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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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Interns, Interns, Interns
ACW has enjoyed impressive growth and dramatic evolution over
the past few years. Dozens of people have been working diligently
for this outcome.
I would be amiss, however, if I did not give some of the
credit to our 2022/2023 Interns. The fresh ideas and the unlimited
energy can not be measured. Off the Chart!
Please read all the ACW announcements, opportunities, and calls for participation
following. Stipends available.
Do not stop reading until you have been inspired by the testimonies of our graduated Interns:
Frances Bates, Collin Nelson, Briauna Williams, Alkemy, and Rose Cooper.
Then keep scrolling to meet our new 2023/2024 interns.
KaoLee Vang, Phoebe Eisenbeis, Madeline Boemer, Bronwyn Simmons
The Interns are assigned to a specific existing project AND they will be designing their own project for Summer 2024.
Barbara
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Call for New Banner (not logo) for ACW Website.
$200. Directive: Stay on Brand.
Check out the current Banner. https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/mission
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Call for Winter Zoom Series Name and Ideas
What should we call this Series? Content will be sometimes playful and sometimes serious.
With a nod to the Minnesota winter weather, ACW will be offering digital programming in January, February, and March. What things would you like to participate in, teach others, learn about, or do together over Zoom during the winter? (we might have a speaker workshop with comedian Karen Williams about comedy and healing, a poetry or writing workshop, toxic word discussions, one on a book called Finding Joy, one on how to make an Etsy shop, a movie watch and discussion chat, an art trivia game, a body movement class, are just some of the ideas on the list. $100 stipend for leading an event. Email suggestions to Kellyfrankenberg@gmail.com
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Northeast Minneapolis Arts District Wins Again!
While ACW potentially has a worldwide reach, many of our activities originate in the Best Arts District in the country - Northeast Minneapolis Arts District was voted best for the second year in a row by USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards poll. The arts district leadership thanks ACW’s members and contacts who voted every day and encouraged others to vote. It’s the ultimate in showing up for each other.
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Call for Handmade Thank You Cards
Created from Re-Cycled Materials
Barbara writes many hand-written thank you notes and
would like to feature ACW artists.
ACW will purchase your cards ($3-$5 dollars). Sign them.
Promo Opportunity! Post: info@arttochangetheworld.org
This label will be on the back:
Art To Change the World
is committed to re-cycle, re-purpose
and re-create. This card is an example.
www.arttochangetheworld.org
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Photos: Cards by Anna Karena
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“ Are we there yet?”
by Laura Mann Hill - ACW Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator
“Are we there yet?” asks my 9-year-old daughter just a few minutes after getting in the car for an 18-hour drive across the country to visit family in Washington D.C. “Are we there yet?” she asks again, just a few minutes later. I tell her to relax and be patient - she’ll know when we are there. As I reflect on my response today walking around with my family at the National Museum of African American History and Culture - finally at our destination, I know sometimes patience is not a virtue. Justice and equity cannot wait. I worry about complacency and a tendency we have in this country for short-term memory loss and I want to scream, “Are we there yet? Have we made any progress?” Almost every time I turn on the news I am angry - as I hear about people in prison dying from extreme heat or the truth being scrubbed from textbooks across the country - it makes me angry and impatient. But reflecting on freedom fighters from the past, ancestors, and communities in the present mobilizing for economic equity, LGBTQIA+ rights, and racial justice, I know that knowledge of movements for change, community solidarity, and anger can be powerful fuel for transformation.
“Oppressed peoples are always being asked to stretch a little more, to bridge the gap between blindness and humanity…My anger has meant pain to me but it has also meant survival, and before I give it up I’m going to be sure that there is something at least as powerful to replace it on the road to clarity.” - Audre Lorde
The Uses of Anger by Audre Lorde https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/speeches-african-american-history/1981-audre-lorde-uses-anger-women-responding-racism/
How desperate US prisoners try to escape deadly heat https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66274629
Board of Education OK's Anti-LGBTQ+ Policies, Sanitized View of Slavery
https://www.advocate.com/education/florida-schools-anti-lgbtq
Also, a reminder that August is a monumental month in Black history. Coined Black August in 1979, the month of August commemorates the work of the many freedom fighters. Black August highlights the continued struggle for Black liberation, calling for the release of political prisoners who suffer daily while living within the walls of our oppressive prison system. August was chosen for this annual time of reflection due to the many historical events that have happened during the month.
Learn more about Black August:
https://m4bl.org/black-august/
https://the-ard.com/2022/07/22/how-the-us-upheld-slavery-through-forced-labor/
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Greg Volker Show at Solar Arts Building
“Looking Down"
New Work on Paper, Clay, Bronze, and Iron
August 3-12
Opening reception August 3, 5-9 PM Closing reception August 12, 6 PM
711 NE 15th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55413
And open by appointment gregvolkerarts@gmail.com
Read More: FB, IG @gregvolkerarts
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KURT MUELLER: Future Memory
August 4-29
Opening Reception – Friday, August 4 from 5 pm to 8 pm
Homewood Studios, 2400 Plymouth Avenue Minneapolis 55411
812 587-0230 www.homewoodstudios.com
We met Kurt Mueller about a year ago, through one of the original Homewood Studios Resident Artists, Charles Caldwell. Charles mentioned meeting Kurt and being impressed with his personal generosity as well as with his singular sculpture work. We contacted and met Kurt, enjoyed the hospitality of a studio (in his home) visit, and arranged for this show.
Since then, Kurt, along with his wife Sheri, has “adopted” Homewood Studios, offering help installing shows, attending most openings and other events by other artists, and being generally available to “lend a hand” whenever needed. All this to say the spirited of Kurt’s sculpture work has deep and thoughtful roots, coming from an open and curious soul.
About his work, Kurt writes: There are future versions of ourselves – and future cultures – for which this current moment is already a distant memory. Imagine that future is a kind of reverse nostalgia – wondering what will remain of us and our world after everything has been ground up into particles, wisps of smoke, synapses firing in a robot’s brain, nothing really accurate or complete, scraps, shards, codes, things most likely never again seen or understood by anyone. Twenty-five thousand years from now, no one will distinguish our civilization from those we now consider ancient. We will be one and the same. The evidence of our lives equally remote and mysterious
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Art Speaks: Postmordem Success
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
When I was about 11 or 12 I asked my cousin of the same age, "How would you want to die?" To my surprise, she answered, "I'd want to be shot." I asked, "Why?!" She answered right away, "Cuz then I'd end up on TV."
The yearning for our 15 seconds of fame goes beyond our living years.
I'm sure you've heard the phrase, "Artists become famous after their death." Van Gogh never sold a painting while he was living. He had no idea how incredibly famous he was to become postmordem. Other artists that weren't well known until after death include the poet Sylvia Plath, painter Toulouse-Lautrec, and musical composer Johann Sebastian Bach. The sad irony of finally becoming successful after you die is only for the artist. But maybe it's a positive - that the artist can pass away with thinking they are, perhaps, leaving a greater legacy than originally intended.
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Cartoon by Kelly Frankenberg
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ACW Climate Change Action Affinity Group
The ACW Climate Change Action Affinity Group’s mission is "to support discussions, ideas, and projects of its members in creating and exhibiting artworks that promote and advance ecological goals.” Meetings consist of discussion of what individuals are working on, “haves and needs” networking, exchange of learning/viewing opportunities, and more.
This month, we have an in-person activity on August 16th from 5-8 p.m.
Our next meeting will be on Zoom on September 20th at 5 p.m.
If interested in attending either of these meetings, please contact Margo Ashmore (margo@margoashmore.com - (612) 867-4874) or Phoebe Eisenbeis (Phoebe.j.eisenbeis@gmail.com) for location and other details.
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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. ACW has developed a strong network of artists and art lovers. In an effort to create tangible opportunities for artists, ACW is curating a collection of small artworks that has a sustainability or social justice focus that is for sale in its Trash to Treasure Collection. The Trash to Treasure Collection is a portable series of artworks that uphold Sustainable and Social Justice art themes.
Contact Sadie Ward for information: sadiekward@gmail.com
Click Here for Application: https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/trash-to-treasure-collection
Application Due September 1, 2023
Logo by Kayli Woods
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The ACW Summer Party 2023
Many Thanks to Josh Blanc and Layl McDill for hosting. Dave Devorak played
music, Kelly made this lovely cake and the 2022/2023 Interns graduated!
See More Photos: https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/creating-acw-community
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Critique Club August 16, 2023
Debra Ripp is a mixed-media collage and three-dimensional assemblage artist. She works and lives in the Twin Cities. She is a former member of WARM and has been an ACW member for approximately three years. She has a BFA from the University of Minnesota and an MFA from the University of Iowa. She has a variety of experience in teaching and has experimented with many mediums. Currently, she is busy building a three-dimensional folktale using upcycled materials.
“I am a Mixed Media artist which means I am willing and love to explore all possible media, anything that will make the image emerge stronger and obtain the voice it is meant to have. My favorite thing is to vacillate between media and observe how the image can transform and mature as it is manifested in different clothes, so to speak “
Her Critique with the CritClub will take place on August 16th,2023 at 6:30 pm.
Her studio is at the Dow Building at 2242 University Ave W. St. Paul #201.
There will be signs at the side door and back door with a phone number to call to be let in. Email her: tobersonstudios@gmail.com
Parking is available on the street.
Join Club Critique. Details: https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/gritique-minutes/
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Spokes Owl Mr. Piano Owl and Susan Gainen invite you to check out The Parliament of Owls, her fourth Whimsical Creatures book, which is available at the #ArtShoppeatMidtownGlobalMarket and at amazon.com (Parliament of Owls Amazon). $12 plus shipping. See original portraits and stories of Art Owls (4), Owls from the Lost Cave Paintings of Saint Paul (4), Historic Preservation and History Owls (3), Hidden Owls (5), Literary Owls (3), Working Owls (4), Science Owls (2), and Political Owls (7). For children of all ages (3-93).
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Interns, Interns, Interns (continued)
2022/2023 Intern Testimonies
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Briauna Williams Minneapolis Native.
A graphic design graduate that has been drawing since the age of five. Always having the dream of wanting to change the world with her work. Briauna, colloquially called Brii Noir she is an all round creative most of her work she’s wearing the hats of an acrylic artist, muralist, henna artist, teaching artist, and community engagement artist. She draws inspiration from her family, social Justice, and nature. Using paint to tell stories, Ones of empowerment, and resilience. Briauna began painting as an outlet in 2017 she found it very therapeutic and it soon began to open many doors for her and her work. Soon blossoming into a platform to share her tools of healing with the community through her many self-curated events. Briauna Is now hosting events and painting murals throughout the Dfw area as well as Minnesota.
Her Words of Inspiration; “Never lose touch of the little person deep within”
#ArtIsLife #Briinoir
Website: Www.BriiNoir.com
IG: www.Instagram.com/briauna.williams Email: BriiNoir.heart@gmail.com
See Briauna’s Intern Project: Heal and Chill https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/heal-and-chill/
Testimony
ACW provided me an opportunity to host an art event that I am passionate about. It created a platform for others while hosting an amazing community event. I recommend the organization to artists wanting to expand and grow skills in a variety of areas. I had a number of people to constantly bounce ideas off of and help along the way. I had total autonomy over my project, I felt supported and I plan to continue my work with ACW.
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Alkemy Frost (Ne, nir, nem) is a disabled, queer, Jewish artist who particularly loves the surreal. Working in a variety of mediums both visual and literary, ne attempts to express in their own experience as well as support others in our often overwhelming world.
Ne will help the ACW community through typing up written notes and in other online formats, due to physical limitations. MultiMedia Artist, Cottage Grove, MN
Testimony
I joined ACW (Art to Change the World) last summer. How many other places would take a chance on someone who only works from home, has disabilities that still get in the way even then, prefers not to speak, uses unusual pronouns, is without a college education, and at 29 has almost no experience? Because Director Barbara decided to give me that chance; I got to connect, meet my best friend, and occasionally make some income. At the time, and with the changes still pending, I was only getting a little over a hundred dollars a month to live on. The money I got from ACW made it possible to hold on a little longer. Worries about how I was gonna feed my cat, a prescribed emotional support animal, were predominant. With ACW I had the option to, as I was able, make some money so I could say that we might still manage.
It’s a shame that nonprofits set to promote social justice and encourage a better world must rely on money but that’s where we are. This project allows many others as well as myself to have a voice, keep going, and be a part of the world. It means a lot and I see others’ passions for it, such as Barbara’s tireless work and Frances’ endless enthusiasm.
Art to Change the World makes a difference in many people’s lives, I’ve heard its impact is even spanning generations. In some ways, Barbara jokes that things have gotten a little too successful. Though sometimes we still have to walk the tightrope of what would be ideal to give to the world and what is financially feasible.
The Creative Support Grant from MAB is a large part of what makes ACW possible. Removing that could snuff out, or at least seriously dampen, a wonderful light in Minnesota. Leaving many feeling lost. This grant is doing great things through Art to Change the World. With everything going on in the world, I hope we can continue to fight for the changes that are needed to give us a better future.
See Alkemy’s Intern Project: Paint to Process: https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/paint-to-process/
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Frances Bates (She/her) is a jack of all trades with experience in art, design, and engineering. Growing up her dream was to become an inventor who made the world a better place. At a young age, creating found object art and homemade gifts was where it all started. She explored her interest in engineering by participating in as many summer camps and classes related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) as she could.
This enthusiasm for both art and engineering led her to get a BFA in Industrial Design from the University of Wisconsin – Stout. This gave her the best of both worlds as industrial design is considered the art side of engineering. While at Stout she expanded her knowledge of a variety of art forms including graphic design, sculpture, jewelry, sewing, photography, and woodworking.
Currently, Frances is a freelance artist/designer doing a bit of everything depending on what comes her way. Her art often reflects just how much she cares about helping others. She has a particular passion for issues of diversity, the world of dancing, and camping gadgetry. As a lesbian with autism, she understands how important it is to empower your community.
Her advice: “Be like Dory and Just Keep Swimming” Website: francesbates22.wixsite.com/portfolio
Email: francesbates22@gmail.com
Artist, Designer, Dancer – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Testimony
My dream growing up was to be an inventor who made the world a better place. Art to Change the World (ACW) has been a big part of making that dream a reality. When I joined as an intern in July 2022, I quickly realized I’d found a space I could belong to. I’ve made many wonderful friends and expanded my knowledge of the arts, social justice projects, and working in leadership. People appreciate my hard work and I’m actually making a difference.
The best part is there is something for everyone and no matter what the activity is it’s always welcoming, fun, and educational. As someone who has a unique story, I’ve never felt more at home in a creative space than with ACW. Barbara’s original concept in 2017 of a supportive organization definitely continues to this day.
There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes when it comes to putting on all the amazing events. Funding is a big part of that and if you want to be part of our “world-changing” story please donate to Art to Change the World.
See Frances’ Intern Project: The History of Drag https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/the-art-of-drag
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Rose Cooper Earned her Associate of Fine Arts Degree from Inverhills Community College and Is currently pursuing her BA in Studio Arts from the University of Minnesota. Her primary medium is painting; through her work, she loves to explore the relationship between light and darkness, metaphorically and literally. By doing self-portraits Rose found a way to process her life and the world around her, while simultaneously expressing her emotions in a way that her words can’t.
“One of the most common themes I express in my work is: no matter how dark things may seem there is always a light at the end of the tunnel,”
Her work can be seen in person at the Red Wing Artisan Collective.
Her website: www.rosesimaginarium.com not only displays her work, but also the work of other fine artists she collaborates with from the twin cities.
See Rose’s Intern Project: Life on the Spectrum: https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/life-on-the-spectrum
Painter, storyteller
Testimony
I joined ACW one year ago as an intern. Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to learn about so many different aspects of the art world and meet so many amazing people from the industry. I had the opportunity to learn hands on about curating and gallery practices, while also starting conversations on important topics. I was able to curate my first show with 9 artists at The Grand Hand Gallery, in St. Paul, called Life on the Spectrum. An exhibition that focused on the topic of Autism. I was recently interviewed by WCCO about the exhibition. Click to Listen: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/the-sheletta-show-9fe72?action=AUTOPLAY_FULL&actionContentId=201-0a995fd5-f8aa-4b73-9ab7-c27dd750cac7
Moving forward, I’ll still be working with ACW as the Facebook Coordinator. In addition to pursuing a career as an art curator and painter. I’m also currently looking into fellowship opportunities to start in the fall. As an artist, I want to keep growing and developing my creative practice. ACW has given me the feedback, connections, and opportunities needed to guide me in that journey.
ACW really has something for everyone.
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Collin Nelson is a queer artist and crafter perpetually wandering between Wisconsin and Montana. Primarily a digital artist, they also paint, craft, and code. Always experimenting and trying new things. Collin has been featured in print and online publications, merchandise, and games. Their work explores the intersections of queerness, mental health, disability, technology, and environmentalism.
They are passionate about practical self-sustainability and lifelong learning. You can find them at: https://curefuzz.carrd.co/
See Collin’s Intern Project: Heal and Chill https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/heal-and-chill/
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ACW Introduces the New 2023/24 Interns
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ACW Intern Assignment: Assistant to Director
KaoLee Vang (pronounced “kow-lee”)
I am a Graduate student at the University of Minnesota, located in Minneapolis, where I am currently pursuing a degree in Arts and Cultural Leadership. I split my time between Colorado and the Twin Cities. My educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in studio art with a focus on printmaking. Throughout my career, I have gained experience in print design and various roles within the printing industry. However, in recent years, I have shifted my focus towards museum work and collecting oral histories. As part of my graduate degree, I am currently developing my capstone project.
While I’m not working, studying, or running my own little business making polymer clay earrings I spend time outside, listening to music, and traveling.
You can find my work and projects at https://kaoleevang.com as well as my ongoing project Threads of Heritage at https://threadsofheritage.com
Instagram -
https://instagram.com/kaolee.shop
https://instagram.com/hello_vagabond
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ACW Intern Assignment: Restructure SWAP
Madeline (Lin) Boemer - They/Them
Madeline Boemer, known as Lin to most, is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. They keep themselves busy on campus being part of both science-based organizations and the Dungeons and Dragons Club. In their free time, they are an acrylic painter, both on canvas and digitally.
Within their art, they explore their love of animals and often overlooked expressive nature. Animals create a feeling of silliness that helps to distract them from their rigorous university schoolwork, allowing for a sense of momentary escape. Lin’s Tabby cat, Charles, has been a big inspiration for the frequent cat-themed art they create. In their other works, you can see their background in DnD and all things fantastical in nature.
Scientist, Artist – Minneapolis, MN"
Social Media/Contact Links:
Email: LinsLameLife@gmail.com
Etsy Shop: etsy.com/Shop/LinsLameLife
Instagram: Instagram.com/LinsLameLife
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ACW Intern Assignment: Climate Affinity Group
Phoebe Eisenbeis (she/her) a writer, interdisciplinary artist, and farmer from Minnesota. Her work on small farms nationally and internationally informs her poetic and artistic process.
Creative and artistic mediums include analogue and pinhole photography, cyanotype printing, knitting, sewing, collaging, watercolor painting, as well as writing creative nonfiction and poetry. She is particularly interested in exploring the boundaries and interactions between ourselves and our environments, and the many shapes the human body takes from different perspectives and within different landscapes.
She holds a B.A. from Lawrence University in English and Environmental Studies.
Read More: https://phoebeisenbeis.wordpress.com/
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