The 2020 MPLSART Sketchbook Project is a Unique Survey of the Twin Cities Visual Arts Community

The 2020 MPLSART Sketchbook Project is a Unique Survey of the Twin Cities Visual Arts Community

by | Mar 7, 2021 | art/design

@suyaotian
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“During a most challenging year. 68 local artists contributed 120 pages of original work to a series of five traveling sketchbooks. The sketchbooks have been compiled into a beautiful 88 page limited edition hardcover book available exclusively via a Kickstarter pre-sale starting March 2nd. All net-proceeds from the sale of the book will be directly distributed to the participating artists.

MPLSART worked deliberately to capture a diverse slice of artists working in the Twin Cities. From hobbyists to internationally exhibiting artists, from McKnight Fellows to artists just starting their careers. The project features muralists, studio artists, street artists, graphic novelists, collage artists, Urban Sketchers, and more. Notable artists include: Jim Denomie, Hend Al-Mansour, Christopher Harrison, Dyani White Hawk, Leslie Barlow, Gordon Coons, Reggie LeFlore, and Russ White.This project has had a profound impact on the artists involved, creating an avenue for collaboration and connection in the midst of isolation, at a time when many shows and exhibitions were canceled or postponed. For many, it helped them overcome months-long creative block. Others used the format as an opportunity to experiment with techniques that they incorporated into their work moving forward. Still other artists used the project to visually express their struggles during the events of the last year and many offered a hopeful glimpse into the future of the Twin Cities and the world.The limited edition book collecting the work from the 2020 Sketchbook Project will be available exclusively through a Kickstarter pre-sale running Tuesday March 2nd through Thursday April 8th. The limited edition book will be available for $65 with an early bird discount of $55 available the first week. Additionally, a variety of reward levels will be available including limited edition prints of work from the project and more.”

Visit the link for details!

 

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NEMAA Arts

Nonprofit Organization

Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association

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Judy Fawcett’s ‘Birch Trio’ is part of White Bear Center of the Arts ‘Northern Lights’ exhibit!

Judy Fawcett’s ‘Birch Trio’ is part of White Bear Center of the Arts ‘Northern Lights’ exhibit!

by | Feb 28, 2021 | art/design

Birch Trio – 30″ x 24″ acrylic on canvas, part of my environmental series

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Open Studio Saturdays 12 – 4pm
First Thursday, March 4, 5 – 9pm
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My Connection With All Living Things

The butterfly is my metaphor for the all living things endangered by human interventions and climate change. My objective in these paintings is to capture their weightlessness, bright flashing color, whimsical flight, distinctive markings, and juxtapose these qualities with the dark peril of their current existence. My intent is to evoke concern for these delicate creatures with super powers that are losing their habitat and declining at a drastic rate. Macro views with textural elements bring the viewer in closer. In my role as an artist I feel I can capture some emotional truths to bring about change in how we view ourinterconnections with all living things.

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Dynamics of Russian Colonialism in Alaska: Marlena Myles – Minneapolis, MN

Dynamics of Russian Colonialism in Alaska: Marlena Myles – Minneapolis, MN

by | Feb 21, 2021 | art/design

Marlena Myles
Sea Otter Animal Spirit, 2021
Vector illustration print on metal, 24″ x 24″
Courtesy of the artist

The Musuem of Russian Art

January 23 – March 14, 2021

Dynamics of Russian Colonialism in Alaska,the first solo exhibition of work by Marlena Myles, focuses on the intersection of immigrant and Native peoples in North America. These digitally created works bring to light the commonly unknown history of interactions between Russian explorers, settlers, traders, clergy, and Alaska Natives before the Alaskan territory was sold to the United States in 1867. These are important reflections, much needed in the contemporary United States and Minnesota, that acknowledge indigenous histories.

Marlena Myles is a Native American (Dakota, Mohegan, Muscogee) artist, instructor, and children’s book illustrator located in St. Paul, Minnesota. Myles uses art to celebrate the languages and culture of her people. This exhibition is a “…chance for the large public to see how innovative Native art can be through the use of modern technology….” (Marlena Myles).

 

The Museum of Russian Art, in partnership with Marlena Myles, is a fiscal year 2020 recipient of a Cultural Community Partnership grant from the MInnesota State Arts Board.  This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature; and by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Minnesota Institute of Art: Celebrate Black History Month with Virtual Family Day!

Minnesota Institute of Art: Celebrate Black History Month with Virtual Family Day!

by | Feb 14, 2021 | art/design

[Pictured: Kwame Brathwaite (American, born 1938), designer: Bob Gumbs, Untitled (Black is Beautiful),
1970 (printed 2018), archival pigment print. The Shared Fund, 2019.67]
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Black is Beautiful on Sunday, February 14! Learn more about the extraordinary Black artists who created art to document and honor the beauty, struggle, and resilience of Black people. Create portraits of people who inspire you using various techniques drawn from African American artists like Wadsworth Jarrell and Elizabeth Catlett. Watch a shadow-puppet show by local artist and activist Ty Chapman, and make your own shadow puppet. Sing along and hear tales affirming love from Nothando Zulu, founder of the Black Storytellers Alliance, and create your own love letter for Black Lives this Valentine’s Day. Find all activities on February 14 → link here.⁠

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Families can also pick up a free Family Day Artist Tote at Mia’s Third Avenue entrance February 13-14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., available until supplies last. You’ll find materials to make a shadow puppet, colorful portraits, and collages to celebrate Family Day.⁠
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The materials in the kit complement the Virtual Family Day program’s activities but are not essential to enjoying the activities. Click here to learn more about the items and activities featured in this month’s tote.

Family Day Major Sponsor: @bankofamerica⁠
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American Swedish Institute: “Papier” Opens At ASI

American Swedish Institute: “Papier” Opens At ASI

by | Feb 7, 2021 | art/design

In a juncture between art and fashion, two renowned Swedish artists meet in a mutual affection for the handmade and paper in ASI’s new exhibition. “Papier” opens at ASI on February 6 and unites Bea Szenfeld’s spectacular sculptural paper-fashions with Stina Wirsén’s evocative illustrations. The exhibition features a dozen of @beaszenfeld’s wearable pieces plus an object-based piece titled “Grief.” @stinawirsen‘s expressive drawings and illustrations set the scene and act as a colorful backdrop to Bea’s work.
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papier_stina_wirsen_bea_wallpaper1.jpg
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The exhibition is included in museum admission, which is on sale beginning today. Advance registration required via ASI’s website.
The Midwest debut of “Papier” at ASI has been made possible in collaboration with @swedeninusa.
ICYMI: Artful Living Magazine – Artist Heather Polk on Why Art Cures All

ICYMI: Artful Living Magazine – Artist Heather Polk on Why Art Cures All

by | Feb 1, 2021 | art/design

@artsyandbougie is a Chicago-based collage and abstract artist who hopes to one day open an art studio offering programming to those suffering from chronic disease so that they and their caretakers can utilize the empowerment of artistic creativity as part of their disease management. Discover why Polk believes art cures all, how being creative is an act of activism and self-care.

 

You might recognize artist Heather Polk’s singular aesthetic from our winter 2021 issue. She’s a Chicago-based marketing pro by day who has an active art practice centered around collage and abstract painting that fills her evenings and weekends. She hopes to one day open an art studio offering programming to those suffering from chronic disease so that they and their caretakers can utilize the empowerment of artistic creativity as part of their disease management. We caught up with her about why she believes art cures all, how being creative is an act of activism and self-care, and more.

Illustration by Heather Polk

You believe art cures all. Can you talk more about that?

“CURES” is an acronym for Creativity Unleashed Rewards Every Soul. I believe in the power of creative expression. Whether you are observing art, making art or working on some creative project, the stimulation to our senses from art and creativity usually lifts our spirits, tugs at our curiosity and brings us joy. I’m partial to the potency of people creating with their own hands. Creating with our own hands is part power and part vulnerability; it’s important to see the power in being vulnerable.

Art is your side hustle. How do you make time for creativity?

I have been deliberate about my art not being a hobby or a hustle. I invest a lot of time in learning about quality materials and contemplating the ways I want to expand my art practice. The time I give to my art making — after work and on weekends — a lot of people spend watching television or pursuing other interests. I go to my office/studio, turn on some music and create. Creating is a priority for me and a part of my self-care routine. 

What are your studio must-haves?

Music; I like to listen to a variety of music while creating. I use X-ACTO knives and always keep blade refills close by. My scissors are important, too. My favorite glue is rubber cement. I love all the magazines that I collect, and I’m appreciative of all the people who save their magazines for me. I use decorative paper to add depth to the imagery; Arches and Strathmore are my favorite heavyweight paper brands. And I recently purchased some pigment sticks that I’m excited to experiment with for mixed-media pieces.

Where do you draw inspiration from for your inventive collages?

The inspiration for my art is personal experience, curiosities and a desire to create work that is uplifting, particularly of Black bodies. I want my art to leave an indelible mark on your mind about Black beauty. Lastly, I love magazines; flipping through the pages stokes my imagination and I love remixing what I find. 

Do you consider your creations acts of activism?

I am not purposely creating as a form of activism, but creating is a form of activism. Regardless of your subject matter, believing in your idea and putting in the work to make it come to life is still pretty radical. My work sometimes addresses topics that can feel like activism, but it’s me expressing my perspective on a subject or idea.

How has your artwork evolved over time, especially in the past year?

In 2020, my work was steady and constant. I am more curious and confident in 2021 and want to explore some ideas with a mix of media. I am thinking bigger might be better for some of my ideas, but I love paper and can’t see myself ever abandoning that medium.

What has it been like to have your work featured in top publications like New York Magazine, the Washington Post and Artful Living?

Seeing my work featured in a few top publications this past year was both humbling and affirming. I was so appreciative for the opportunity and recognition. It was a confidence booster in a way — not one I’m dependent on, but one that says my work can thrive and be enjoyed on a larger platform. I started making art solely for myself. I was caught off-guard when friends started requesting to buy originals or purchase prints. The icing on the cake is that other people enjoy my art as much as I enjoy making it. 

What emotions do you hope to evoke with your art?

Optimism and hope. I want people to see power and beauty in my art. I hope people are inspired to create with everyday materials they might easily have at their fingertips and value their creation.

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By Kate Nelson

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