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Art to Change the World (ACW) is a diverse non-profit coalition of change makers employing the arts in service of positive social change.
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Message from the Director
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Artists make art with their hands, feet, mouths, lips, minds, and beyond.
When people outside the arts ask me what I “do”, I respond, “I am a teacher and an artist.”
They usually get my “teacher” answer, but they need clarification on the “artist.” So, they ask, “Do you paint?”
“No, I am a sculptor.”
“Do you sculpt in stone?”
“No, I glue trash together.”
That is about the time I lose them. My elevator pitch for ACW is also a little bit challenging. We are visual artists, writers, poets, musicians, dancers, and performers plus. I am wondering if we should/could come up with a more descriptive word to describe all of us.
In our mammalian dominance, we have invented names for other animal groupings—a school of fish, a murder of crows, a pack of wolves, and a tower of giraffes. Might we hijack the term creatives from the advertising industry? All words evolve, right?
How about a coterie, a circle, or a collective of creatives?
Do you have thoughts about, or strongly oppose this idea? Suggest an alternative! Contact me! drb@bridgescreate.com
Barbara
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Mojo Coffee Gallery Raises $1200 for ACW!
Once again, ACW member Marko Fields steps up for ACW. We had such a lovely evening listening to the talented Hiptites (which also features ACW member Craig Harris on keyboards) and enjoyed the amazing music, delicious food, and one of Marko’s favorite recommended beverages--Hacienda De Chihuahua Sotol Reposada. Please give Marko your business at Mojo’s Coffee Gallery. Need a special beverage cup for a holiday gift? Support the artists there at Marko’s. Hold your meet-ups there for coffee, lunch or dinner! http://mojocoffeegallery.com/
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Marko with ACW Board Chair, Layl McDill
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Beauty from Ashes
In the US, every day, more than 100 people's lives end with gun violence. Around 200 people visit the emergency department daily for nonfatal firearm injuries. Over half of these incidents result from a firearm assault, and an additional 37% are unintentional injuries. Statistics show firearm accessibility increases suicide, homicide, accidental death, and injuries.
Please join ACW members Kelly Frankenberg and Barbara Bridges at the opening for the latest exhibition in ACW member Nikki McComb’s Art is My Weapon project. This important series pairs the Minneapolis police in a gun buy-back program that supplies local twin cities artists with gun parts to create works which exemplifies our belief that “Art Can Change the World!”
THE DISTRICT EDINA
7777 WASHINGTON AVE S
EDINA, MN 55439
https://www.thedistrictedina.com
OPENING NIGHT: NOVEMBER 4th 3 PM – 6 PM
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Call for Designer. Need Two ACW Project Images
Art To Change The World (ACW) is an art social justice group. We have created over 50 events in the last 5 years and always develop a Project Page with an image which goes on all promotional materials. Click here to review “Life on the Spectrum” https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/life-on-the-spectrum
Please send concept ideas for the following projects. Text description or sketch works.
- Echoes of Tradition, is a remarkable showcase of local history, live music & dance. A captivating journey celebrating a harmonious fusion of Jazz, Latin, Modern Dance, Native American & Hip Hop intertwined to create an unforgettable cultural past and present Twin Cities experience. Echoes of Tradition includes an education/workshop component which will invite emerging artists to show what they have to bring to the conversation and earn an invitation to perform in the Echoes of Tradition Performance. Project is in development but you can read more here: https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/echoes-of-tradition
ACW/Mill City Museum Collaboration - Stone Arch Bridge Festival and Beyond 2024
ACW was selected by the Mill City Museum to create a 100 foot interactive installation on the river side wall of the Museum. We hope to be able to pay each of 6 artists $2,000 for artwork and audience activities. The theme for the 3-month installation will be the history of the river and/or the grain production. The project is in development but you can read more here: https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/acw-mill-city-museum-stone-arch-festival-project
Stipend for the design itself starts at $100 -- but is negotiable. Please send concept ideas to info@arttochangetheworld.org ACW logo above should be included.
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Our own Wini Froelich from the Mill City Museum is appearing in this play. We are going on November 5 at 2:00 PM as an ACW group. Join US!!
ANON(YMOUS) by Naomi Iizuka
It is running from Nov 1 to 19 at Park Square Theater, 207th Pl W, Saint Paul, MN 55102
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COME PARTY WITH US NOV 19!
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ACW’s 1st ANNUAL NEW MEMBERS’ CELEBRATION!
BUT YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A MEMBER TO ATTEND ; ) 0
When: November 19th Open House 2-6
Where: Solar Arts Building. Second Floor. 711 NE 15th Ave Minneapolis
(Optional) Bring: an art piece or two to sell, exchange, barter, and/or one to get feedback on, written, spoken or visual. And bring a friend!
Post Kelly Frankenberg for more information: kellyfrankenberg@gmail.com
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Art WILL change the world and it starts with US! “Art Speaks” is written by Kelly Frankenberg and represents her personal viewpoint, not the policies of ACW. For more info about Kelly and her art, go to http://www.kellyfrankenberg.com
A friend was playing in an orchestra, and as soon as they started to play, they noticed it had been pre-recorded and a tape was playing. They were so upset, not even being told that would happen, that they joined together and started playing a different song. When music concerts are pre-recorded, is it authentic? When the illustrator traces a portrait digitally is it authentic creativity? When a painter uses a device to help with proportion and accuracy is that cheating? Will their painting be truly authentic?
Many of the great master artists and painters used the original Camera Lucida, manufactured in Italy, to improve their skills and help them save time to create a mirror or ghost image of their subject or still life they focused on.
I asked a classical realism painter her thoughts on using a device like that. Her response was if the artist is using the tool just to save time, but has the talent to do the painting without the device, then it's acceptable. If the artist doesn't have the talent and that's the reason they are using the device, then it doesn't seem like their art would be authentic.
What do you think? Comment on our Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/ArtToChangeTheWorld
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Art To Change the World Pays Interns
When you become an Art to Change The World Intern, you are invited to design and implement your own art social justice project. We are proud to present Bronwyn Simmons and their Critique Cabaret.
Critique Cabaret, a space for creatives to share a piece of work and receive feedback from fellow creatives! Audience, come with an open mind and be ready to give insight and feedback. Creatives, come prepared with a 3-5 minute piece (visual artists, bring art and an artist statement)! There will be a 10-minute critique after each piece. All mediums welcome!
Bring a visual, musical, word, dance, or performance to our November 19, 2023, ACW event with snacks, beverages, and prizes.
When: November 19th Open House 2-6
Where: Solar Arts Building. Second Floor. 711 NE 15th Ave Minneapolis
Pay What You Can which could be FREE!
ACW Intern Assignment – Create Critique Cabaret Bronwyn Simmons is a local non-binary photographer and textile artist. Already with one degree in Cinema, they are back in school for fashion and apparel design to become a costume designer for film and television. Their recent works reflect on self-expression through the lens of queerness and gender as a means of self-exploration and finding community!
https://instagram.com/bogushoney25?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bronwyn-simmons-201075216/
Image designed by Mori Mayann https://morimayaan.carrd.co/
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Do the Dow
2242 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55114
Friday, December 1st 5-9 pm and Saturday, December 2nd 12-8 pm
Debra Ripp, Frances Bates, and Rose Cooper are all going to have artwork on display in Studio 201. Catherine Palmer will be helping run a spin art activity in the main area.
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OWEN BROWN Closing Remarks - November 11th at 2 PM
We are thrilled to celebrate ACW member and local artist Owen Brown's first solo show with the VERONIQUE WANTZ GALLERY gallery. This exhibition, Myriorama, showcases 451 new 12" x 12" abstracts on a panel. There's something for everyone as the gallery walls will be covered head-to-toe with these creative pieces featuring various styles, palettes and media. Each 12" x 12" work will be affixed with Velcro, so that viewers will be able to detach and rearrange both orientation and location within the gallery as they see fit--a concept Brown bases on myriorama, 19th century illustrated cards that children could endlessly arrange and rearrange to form different pictures. The gallery show will be interactive, as the artist encourages viewers to move the panels around and create "new art" on the gallery walls.
Each 12" x 12" panel is $95. A catalog with images and an essay written by Ulysses Dietz, former chief curator of the Newark Museum of Art, will be for sale at the gallery or online.
Owen will donate 25% of his income on any painting bought before November 3rd to ACW, provided that the purchaser mention ACW to the curator on purchase. Post November 3rd, and until the closing reception, Owen will donate 10% of his income on any painting sold to ACW, as the Gallery will be having a buy two get three sale the last week! Again, mention of ACW is necessary for ACW to receive the cash.
VERONIQUE WANTZ GALLERY, 901 N. Fifth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401
https://owenbrownartist.com/shop
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"Introducing Art to Change the World's "SWAP and Barter!"
"SWAP + Barter" is an initiative designed by intern, Lin Boemer. It explores the concept of bartering within our local community, through trading goods and services with other artists and community members. This topic is especially relevant during the Holiday season, trying to balance gifts for family and friends without breaking the bank. "SWAP + Barter" is a multi-faceted project, with opportunities for artists to trade in-person or online, for physical artistic goods, commissions, or services that those in our community may need a little extra help with.
"SWAP + Barter" will be launching with our first in-person trading event at ACW's New Member Party on November 19th! Interested in getting involved or attending and trading at our first event? You do not need to be an ACW member. Visit https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/swap-and-barter/ Email Project Manager Lin Boemer at LinsLameLifeArt@gmail.com."
How does SWAP and Barter Work?
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"Barter Bulletin Volume 1 - November 2023
Welcome to "SWAP + Barter's" brand new monthly Barter Bulletin! While we are working on developing a digital marketplace to feature all of the wonderful goods and services that ACW members have to offer, the Barter Bulletin will act as "SWAP + Barter's" main hub. Every month will include new listings from members just like you! Interested in having your goods, services, commission requests, calls for art, or other postings featured in the December Barter Bulletin? Fill out the Barter Bulletin Submission Form at the following Link: https://forms.gle/JDzBSaygY7Gmm3mu7
Looking to get more involved with "SWAP + Barter"? Check out our Project Page at https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/swap-and-barter/
Contact Project Manager Lin Boemer at LinsLameLifeArt@gmail.com.
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Attn: Holiday Hiatus
On Location Drawing Coop is taking a break for the Holidays!
We will be taking a break in November and December 2023 to attend to various Holiday Events!
Please join us in January 2024! Updates will be posted on our On Location Drawing Coop Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/onlocationdrawing
And in the ACW Change Report newsletter!
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By Becca David
Hello ACW friends! I’m working alongside my colleague Donnisha Powell to present Friendsgiving at the A-Mill Artists Loft.
We will have great music by ACW members Ngange and Themasses on Sunday, Nov. 26 at 8 pm.
This is a family-friendly event featuring vendors from the A-Mill Artist Loft, MN Black Vendors Coalition, and maybe even You!
See the form below to register; spaces are limited. Your nonrefundable payment holds your 2-day spot. Email justbeckydavid@gmail.com with questions.
https://form.jotform.com/232913574828162
Looking forward to seeing you! Becca David justbeckydavid@gmail.com
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ACW Member Ngange!
7-8:30 Live sound set by RRA
8:45-9:45 Spider Hospital
10-11pm Ngange & Themasses
3338 University Ave SE # 220, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Art installation currently on display:
Vīrya- Of the Messenger: Artist Residency
created and curated by Gregory J. Rose.
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ACW/Mill City Museum Collaboration Sneak Peek
Stone Arch Bridge Festival and Beyond 2024
ACW was selected by the Mill City Museum to create a 100-foot interactive installation on the river side wall of the Museum. We hope to be able to pay each of 6 artists $2,000 for an artwork including audience activities. Funding being pursued. Depending on the proposal, artists may be able to attach items to the wall of the east engine house and mill wall as "crowd attractors" for the festival. The works must be fastened/could be integrated into the chain link fence or on the stone wall. You will have 10-15 feet for your installation. The theme must incorporate the river/riverfront history/stone arch bridge/heritage zone to secure funding. Title of the project to be decided by selected participants.
The contract includes an interactive component to be implemented for the two days of the Stone Arch Festival -June 15-16, 2024. Prepare for 300 + interactions. You should design with the understanding that these artworks will be unattended from installation to deinstallation which could be the first week in August. We will be right outside the riverside access to the Mill City Museum so you could take interaction activity moveables inside at night during the Stone Arch Festival. Depending on feasibility Mill City Museum would like us to leave the installation there through at least Mpls Aquatennial (July 27). You must be available the week before the festival for installation and include a plan for deinstallation. Note: You will have already been paid to create the works and there is a high probability you will end up with the work at deinstallation.
You do not have to be an ACW member to apply but if accepted, will be expected to join the ACW community. $50 memberships and scholarships available. https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/product-category/support-us/
Click here to see past projects and events: https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/events-b
Jurors will include ACW representative, Mill City representative, Sarah Collins, Stone Arch Festival director, and a creative outside ACW.
Audience Engagement is a mandatory component for all ACW events. Each of the 6 artists will design an interactive experience for the Mill City Museum Stone Arch Festival visitors.
Mill City Museum will be able to provide temporary studio space and storage based on project needs.
Applications open on Dec 1. Interested in more details on this opportunity? Click here to read more: https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/acw-mill-city-museum-stone-arch-festival-project
If you have any questions please contact Project Manager Barbara Bridges drb@bridgescreate.com
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New Member Spotlight
K. Daphne McDonald was born in Chicago, but had the good fortune to come of age in the museum city of Washington, D.C. She comes from a family of artists and began selling portraits and paintings at an early age. She studied photography at the Fashion Institute of Technology and painting at the Art Students League of New York, ultimately earning a B.A. and M.F.A. at Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont.
She has exhibited around the country, participating in a number of artist collectives such as the One Ear Society of Miami. Though a world traveler, Daphne feels most at home in the desert Southwest. While in graduate school at the University of Arizona, she maintained a studio and exhibited at an artist’s complex known as The Muse. She was also active in shows with Raices Taller Arts Collective.
Her work is heavily influenced by an inward turning that began in her early twenties when, as a monk and contemplative, she facilitated yoga and meditation seminars around Europe. Daphne also lived and taught in Australia, presenting seminars on the practice of meditation to mediate writer’s block. Over the years, she’s enjoyed writing and speaking on topics as diverse as Sacred Geometry, Jungian astrology, and memoir writing.
In recent years, Daphne served as instructor for language and culture with U.N. peacekeeping forces in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia - a place so rich in arts and culture that she compares it to the city of Paris. In 2020 she arrived in Minnesota following a tour of duty as Peace Corps Response volunteer, and describes teaching at a university in the island nation of Comoros as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Three months ago, Daphne relocated to the Twin Cities from Grand Marais. In her current visual work, Daphne is exploring the earth beneath our feet: underground tunnels, crypts, cave cities, the effects of fracking, hibernating species, and indigenous myths about societies forced underground by climate catastrophe.
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By Kelly Frankenberg
Barbara also wins for "butts in seats!"
Many of our wonderful supporting members showed up to celebrate our leader and visionary, ACW Director Barbara Bridges, for her vision award from the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District. Thanks to those members for supporting our leader and our organization and showing everyone that we can not only show up, but by supporting our director and other members, we can really change the world. Barbara's speech reminded us that we aren't in this for ourselves, but we are in this collective of creatives because we share the same vision of getting artists paid and creating art for positive social change, all while creating community and bringing all our unique voices to the table to be heard. And that includes everyone, not just the "ruling elite."
Please remember as ACW members and members of the greater community that we need to show up for artists at shows and events and artists will show up for you.
ACW personally thanks those that attended the awards. Becca, Ngange, Sally, Layl, Anne, Deb, Katie, Marie, Sandy, Frances, Lin, Rose, Walter, Remo, Herman, Daphne, Kelly, Margo, Seth, Elizabeth, Greg, Candy, Craig, Anna, Owen, Denny, Katerine and Mike S!
From Barbara: Shout out and thank you to Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, but especially to Josh Blanc, for over and above service to the Vision Awards. The entire event was just delightful. I met the most amazing people and ACW earned a mention for "most butts in seats". Thanks to Nick at Rogue Buddha for the usual lovely party. I was startled to receive a special commemorative tile created by Josh, and with my name inscribed, when I left the stage. Sometimes we forget that the administrative types who lead our arts organizations are also artists. If you would like to read my little speech, click here: https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/barbara-bridges-vision-speech/
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