What's New

Several Twin Cities performances in the coming month will include performers with disabilities: Michael Cohn, Sam Jasmine, Juliette Silvers and the BOLD-choice Theatre Company of Duluth.

Michael Cohn, a dancer from St. Louis Park with cerebral palsy, will present one of his movement pieces called “Walk of Life” during the 9x22 Dance/Lab at the Bryant-Lake Bowl Theatre, 810 W. Lake St., Minneapolis. The performance on Wednesday, February 27, 8:00 PM also features choreographers Pam Plagge, Margaret E. Johnson & Kara Motta. This monthly showcase, moderated by choreographer/curator Laurie Van Wieren, includes a discussion after each piece, giving both audience and choreographer the opportunity to react and explore the work together. Cohn’s piece also features Henry Stephenson, Shana Hoglund and Michael Lynch. Tickets for the evening are a sliding fee $6-15. For more information or reservations, call 612-825-8949 or go online: http://www.bryantlakebowl.com or http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/329527. 

MACT*Fest, a biennial festival of Minnesota community theatres, will have performers with disabilities in at least two of its 10 productions on Friday and Saturday, March 15-16 at North Hennepin Community College Fine Arts Center Theatre, 7411 85th Ave. N., Brooklyn Park.

BOLD-choice Theatre Company from Duluth will bring about 30 performers with disabilities to perform “Timber!” at 12:30 PM on Friday, March 15. This original work is the story of how larger than life Paul Bunyan navigates in a world where he literally and figuratively does not fit in.  Characters include Paul’s loyal friend, Babe the Blue Ox, Paul’s parents and classmates, woodland creatures and the townsfolk that are changed by Paul’s unique gifts and struggles. BOLD-choice (Battling Obstacles Living with Disabilities) creates and tours disability awareness theatre productions. The arts program, directed by Annie Roseen, is part of Choice, Unlimited (http://www.choiceunlimited.org/arts.htm).

Ole Olson Onstage from Stillwater will perform “Marilyn & Jackie at the Pearly Gates” with at least two performers with disabilities: Sam Jasmine of Plymouth and Juliette Silvers of Minneapolis. Both blind, they have performed in several other original shows by Jon Skaalen (of VSA Minnesota) in recent years. Portraying Marilyn Monroe and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in an encounter with (perhaps) St. Peter, they will perform at 7:00 PM on Friday, March 15.

Individuals can attend one MACT*Fest show or all 10 (3 each afternoon starting at 12:30, 2 each evening at 7:00. Each performance will be audio described by Ken Moses and will be followed by informative feedback from three adjudicators. Awards are given to the best performances in the festival. Workshops are held each morning, and a theatrical silent auction is available. For more details, go to www.mact.net.

Park State Bank is located at Warehouse District, 430 1st Ave. No., Suite 104, Minneapolis and is open Monday-Friday 7:30 am – 4:30 pm.

Thirteen photographs by Chris Juhn from Burnsville have been purchased by Park State Bank-Warehouse District for its permanent collection. Chris recently exhibited his work at Park State Bank through VSA Minnesota’s ongoing exhibition opportunity.

VSA Minnesota was one of the first customers of Park State Bank when they moved into the Warehouse district in 2004. Since July 2005, VSA Minnesota has been displaying artwork by artists with disabilities there on a quarterly basis.

Bank Manager Brad Meier commented, “Park State Bank is delighted to be able to work with VSA Minnesota and their talented stable of artists. In particular, Chris Juhn's portfolio of work captures the vibrancy and energy of our city."

Chris Juhn was born with a form of Autism (Asperger Syndrome). Living with a disability has made it hard for him to relate to others. As a result he started dabbling into different ways to escape the stress of being different in modern society, art being one of them.

Chris seeks a career in photography and takes every opportunity to advance his experience, like being involved with VSA Minnesota. He is also involved with the "Partners in Policy Making" in hopes of changing the future for those going through what he went through, as well as Special Olympics Athletic Leadership Program and the fight for disability rights using photography as a medium to bring change to the world around him.

"I am for all purposes an artist, but as an artist I feel I have a personal responsibility to use my art to change the world around me for good. Photography is my life and every day I take photos to escape into my own world where I can create and express what I dream." – Chris Juhn, artist statement.

To see more of his work, visit: www.chrisjuhnphotography.com

Park State Bank is a full-service financial institution that treats all customers and their assets with respect; is committed to the financial well-being of its customers; and provides quality personal service with affordable products.

VSA Minnesota displays artwork by Minnesota artists with disabilities in various community locations. Interested artists are invited to submit an application to be considered for exhibit opportunities. Please download and submit the Ongoing Exhibition Application Form.

Organizations or businesses interested in displaying an exhibition of artwork by artists with disabilities can contact VSA Minnesota: exhibitions@vsamn.org, 612-332-3888 or 1-800-801-3883 (both Voice or TTY).

Nonprofit arts groups in the Twin Cities seven-county metropolitan area can apply for grants of up to $15,000 to help make arts programming, activities and facilities more accessible to people with disabilities. The grants are intended to help involve more people with disabilities as participants in arts programs. In the first three years of the grant, VSA Minnesota awarded 52 grants to 40 organizations, totaling $602,985.

The ADA Access Improvement Grants for Metro Arts Organizations are made possible by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the Legacy Amendment vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008. This fund directs a substantial portion toward arts access and arts education. As in the past three years, the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC) has designated a portion of its grant funds to be awarded in 2013 by VSA Minnesota (www.vsamn.org). Application deadline is May 17.

Eligible counties include in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties. Eligible projects might include a ramp, lift, elevator, automatic door opener; a legally accessible bathroom; a Braille guide to your facility and organization; a training for your staff, board, docents or ushers on practices that serve patrons with various disabilities; a captioned video about your programs; assistive listening units for your auditorium or conference rooms; a study of what potential patrons with disabilities need in order to enjoy your center as other patrons do – anything that helps to remove barriers and more effectively serve and attract artists, audience members, board or staff with disabilities.

Contact Jon at VSA Minnesota for more information, 612-332-3888 or access@vsamn.org.  Or download grant forms at http://www.vsamn.org/forms.html.

ADA Accessibility Improvement Grants are available to arts organizations served by the Lake Region Arts Council (LRAC) to help make arts programming, activities and facilities more accessible to people with disabilities. The applications & guidelines can be found at http://www.vsamn.org/forms.html#adagrant2

Up to $8,000 will be awarded by VSA Minnesota, a statewide nonprofit which will administer the new grant program for LRAC. Funds come from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, which voters approved in 2008. Application deadline is May 3.
Requests for an American Sign Language interpreter or other accommodations should be made a week before the meeting you wish to attend.

To receive grant guidelines and application, or to ask other questions, please contact VSA Minnesota at 800-801-3883, email access@vsamn.org, or download at http://www.vsamn.org/forms.html.

The grants are intended for projects with significant or long-term potential to involve more people with disabilities as participants or patrons in arts programs. For instance, facility or equipment projects may include ramps, lifts, elevators, assistive listening systems, captioning, automatic opening doors, wheelchair-accessible pottery wheels, adjustable height tables, accessible bathrooms, etc. Programming uses might include adaptive dance or visual arts programs, staff or board trainings on accessibility issues, audience outreach efforts, accommodations for people with vision loss, etc. They are not intended for one-time activities such as a sign language interpreter or a Braille program for one play. Nonprofit arts organizations in Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse and Wilkin counties are eligible.

The mission of VSA Minnesota is to create a community where people with disabilities can learn through, participate in and access the arts. Its programs include school and community artist residencies, professional development training, publicity of accessible arts events, and accessibility assistance and funding for arts organizations and artists. Located at the Cowles Center for Dance & Performing Arts in Minneapolis, it is an affiliate of VSA, which is part of the education department at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Over the past three years VSA Minnesota has awarded over $600,000 to 52 projects in the Twin Cities, thanks to a similar arrangement that continues with the Metro Regional Arts Council.

The Lake Region Arts Council (LRAC) also offers Artist Small Grants, Artists Mentorships, Career Development Grants, McKnight Fellowships, Legacy Individual Artists Grants; Organization Project Grants, Operating Support Grants, Legacy Organizational Grants, and Legacy Local Government Grants. For more information, call 218-739-5780 or 800-262-ARTS; email LRAC4@lracgrants.org; go online: www.lrac4.org; or visit 133 S. Mill St., Fergus Falls, MN 56537.

Seven Minnesota artists have been awarded grants of $1,500 each by VSA Minnesota. The 17th annual competitive grant, funded by the Jerome Foundation, recognizes excellence by emerging Minnesota artists with disabilities and encourages them to complete new work. Selected from 42 applicants, the grantees are:

1. Charmaine P. Donovan from Brainerd, Writer – poetry
2. Paul J. Flick from Minneapolis, Visual Art – mixed media
3. Devra Goldstein from Plymouth, Visual Art – Saori weaving, fiber art
4. Peter F. Hinze from Minneapolis, Visual Art – watercolor and pastels
5. Bridget Riversmith from Duluth, Multi-media – kinetic art (art that moves)
6. Lindagail Roy from Minneapolis, Writer – creative nonfiction
7. Lydia Sponslier from Minnetonka, Visual Art – painting

The grants were awarded following a jurying process conducted by individuals with extensive backgrounds in the written, visual and performing arts. They looked at samples of the artists’ work, resumes and artist statements. Members of the panels included: Todd Boss, poet, North Oaks Paulino Brener, performance artist, playwright, teacher, Mpls. Stanley Christopher, visual artist & writer, past grant recipient, St. Paul Deb Costandine, artist, writer, past grant recipient, St. Paul Christi Furnas, visual artist, Spectrum ArtWorks support specialist, Mpls. Tracy Gulliver, writer, past recipient, Chisago City Lawrence Hutera, retired arts administrator, Mpls. Shawnee Langworthy, stained glass artist, Northfield Halle O'Falvey, ACT Remembering with Dignity Project, arts instructor, costumer, St. Paul Jeffrey Richman, cultural arts director, St. Paul Jewish Community Center Mary Smith, ArtReach St. Croix literary chair, Stillwater Kurt Wiger, Courage Center staff, former arts teacher, Plymouth.

A short bio about each artist will be available shortly.

2013 Open Flow Forum

WHO: Visual Artists, Performers, Musicians and Poets

WHEN: Thursday, June 6, 2013, 7:00-9:00 PM. (Introductions at 7:00, Art-sharing begins at 7:15).

WHAT: Open Flow Forum is a monthly “First Thursdays” opportunity for artists with and without disabilities to bring samples of their visual art, poetry, music, memoir, photography or other art form to share and discuss in an informal, supportive, fragrance-free setting. Participants are invited to bring refreshments to share or to contribute a small donation to cover treats. Open Flow is an outgrowth of the Artists With Disabilities Alliance (AWDA).

WHERE: Carleton Artist Lofts Community Room, 2285 University Avenue West, St. Paul. Park on Charles Street, one block north of University (NOT in the parking lot or you may be towed). The main entry is on the north side of the building; the Community Room is straight through the entryway. If you arrive early, dial 110.

FUTURE: First Thursdays, 7:00-9:00 PM (unless noted): July 3 (Wednesday), (NO Forum in August), Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 5.

MORE INFO: (Or if you’d be willing to offer to share transportation to someone near you) Please contact:

• Pamela Veeder (prveeder@yahoo.com),
• Mike Price (serpentine3243@yahoo.com) 651-917-3667,
• Dan Reiva (dprw@yahoo.com),
or
• VSA Minnesota: jon@vsamn.org or 612-332-3888 ext. 2.

Past Open Flow Forums:

October 4, 2012

Adrienne, VSA board member, shared information about the annual VSA Emerging Artist grant. She also talked about her involvement with The Pretty Good Players, a readers’ theatre group she is involved in.

John L. has completed a Christmas card that will be printed and sold at Hammer, a boutique in Wayzata. His painting includes images of Santa Claus, the Holy Family and a Christmas tree.

John F., retired stagehand and poet, read a number of his compositions: “Icarus 2” (his flight near the sun), “A Sideboard”and“Third Choice.”

Drew F, John’s daughter, is a student at MCTC. With both parents active in theatre, her interests are eclectic.

Laresa has started a Spoken Word club in her high school. She shared an untitled piece filled with passion.

Lindagail will be speaking at the Domestic Abuse Program on October 16. She read “The First Gordon” from her memoir.

Pat’s writing tends to “talk about things other people don’t talk about…. I’m sure glad I create controversy….” This piece focused on hot weather and its effects on people.

Mary A. is painting her way through Vincent Van Gogh’s work. She has already interpreted over 200 of his 760 pieces. She shared “The Iris” and a Van Gogh self-portrait, both in a combination of oil and acrylic.

Lynn is hoping to pursue basketry. She shared a poem she wrote “for all the babies being born in the family.”

Connie is a watercolorist. Her work makes exciting use of negative space and uses mostly a primary color palette.

Brian uses vinyl composition floor tile as his medium. His work can be seen in permanent installations around the metro area, including the floors at Intermedia Arts.

Dan R. is a writer, producer of his original works. He is currently teaching theatre in area schools.

June 7, 2012:

James shared “Two Books, One Plot,” his short story about esoteric blackmail. He used a form called ‘slip-stream’: literature of the strange.

Pamela B. shared some of her drawings. She is part of a Thursday night art group that combines meditation and creativity.

Pat’s short story, “Life is a Series of Cats,” spoke of the loss of pets and their importance in our lives. He is of the mind that the right time to replace a pet is immediately after the earlier pet has “croaked.” Pat asked if anyone else had noticed how perfectly the human nose fits into a cat’s ear. He suggested we try it sometime and smell the ears of our favorite cats.

Josh played original work on his classical guitar. He doesn’t usually play ‘live’ but composes and records privately. As he composes, he sees the notes as “little moving pieces that he fits together.” His first self-recorded CD is entitled “La La Land.” He is working on his second CD and looking for a flutist to accompany him.

Brian is a photographer who shows his work exclusively on Flikr (http://www.flickr.com/). He successfully uses single-use cameras to do his work.

John has been writing poetry for 35 years. He read “Sunflowers” and “Petile,” sharing the vivid and subtle images of his words.

Laresa sang/read a short spoken word piece. She also writes music and will be recording some of it with a friend in the near future.

Dan R. presented an idea for an AWDA-hosted event showcasing the talents of AWDA and Open Flow artists. He will draft a proposal to present to the July Open Flow Forum regarding scheduling space, potential grant monies, artist participation and marketing.

Also in attendance: John L., Pat G., Kip, Tara, Lindagail, and Pamela V.

May 3, 2012:

Donna spoke about her cochlear implants and shared a handout that includes the following websites where a hearing person can experience simulated hearing loss:

• Hearing Aid Simulation: http://www.starkey.co.nz/your-hearing/hearing-loss-simulation.jsp/
• Cochlear Implant Simulations: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpKKYBKkJ9Hw
• Implant speech in quiet and noise simulation: http://www.tigerspeech.com/tst_simulation.html

Donna also offered a few suggestions when interacting with a person who has hearing loss:

• Speak at a natural pace and level,
• Try not to speak too quickly,
• Pronounce your words clearly,
• Eliminate background noise, or find someplace quiet to talk,
• Move closer to your listener – your voice will be louder than background noises and your face and lips will be easier to read.

Kevin K., pianist, composer of New Age music and a performance artist, attended for the first time. He originally came in contact with VSA Minnesota at an audio described show at the 2011 Minnesota Fringe Festival. His music can be found online at http://www.kevinkern.com/main.html, on Facebook, or on YouTube under Kevin Kern/New Age Music.

Tara I. has been spending time at The Art Shoppe in Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis. She is a co-founder of the fledgling artists’ co-op.

Pat read his piece, “Things I Can’t Stand.” This spoken-word artist can often be found performing at Patrick’s Cabaret or at a monthly spoken word open mic or story slam at Kieran’s Pub (Tuesdays, 8:00).

James, aka Art Blair, read his work, “Hugging the Shore All the Way South.” His claim to fame happened a few years ago when he placed high in a writing contest to win a modest sum of money.

Mary picked up a paint brush for the first time three months ago and is in the process of reproducing the work of Vincent Van Gogh. Her intent is to recreate all 760 pieces of his known work. So far she has completed over 100 works. Mary islooking for space to display and/or store her paintings.

Jon shared a draft of part of a short play that combines entertainment and information about enjoying the arts despite whatever disability one might have. Pam and Donna read the characters while Jon read the narrator’s role. Different versions will be performed June 16 at MACT’s Fast Fest in Lakeville, June 30 at the Vision conference at the Mpls. Hyatt, and July 26 at the ADA Celebration in Northeast Mpls.

Laresa read two short spoken-word pieces, “Sounds of Beauty” and “Beautiful.” She will be presenting her work at a public forum later this spring. Laresa finds inspiration in the margins of her geometry notebook.

Lindagail read a segment from her memoir Mama about a little girl being pulled from her bed in the middle of the night to listen to her broken mother’s stories.

Jane S. will be a Featured Artist at an upcoming charity auction. Her work is also included in a number of area exhibits, including Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault; Art of Music at the Maple Grove Arts Center; and Velocity 2, an international juried show in June in Hopkins. Jane may also have found an agent for her book, A Part or Apart, and photographs.

April 5, 2012:

Marya Hornbacher, Twin Cities author, read from her work and discussed writing, arts and disabilities. Her books include: Wasted: A Memoir of Anorexia and Bulimia, a memoir; Madness: A Bipolar Life, a memoir; The Center of Winter, a novel; Sane: Mental Illness, Addiction and the Twelve Steps, non-fiction; Waiting: A Nonbeliever’s Higher Power, a non-fiction finalist for the Books for Better Life Award.

Tony, musician and lyricist, shared a new piece, “Gifts of Nature,” inspired by John Denver.  His voice and autoharp filled the room with beautiful music.

Pat shared a piece that was originally developed in a writing class in Broward, Florida. “Paradise, Yah Right” is a commentary on life in South Florida.

Lindagail shared her successful speaking engagement at the “I Survived Domestic Violence” event in March. Statistics indicate that every day, nation-wide, five children die at the hands of their parents. Lindagail is becoming a clear and concise voice for these abuse victims.

Mike read a short story entitled “Our Father,” a story about the emotional rollercoaster caused by love and violence and a small boy’s struggle to understand the concept of faith. The piece was recently published by the online magazine, Magnets and Ladders.

The St. Paul Art Crawl will feature some Open Flow artists. Tara and Lindagail will both be reading and have artwork exhibited at the Minnesota State Arts Board Art of Recovery event on Saturday, April 29. Mike will have photographs on exhibit at the Rossmor Building as part of a group show with Artability.

March 1, 2012

Lindagail will be speaking at an event about overcoming and surviving domestic abuse. Her goal is to change people’s perspectives about abuse and to have them reconsider the physical punishment of children. If it is not acceptable to hit another adult, why is it acceptable to hit a child?

John L. shared a new artwork after a day of painting in the Carleton Artist Lofts studios. To create his acrylic on masonite pieces, he first lays on thick layers of paint. After letting it dry he rips and shreds the paint, creating new and extremely textured layers. One viewer reflected, “It’s a whole different take on Jackson Pollack.”

Jon S. shared work samples submitted by visual and multimedia artists for VSA Minnesota’s 2011 Emerging Artist Grant.

Mike P. has had two short stories accepted for publication. “Impressions” is the cover story in the March 26 online issue of The Piker Press. The Rusty Nail will publish “Me” in the March 12 online edition AND its May print edition. Mike read “Me” for the group.

February 2, 2012:

Tara I. will have a story, “Brushing,” published in an upcoming issue of the national online magazine Magnets and Ladders. She is part of an online group of disabled writers called “Partyline.”

Pamela V. shared photographs. She discussed the influence of Georgia O’Keeffe and Robert Edmond Jones in her work as well as her interest in light and shadow, portals and other architectural features as photographic elements.

Jon S. read two short pieces, “What Is Strange” and “30-Year Floor.” Discussion included the search for inspiration of source material. He also shared information on Open Flow’s upcoming guest, award-winning author Marya Hornbacher.

Donna S. shared two black and white photos of stunning old trees in her neighborhood. She talked about how in black and white photography, as opposed to color, the light seems to flatten space; patterns and texture seem to overtake the image. Donna is also in the midst of another photo project called “Passion for Politics.” With the current political scene so passion-driven, she will be capturing images of that raw emotion at rallies, demonstrations, fairs, and other events throughout the campaign season. 

Halle was inspired by the story of Gee’s Bend to build the quilt/wall-hanging she shared. Using a tapestry with the image of a Spanish dancer found by her son as a centerpiece, she dug into her scrap-bag to find the remaining colors and textures. The tapestry also inspired her to take flamenco dance lessons.

Dan R. shared two short sci-fi/fantasy pieces. He offered vivid imagery of a sun setting over a wetlands, “eclipse of the cattails” causing a “hole in the day” of accepted time and space and causing “blue light and red to separate leaving space and no dimension.”

Mike P. read a portion from his short story “Visitation,” inspired by the death of his mother. It brings together five people from five very different facets of the dead man’s life.

John L. took a break from his painting in the downstairs studio to join the group and show a new painting featuring his paint-layering technique.

January 5, 2012:

Lindagail’s story, “The Grave,” that she shared with the group last month has been accepted into this spring’s The Art of Recovery. Sponsored by The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Justice Programs and the Minnesota State Arts Board, this art exhibition heightens public awareness about crime victims and their rights and commemorates Crime Victims’ Rights Week.  After receiving feedback, she will make more changes in her memoir Mama before submitting if for publication.

Mike P. shared his short story, “A Fistful of Fringe.’ The piece involves his reflections about his 2011 Fringe Festival experience and his production of No Change of Address.

Jane S. is having some success selling her book, A Part or Apart. Her photographs will also be a part of this summer’s “Velocity” exhibit at the Hopkins Art Center.

Tara I. also has a piece in the Art of Recovery. She will also participate in the public reading that is a part of the show during the St. Paul Art Crawl this spring. The art show then travels throughout Minnesota. Tara also discussed her involvement with The Art Shoppe, a new artist retail venture housed in the Midtown Global Market (http://www.midtownglobalmarket.org/TheArtShoppe).

Simon C., Jane S., and Pamela V. have photography included in TRUCOLOR, a juried group exhibition celebrating shades of inclusion. The show runs through April at Trusight, Inc., 9805 45th Ave. N., Plymouth

Elizabeth posed the question, “does anyone make a living with your art?” Many of those present are able to make a small profit or at least break even, but, at the moment, no one makes a living at it.

December 1, 2011

Jane S. reports increasing sales of her book, A Part or Apart, discussion guides for inclusion in faith-based communities. She will host a book signing and a reading at the Blue Moon Café on Lake Street, Minneapolis, and at the Jewish Community Center, which will also display photographs connected with the book. To purchase the book, go to http://www.a-part-or-apart.com/A_Part_or_Apart_The_Books.html, or to view more of her photographic work, go to http://www.janesprints.com.

Lindagail shared a story “that has been inside…for a long time.” She hopes to publish “My Badge of Honor” as part of a larger work about abuse.

Kerri does origami tessilation. She shared the repeating patterns of many completed projects including “crowding butterflies,” “star puffs” and “snowflake.”

Tara I. read a portion of “Fridley, 1965,” a true story which she will be reading for another event.

November 3, 2011:

Melanie M. shared the ceramic tile she crafted to honor the life of her 19-year-old cat, Puti. In a font created by Melanie, the tile lists many of Puti’s aliases, including Leap Shin, Petunia and Super Model. Melanie credits Puti for saving her life by waiting for her while she was hospitalized.

Jason R. read a new poem, “My Trip of Evil.” The strong images of his poetry come from his visions, in which he “explores the unknown darkness.”

Jane S. read and shows a sample of A Part or Apart?, a multi-volume set of discussion guides for inclusion of persons with disabilities in faith communities.

Lindagail shared her entry for The Art of Recovery exhibit co-sponsored by The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Justice Programs and the Minnesota State Arts Board. The exhibition aims to heighten public awareness about crime victims and their rights and to commemorate Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 22–28, 2012. After the show ends, the exhibition will travel throughout Minnesota. In addition, the Arts Board will create an online gallery of all the works included in the exhibition, both literary and visual. Lindagail’s entry includes both images and words that reflect the abuse she has survived in her own life. On another project, she will be meeting with trusted professors for feedback on her memoir, Mama, which she hopes to complete and have ready for publication by year’s end.

Pamela B. shared beautiful Hmong needlework she has purchased throughout the community.

Tara I. and Kip S. are among the featured artists at the Art Shoppe, a local artist collective and micro enterprise venture located in Midtown Global Market (former Sears building on Lake Street, Mpls.). The business is funded in part by the Micro-Enterprise Catalyst Partnership. Collaborating organizations are A Minnesota without Poverty, the Jewish Community Relations Council, and Mount Olive Lutheran Church.

October 4, 2011:

Tara Innmon, along with Terry Day and other artists, opened The Art Shoppe on Oct. 1 at Midtown Global Market, 920 E. Lake St., Minneapolis. A loan from a micro-financing project, funded by A Minnesota Without Poverty, Mount Olive Lutheran Church and the Jewish Community Relations Council, was used for part of the start-up funds. Read more in an interview with Tara and Terry in the Southwest Journal, http://www.swjournal.com/index.php?currentIssue=8000&publication=southwest&action=searchArchive&searchString=Tara+Innmon&searchPubs=southwest&dateFrom=2011-08-27&dateTo=2011-10-27&order=date&numResults=All&page=152&story=17482&fromArchives=fromArchives&archivePage=131 .

Tony Wentersdorf shared a section of the memoirs he has begun writing. He has only recently found his writer’s voice. He often finds that the academic and literary voice creeps in and flattens his work.

Brian Jon Foster shared a slide show of his work with in-lay tile, linoleum and composition materials. Brian designed and built the 2011 Annual Arts Access Awards (a.k.a. Jaehny Award) for VSA Minnesota. To see more of his work, check out the floors at Intermedia Arts, or go to http://www.brianjonfoster.com.

Pamela Bottoms shared the gift of an origami cube that transforms into a rose. The demonstration of the cube/rose and discussion of origami and paper folding led to a trip down memory lane with the making of fortune telling/May basket pieces.

Ivey Award winning performance company Off-Leash Area has recently toured its hit A Gift for Planet BX63 to area garages, including those of Tara Innmon and Jon Skaalen.

Dan Reiva appeared in an October production of Trojan Women with Green T Productions at The Old Arizona.

Pamela Veeder shared a charcoal sketch she did after surviving a ruptured appendix. This piece, along with her photography and theatre work, is a part of her goal “to create on a regular basis.” Beginning Nov. 1, she will have photos exhibited at Park State Bank, 430 First Ave. N., Suite 104 in downtown Minneapolis.

September 1, 2011

Lindagail shared a copy of the first draft of her memoir manuscript, Momma. She hopes the work will help to educate and heal others as the writing of it has helped her to find her voice and speak out against the physical abuse of children. Hoping to have a publisher by January, she has entrusted the first draft with a select few to offer feedback. Lindagail’s long-term goals are to become a speaker in the field of child physical abuse and develop a database of psychologists who provide help to abuse survivors on either a pro-bono or sliding fee scale.

Mike Price shared an early draft of A Fistful of Fringe. The short story is about his experience of performing his play No Change of Address in the 2011 Minnesota Fringe Festival.

August 2, 2011

Brian Jon Foster shared his design for this year’s Jaehny Award – VSA’s annual Arts Access Award. His creations, of vinyl composition tile and wood, will be personalized for each recipient.

Simon Carvalho has photographs on exhibit at Vision Loss Resource Center (at the corner of Lyndale and Franklin), Minneapolis, through September.

Mike Price read his short story entitled Our Father. It was also published in the 2010 Artability writers’ book. He also reminded everyone that his play, No Change of Address, premieres at the 2011 Minnesota Fringe Festival August 4-14.

Dan Reiva read a new poem, Expired. It falls in the genre of “existential syllogism.”

July 5, 2011

Dan Reiva read a poem-in-progress. Mike Price and Pamela Veeder provided an update on their Fringe Festival one-act play, “No Change of Address,” which Mike wrote about a psych ward experience. The group shared ideas of how to promote the show.

March 3, 2011

Peggy Halverson presented a slide show and talk about Falls 4 All, an organization planning to build an accessible playground designed for use by children with and without disabilities in Minnehaha Park. Other presenters included Jason Ross, who read two new poems; Tara Innmon, who showed samples of her past paintings and writings, one of which inspired the other; and Mike Price, who read a portion of his novel-in-progress, Serpentine.

February 1, 2011

Presenters included Jason Ross, who read a new poem; Pamela Veeder, who showed samples of her color photography; and Mike Price, who read a portion of his novel-in-progress, Serpentine.

January 4, 2011

Presenters included Jason Ross, who read a new poem; Donna Savage, who showed samples of her black & white photography; and Mike Price, who had the group read a portion of his novel-in-progress, Serpentine. Individuals were also invited to attend a January 6th Theatre in the Round preview of "Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean." Jane Strauss, whose automobile photographs grace TRP’s gallery for the run of this show, had free tickets to share.

December 2, 2010

Presenters included Jane Strauss, who showed photography related to inclusion of people with disabilities in the Jewish community. Her exhibit opens January 13 at the Sabes Jewish Community Center Gallery in St. Louis Park; Alex Kaminsky, who shared artwork of close friends with whom he’d shared discussions of art, writing and disability issues; Daniel Reiva, who read some of his new “fan fiction” related to The X Files, which "flew out of him… in mid-flit."

November 4, 2010

Presenters included Jason Ross, who read three new poems; Alex Kaminsky, who created with the group a new improvised poem and discussed his approach to writing, performing and approaching disability; Pamela Bottoms, who showed and described samples of her artistic light switches made out of polymer clay; Jane Strauss, who showed recent photography; and Mike Price, who shared a portion of a new novel he’s working on, Serpentine.

October 7, 2010:

Tara Innmon read from her memoir. Sam Jasmine and Jon Skaalen performed a short play, “Tea Party,” about a fictional appearance on “Oprah” by Rep. Michele Bachmann. Mike Price  read the Reader’s Digest condensed version of his one-act play, “No Change of Address.”

September 2, 2010:

Featured Artist Dan Reiva introduced the two-person cast of "Mornin" Son O'Mine," a one-act play about mental illness and suicide which they previewed for the group and gained feedback prior to opening Sept. 23 with the Eden Prairie Players. Other artists sharing work were James Mitchell, who read a poem and a short story, and Barbara Saunders and Jane Strauss, who showed recent photography

August 3, 2010:

Featured Artist Brian Shaughnessy talked about his life as a performer, including serious bumps along the road, leading to publishing a book and then creating a show, "The Squeaky Wheel Squeaks," which he is performing at Fringe Festivals in Minnesota and several other states.

July 1, 2010:

VSA Minnesota 'Writing Mental Illness' class read writings of their new work.

April 7, 2010:

Alison Bergblom Johnson performed her writing related to the subject of mental illness and art.

March 3, 2010:

Pamela Veeder showed samples of her textile art. Joe Rheault talked about his cartooning art and showed samples from past and upcoming books. Link to his work at: dirtyinks on deviantART, Dirty Inks: Gnarly Imagery Since 2004, or Dirty Inks Blog.

February 3, 2010:

Michael Price read from his recent fiction and talked about his creative process.

December 2, 2009:

Brian Jon Foster presented examples of his "art on the floor" (vinyl tile) artwork and talked about his artistic process.

November 4, 2009:

Alison Bergblom Johnson performed her writing and talked about her artistic process.

2012 Artists With Disabilities Alliance (AWDA)

PLEASE NOTE: There will NOT be an AWDA meeting at the Minneapolis College of Art & Design in February or March. If you wish to help attract more participants to AWDA’s 2012 meetings (typically held the third Wednesday at MCAD), please contact Tara Innmon, facilitator, tarainnmon@visi.com or 612-376-7779.

When: We are taking a break during the cold months; the next meeting has NOT been scheduled.
Where: Minneapolis College of Art & Design, 2501 Stevens Ave. S. The main MCAD building is next to the Mpls Institute of Arts & the Children's Theatre. There is a free parking ramp off 3rd Ave. S., and accessible parking off Stevens & 25th.
Agenda: We are looking for ideas (and venues) that will generate more interest and attendance in 2012!
Description:

• Who we are: Artists with disabilities are invited to these informal networking meetings. Writers, visual artists, performers and other artists are welcome to share your interests and talents, support one another's work, and advocate for increased opportunities for all.
• AWDA Mission: A diverse community dedicated to the support, mentorship and promotion of artists with disabilities. Creating a presence through artistic expression.
• Introductions: Meetings typically start by having each participant share briefly what is going well in your art life, what is difficult, and what support you would like from the group.
• Art-Sharing Time: bring a sample of your art – visual art, writing, music, etc.!
• Fragrance-Free: Please do not wear fragrances, so all can participate.

For more information: If you have suggestions, contact Tara Innmon, facilitator, 612-376-7779 or tarainnmon@visi.com, or VSA Minnesota: jon@vsamn.org or 612-332-3888, voice/tty.

When: We R Artists meets every fourth Wednesday  unless it’s a holiday from, 5:00 PM-7:00 PM

Description: We Are Artists  is a group that meets to share networking opportunities and provide support to  artists with disabilities or people who know an artist with a disability.  All are encouraged to attend. If you are interested in meeting other artists or people of similar interests and abilities, this may be an opportunity for you.

Where: Paramount Visual Arts Center (downstairs of the Paramount Theatre, 913 W. St. Germain Street, St. Cloud, MN 56301. Enter Paramount’s back door (near Taco John’s). Paramount parking ramp and street parking are FREE after 6 PM.

For more information: Stacey O’Connell, 320-420-8124, stacey12oconnell@gmail.com or Sharon Pfau, 320-230-9412, polarts56@hotmail.com

Program Purpose

The Arts Ambassador Program is designed to bring professional artists with disabilities into classrooms to engage people of all ages and abilities in a presentation that discusses the Ambassador’s art form, disability and work as a professional artist.

Through this program, students and staff are able to gain experience, knowledge and understanding about:

• various art forms including visual arts, music, theater and dance/movement
• the disability culture
• the importance of and need for inclusion of people with disabilities in the arts
• the similarities that connect the human spirit of us all

Program Description

Arts Ambassadors presentations will offer new options to students who have had limited exposure to particular art forms.  Participants will be reminded of the capabilities of people with disabilities.

Each presentation will include the Artist Ambassador speaking about or demonstrating their particular art form with time allowed for student questions. A representative from VSA Minnesota will share information about artists with disabilities and will draw on materials available through organizational resources. The length of each presentation will be generally between 45-60 minutes. VSA Minnesota’s arts in education coordinator will work with a designated teacher/administrator to determine what (if any) presentation accommodations will need to be made based on age, disability and/or classroom setting.

Each student attending the presentation will complete a brief post-survey to assess their awareness of disability in general, of the activity of people with disabilities in the arts and of their feelings about people with disabilities. In addition to the student surveys, teachers will be asked to complete a questionnaire following the presentation.  Some of the questions will be similar to those asked of the students but others will address issues of curricular relevance, age and ability appropriateness and suggestions for improvements.

Eligibility

Any interested party in Minnesota is eligible to request a visit from an Arts Ambassador of their choice.

Costs

Schools will be charged a fee to offset a portion of the project expenses, $125.00 for metro area schools, $150.00 for greater Minnesota.

What to Submit

Arts Ambassador Request (Portable Document Format - PDF).
Arts Ambassador Request (Microsoft Word Format).
Arts Ambassador Request (Rich Text Format - RTF).

Teachers/school administrators can make arrangements for school visits by completing the Arts Ambassador Request (see above) and sending it to:
Jenea Rewertz-Targui, Arts in Education Coordinator.
VSA Minnesota.
528 Hennepin Avenue, Suite 305.
Minneapolis, MN 55403.
E-mail:  jenea@vsamn.org.

The Ambassadors

For information or questions regarding this program, please contact Jenea Rewertz-Targui, Arts in Education Coordinator, phone: 612-332-3888 or email: jenea@vsamn.org.

Description

This roster is an approved listing of Minnesota artists (from all artistic disciplines) who have completed a thorough application, review, and interview with VSA Minnesota.

• The primary purpose of this roster is to identify and promote high quality professional artists with disabilities. The roster is intended as a resource for schools/educational settings as well as any community groups seeking artists to present to people of all ages and abilities.
• The roster has a secondary purpose to increase participants’ awareness of the importance of and need for inclusion of people with disabilities in the arts.

For information about rostered ambassadors, please contact Jenea Rewertz-Targui, 612-332-3888 or jenea@vsamn.org.

Arts Ambassador Roster Application

Eligibility:

Arts Ambassador Roster applicants must be:

• 18 years of age or older;
• a resident of Minnesota with a disability;
• a professional artist with expertise in one or more arts disciplines;
• have skills in working with children/ youth/teachers in educational settings.

What to Submit:

Applications are accepted on an on-going basis in the disciplines of Dance, Literary Arts, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts. Artists may apply in more than one discipline. Please review the Arts Ambassador Roster Guidelines before beginning an application.

Program Purpose: To enhance creative expression and personal development through arts experiences for students with disabilities and their peers.

Program Description: VSA Minnesota’s Artists-in-Residence Grant Program provides administrative and funding support to schools and educational settings throughout the state of Minnesota who are interested in having a teaching artist work with students and staff. Residency programs are designed by coordinating teachers and teaching artists with support from VSA Minnesota’s Arts in Education Coordinator. These programs vary in length and time, dependent upon the needs of the school.

Teaching artists who work with VSA Minnesota are professional artists with expertise in one or more arts disciplines and have skills in working with children, youth, and teachers in school settings. In addition, these artists are familiar with various disabilities and effective methods for adapting techniques and differentiating instruction to reach all learners.

Read more about the VSA Minnesota Teaching Artist Roster…

Eligibility: Any public or private school in Minnesota with students with an IEP or 504 plan can submit an Artists-in-Residence Request Form. The request may be initiated by a teacher or administrator. This person serves as the primary contact for VSA Minnesota and the identified teaching artist. A minimum of 15 students with disabilities are required to participate per residency program and receive a minimum of 5 direct contact hours with the teaching artist.

Deadline: Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. As a statewide organization, we work to distribute residencies throughout the state.

Residency Costs: Schools developing an Artists-in-Residence program can request funding from VSA Minnesota in the range of $500-$1250. Schools are asked to provide support funds of $250 to help support their residency.

What to Submit: Please review the Artists-in-Residence Request Guidelines before beginning an application.

Past Awarded Sites: VSA Minnesota's 2006-2009 Artists-in-Residence List.

Description

This roster is an approved listing of Minnesota artists (from all artistic disciplines) who have completed a thorough application, review, and interview with VSA Minnesota.

• The primary purpose is to identify and promote high quality teaching artists who have particular expertise working with students with disabilities. The roster is intended as a resource for recipients of Artists-in-Residence Grants, as well as any community groups seeking teaching artists to work with their special needs population. 
• The roster has a secondary purpose of promoting and supporting professional development for teaching artists. Teaching in and through the arts is a complex profession and a growing field – and more support and training is needed.   With this roster, VSA Minnesota hopes to play a role in advancing the field of teaching artists, with the ultimate goal of supporting, strengthening, and expanding arts education for all Minnesota students.

For information about rostered teaching artists, please contact Jenea Rewertz-Targui, 612-332-3888 or jenea@vsamn.org.

Teaching Artist Roster Application

VSA Minnesota is implementing a new application procedure for the Teaching Artist Roster. It is our intention that it will grow and evolve over time to better serve students with disabilities and their peers within our state, as well as the Teaching Artists themselves. This roster will be more efficient, accurate, and address the needs of schools, educational settings and communities utilizing teaching artists in their programming.

Eligibility:

Teaching Artist Roster applicants must be:

• 18 years of age or older;
• a resident of Minnesota;
• professional artists with expertise in one or more arts disciplines;
• have skills in working with children/ youth/teachers in educational settings; and
• have a commitment to become familiar with various disabilities and effective methods for adapting techniques and differentiating instruction to reach all learners.

What to Submit:

Applications are accepted on an on-going basis in the disciplines of Dance, Literary Arts, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts. Artists may apply in more than one discipline. Please review the Teaching Artist Roster Guidelines before beginning an application.

VSA Minnesota displays artwork by Minnesota artists with disabilities in various community locations on-going. Some exhibits feature one artist, while other exhibits include the work of many artists. In some instances, their disability directly influences their art. In other cases, their disability has little or no effect on their work. In all cases, the artists are chosen because of the excellence of their work and their continuing dedication to their craft.

Our goal is to encourage these artists by giving them a place to exhibit and sell their artwork while increasing awareness within the general population about the creativity and talent of people with disabilities. Artworks displayed are for sale and all profits go to the working artist.

Currently on View

Jill Lynne Ness

Showing through April 30, 2013.
Vision Loss Resources,
1936 Lyndale Avenue S. (at Franklin Avenue), Minneapolis.
See also: Collaborative Art Exhibit at Vision Loss Resources.

Chris Juhn

Showing through February 28, 2013.
Park State Bank,
430 First Avenue N., Suite 104, Minneapolis, MN.
See also: Photography Exhibit at Park State Bank.

VSA Minnesota seeks artwork that is of high artistic quality, demonstrating originality, imagination, skillful use of materials, and quality of craft.  Interested artists are invited to submit an application to be considered for exhibit opportunities. Please download and submit the On-going Exhibition Application Form:

On-going Exhibition Application:

On-going Exhibition Guidelines (PDF document).
On-going Exhibition Guidelines (Word document).
On-going Exhibition Guidelines (RTF document).

On-going Exhibition Application Form (PDF document).
On-going Exhibition Application Form (Word document).
On-going Exhibition Application Form (RTF document).

Organizations or businesses interested in displaying an exhibition of artwork by artists with disabilities can contact VSA Minnesota: exhibitions@vsamn.org, 612-332-3888 or 1-800-801-3883 (both Voice or TTY).

Artwork by Coon Rapids visual artist Jill Lynne Ness is now on display at Vision Loss Resources through April 30.

Vision Loss Resources is located at 1936 Lyndale Avenue South and is open Monday-Friday 7:00 am – 5:30 pm.

“I once came across a painting with vivid colors and visible brush strokes that caught my attention like no other. I ran my finger over it, longing to touch the texture of wheat fields and catch a glimpse of a painter long dead in the blue, stormy skies.  While it was only a smooth magazine page under my fingertips, the vibrant colors and brush strokes intrigued me.  Despite an ominous diagonal line of crows and an accompanying article that told the sad tale of the artist; to me, this painting, "Wheat Field with Crows," was alive.

While I ultimately found my own life's direction in the world of literature and writing, many years later, when my life seemed broken, a wise woman placed a paintbrush in my hand and hushed my doubting look by two words: "Just play." The curiosity in me only grew stronger as I breathed in the smell of acrylic paint and swirled together bold colors.  I remembered Vincent van Gogh and decided that I too, wanted to leave tracks behind my brush.

These works are an exploration of color and texture.  You are invited to reach out and touch them physically.  Follow your curiosity; just play.”

— Jill Lynne Ness, artist statement.

To view more of her work, visit: www.mnartists.org/Jill_Lynne_Ness.

Vision Loss Resources, Inc. has a mission to assist people who are blind or visually impaired in achieving their full potential and to enrich the lives of all persons affected by blindness or vision loss. Web site: Vision Loss Resources (www.visionlossresources.org).

Park State Bank is located at Warehouse District, 430 1st Ave. No., Suite 104, Minneapolis and is open Monday-Friday 7:30 am – 4:30 pm.

Artwork by Burnsville photographer Chris Juhn is now on view until February 28, 2013.

Chris Juhn was born with a form of Autism (Asperger Syndrome). Living with a disability has made it hard for him to relate to others. As a result he started dabbling into different ways to escape the stress of being different in modern society, art being one of them.

Chris seeks a career in photography and takes every opportunity to advance his experience, like being involved with VSA Minnesota. He is also involved with the "Partners in Policy Making" in hopes of changing the future for those going through what he went through, as well as Special Olympics Athletic Leadership Program and the fight for disability rights using photography as a medium to bring change to the world around him.

"I am for all purposes an artist, but as an artist I feel I have a personal responsibility to use my art to change the world around me for good. Photography is my life and every day I take photos to escape into my own world where I can create and express what I dream."

– Chris Juhn, artist statement.

To see more of his work, visit: www.chrisjuhnphotography.com

Park State Bank is a full-service financial institution that treats all customers and their assets with respect; is committed to the financial well-being of its customers; and provides quality personal service with affordable products. Web site: Park State Bank (www.parkstatebank.com).

For information about purchasing these pieces, please contact Jenea Rewertz-Targui, 612-332-3888 or exhibitions@vsamn.org.