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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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ACW’s Home at 699 Lowry Ave NE
ACW has outgrown our ability to operate while working out of our homes and studios. We have rented a space from Flux Arts – Josh Blanc, Layl McDill, and Potek Glass. Approved by ACW Board of Directors and ACW Leadership Team.
Rationale:
Storage: We start art lessons at Emma Norton in September. We are about to sign a contract with CommonBond Communities for another big social justice art buy. Our art supplies are spread out all over town. We do not even know what we have and more people are eager to donate supplies.
Professional Space: We need a professional space to meet partners and hold The Project Management Training, Chowdah Feed, ACW Member Meetings, Events and Classes, etc.
ACW Member Counseling Program/ACW Office/ Studio Space: Kelly Frankenberg, Barbara, and our Psychotherapist, Sandra Reardon, who trains our art teachers, will pay for more than ½ the rent. This provides an office for Sandra, Studio Space for Kelly, an office for ACW (which Barbara will pay for), and this 40’ x 15’ great room meeting space. We also have a kitchen, a bath, and a back porch! We are also looking at finding grant funding to help our ACW members attend private and group counseling sessions.
Fiscal Breakdown. ACW prides itself on transparency.
$1900 a month. Barbara pays $400, Sandra Reardon $300, Kelly Frankenberg $350. ACW pays $800. However, We have a donor who has contributed the entire ACW rent for a year to help ACW take this next step. I am thrilled to announce that ACW member – Mike Vennewitz – is that donor.
Thank You, Mike! See Member Tributes: https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/thank-you-to-mike-vennewitz
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In keeping with our commitment to Re-Cycle, Re-Purpose and Re-Create- we are trying not to buy anything new. Donations and Volunteers we need are at the end of this Change Report and here: https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/acw-699-lowry-ave-ne
What is missing? All you need to do is email Barbara at info@arttochangetheworld.org if you have something to donate or sell or want to take a leadership role. Remember that ACW is a non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible.
Drop Off times:
April 3 between 10:30 and 2:30
April 5 between 9:30 and 11:30
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Common Bond Communities Buys Over $6,000 of ACW Art
ACW's original Maker’s Space project is growing! Introducing a new potential partnership with CommonBond Communities. Since the early 1970s, CommonBond Communities has provided homes and supportive services for those most in need. They create equitable housing that’s affordable for all. CommonBond’s mission is to build stable homes, strong futures, and vibrant communities. They have purchased over $6,000 of social justice-related art from our ACW artists to hang in their building space for their residents and visitors to enjoy!
ACW Artists Selected by Common Bond: Owen Brown, Lynnette Black, Anne Spooner, Becca David, Natalie McGuire, Anna Karena, Catherine Palmer, Paul Kellett
See what they sold at ACW Art Treasures Gallery link:
https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/acws-art-treasures-gallery/
NOTE: Common Bond buyer commented, “I really appreciated the artwork statements”. We may be onto something! We are inviting the viewer to share our process.
This is a big next step in the Maker’s Space project for ACW. Our mission is social justice art, getting artists paid and building community. This partnership does all 3! We plan to make this an online store a place where anyone can purchase social justice art from our artists. Stay tuned!
Read more about CommonBond here: www.commonbond.org
Thanks to Lalita Prachanty for creating the Treasures Gallery logo.
Picture: Orange Infusion. Lynnette Black
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Mississippi River Pearl Makes Her First 2024 Appearance
Please join us as Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula proudly presents "Mississippi River Pearl", an innovative Art to Change the World (ACW) initiative. This captivating creation, lovingly referred to as "Pearl", was crafted through a collaboration of ten passionate individuals, including Mayor Amáda herself, who is a board member of ACW. It embodies a visionary approach to promoting environmental consciousness and sustainability.
Witness history at the grand unveiling at Columbia Heights City Hall, 3989 Central Ave. NE, Columbia Heights, on April 16th, from 4:00-8:00 PM. Indulge in delightful snacks and beverages as we showcase the beauty of "Pearl", on display until May 7th. This event is suitable for ages 10+.
Explore the project's inspiring journey at https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/mississippi-management-and-watershed-project/.
ACW Director Barbara Bridges will unveil the "Pearl" and recount the inspiring story of the ten individuals who dedicated two hours to collecting river debris and then dozens of hours creating to bring it to life. Additionally, she will engage attendees with an interactive activity. Columbia Heights resident Neil Granlund, a scientist, will join her, providing an engaging water-themed science experience. Barbara Bridges, Neil Granlund, and Mayor Amáda were integral members of the ten creators behind the "Pearl".
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ACW Needs to Hire People With a Truck
As we earn more and more opportunities to partner on projects it has become increasingly evident we need help transporting art and other objects.
This could be a nice little side revenue stream for someone(s).
Contact info@ arttochangetheworld.org
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We hope that you will join us at the beautiful Como Conservatory in St. Paul for our monthly On Location Drawing Coop!
We will meet by the fountain area, pictured above, and spread out and draw!
Lunch is optional and on your dime, however this time we are bringing bag lunches. So, if that interests you, feel free to bring lunch with you! If it’s nice out, we can even eat in the Park!
There is parking around the Conservatory.
Updates are available on our Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/onlocationdrawing
Or you can email Deb @ tobersonstudios@gmail.com
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New ACW Project Card Designs
Thank you to Frances Bates!
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The Language Attitude Institute
ACW member, Veronica Bayiha ñwa Quillien, Ph.D. is a member of the Bàsàa people of Cameroon. She is the Founder of The Language Attitude Institute, a Minnesota-based non-profit organization advocating for cultural and linguistic rights by designing interactive programs to artistically explore the impact of language and culture on our lives and relationships.
Dr Q. is a passionate educator, researcher, and advocate committed to empowering children, youth, and family through transformative art learning experiences and community-driven initiatives. She holds a B.A. in Speech Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, an M.A. in Intercultural Relations from the University of the Pacific, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum of Instruction from the University of Minnesota with specialization in Culture & Teaching.
And here is the registration link for the workshop.
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwsce-qpzMjEtKOzHzjLOQq0qENaAVz1Kl8#/registration
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Next Task Force Meeting is April 10 on Zoom. This is where ACW decisions are made once a month. Raise your voice! Post info@arttochangetheworld.org if you would like the Zoom details. Check it out as a lurker!
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Come down for A-Mill's second Beyond Breakfast!
*BREAKFAST SERVED* with Sliding Scale of $20 and BEYOND: https://www.pinkriches.com
Where - A-Mill Artists Lofts: 315 SE Main Street, Minneapolis MN 55414: Performance Hall and Gallery 1 (First Floor)
When - April 7th from 10 AM - 1 PM
What can you expect?
https://vimeo.com/922290554?share=copy Join fellow intellectuals, artists, writers, and local business supporters. This is an intimate gathering of creatives and local community supporters. We use eye contact and names to recognize each member of the community so that everyone feels seen and heard.
The idea is to consume love so that we can spread love. First, we gather and consume a freshly cooked meal catered toward everyone's diets, but with a focus on Mother Earth and consuming her abundance. Then we will gather in conversation, almost in an open mic format, the host begins with a creative offering fulfilling the theme of the month. A talking stick will be passed spontaneously so that anyone who wants to share has the opportunity.
How can you contribute?
Everyone is invited to bring: a new idea, a poem, a song, a piece of art, or donate and hang out with the gathered community.
With Love, Affinity & Gratitude,
The Beyond Breakfast Club
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Edward Elegant Blue Cat
Susan Gainen
651.917.0219 @PTBSusanGainen
susangainenartist.com (website and blog)
SusanGainen (Instagram)
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/susangainen/
Whimsical Wildlife Documentarian & Story Teller
Abstract Painter: #everypiecelooksbetterbecauseofthepiecesthatsurroundit
Art at The Art Shoppe at Midtown Global Market
Artist at #arttochangetheworld
Aim crazy high. Dolly Parton
You owe it to us all to get on with what you're good at. W.H. Auden
Martha Stewart on her 70th birthday: When you're through changing, you're through.
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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
As we celebrate Earth Day this month, it reminds us how art changes the world by making people aware of climate and environmental issues.
This particular wall mural in Mexico is an example, as it shows a turtle with a plastic bag around its neck and one with a plastic six pack rings.
Art can be a reminder to be mindful of our actions.
Luckily many businesses are phasing out plastic bags, single-use plastic items, etc.
Earth and climate justice is social justice. How will you create art that changes the world? Want to join the ACW Climate Team? email Margo at margo@margoashmore.com
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"Barter Bulletin - Volume 5, April 2024
Whelp, I have to say I jinxed it last month talking about how nice the weather has been. As I am writing this, we have just gotten out of our first major snowstorm of the winter and are looking at another six inches in the coming days. So much for an early spring, huh? Nevertheless, time moves on! It's April already?! I graduate in a little over a month from my Bachelor's of Science as this is being posted. Art-A-Whirl is a little over a month and a half away. May is going to be a crazy month!
Did you notice the updates to the Barter Bulletin? I realized that the ACW logo was missing and had to fix that! Just in case this bulletin ever makes it outside of the ACW newsletter, haha. We are (and by we, I mean I am) always looking for feedback on the formatting, accessibility, and overall appeal of the Barter Bulletin, so don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback!
Are you interested in having your goods, services, commission requests, calls for art, or other postings featured in Next Month's Barter Bulletin? Fill out the Barter Bulletin Submission Form by scanning the QR Code or 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/ or Contact Project Manager Lin Boemer at LinsLameLifeArt@gmail.com."
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On March 7, 2024, we bid farewell to Eugene William Parker.
Eugene holds a special place in the hearts of the Art to Change the World (ACW) community, as the father of one of our founding members, Catherine Palmer. His legacy lives on through his daughter's dedication to creating positive change through art.
Katie, Eugene's daughter and the youngest of his fifteen children, fondly remembers her father's love for painting and gardening.
In honor of Eugene's memory, members of the ACW community came together to donate $200 in his name. Barbara Bridges, Kelly Frankenberg, Layl McDill, Josh Blanc, Candy Kuehn, and Rebecca David, along with others, contributed to this heartfelt tribute.
Consider an In Memoriam for your loved one’s passage. Click the following link to save a flower and support the work of ACW: https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/in-memoriam/ Write the message you would like to appear in the notes.
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Cabin Fever Reliever Conclusion! It's a wrap!
By Kelly Frankenberg
Our free winter Zoom programming was a success! All 14 sessions spanning 3 months had 8-25 attendees each. Classes ranged from yoga to demos, to cultural discussions, to learning online marketplaces to sell your art, watch party discussions, a writing workshop, a reading, comedy, and healing joy. Instructors were artists, authors, comedians, and members of ACW. Instructors tuned in from as far away as Africa, Michigan, and the East Coast.
Some positive feedback:
“I would be really happy if Mimi returned to Cabin Fever next year. I am enjoying many episodes of this series, and though we haven't had that much real "winter" this year, I think it helps a lot on days we might be working many hours at home or don't get out enough!”
“I used muscles I hadn’t used before!”
"Great to see all of the participants and have a lively discussion!"
Congrats to Anna Karena for the most attended workshops! She has won Lucy’s quilt art piece!
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If you missed any of the sessions, they all were recorded and are available on the website https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/acws-cabin-fever-reliever/ or our YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLOGaBhofXGLO4wvqGcCOpg
What would you like to see on the lineup for next year’s Cabin Fever Reliever? Email kellyfrankenberg@gmail.com
Lastly, special thanks to all the participants who filled out the surveys! Every class had at least 3 people respond to the surveys! Remember surveys help us not only with future programming but also grant writing!
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Luce Quilts, Lucienne ”Lucy” Schroepfer
Fabric “Paintings”, Patchwork Necessities
Art A Whirl Activity: Threading Change
Participate in Group Art Project by writing your own wish for change on fabric wrapped around an empty spool. Spools with messages will be collected in the Fox Den into a collected art piece.
Lucy starts each day in her studio at 5 am. On good days, post her day job in the performing arts, she is back in the studio creating. Dreams are usually fabric-related.
Whether experimenting with patchwork and color, creating fabric paintings or long-arm quilting- her work typically showcases bold colors with a broad bouquet of thread and texture. Often framing without glass, she reminds folks her art is washable.
www.lucequilts.com Cell 651-231-0984
Luce Quilts on FB and Instagram
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Resist Erasure with Stories & Art by Laura Mann Hill
Each of us have stories to tell, but which ones are elevated or intentionally erased? Are we challenging the dominant narratives? Are we complicit in the larger system we seek to challenge? I have witnessed some nonprofit spaces that offered many performative DEI promises. However, we cannot also give up on DEI programs. According to the ALU, “anti-DEI efforts are the new frontier in the fight to end the erasure of marginalized communities.”
My caution to all of us at ACW is that we must not be lulled into a false sense of progress, but continue to reflect and build on our actions.
I recently attended a play reading with my aunt about the Morrill Hall Takeover, which she personally experienced as a student at the University of Minnesota. The play centers on January 14, 1969, when roughly seventy black students took action and occupied the University of Minnesota’s Morrill Hall to protest the hostile campus environment towards Black students and the absence of an African American studies department.
This powerful play, written by Lester Mayers, is based on interviews with local community members. Mayers highlighted the fear of erasure expressed by many elders.
How can we find ways to center more untold history and unsettle our own understanding of history and the present?
To be truly visionary we have to root our imagination in our concrete reality while simultaneously imagining possibilities beyond that reality.
– bell hooks
Resource: Erasure https://www.equi-institute.org/blog/2021/2/1/erasure?format=amp
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Critique Cabaret
By Bronwyn Simmons
Critique Cabaret’s launch was met with success and warmth this past November 19th. Many people came to share their art, and they received so much love and appreciation for their works, but the crowd was also full of ideas and constructive criticisms for the creatives to take home.
Poetry, paintings, books, multimedia pieces! They were all a part of this grand cabaret that will be happening again. Thank you to everyone who participated and keep an eye out for updates! Contact me with your interest. Bronwyn Simmons bronwyn.simmo@gmail.com
The next Critique is April 4, 2024, at Solar Arts 711 15th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 6:00- 7:30!
Critique Cabaret is an ACW Intern Assignment. ACW will be issuing a call for 2024/2025 Interns in May.
Read More: https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/intern-program
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/
Click here for updated information: https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/critique-cabaret
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Creative-Tea and Paint (Sun April 21st, 2-4:30 pm)
F-O-K Studios 106 West Water St, Saint Paul MN 55107.
🎨🍵🍷 Get ready for a fantastic painting experience that's perfect for the whole family! Join us for our exciting event, where you can sip on an assortment of hot and cold teas while unleashing your creativity on canvas. Plus, feel free to bring your own bottle of wine to enjoy alongside our tasty bites!
Participants of all ages and genders are welcome to join in on the fun! Choose between Rajine The Queen's original art prints, 'Iman' or 'Ebony,' or explore our selection of fun canvases that cater to your creative interests and skill level.
Let your imagination run wild with provided materials as you create beautiful artwork together with your loved ones. Single tickets are available for $35, or bring a friend or two and save with our discounted group rates! Single Ticket: $35 Party of Two: $45 Party of Four: $65
As this is a family-friendly event, parents and guardians are kindly asked to accompany their children throughout the painting session to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Join us at F-O-K Studios, located at 106 W Water St, St Paul, MN 55107, on April 21st, from 2-4:30 pm. Simply take the elevator to the 3rd floor and find us in 'Education Studio 1.' Parking is a breeze with our free lot and ramp for easy accessibility.
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to create lasting memories with your family and friends! Book your tickets now and let the artistic fun begin! 🖌️🎉
To uncover more about the event, including captivating images and videos of the venue and past events, simply click https://www.rajinethequeen.com/RTQclasses/funforthewholefamily to learn more!
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Repaint Exhibition - In honor of Earth Day we have a sustainability-themed art show. Artworks will be on a thrifted canvas or made from found objects.
>Use the April events for ACW and the Square ad for NEMAA.
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April 19th to 21st
Schmidt Artist Lofts (900 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102)
Come check out work by Frances Bates, Lin Boemer, Natalie McGuire, Kelly Frankenberg at: House of HeART 2 763 Holly Ave,St Paul, Kelly Frankenberg's work, and others.
April 26th to 28th
Dow Arts Building (2242 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55114)
Stop by to see work by Debra Ripp, Frances Bates, Rose Cooper, and others.
Union Depot (214 4th Street E, St Paul, MN 55101)
Kelly Frankenberg is showing here.
Tilsner Artist Lofts (300 Broadway Street, St Paul, MN 55101)
Alkemy Frost will have work in this building.
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Artistic Tapestry: Connecting Voices, Forms, and Human Narratives
Link: https://sua.umn.edu/events/artistic-tapestry-connecting-voices-forms-and-human-narratives
Description: Embark on an artistic odyssey with Analeise Marie Jarvi-Beamer, Alice Blessing, Wynn Davis, and Layl McDill as they breathe life into surfaces, each with a unique tale to tell. Analeise, an emerging artist from the Twin Cities, weaves explorations of femininity and the human figure into her work. Alice, a community-oriented teaching artist, paints vibrant portraits using her fingers, calling attention to representation issues and gender nonconformity in her practice. Wynn Davis repurposes discarded trinkets, creating mixed media pieces that visually narrate the stories of the human condition. Layl McDill's mission unfolds in her animal-centric work, compelling viewers to reexamine the world and find creative solutions within its complex tapestry.
Event Dates: March 7-April 12;
Reception: April 4, 6-8 pm. Gallery hours 11-4 M-F
Venue Details:
Larson Art Gallery in the St. Paul Student Center
2017 Buford Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108
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ACW 699 Lowry Ave Community Build Out
Thanks for helping make this space represent all of us! All you need to do is email Barbara at info@arttochangetheworld.org if you have something to donate or sell or want to take a leadership role.
Drop Off times:
April 3 between 10:30 and 2:30
April 5 between 9:30 and 11:30
Workshop Layl Coordinating. Who can use? Liability Release ? Collect list of donations. Contact Layl. layl@claysquared.com
Need
Dartboard -Layl
drill (driver) and bits. Easy to change the bits out on a driver
circular saw
drill press Marko
Framing supplies (level, various hooks, wire snips, wire ???)
metal ruler Margo has some framing supplies need more.
T square Margo
Screws, nails, bolts etc Barbara
stapler and staples Office and upholstery Margo/Layl
Markers
pencils Margo
picture hanging wire Owen
Hammer
rubber gloves
Brushes
pencil sharpener Barbara
Bungee cords
string
Rags Candy
Organizer Layl
Office Supplies
printer
xerox paper Owen
Long and short extension cords
Projector Barbara
Pull Down Screen Wini
Paper Cutter
Gel Pens Kelly
Bathroom Lucy Schroepfer . Organize donations, design space and get idea approved. Collect list of donations. Elegant but over the top aesthetic. Use member objects/art whenever possible.
Fancy Toilet Paper and Holder Kelly
Re-cycle towelettes
Hand sanitizer Margo
Re-cycle and regular trash baskets?
art
Toilet bowl brush
Eco-Cleaning solution
Shower Curtain Lucy
Lounge Barbara Coordinator drb@bridgescreate.com
Have
Italian Leather couch, chair and ottoman Barbara
Mahogany Coffee Table? Barbara
Need
6 x 6 up to 8 x 8 foot Rug (artist-made)
Coffee Table (artist-made)
Floor lamp (artist-made)
Plant stand (artist made)
Pillows for couch (artist-made)
Kitchen Paul Kellett Coordinator kellett500@hotmail.com $100 and hang one of your artworks. . Organize and get ideas approved. Elegant but over-the-top aesthetic. Use member objects/art whenever possible. Collect list of donations.
We already have: Barbara
corn pics
hot plate
large pot to cook lobsters
5 red checkered tablecloths.
30 cloth napkins
25 metal insulated beverage cups
Recycled Plates, forks, spoons, etc
corkscrew
10 cup coffee warmer
20 cup coffee maker
popcorn maker
Need:
Refrigerator 30” Margo Checks with Better Futures if no one donates
Gas Stove
Microwave Margo Checks with Better Futures if no one donates
Swiffer or mop and bucket
Trash Can
Electric kettle
Coffee Mugs (artist-made)
Set of nice dishes and bowls. Set of 8 (artist-made)
Set of nice pots and pans.
Clock (artist-made)
Set of good knives that CUT! Candy has a few. Paul has a few.
Hand Can Opener Margo
Set of 36 -silverware Would like to have matching set, if possible. If no, make each piece special and unique?
36 Plates. How about 36 plates- all different-all fabulous? Maybe we all bring ONE? Barbara, Layl
compostable trash bags Barbara
Serving Spoons
Cutting Boards Lucy
Coasters Lucy, SAM G
Pot holders (artist-made) Lucy
Grater
lime squeezer
Wooden Cooking Spoons Layl
small coffee maker -cappuccino?
Paper Towels Owen Kelly
Cloth towels Kelly
Nice glasses for fancy drinks
Re-cycle and regular trash baskets
16-foot fancy tablecloths (artist-made)
25 placemats (artist-made) Lucy
Scrubbies to wash dishes. Sandra
arty broom and dustpan? (artist-made)
Dish drying rack Sandra
Serving bowls
platters (artist made) Layl
Mixing Bowls,
measuring cups Margo Kelly
Cookie pans
Big serving trays Some industrial -some fancy. Paul has Some
Beautiful water pitchers (artist made)
Flower vases small and large (artist made)
Hand dyed table clothes and yardage Candy
Meeting Space Coordinator Barbara drb@bridgescreate.com
Have
2 or 3 folding black tables Barbara
Comfy seat pillows Barbara
Bubble Maker Barbara
Side Table 3’ x 3’ Candy
Need
25 Chairs – invite all ACW members to create an “art chair”. ACW will “rent” the chairs for $50. These are the chairs we will use to sit in at meetings chairs can be for sale at your price and artist will earn 100% of the sale. 2 Anne Spooner, 1 Barbara, 1 Lucy, 1 Candy, 1 Frances, 1 Kelly, 1 Paul, 1 Layl, 1 Anne K, 1 Becca Margo has chairs-looking for direction or partners.
Nice bookcase (s) – dark wood for ACW swag/cards/ small works for sale. Barbara has one small and one large
Vacuum Cleaner
System to play music
Three step ladder
Full 88-key digital piano keyboard with pedals and bench. Amp and Mic?
Folding Card Tables Margo
Back (Main Entry Way on Monroe). Need Coordinator (s). $200 and hang one of your artworks. Organize, design, and get ideas approved. Elegant but over the top aesthetic. Use member objects/art whenever possible.
Needs Paint on walls and stairs.
Stairs need treads installed.
Lots of room to hang art.
Two wireless doorbells.
Keyed lock box on exterior
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