota’s Split Rock Arts Program will hold five celebratory Soirees featuring visual artists and writers who teach at Split Rock this summer. Each reading and artist talk will be followed by a reception and book signing. The events are at 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Cost is $7 (U of M faculty, staff & UMAA members $5, U of M students free). For specific programs, call 612-625-8100 or visit University of Minnesota's Split Rock Arts Program (www.cce.umn.edu/splitrockarts). The first program, June 27, is at the Saint Paul Student Center Theatre, 2017 Buford Avenue; the others (July 11, 18, 25, August 1) are at Coffman Memorial Union Theater, 300 Washington Avenue SE, Minneapolis.

In honor of the 16th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), several local disability organizations are sponsoring a celebration on Wednesday, July 26 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the Radisson University Hotel, 615 Washington Avenue SE, Minneapolis.

Keynote speaker Barry Taylor will discuss current Supreme Court decisions and the state of the ADA today. Taylor is legal advocacy director for Equip for Equality, Inc., the Illinois Protection and Advocacy system, at which he supervises the legal services, self-advocacy and training programs. Taylor has also overseen many individual and systemic disability discrimination cases. The evening also features entertainment by storyteller Kevin Kling and jazz pianist Michael Deutsch. A cash bar will be available and light refreshments will be served.

Sponsors include: ADA Minnesota, Access Press, Minnesota State Council on Disability, Metro Center for Independent Living, United Cerebral Palsy, Institute on Community Integration, Minnesota Department of Employee Relations (DOER), VSA arts of Minnesota, Minnesota Department of Human Services, Courage Center and ARC-Greater Twin Cities.

Admission is free, but to reserve a spot please contact Betty: bettyc@mcil-mn.org, 651-646-8342, or TTY 551-602-2001. For more information, visit www.adaminnesota.org.

Reserve Wednesday, Oct. 19 on your calendar for the 2006 Annual Awards Luncheon in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Keynote speaker is John Kemp, a nationally recognized disability advocate. Held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel Roseville, 2540 N. Cleveland Ave., the event is sponsored by the Minnesota State Council on Disability in collaboration with Pathways to Employment, the Department of Employment and Economic Development, and the Department of Human Services.

The annual awards recognize and honor individuals or organizations who demonstrate outstanding leadership and achievement in improving the quality of life of Minnesota citizens with disabilities. Nominations are due by August 28.

For ticket information or a nomination form, contact: Nadia Facey, Minnesota State Council on Disability, 121 East 7th Place, Suite 107, St. Paul 55101; 651-296-6785 V/TTY or 1-800-945-8913 V/TTY; council.disability@state.mn.us; or go to Minnesota State Council on Disability (www.disability.state.mn.us).

Do you know someone who has worked hard to make the arts more accessible to people with disabilities? VSA arts of Minnesota urges you to nominate a person or organization for its annual Arts Access Awards. Named the Jaehny, after VSA arts of Minnesota founder Jaehn Clare, the awards recognize dedication to making arts programs and facilities more accessible, as well as creating opportunities for artists with disabilities.

You can nominate Minnesotans in categories such as (but not limited to): Outstanding Arts Educator of Students with Disabilities; Most Active & Visible Minnesota Artist with a Disability (performer, visual artist, writer,...); Most Active Producing/Performing Group Involving People with Disabilities; Most User-Friendly Performance or Exhibiting Space for People with Disabilities; etc.

Award winners will be honored at a public ceremony in late September, when they will receive an original artwork created by a Minnesota artist with a disability, and publicity about the access issues they promote. To nominate someone, submit (by mail, fax, e-mail or audiotape) contact information about nominee and nominator (name, address, phone, etc.); relationship (if any) of the nominee to the writer; and reasons why the nominee deserves to be recognized. Attach any relevant news clippings, photos or website information. Nominations must be received by August 18, 2006. Send to VSA arts of Minnesota, 528 Hennepin Avenue S., Suite 305, Minneapolis, MN 55403; fax 612-305-0132; or info@vsaartsmn.org.

The US Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division has reached a settlement agreement with Ticket Master regarding various aspects of their business practices. The agreement can be viewed online at: Settlement Agreement Between The United States of America and Ticketmaster L.L.C. (www.ada.gov/ticketmaster.htm). The agreement emphasizes four issues:

1. That ALL sales staff need to be trained to sell accessible seating.
2. That tickets for accessible seating be sold during the same hours of operation that all other tickets are sold.
3. That accessible seating not be released for general sale any earlier than two weeks before an event, and then only if all other seats in that price range are sold out.
4. That sales staff be trained to look for additional companion seating as close as possible to the wheelchair accessible seating. (e.g.: If the policy is to sell one companion seat, and only one, with each wheelchair location, then the sales staff is to be trained to look for other non-accessible seating for any other members of the wheelchair users party in seating as close as possible to the wheelchair locations.)

Ann Kranz

Ann Louise Kranz, 37, of Roseville died May 26 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester. Born and raised in Amboy, she graduated from Buena Vista College (Storm Lake, IA), worked in the field of domestic violence for 15 years, and recently completed a Master's of Liberal Studies at the University of Minnesota. Highlights of her life included singing the national anthem for a Timberwolves' game, completing and publicly reading a collection of poetry and stories for her Master's Degree, establishing a national online clearinghouse of information and research on domestic violence, being selected for the President's Emerging Leaders Program, which accomplishes goals set by the University's president while placing participants with mentors for leadership, and enjoying the birth/adoptions and lives of her nieces, nephews and friends’ children. She had an extraordinary ability to communicate and connect with people, had a deep sense of justice and was politically active on behalf of the rights of women and people with disabilities. For the past five years, personal care attendants had helped give her joy and independence. Ann is survived by her partner of 13 years (Shelly Owen); her pets, service dog, parents (Gary and Aline Kranz); three sisters, two brothers, and other relatives. Memorial contributions are preferred to Canine Companions, North Central Regional Training Center, 4989 State Route 37 East, Delaware, OH 43015.

Christine Sikorski

Christine Sikorski, a Minneapolis writer and teacher (and 2005 Artist Recognition Grant recipient), had an opinion piece called “Witnessing Love” featured in the May 7, 2006, Star Tribune. Her essay reflected on her experiences attending several same-sex marriage ceremonies.

Sharon Chmielarz

Sharon Chmielarz of Brooklyn Park recently published her fourth book of poetry, The Rhubarb King. It's available for $11.95 at Micawber’s, Amazon, and Magers & Quinn bookstores, or through Loonfeather Press (www.loonfeatherpress.com).

Cora Culbert

Cora Culbert of Chisholm has hung up her shingle as an artist and EBay marketer. Under the banner MotherArtiste Arts, she sells a series of Junkyard Dogs (& Cats) painted on thrift store items. Her EBay Community Art Market sells works by other artists with disabilities including Raymond Presley. Cora formerly coordinated SoHo Artists in Hibbing, For more information, contact coraculbert@juno.com.

Jane Gerus

Jane Gerus of Saint Paul will display 19 of her paintings, some old, some new, some never before shown, at the Vintage Restaurant, second floor, 579 Selby Avenue, Saint Paul. The show will hang for several months. Sounds like a good excuse to check out their “eclectic nouveau American cuisine” – open at 4:30 seven days a week, with Sunday brunch from 10:30 to 2:00. For reservations, call 651-222-7000. For more info about Jane’s work, call 651-774-7496 or jgerus@yahoo.com.

James Livingston

James Livingston of Minneapolis will direct his play Trans State at the Minnesota Fringe Festival. The play explores post-resurrection spirituality as seen in the context of a state psychiatric hospital. The playwright incorporates an experience at one state hospital, where he spent seven months and met a woman who said she was Mary Magdalene and was having the baby Jesus for the second time. Another experience related by a man who had worked at another state hospital was that they had five men who each believed he was Jesus . The hospital put the men, who had not met, with other clients in the same space. The staff had expected possible violence but the patients walked directly to each other and group hugged. It will be performed as part of the Spiritual Fringe, held at Lake Harriet United Methodist Church at 4901 Chowen Ave. S., Minneapolis. Show times are Thursday, August 3, 8:30 pm; Sunday August 6, 10 pm; Wednesday August 9, 7:00 pm; Friday August 11, 5:30 pm; and Saturday August 12, 4:00 pm.

Jarek Bell-Isle

Jarek Bell-Isle, as the winner of the Creative Kids of PACER’s art contest, will have his winning entry featured on the 2006 PACER greeting card. The greeting cards can be used for any occasion, and packets of eight are available for $10 from PACER Center, phone: 952-838-9000 or Web site: PACER Center (www.pacer.org).

Naomi Staples

Naomi Staples, 10, of Clear Lake, went with her mother Wendy Kirkwood to Union Station in Washington, DC, to see her artwork included in the national exhibit, A View From My Window. She received an award from VSA arts and participated in creating new artworks with other young artists.

Ken Moses

Ken Moses of Stillwater has received the first Human Rights Award presented by the Stillwater City Council and Stillwater Human Rights Commission. Ken, who is retired from careers in theatre and disability work, was recognized for his ongoing work in supporting Independent Living and human rights for people with disabilities. A past member of the Human Rights Commission, he is an Audio Describer of live performances for persons with vision disabilities, serves on the Art Saint Croix committee, and is active with a new community theatre in Stillwater giving performances June 16-18.

Michael Deutsch

Michael "The Hook" Deutsch, Minneapolis, is playing his jazz and blues piano Fridays at 8:00 p.m. at Antoine's Creole Maison Restaurant, 2819 Hennepin Avenue S., Minneapolis, 612-871-2262. This weekend, however, (June 17-18) he will be playing at the Aster Café in Saint Anthony Main.

A Benefit Concert to raise money for the funeral expenses of the late Michael Paul Deutsch II, the son of Minneapolis musician Michael “The Hook” Deutsch, will be held Sunday, June 18 at 6:00 p.m. at the Whiskey Junction Bar, 901 Cedar Avenue S, Minneapolis; 612-338-9550, Whiskey Junction (www.whiskeyjunction.com). Michael, who died at age 22 in a car crash in February, was a new father and had been a visual artist as well as a musician. Performers will include Lamont Cranston, Ross William Perry, Cool Disposition, Devina Vagabond, Prophets of Soul, Michael Deutsch and others to be named. For more info, go to Michael "The Hook" Deutsch (www.michaelthehookdeutsch.com).

Tony Wentersdorf

Tony Wentersdorf & Friends will present an evening of Original Music and Poetry on Saturday, July 22 at 7:30 p.m. Celebrating 40 years at Walker Church and 40 years of journaling, the performers also include Kent Eklund, Mary Parker and the Judge Bennett Band. Suggested donation is $8 adults, $4 kids, with half the proceeds going to Walker Church, 3104 16th Avenue S., Minneapolis.

Mari Newman

Mari Alice Newman, Minneapolis artist, received a first place award from American Printing House for the Blind. She won first place in 2-D art in the Insights 2006 national juried competition they sponsor with Lighthouse for the Blind. Her winning entry is "Colors of Minneapolis (colors of a city)" is 24 x 18 ink and tempera on paper. It will be on display in October. Mari has also been listed in Who’s Who in America 2006. A selection of her visual art is currently on display at Dunn Bros. at 50th & Xerxes in South Minneapolis, and at Minnesota Artists -Mari Newman (www.mnartists.org/Mari_Newman).

The Phipps Center for the Arts has issued its annual call for artists for exhibits in 2008. Submissions will also be considered for the 2007 Healing Arts Program at Hudson Hospital and the 2007 Enriching Arts Program at Croixdale in Bayport. Submissions are due by July 1, 2006. For a complete prospectus, go to The Phipps Center for the Arts (www.thephipps.org) or send a self-addressed stamped envelope to The Phipps, 109 Locust Street, Hudson, WI 54016. For more information: 715-386-2305.

In celebration of National Rehabilitation Awareness Week, the Mayo Clinic Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is sponsoring an art exhibit September 18-22 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Visual artists with disabilities are invited to submit photographs of paintings, drawings, three-dimensional works and photography to be considered for the exhibit. Deadline is June 28. Awards in both professional and amateur categories will include Best of Show, 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. A certificate of participation will be given to all artists. For information or an entry form, contact Rochester Area Disabled Athletics & Recreation, Inc. (RADAR), 507-280-6995 or email radarsports@aol.com. VSA arts of Minnesota has a limited number of entry forms and guidelines.

Lee Emberley at Creative Art Supplies in Stillwater will host the Monday, June 26 meeting of Art St. Croix at 4:30 pm. Art Saint Croix provides opportunities in the arts for adults with disabilities in the St. Croix Valley. Emberley will talk about the products and services he offers to artists. The group will also discuss and plan upcoming Art St. Croix classes and upcoming events under a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC). The art store is located at 1250 Frontage Road in the shopping center off Highway 36 next to the Acapulco Restaurant.

The Lake Elmo Regional Arts Center (formerly Ramsey Center for Arts) will host the following events (at the Center unless noted otherwise):

The Art of Recycling is a contest for children ages 5-12 sponsored by Lake Elmo Rotary, City of Lake Elmo and Lake Elmo Regional Arts Center. Prizes will be given for Most Artistic, Most Useful and Action Art. Children must register in advance and must submit art by Friday, June 30. Following a Children's Parade on July 4, an Awards Presentation will take place at the Arts Center, which will host the display through July 14. For details, call 651-256-1407 or go to The Art of Recycling - PDF document (www.lakeelmo.org/d/1928/Recycling_Contest.pdf).

Art On Wheels will be the topic Saturday, July 8, 10:00-11:30 a.m. Patti Paulson, Cheryl Kopp and experienced Car Art enthusiast Toni Warner. They will highlight vehicles that have been transformed and Car Art topics including: choosing your vehicle, creating a design/message, collecting materials, paints and adhesive options, permanent vs. removable art, and showing off your finished work at events. (An Art Saint Croix Art On Wheel Work Group will create its first Art Car on Friday-Saturday, July 14 & 15 at the Lake Elmo Regional Arts Center. Everyone welcome. For more information email: pjpaulson@hotmail.com.

Foundabout Scarecrow Workshop, Gil Gragert, Instructor, Wednesday, July 26, 1:00-3:30.
Foundabout Scarecrow Exhibit, August 2-7 (at Washington County Fair).
Drawing and Watercolor class in September.
Cartooning class, Rich Melheim, Instructor, Wedmnesday, October 11.
Holiday Interpretive Reading & Skits, Allan Lavalier Director, November-December.
Prepare artwork for Living Creatively Exhibit – January.
Living Creatively Exhibit, February 11 (reception) through March 26.

To reach Lake Elmo Regional Arts Center, 3585 Laverne Avenue, turn south off Highway 5 at Leslie's Floor Care (between Hagberg's and Citgo) and go two blocks. The Arts Center is kitty corner from the Lutheran Church. 651-256-1407.

Eagan Art Festival – June 24-25 at the Eagan Community Center Festival Grounds, 1501 Central Parkway. Sat. 9:00-5:00, Sun. 10:00-5:00. Proceeds help sustain the Eagan Art House. For more information: 763-218-0284 or Eagan Art Festival (www.eaganartfestival.org).

Lake Elmo Art Fair – Saturday-Sunday, July 29-30 at the Lake Elmo Regional Arts Center, 3585 Laverne Avenue 651-256-1407.

Powderhorn Art Fair, Minneapolis – Saturday-Sunday, August 5-6 in the 65-acre Powderhorn Park between Chicago and Bloomington Avenues, north of 35th Street. Sponsored by the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Assn. Phone: 612-729-0111. Email: Elena@ppna.org or shonda@ppna.org (community showcase and group exhibitors). Web site: Powderhorn Art Fair (www.powderhornartfair.org).

Uptown Art Fair, Minneapolis – Friday-Sunday, August 4-6 in the Lake & Hennepin area of South Minneapolis (Friday noon-7:30, Saturday 10:00-7:30, Sunday 10:00-6:00). Phone: 612-823-4581 or Web site: Uptown Art Fair (www.uptownminneapolis.com/art-fair).

Loring Park Art Festival, Minneapolis – Saturday-Sunday, August 5-6 (10-6 Saturday, 10-5 Sunday) Phone: 612-203-9911, Web site: Loring Park Art Festival (www.loringparkartfestival.com).

Deaf Writers! Do you like to write just for fun? Or do you dream of publishing your own book someday? Do you ever wonder where to turn to for help and support? Wonder if there is a place where Deaf writers gather together and talk about their writing? Afraid your English is not good enough but the writer inside of you is trying to get out? Then you are welcome to join the Deaf Writers Group at the Loft every first Thursday of the month at 6:30 PM. The Loft is located in the Open Book building at 1011 Washington Avenue S., Minneapolis. Come to the third floor Club Room. With a beautiful skyline view of downtown Minneapolis, a huge deck, comfortable sofa and charming atmosphere, it’s a perfect place for brainstorming and creativity for writing! And it's free. For more information: Ellie Kidder, email: pepper1048@yahoo.com.

An exciting artist live/work project is in the pre-development stage in the Minneapolis Arts District just off Central and 19th Avenues NE. The Northeast Community Development Corporation is working with Flannery Construction and the Logan Park Neighborhood Association to build 36 units of affordable, sustainable, accessible ownership housing for artists. Construction is anticipated to begin next spring, and reservations will be taken this fall.

Community goals are to keep artists in Northeast and to create synergy with the dynamic and diverse commercial corridor along Central Avenue. Making this an accessible project is also something the neighborhood wants and fits with artists' space requirements.

The plan is to build 12 two-bedroom townhomes and a 24-unit condo building with a rooftop gallery. There will also be an independent arts production building. Green construction techniques will be used. Prices will range from $110,000 for those who meet income guidelines to the $160s. For more information, or to advise the project partners as a part of their market research and project development, call John Vaughn at 612-627-9366.

Finding inspiration from photographs, Victorian images, and her own imagination, Barb Keith of Saint Paul creates vibrant stained glass and glass mosaic panels. Her new collection is featured at Cornucopia Art Center in Lanesboro Artist Spotlight, includes see-through glass on glass pieces, solid backed mosaics, a table, and collage. She will demonstrate her work at an artist reception (with jazz and refreshments) from 6 - 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, and also from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, June 18 as part of Art-in-the-Park weekend.

A new property owner in Lanesboro, where she enjoys the outdoor recreation and artistic inspiration of the Root River, Keith concentrates on women in her new work. "I always begin the transformation from blank canvas to finished mosaic with the eyes. With the eyes, the most expressive feature in the face, the personality of the subject shines through. Suddenly, the person is there and the rest just falls into place. They take on personalities of their own."

Cornucopia Art Center is located at 103 Parkway Avenue North in Lanesboro in Southeastern Minnesota. For more information: Phone: 507-467-2446 or Web site: Cornucopia Art Center - Lanesboro, Minnesota (www.lanesboroarts.org) or Barbara Keith Designs (www.barbarakeithdesigns.com).

The Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center in Moorhead will close the Burgess Shale: Evolution’s Big Bang exhibition on June 20. The 2006 Juried Fine Art Exhibition will run July 1- September 29. The Center is located at 200 First Avenue North. For more information: 218-299-5511 or Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center (www.hjemkomst-center.com).

Artists of all disciplines are invited to apply for a 2 or 4-week residency in the home of The Great American Think-Off. The program offers stipends of $750-$1500 plus living and studio space. The focus is to provide emerging artists time for creative development and exploration. Application deadlines are October 1 for residencies January thru June and April 1 for residencies July thru December. 51% of all residencies are awarded to artists from Minnesota or the five boroughs of New York City. For more information: Lynn Kasma, Phone: 218-385-3339 or email: nymills@kulcjer.org.

Children or families can call the Minnesota StoryLine (Phone: 952-352-1350) any time, any day, and listen to a recording of a children's story read by a local actor. This is a project of BookPALS (Performing Artists for Literacy in Schools), sponsored by the Screen Actors Guild Foundation. They also offer StoryLine OnLine (www.bookpals.net/storyline) which has beautifully produced videos of celebrities reading children's stories, free any day, any time! For more information: Gabrielle Rose Simons, Minnesota Coordinator, BookPALS, 320 Snelling Avenue S., Saint Paul, MN 55105; Phone: 651-690-0858, Web site: BookPALS - Performing Artists for Literacy in Schools (www.bookpals.net).