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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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As some of you may have noticed, ACW recently started calling this monthly document, “The Change Report”. Why did we do that? We talked a lot about the purpose of the ACW “Newsletter” and what we discovered was that people wanted more than the what, when and where of a thing and enjoyed discovering the “ Why”. We had a bit of an identity crisis. Were we trying to be a magazine? Being a wanna’ be etymologist, I considered the following definitions:
Newsletter: a bulletin issued periodically to the members of society, business, or organization.
Bulletin: a short official statement or summary of news
Magazine: a printed or digitally published collection of texts (essays, articles, stories, poems), often illustrated, that is produced at regular intervals
Zine: a noncommercial often homemade or online publication usually devoted to specialized and often unconventional subject matter
As often happens with ACW, we did not fit nicely into a box. What is this monthly missive? What should it be? Should we create a new category? A new word? Please go to https://www.facebook.com/ArtToChangeTheWorld/ or post info@arttochangetheworld.org and share your ideas.
Barbara
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Maine Chowdah Feed
June 15, 2023, at 4:00 PM on 2323 Monroe St NE
ACW Director, Barbara Bridges, is a Maine native. She makes a famous seafood chowder with lobsters, clams, and scallops she flies in from Maine. It is her Grammy LeBlanc’s recipe. The feed includes elote corn, special pickles, and whoopie pies to finish. Beverages of all kinds are served. Join her for the annual informal Seafood Chowdah picnic outside at her unique home and studio for all ACW Patrons who have contributed $500 and above since the last Chowdah feed in June 2022. Want to join the fun? See if you are already on the list (or should be!). Click Here: https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/chowdah-feed-2023
I need help shucking on June 14 and serving on June 15. drb@bridgescreate.com
Sneak Peek of Barbara’s unique property https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/art365
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The Heartbeat of ACW is the Task Force. Everyone is welcome to attend and help shape how ACW grows. May 25 at 6 PM on Zoom is our next meeting. Post here if you would like to attend. info@arttochangetheworld.org
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Mojo’s Coffee Gallery Holds Auction and Concert to Benefit ACW
Thanks so much for your ongoing support, Marko.
See you at the Lobster Feed! Listen to the amazing Hiptites
and buy their album. http://mojocoffeegallery.com
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The ACW Climate Change Action Affinity Group
will meet Thursday, May 11, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
In person at the studio of Remo Campopiano. It is in the California Building, 2205 California St. NE near the loading dock (Aldo Moroni studio). The mission of the ACW Climate Change Affinity group is to support discussions, ideas, and projects of its members in creating and exhibiting artworks that promote and advance socio-ecological goals.
Refreshments will be available. New prospective members, please RSVP so we can add you to the email with further details...Contact Margo Ashmore for more information at margo@margoashmore.com. The building typically locks at 5 p.m. so if you have difficulty getting in, call 612-867-4874
- Support Black Arts, Culture & Business in our community: https://mspmag.com/arts-and-culture/black-owned-businesses-in-the-twin-cities/
- Support Black-led arts-based groups in our community, including Juxtaposition Arts, Black Table Arts Co-op, Catalyst Arts, Truartspeaks, George Floyd Square Instagram, Million Artist Movement, and so many more amazing communities artists and events!
- Continue to educate yourself on Black History which is Global History all year-round:
Podcast: Black History Year https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-history-year/id1471015571?i=1000495754733
1619 Podcast Episodes 5 and 6: The Land of Our Fathers pt 1-2 (audio)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/23/podcasts/1619-podcast.html
Kadir Nelson explores history through heart and soul https://www.npr.org/2011/09/26/140807940/heart-and-soul-an-african-american-history
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Art Speaks: Beauty vs. the Grotesque
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
Spin art has become a very popular way of art making and expression. So much so, that contemporary artist, well-known for his grotesque art of real slices of cows, Damien Hirst, is creating spin art.
He has titled his new series, “The Beautiful Paintings,” perhaps to emphasize the dramatic difference between these and his quite gag-reflex animal flesh work. The Beautiful Painting series is not just spin art, but art also made using A.I. He’s offering a place online where customers can make their own by choosing the colors, styles, shapes, sizes, and mediums and create a physical painting, NFT, or both.
Perhaps he’s softened in his older years, whereas before his artist statement was literally, “F--- you.” With the long discussion of what is art and shouldn’t all art be beautiful? I ask you to consider the contrast of Damien Hirst’s work of the beautiful and the grotesque. What is Hirst trying to say? Is the reason of making it about the process or the final piece? Should A.I. be involved? Is this the new direction of famous artists’ work? What art have you found beautiful or intriguing that others haven’t? What makes art beautiful and what makes it grotesque?
Comment on our Facebook discussion page. https://www.facebook.com/ArtToChangeTheWorld
Thank You
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The image is a spin art ad example of Hirst’s “made to order” work.
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Becca David will be at the Pillsbury A- Mill Artist Loft during Art A Whirl!
Join her and her neighbors for the first time in 2 years as 20 resident artists bring their work out of the studio and onto the first floor of this beautiful historic building on May 19, 20, and 21. 301 SE Main St, Minneapolis, MN 55414
https://nemaa.org/artists/rebecca-david/
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Welcome to ACW’s newest Board Member
Apollo is a freelance digital marketer who was raised in Minnesota. Apollo went to the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management and graduated in Spring 2021 with a B.S.B. in Marketing, minoring in Business Analytics and International Business.
After having worked for a Minneapolis-based digital marketing firm where he worked with enterprise-scale e-commerce clients, he realized that he instead wanted to work with artists and musicians to help spread their stories and visions throughout the world. To that end, he established his own full-service artist promotion agency: Manifest Abstract. Through Manifest Abstract, Apollo works closely with artists to affordably service them with booking/outreach, digital media management, and photography/videography.
You can learn more about Apollo’s work through the following links:
https://manifestabstract.space/
https://www.facebook.com/manifest.abstract
https://www.instagram.com/manifest.abstract/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/manifest-abstract/
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All DEI Strategies are not created equal
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Photo Courtesy: Million Artist Movement
Treating different things the same can generate as much inequality as treating the same things differently.” –Kimberlé Crenshaw
The advantage of being part of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in your organization is the belief that change in my organization will happen. The disadvantage is that all DEI work is not created equally, and we don’t all need the same support or resources. Those of us who experience oppression and navigate systems created by colonization, white supremacy, and patriarchy are also often expected to retell negative experiences to prove to others that inequity exists. We have mountains of data, from personal narratives to extensive research and historical data, demonstrating that many resources have already been created. Being a better ally or accomplice may mean listening and believing stories others have experienced and believing those folx. In other situations, before asking someone from a historically marginalized group, do some self-education using resources that already exist first.
Watch Moving from Ally to Accomplice: https://youtu.be/QZVILjJPreM
https://hbr.org/2022/12/the-failure-of-the-dei-industrial-complex
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Heal and Chill Participants
The purpose of the Art To Change the World Heal & Chill (Art and Wellness Fair) is to promote mental and physical wellness. This project is led by ACW members Briauna Williams and Intern, Collin Nelson. A gentle reminder to take care of self. An all-inclusive community event promoting self-love, confidence and mindfulness. The art workshops will be small tables with one on one creating with community artists. Participants will have tools to create this experience at home to combat stress, depression etc. Leaving the fair with created art to take home.
June 3. 11:00 AM-4:00 PM. There will be a ONE DAY event at Midtown Global Market 920 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407. Food and product vendors, activities, music, massage
Read all about this event: https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/heal-and-chill
Participants:
The Global Village Art Shoppe Read more: https://midtownglobalmarket.org/the-art-shoppe
Briauna Williams – ACW Project Manager and Designer of Event
Keyaira Johnson Fitness motivator/speaker owner of PWRME Athletic. Keyaira will empower the community through some light movement, info about her business offerings, and empowerment http://www.pwrmeathletica.com http://www.instagram.com/keyairasjohnson
Jasmine Greene a.k.a Muva Universe Sacred Healing Spaces/photo designer of soothing/ photo booth styled backdrop. Also holding a vendor space with her handmade butter, scrubs, and oils (MPLS) http://www.instagram.com/sacredhealingspacesllc http://www.instagram.com/rootsofruthorganics
Terry Williams will be hosting a workshop on his creative tissue paper style of making artwork. All skillsets are welcome. Both Artists displaying artwork/table (https://m.facebook.com/people/Infinity-Arts-Designs/100066851340725/
Rajine Williams is Teaching workshop artist as well as displaying some of her magnetizing artwork. All ages welcomed http://www.rajinethequeen.com http://www.instagram.com/whastaweirdkidcreates
Collin Nelson Assistant Project Manager Come create unique, nature-inspired art while learning about native plants! Take home a new friend at the plant & seed swap, and check out information & resources about native plants and pollinators, with ACW artist Collin Nelson.
Carolyne Naomi is a Performing Artist Nigerian Singer specializing in the sounds of Afro beats, Reggae, R&B, soul, and gospel. Vendor table for artist merchandise carolynenaomi.com
Khalif Alogba Nigerian DJ, photo creative specializing in Afro beats and R & B, and owner of Khalog 360 booth http://www.instagram.com/khalogent
Jasmyn Williams, Kids Corner table/coloring/button making/assistant/ Student artist
Three food vendors with FREE tasty treats
Register your interest!!
https://m.facebook.com/events/535705072091645?mibextid=5zvaxg
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Homewood Studios May Gallery Show
ROCHELLE WOLDORSKY: The Lyrical Pear (drawings)
May 4-27, 2023 Opening Reception: Sunday, May 7 from 2 pm to 4 pm
2400 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
https://homewoodstudios.com
Diane Pecoraro, community poet of St. Louis Park, will read poems in response to these drawings
Closing Reception: Saturday, May 27 from 2 pm to 4 pm
About this new body of work, Rochelle writes:
I could call this my pandemic therapy. I started this series of pear drawings
during the days when we were pretty much in isolation. I bought some
pears and set them on the table, not intending to draw them but to eat them.
I looked at the way they clung together and before I could separate and
eat one I took out my pen and sketchbook and did a simple contour drawing.
I continued to draw the shapes and then looked back on drawings of pears
from my art school days. Pears have always been a subject for me.
WHY?
Easy to draw, in relation to human form, they combine so well together, they snuggle,
they speak to each other, and since I started drawing and buying pears I found
there is a huge variety of shapes and colors. I took out my oil sticks, the soft
greasy ones that have the feel of oil paint. I enjoyed working with them so much
and they seemed to effortlessly direct my drawing. The arrangements are not
intentional I just set them down and whatever grouping they took I would
draw. I admit to occasionally arranging but believe me they fell comfortably
into place and I didn’t argue with them. This was and is a magical experience.
I brought my drawings to a meeting of artist friends and while showing them
I asked for thoughts on adding some words. One of my artist friends responded.
Carolyn Light Bell is a writer and photographer. She took on the challenge
and wrote some wonderful short sayings that we turned into a series of cards.
I also began to look up poets who had written about the pear and found so
many fascinated with this fruit. The pear has quite a history and is the subject
in much art and literature. Even in music. Three Pieces in the Form of a Pear
Is one by Erik Satie.
I am most happy to join this group in appreciation of the pear.
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ACW Artists in the Fox Den Gallery:
Kelly Frankenberg, Layl McDill, Catherine A Palmer, Lucienne Schroepfer, Frances Bates, Rose Cooper, Natalie McGuire, Deb Ripp, Candy Kuehn, and Barbara Bridges.
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Mark your Calendar! Details will follow
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The purpose of the Precious Grand Hand/ACW Happening is to illustrate that all people can be creative and everyday objects can be made Precious. Four established artists working in fabrics, painting/printmaking, polymer clay, and found objects will exhibit six works each and each artist will lead one 2-hour workshop for up to 6 people during the month of June 2023.
Opening Event: June 1, 5-7 pm Music from saxophonist extraordinaire Walter Chancellor Jr. , Julia Wheaton, singing in a special cross-discipline performance called “I Can Take Myself Dancing”. Read More: https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/15697-2 Models: Kelly Frankenberg and Amada Simula
Grand Hand Gallery, 619 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55102 Coupons to attend workshops free will be available at the opening.
Show Open: May 30 – June 30.
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Walter Chancellor Jr.
Professional saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, educator, arranger, mentor, and music producer. Walter Chancellor has been a mainstay in the Twin Cities' contemporary Jazz and R&B music scene for the past 25 years. Not long after his arrival in Minneapolis, Walter performed and recorded with Prince, earning him a Double Platinum Record for his participation on Prince’s “Emancipation” CD in 1996.
Additionally, Walter has performed, recorded, and shared the stage with such artists as Chaka Khan, Willie Nelson, Maceo Parker, Candy Dulfer, Chance Howard (Prince, Candy Dulfer & Brian Culbertson), Brown Mark Mazarati, Musiq Soulchild, Larry Graham, the late Louis Johnson, Cameo, The Pointer Sisters, Bobby Lyle, The Platters and Producer greats as Chris “Big Dog ”Davis, Andre Fischer and Jack Douglas just to name a few.
For the past 25 years, Walter has been a mainstay, Walter has expertly taught Audio and Video Post Production for the “Institute of Production and Recording” (IPR) in Downtown Minneapolis and has since retired from his 18yr stay there from 2002 -2020. He has been instrumental in the successful careers of many IPR Alumni whom he personally taught and mentored. To give back to the Twin Cities community that has supported his creativity, Walter helped launch and is one of a few founding members of the Twin Cities Mobile Jazz Project and After School program in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The program is designed to expose adults and children to Jazz Culture, technology, and music history and gladly educate them about our great American art form, JAZZ, and other multimedia art endeavors & opportunities.
Currently, Walter has Produced Holiday music for the incomparable Twin Cities Jazz Vocalist Thomasina Petrus here for the 2022 Holiday Season, “Mary Did You Know”
A very soulful and heart-warming rendition of longtime Gaither Vocal Band member Mark Lowry. Release date is November 25th, 2022
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Julia Wheaton
Singing in a special cross-discipline performance called, “I Can Take Myself Dancing”.
The powerful-voiced singer Julia Wheaton, who was born in Minneapolis as a naturalized Brazilian, has been captivating audiences wherever she performs. The 19-year-old singer, who was raised by a Brazilian family, combined the richness and authenticity of her two homes—Brazil and the United States—to cultivate her gift. Julia initially encountered the world of music when she was just 5 years old as she began learning to play the piano.
But it was with the Disney movie “Frozen” that she developed her passion for singing through the theme song “Let It Go,” which she sang ‘day and night’ as she describes it. Due to her incredible talent, her parents started investing in singing lessons. Her life’s passion and emphasis ultimately evolved into singing. Despite her youth, Julia exhibits an admirable level of skill and knowledge that captures the interest of numerous well-known music producers both nationally and internationally. Every song showcases this talent beautifully! https://canvasrebel.com/meet-julia-wheaton
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Kelly Speaks at Earth Day
Kelly makes her first solo flight speaking
for ACW at the Solar Arts Celebration!
Check out the film she made: https://youtu.be/W4wEbzsiIpc
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ACW Partners with the Mill City Museum
“We are What We Drink” A FREE Workshop/Experience with the Mississippi River Pearl (above)
Join us for a workshop that will explore the origins of our drinking water. Investigate Pearl’s 21 discovery drawers and participate in experiments and activities focused on water quality. No trash pick-up. This is a classroom experience.
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May 28, 1:00-4:00 Mill City Museum, 704 South 2nd St. Minneapolis, MN
The Mississippi Watershed and Management Organization Stewardship Fund Community grant supported 10 people selected from the larger MWMO neighborhood population, to meet, collect trash along the Mississippi and participate in an immersive curriculum unit that was collaboratively developed.
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SAM Greene Illustration exhibition
April 28, 2023 – May 31, 2023
Unity Church-Unitarian, 733 Portland Avenue, Saint Paul MN. 55104, 651 - 228 - 1456
Meet the Artists event: Sunday, May 7, 2023, 10 am – 1 pm Reception: Friday, May 26, 2023, 5 pm – 7:30 pm
After several decades of working in graphic design and illustration in San Francisco, New York City, and Japan, SAM Greene has settled in Saint Paul, Minnesota where she devotes herself to producing art and illustration that explores her longstanding interest in the place where science and spirituality meet. Her extraordinarily detailed work displays a strong science fiction and fantasy bent.
SAM originally began her career as a graphic designer for clients such as the American Museum of Natural History, Arthur Ashe Institute of Urban Heath, New York Women in Film & Television, and as head art director for M&M/Mars Incorporated Skittles and Snickers online.
After 911, she turned her focus to illustration, taking on assignments for New York Times, Boston Globe, Business Week, New York Magazine, and many educational illustration clients. Her strong interest in science led her to illustrate signage for the New York Botanical Gardens’ Everett Children’s Adventure Garden and a gardening book for Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
In her personal work, her interest in science and scientific illustration contributed to two series of illustrations, notably: the Planets and Planettes and Extremophiles–or extreme life forms. Both of these series are featured in the current exhibition.
SAM’s work has been featured in American Illustration 9 Annual, Print Magazine, the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators Annual Members Exhibition, Graphic Design USA, and exhibitions at The Flushing Hall of Science in Queens, New York, and Brooklyn Public Library.
Books she has illustrated include Gardening with Children, Mother Sea Turtle, and Down by the Pond.
Contact information for SAM: sam@sciencepiction.com 646.648.2436
https://www.sciencepiction.com https://www.instagram.com/polymyrna/
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Thanks to ACW Mystery Donors!
A check from Progressive Insurance for $250 arrived yesterday. Periodically, ACW is graced with these corporate giving programs or Dome ‘s Face Book Birthday Fundraiser. I often do not know who to thank. Please make yourself known!! info@arttochangetheworld.org
Want to become a supporter? Check it out: https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/product-category/support-us/
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