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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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Hello 2023
By Barbara Bridges
As 2022 completes its run, ACW is so very grateful for members who have contributed their time, treasure, and talent. ACW has never been as busy as it is now, and is receiving an increasing number of requests for project support. There are many good ideas! We have hosted art projects and events on the topics of neurodivergence, ageism, women’s and LGBTQIA+ rights, sustainability and climate change, and much more. With ACW’s perpetual growth, we have adopted a robust youth empowerment policy in order to ensure sustainable leadership well into the future of the organization.
As you requested, we now have a brokerage account at USBank. Art To Change the World Inc. If you roll in this world… contact Barbara for account #s. drb@bridgescreate.com
Our top three structural priorities for 2023 (as decided by our ACW Retreat Outcomes - members who have volunteered more than 25 hours) are:
1. The first priority is to increase Director, Assistant Director, Community Development Coordinator, and Glitter Coordinator Stipends by 50% per year.
2. Our second priority is to re-organize our website.
3. Our last priority is to design and deliver a Project Management Training Certificate Program. We envision rigorous training which covers the business, human relations, and political skill sets needed to design and implement a successful ACW social justice project.
Volunteers Needed in 2023 to serve on:
Website Re-Org Committee
Project Management Training Certificate Committee
Speaker Pool and Individual Artist Page Committee
Meet the ACW director and share your ideas!
Solar Arts Open House, 711 15th Ave NE, 2nd floor, Studio 215.
December 1, 5:00-9:00. December 4, 12:00-5:00, December 10, 12:00-5:00
See you in 2023!!
Barbara
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Introducing Kelly Frankenberg - Assistant Director - Art to Change the World
Previously serving as the ACW Community Development Coordinator, Kelly has illustrated her leadership skills in a variety of areas. Her project management during the Age of Age Exhibition https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/age-of-age/ her willingness to show up and serve on many other ACW projects, and her extensively broad experiential history have earned her this appointment in a field of other eager applicants.
Kelly has jumped into every kind of art she can find whether it’s music, film, fashion, painting, sculpture, glass, woodworking, or performance. Kelly’s travels across the globe are her inspiration for her photography and painting. Her abstract work comes from memory and her influential art comes from her passion for unity and inclusivity and reform in a world of vast cultural diversity. Her spiritual art comes from meditation and channeling the subconscious and source energy.
Classes Kelly has taught include Drawing, Watercolor, Piano, Guitar, Clarinet, Critical Thinking, and other humanities and sciences. Her educational background consists of a BFA in Illustration from MCAD and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of New Orleans with studies in Ireland, Scotland, and Italy in Poetry, Creative Non-Fiction, Screenwriting, and Visual Art.
Books, illustrations, and murals have included Minnesota’s Governor’s Residence Council, Minnesota Children’s Theater, and the Islamic Center of Minnesota. Some national clients for live performances, courtroom sketches, and 3D art have included the National Architecture Convention, Fox National News, Macy’s, and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
Kelly’s work has appeared in film, TV, books, newspapers, magazines, on the radio, on walls, windows, pianos, mailboxes, and electrical boxes. During the year her work is displayed in solo and group gallery shows and is for sale at local art festivals. She is currently finishing her screenplay and a feature-length film. Learn more: www.kellyfrankenberg.com
Congratulate Kelly! Kellyfrankenberg@gmail.com
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ACW ‘s Noble Truth Studio Tour
December 6th at 6:00 with Layl McDill
Her studio is located at 2505 Howard St NE Minneapolis Snacks and Beverages will be served.
Layl’s creates polymer clay sculptures that focus on wonderment and storytelling and Josh makes handmade tiles. She will give a tour of both her studio and her husband’s. As an extra bonus Layl will perform one of her stories which she recently told on the Moth Stage at a Story Slam. And you won’t be able to resist playing with some polymer clay scraps so feel free to play away!—
Layl McDill grew up in Gillette, Wyoming where she began creating at a very young age. Layl received her BFA in Illustration from the Columbus College of Art Design but she found it more exciting to make sculptural work and sell it through galleries and art fairs.
Layl lives in Minneapolis and is co-owner of Clay Squared to Infinity, a tile and art studio and showroom in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District. She has exhibited her work around the country at art centers, museums, and art fairs. Her work is about wonderment and story primarily polymer clay using the millefiori technique.
Step into the wonderland of Layl’s studio in the Flux Arts Building. She shares her space with her husband Josh Blanc as part of Clay Squared to Infinity.
Read more about Layl in the Mill City Times Article http://millcitytimes.com/news/december-6-noble-truth-artist-talk-layl-mcdill.html
Photo by Madalina Kelner
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ACW Again Offering Art Classes at Haven Housing in North Minneapolis in January and February
Haven Housing is transformational Housing for Women who have experienced homelessness. Ten ACW Teaching Artists have been trained by a licensed counselor to create lessons that include strategies to reduce trauma. Artists presented a variety of media including painting, sculpture, healing body ornament, quilt painting, henna applications, polymer clay, illustration, fabric hat creations, and printmaking.
Artists include:
Briauna Williams, Lucy Schroepfer, Layl McDill, Kelly Frankenberg, Catherine Palmer, SAM Greene, Candy Kuehn, Frances Bates, Lynnette Black, Madalina Kelner, Barbara Bridges with Sandra Reardon and Annaliese Thiegs.
Shout out to Mike Vennewitz who fully funded this project.
Read more about the Maker’s Space project: https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/maker-space-project/
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The MWMO Water Project Was a Smashing Success
Seventy-Five people attended the Homewood Studios opening. This ACW project was a Mississippi Watershed Management Organization Stewardship Fund Program grant. This project led 10 people selected from the larger MWMO neighborhood population, to meet, collect trash along the Mississippi and participate in an immersive curriculum unit which will be collaboratively developed by Barbara and the participants themselves. The Mississippi River Pearl will be displayed at MWMO headquarters over the winter and then, we hope, in a large TC venue this summer. Read more and see pictures: https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/mississippi-management-and-watershed-project Click Details to see close-up pictures.
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You are Invited to Join Club Critique 2023
If you are looking for a place to give and get supportive, intelligent, and rigorous critique of your work then Club Critique is for you! If you are interested, please go to the Club Critique page on the ACW website for info and signup or contact Greg Volker for more information. https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/gritique-minutes/
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The last 2022 Club Critique is Happening @ Deb Ripp’s studio: 2242 University Ave, W #201, St. Paul, MN 55114 On December 15, 6:30 pm
RSVP to tobersonstudios@gmail with ClubCrit in Subject Line
Debra Ripp is an Assemblage/Collage artist whose focus is “The Same Forest” Project. Come and discuss her progress so far on December 15th
Contact Greg for more information about the 2023 Club Critique: gregvolkerarts@gmail.com
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ACW GTTMD met its goal of $3,000.00 with 28 donors. Congrats to Apollo for leading this initiative! I am as excited with the number of donors as I am with the $$ raised. We are putting the $3,000 in our fund for a website reorganization. Need $10,000.00. Reach out to Barbara if you would like to be on that committee. drb@bridgescreate.com
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On-Location Drawing Coop Announcement
On Location, Drawing will be on Hiatus for December 2022.
We will keep you all posted on activities for 2023
Be sure to watch our On Location webpage on the Art to Change the World website as well as The On Location Drawing Group page on Facebook for update and information!
Happy Holidays to Everyone!
https://www.facebook.com/onlocationdrawing
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Mohamed Hussein Bulhan is uniquely qualified to serve on the Board of Directors for Art to Change the World. Mohamed is from Somalia and speaks English, Somali, Arabic, Swahili. He holds a political science degree from Metropolitan State University. He serves as a member of Metropolitan University’s Muslim Association, and Somali Students Association in Metropolitan University, volunteers at the Minnesota Historical Society, and volunteers at ISIAH interfaith coalition. Mohamed found ACW when we met him as the Minneapolis School District Family Liaison Coordinator. He was very active in the ACW South’s Heart project: https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/souths-heart/
Mohamed is interested in public service, especially public policy and community empowerment and has founded a healthcare initiative, Horizon Healthcare, which helps clients who have disabilities and other health issues to get services like Night Supervision (assign someone to supervise them and help them at night), Respite Services (assign someone to give them companionship), and Individual Home Support (assign someone to train them on how to live independently in the community) hhorizonhealthcare@gmail.com.
When we all do better- we all do better!
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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
Art Speaks: Curiosity
Curiosity may have been said to kill the cat, but it has been found to be the reason for excellent job performance and may even be a trait you can put on a resume. “Endlessly curious.”
Studies have shown children that who are more curious tend to question the way things are made and done and form their own new creative solutions. This becomes a highly sought-after job skill.
This curiosity or wonderment makes for not only a possible caring employee, but also can help create art that has a deeper meaning and that explores more ways of the use of a medium. Experimentation comes from curiosity. What happens when I add fire? Add sand? It’s those types of questions that can lead an artist to a newfound style or medium and art that brings more viewers to wonderment themselves.
As artists we want our viewers to be curious about our art. Why did the artist create this? What is their intention? What is it? What does it mean? Without the curiosity of our viewers, our art only gets the 1-second look. So BE curious and teach your kids to be curious. It only kills cats.
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December Exhibitions
We’re excited to be presenting works by Natalie McGuire, Kelly Frankenberg, Rose Cooper, and Frances Bates this December in the Fox Den for the Open Studio Dates at Solar Arts 711 15th Ave NE second floor (First Thursday 12/1 5-9 and Second Saturday 12/10 12-6) Also for Light up the Night Holiday Art Market 12/2 5-10, 12/3 12-8 and 12/4 12-5.
Interested in having your own solo show we are still looking for applications for a visual artist in February and a literary Artist in March. Please visit to apply to have your work highlighted in the Fox Den. https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/fox-den
End of Year Shout Out to Dwane and Mike at Solar Arts for providing the Fox Den Gallery to ACW.
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Your dancing intern is back at it again with more fun news. I have received a grant to help fund my project!
Art to Change the World’s interns or the Glitter Renaissance Group (GRG), have many creative projects in the works. We will be running an art support group run on Discord, an exhibition about experiences related to autism, a wellness expo that includes many art-based vendors, an exhibition on wild edible plants, a young artist short film showcase, and a drag show.
If you are wondering why I say dancing intern not only is that just who I am it also relates to my project. From that wonderful list of glitter projects, the drag show is what I am working on. You’re in for a fun night because I’m not just running the show, I am performing as a drag king in it. “The Art of Drag” will be happening in the summer 2023 at Black Hart of St. Paul.
There is a reason we are called Art to Change the World, our projects actually make a difference. Not only will my drag show be entertaining it will also teach you about how deep social justice runs in the history of the art of drag. From outfits to dance moves to makeup, they all have a story to tell. Inclusivity is a top priority so you will get to see a diverse group of drag performers. The show will be wheelchair accessible, have interpreters, and be live-streamed to make sure everyone can enjoy it.
To bring this vision to life I have been on the hunt for grants. Finding funding is not always easy but my hard work is starting to pay off, quite literally in fact. While researching I came across an intriguing organization called the Awesome Foundation. They support all kinds of projects and want to help get your unique ideas out there. In connection with the Harnisch Foundation, the different chapters of the Awesome Foundation are able to give out $1,000 grants.
It is exciting to be working with the Awesome Without Borders (AWB) chapter. I can personally attest to how much the Awesome Foundation actually lives up to its name. I’m officially an AWB grantee, which makes me one step closer to having a fully funded project.
Can’t wait to put on an AWESOME drag show!
Find out more about this grant at: awesomewithoutborders.org/grant/the-art-of-drag/
GRG is still looking for funding so please check out our GoFundMe:
gofundme.com/f/acw-interns-change-world
Frances Bates (She/her)
Glitter Renaissance Group Coordinator
francesbates22@gmail.com
francesbates22.wixsite.com/portfolio
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December Gallery Show
Homewood Studios 2400 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Don Luce & Ruth Talen Erickson: Painting & Pottery
December 2-23
Opening Reception – Friday, December 2 from 5 pm to 8 pm
Gallery Talk – Tuesday, December 13 beginning at 7 pm
Our final show of 2022 has long been in the works. Ruth Erickson is a long-time friend of Homewood Studios. Planning for this show began well before Covid put everything on pause, and we thank both Ruth and Don for their patience. From our point of view, and we anticipate from that of studio viewers as well, the wait will be worth it.
About his work, Don writes: I strive to stimulate people’s curiosity of nature, deepen their understanding of how nature works and inspire a commitment to protect the natural world. I use painting and drawing to reveal the ecological processes that underlie the landscape and to capture the sense of energy and excitement I feel while exploring nature.
And about her work, Ruth writes:
The Japanese concept of “Mengei -the appreciation of the handmade in everyday life”, has guided my work for over 50 years as a potter. What matters to me when expressing my love of clay is the hope that my pottery is part of your daily life and brings you joy and beauty.
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Thank You to Retiring Board of Director Members
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Nina Robinson, I am an emerging St. Paul-based contemporary textile artist. For the last few years, I have been producing textile installations that have been focused on sustainability and neurodiversity. The term neurodiversity was coined to explain the differences in brain function and behavioral traits within the human population. In 2018, my 23-year-old son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. ASD is a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication. The disorder also includes repetitive patterns of behavior. My observations of my son and his specific autistic traits, along with intensive research into
neurodiversity have fueled my current exploration into repetition, texture, and movement. Utilizing repurposed clothing and my sewing machine, I create site specific textile installations. The driving force behind using repurposed clothing is my son and his repetitive behaviors. I spend hours mending his torn clothing. The byproduct of this repairing becomes clothing that can no longer be mended and can be recycled into my art. My artistic process begins by the deconstruction of a garment and then reassembling the pieces to create a figurative form. With my sewing machine, I then manipulate the surface of the piece with repetitive stitching that changes its texture and generates movement. The diversity of the forms highlights the individuality of people on the autism spectrum while maintaining their humanity. The site-specific installations are meant to be interactive and sensory-friendly. The bright colors and movement draw the viewer in and my intent is to open a dialogue about awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity.
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David O’Fallon is an experienced educator, executive, and leader. He works at international, national, and local levels to develop innovative programs with and through the creative forces of the arts and humanities. He helps organizations and systems move from one stage to the next, and has successfully led national and local organizations and strategic initiatives. David combines the practical experience of leading organizations and implementing change – managing people and complex systems – with visionary leadership and a broad understanding of whole systems. He has held executive leadership positions with federal government agencies, nonprofits, and public-facing organizations, including the University of Minnesota, as well as the National Endowment for the Arts, and the John F Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. In Minnesota, David led the Perpich Center for Arts Education and the MacPhail Center for Music.
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