Happy New Year from Spectrum ArtWorks - Looking Forward to a Tobacco-Free Environment!

People living with mental illness and chemical addiction face numerous disparities and inequities, many of which have serious consequences for their overall health and wellbeing. The CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that, "despite overall declines in smoking, more people with mental illness smoke than people without mental illness. Because many people with mental illness smoke, many of them will get sick and die early from smoking." At RESOURCE, we recognize this issue and that we need to be a part of solutions and supports that promote success and wellness for the people we serve.

RESOURCE is working hard at incorporating best practices so that we can move forward with our goals of creating tobacco-free environments for clients and staff. We also aim to inspire within our communities healthy eating and physical activity, all to encourage that we can all live long, healthy lives.

To contribute to this conversation, Spectrum ArtWorks, a program of RESOURCE, presented The Big Picture in early 2016, a group exhibition from the Core Group, that explored wellness in recovery. Three artists from this show, through art, spoke about the impact tobacco has had on their lives. We are very proud that the American Lung Association sponsored The Big Picture and the Solar Arts Building hosted the exhibition.

One of our next projects in 2016 was to widen this conversation with a poster contest, sponsored by QUITPLAN. For our first I'M WORTH IT poster contest, Spectrum ArtWorks received over twenty submissions from RESOURCE Chemical and Mental Health clients! Every submission offered a unique and compelling perspective on living a tobacco-free life. Cash prizes went to 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place awards and the Creative Vision Award winners received art supplies. Between two pop-up voting sessions, Spectrum ArtWorks recruited over 200 people to vote for their favorite posters! The poster contest not only produced special re-prints of the winning posters, but we also created a unique 2017 calendar featuring over ten poster submissions from the contest. This calendar is free to clients of RESOURCE seeking support and a network to quit smoking.

Our next step in this work is supporting the Lighthouse, where Spectrum ArtWorks is located, as the building goes tobacco-free on January 3rd, 2017.

By eliminating tobacco use at the Lighthouse, we are providing a healthy work environment for our employees, a healthy environment of care for our members and families, and we are contributing to reducing the impact smoking has on those with serious mental illness and substance use disorders.

RESOURCE'S work in the area of smoking cessation began more than 5 years ago when, in response to wellness programming being developed, Community Support Program clients began asking us for help to quit smoking. This lead us to a research project with the University of Minnesota where we learned from our clients that they are motivated to quit but lack confidence, support and information. From there we have developed partnerships with the American Lung Association and ClearWay Minnesota. We have seen both clients and staff be successful in living tobacco free. The staff and clients at the Lighthouse are pioneers in our effort to go Tobacco-free at RESOURCE.

We look forward to your support as the Lighthouse makes this leap forward in the new year! Together, we are creating healthier environments and contributing to the overall wellness for our visitors, members, and staff.

If you are thinking about quitting, please access QUITPLAN for resources:

1-888-354-PLAN or www.quitplan.com

You can also access Freedom from Smoking Online: www.ffsonline.org

Below are the top winning posters from the I'M WORTH IT Poster Contest:



Heather Spielman
Sensing Life Again
Mixed Media on Paper
1st Prize, 2nd Place Audience Award
 I'M WORTH IT Poster Contest (2016)

Ruth Lais
I'm Worth It
Mixed Media on Paper
2nd Place, Creative Vision Award
I'M WORTH IT Poster Contest (2016)



D.F.N.
Benefits of Non-Smoking
Mixed Media on Paper
3rd Place, 4th Place Audience Award
I'M WORTH IT Poster Contest (2016)

Spectrum ArtWorks Winter Market

Come in from the cold for art, conversation, and shopping!



Spectrum ArtWorks Winter Market
Friday, December 9
1-4 PM
Lighthouse Community Support Program
1825 Chicago Ave South
Minneapolis, MN 55454



Selling fine art and crafts from the Core Group, an artist collective supported by Spectrum ArtWorks: Ashley Adams, Cecile Bellamy, Martha Bird, Andrew Braunberger, Faye Buffington–Howell, Peter F. Hinze, Kandace Krause, Matt LaCombe, Ruth Lais, Samuel L., Michaela Rachor, James E. Sjolin, Julia C. Spencer, Shining Starr, Wallace R. White

Guests of Spectrum ArtWorks will also be selling too!

Free and open to the public
Cash, check, and credit accepted
Let us know you can make it on Facebook here!

 For questions please contact Jes Reyes at (612) 752-8282 or jreyes@resource-mn.org. Spectrum ArtWorks is a program of RESOURCE.

Core Group Artists Exhibit with Jungle Red Salon and Gallery

Spectrum ArtWorks Core Group artists Julia C. Spencer and Andrew Braunberger will be showing with Jungle Red Salon and Gallery. The opening is tomorrow evening, starting at 7pm. See you there!

Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/811233402352221/

 

More details:

November in the Gallery : :
I.O.U. ARTS – Featuring:: Julia C. Spencer , Andrew Braunberger, and Allan Benson

A UNIQUE NOVEMBER GALLERY:: A COLLABORATION WITH I.O.U. ARTS
Inside Outside Upside Down (I.O.U. ARTS) is a Minneapolis based organization created on the premise that everyone deserves a chance to shine. The mission behind I.O.U. ARTS, is to raise awareness and funding for differently-abled artists and the art programs that support their individuality and talents. Through events, corporate sponsorships, strategic partnering and simply having the right people in place who hold the drive and passion to celebrate the many living ‘outside of the box’, I.O.U. ARTS has been successful in raising awarenes...s, support, and funding for the vast number of differently-abled artists, existing in our Minneapolis Arts Community.


THE ARTISTS ::
Julia C. Spencer
At age 13, Julia C. Spencer had the opportunity to attend a Summer Expression Session class at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. It was the experience of this class that propelled and fostered Julia’s dream of becoming a comic book artist. In 2003, Julia attended the Perpich Center for Arts Education where she intensively studied dance. Julia went on to enroll at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design as an Illustrator major, in 2005, but later her interests moved more to the area of Photography. In the spring of 2007, she became sick and stopped attending MCAD. Julia is currently working in the mediums of painting, photography, pastels, colored pencils, marker illustrations and jewelry.

You can view samples of Julias artwork, here:https://www.flickr.com/photos/7725496@N05/sets/72157628223475751/

Andrew Braunberger
Andrew Braunberger has been creating images, since discovering his thumbs. The artistic beginnings for Andrew involved working with soft pastels, in high school. He continued to love working with pastels as a medium, through his collegiate studies at the University of North Dakota. In 1992, Andrew graduated with a BA in Arts and Sciences through the Honors Program at UND—he has continued to work with pastels and consistently practice his craft, ever since. Many of Andrews works are in acrylic and oil, often with soft pastels used on top of these other media. Within his work you will notice vibrant colors and interaction within varying levels of opacity. Andrew also dabbles in digital art, but prefers the tactile experience of other media, more so than working digitally.

You can view examples of the artwork of Andrew Braunberger, here:http://www.chalkmind.com/recent-works.html


Allan Benson
In Allan’s words, “I create colorful patterns and shapes to make your eyes light up and to make the painting pop off the walls and ceilings and run away”.

Allan’s paintings and drawings of landscape, architecture, people, and still-life are expressions of what his vision of reality is. He creates images from what he sees and of his imagination.

Allan is inspired by plant life, the shapes of the land and architecture. He experiments and plays with perspective and dimension on the canvas and then fills it up with paint. Allan uses color and black outline to make the shapes pop out and appear more realistic. He likes to let his creativity run wild.

Allan recognized his abilities and desires to express himself through art in a class at Opportunity Partners, a Minnesota nonprofit organization that works alongside people with disabilities. Alan continues to strengthen his artistic visions and techniques in classes with his art mentor.

Allan has exhibited his work at the Hennepin County Library, Hopkins Center for the Arts, Opportunity Partners headquarters, Vision Loss Resources and Munka Beans Coffee Shop. His painting, Flower at Home, won 2nd place in painting at the Sister Kenney Annual International Art Show in May, 2009.

Visit the below link to read more about Allan, and view his artwork.http://allanbenson.blogspot.com/


THE MUSICIAN : : Siua Hafoka

Genre: R&B + Soul with a little Polynesian flare.

Please join us for Rhythm & Red-- A monthly showcase of local art and music.

UNIQUE POP-UP GUEST::

Jamie Palewicz
Lula Roehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/lularoejamiepalewicz/


LuLaRoe is an exclusive clothing line designed to fit women of all ages, sizes, and shapes. The clothing is sold by independent fashion consultants at pop-up boutiques in person or online. All of the prints are exclusive to LuLaRoe and only 2500 garmets in each of Lula's unique prints are produced. Jamie tells us that she chose to become a consultant because she loves this product and company, but most importantly loves helping ladies feel.

Jamie Palewicz
lularoejamiepalewicz@gmail.com
570-590-8020

WHEN: Wednesday November 2nd, 7pm-10pm

WHERE: The Jungle Red Gallery, 1362 LaSalle Ave, Minneapolis

WHAT: Meet the folks from I.O.U ARTS, and learn about the work of this great LOCAL organization. Enjoy live LOCAL tunes, shop exclusive LulaRoe merchandise from LOCAL LLR representative, Jamie Palewicz, and mingle with our creative community! Complimentary wine, and beer samplings of the latest creations of our neighborhood brewmasters at Lakes & Legends Brewing Company will also be available!


Lakes & Legendshttp://lakesandlegends.com/

Made Here Presents In Studio Interview with Audrey Bernard

Audrey Bernard from Made Here MN on Vimeo.

Spectrum ArtWorks Peer Support Specialist Event October 20

Please attended an upcoming event with Spectrum ArtWorks Peer Support Specialist Christi Furnas:

Thursday, October 20th // 6-7:30 PM

Storytelling with Christi Furnas and Caitlin Skaalrud
Soo Visual Arts Center

2909 Bryant Avenue South Suite 101        

Minneapolis, Mn

Facebook event page

From Soo Visual Arts Center:


Join us Thursday, October 20, from 6-7:30pm for a reading and discussion about mental health and storytelling with artists Christi Furnas and Caitlin Skaalrud.
Caitlin Skaalrud is the author of the graphic novel, Houses of the Holy, which visually explores the personal experience of living with depression. Christi Furnas will be reading from her mini-comic, Crazy Like a Fox, Adventures in Schizophrenia. The comic is part of a larger project to create a full-length graphic novel.


In Crazy Like a Fox, the main character, Fox Foxerson, battles with symptoms of mental illness and the reactions of friends, while navigating the health care system. While Furnas experienced this, her work is not a memoir. It is a novel with jellyfish, monsters, a dodo bird, and sock puppet doctors. She approaches the intense subject with playful lines and a sense of humor, starting conversations around mental health and creative storytelling in a way that is accessible. Furnas intentionally keeps Fox’s character genderless with the hope that anyone can see themselves in Fox’s shoes.


Christi Furnas is a Minneapolis based artist who works in both pen and ink, and oil. She has exhibited in group and juried shows in venues such as Minneapolis Institute of Art, Altered Esthetics, Soo Visual Arts Center, Rosalux Gallery, and Augsburg College. The Advocate magazine named her one of the Forty Under 40 most inspiring people in 2012 for her work as a community arts organizer and mental health advocate. Furnas was awarded a VSA Emerging Artist Grant through the Jerome Foundation in 2014. She is a 2016 recipient of the Minnesota State Arts Board’s Artist Initiative Grant.


Caitlin Skaalrud reaches into the psyche for its limitless narrative potential. On her project, Houses of the Holy, Skaalrud describes her protagonist as, “in search of her essential, endlessly renewable "self" and finds her idea of herself is running out.” She creates a character in infinite transformation, destroying and recreating identity.


Caitlin Skaalrud is a cartoonist, organizer, teacher, aspiring astrologist, and publisher behind comics micro-press Talk Weird Press in Minneapolis, where she lives with her partner and a cat named Howl. She is a recipient of a 2012 Xeric Self-Publishing Grant for Sea Change: A Choose-Your-Own-Way Story and is Skaalrud is a graduate of the Minneapolis College of Art & Design. Her first word was Batman. Caitlin exhibited some of the original drawings for Houses of Holy at SooVAC in 2013.


Christi Furnas is a fiscal year 2016 recipient of an Artist Initiative 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 from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Take the Pledge to be Stigma Free

Take the pledge today to be stigma free!

Educate Yourself and Others

Everyone knows a little about mental health issues but knowing the facts about mental illness can help you educate others and reject stigmatizing stereotypes. They are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing. Understanding mental health isn't only about being able to identify symptoms and having a name for these conditions but dispelling many false ideas about mental health conditions as well.

Step 2

See the Person and Not the Illness

1 in 5 Americans live with a mental health condition and each of them has their own story, path and journey that says more about them than their diagnosis. Whether you live with mental illness or are a friend, family member, caregiver or medical professional getting to know a person and treating them with kindness and empathy means far more than just knowing what they are going through.

Step 3

Take Action on Mental Health Issues

Our mental health care systems have been in crisis for far too long and often keeps treatment and recovery out of the hands of many who need it. We can take action now as we push for better legislation and policies to improve lives for everyone. By lending your support you can show that this cause isimportant to you and desperately needed for millions of Americans

- See more at: https://www.nami.org/stigmafree#whatisstigmafree

Welcome New Core Group Member Martha Bird!

We are super excited to announce that Spectrum ArtWorks has a new Core Group Member! Welcome Martha Bird! As a multimedia artist, Martha works primarily as a basket weaver. You can see more of her work, including her drawings, sculpture, weavings, mosaics, and paintings on her Flickr portfolio! More to come!



Check out these Porcupine Curls made by Martha Bird! 

Core Group Artist Ruth Lais / Art Force Artist of the Month

Congratulations to Core Group Artist Ruth Lais for being selected at Art Force's Artist of the month. Read more here!

Artwork by Ruth Lais

Core Group Opening - Apply Now (Now Closed)

Spectrum ArtWorks, a program of RESOURCE, is a multifaceted program that provides support and studio space to artists living with mental illness. A component of the program is a Core Group of artists who actively organize as a collective to use the studio to make new work, exhibit together, and build community.  Spectrum ArtWorks promotes opportunities for Core Group members through finding group and individual exhibition opportunities, writing artist statements and biographies, and updating resumes.

Artists of the program have shown their work in different venues throughout the Twin Cities, including Soo Visual Arts Center, Intermedia Arts, Augsburg College and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. In addition, members have worked to educate the public about mental illness; thereby reducing stigma. We have received national honors for our efforts such as The Eli-Lilly Pharmaceutical Company’s “Moving Lives Forward Award” for 2004, VSA Arts Accessibility Award and an award from NAMI-MN in 2006, praise from Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, and an endless amount of positive press.

Although in different stages in their careers, members of Spectrum ArtWorks Core Group are working as professional artists. Members work diligently and consistently on creating new work and use the program to further their ventures into the larger arts community. Spectrum ArtWorks staff provide support, but members of the program are expected to create their own work, have consistent attendance, and manage their own careers. The Core Group is not a class. This is not art therapy nor is it a drop-in program. This is a serious group of artists who are committed to their art careers and are working toward a common mission. Core Group members are required to participate in a 30 minute meeting every Tuesday beginning at 2:00pm. This meeting is to reflect on past activities, share exhibition possibilities, and set goals.

We always provide acrylic, watercolor, colored pencils, paper and painting surfaces as well as other supplies. We aim to make the studio a safe space for all.

We currently have 1 Core Group opening. Apply now!

Members of the Core Group review your application. They collectively have decided on the following criteria to consider when reviewing your application:

•      Level of seriousness of the artist

•      Overall quality of the art

•      Ability to contribute new skills and talents to the larger group

•      Willingness to make a long-term commitment to the goals and mission of the group

•      Overall quality of the application in general

To learn how to apply contact Jes Reyes at jreyes@resource-mn.org or call (612) 752 - 8282. Deadline is August 4th!

Meet the Artist Day // Wednesday, July 20 // 1-3:30 PM

You’re invited to:

Meet the Artist Day

Wednesday, July 20 / 1-3:30 PM

To launch the publication of The Flashlight, a new visual art and literary zine, Spectrum Artworks and the Lighthouse present an afternoon of art, conversation, and readings.

Details:

Free and open to the public!

2 PM Public reading from The Flashlight!

Also launching:

ArtWorks presents Martha Bird’s Solo Exhibition, the first in the Artist of the Month series!

Many Core Group members will be set up exhibiting their artwork and ready to meet you!

The Flashlight is a bi-annual publication to support artists of the Lighthouse. The Artist of the Month series is a new opportunity for Open Studio artists. Those who have the highest amount of studio use during one month are selected to exhibit at the Lighthouse!

Location:

Lighthouse

1825 Chicago Avenue

Minneapolis, MN 55404

Can you make it? RSVP on Facebook!

Ruth Lais & Audrey Bernard Exhibit in Made Here

 Spectrum ArtWorks is excited to invite you to the public launch of Represent, Made Here's latest public art exhibition. Ruth Lais is on view along 8th and Marquette. Audrey Bernard is on view at the Mall of America!

More on the event and the public launch of Represent:



Ruth in front of her window display during installation.

Represent: Made Here highlights themes of community, nature, artistic medium, and social justice issues, all of which will be unveiled and celebrated during a free public launch from 5-8pm on Thursday, June 2, 2016, at Marin Restaurant and Bar.                    

Made Here Represent Public Launch

Date and Time: Thursday, June 2 / 5-8pm

Location:

Marin Restaurant & Bar

901 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis

Tell Made Here you can make it on their Facebook Event Page.

Made Here, a project of Hennepin Theatre Trust, is a walkable urban art experience that connects people to local art and artists in WeDo™, the West Downtown Minneapolis Cultural District.

This summer, Made Here will unveil 45 window showcases featuring artwork and installations inspired by the theme, “Represent.” For this round, Made Here also will be present at Mall of America®, where visitors experience a selection of Made Here art and are encouraged to visit WeDo™ for more great local art. 

 

Audrey with Joan Vorderbruggen of Made Here during her artwork drop off.

 



Peter F. Hinze Exhibition at Fire Roast Cafe

Spectrum ArtWorks is proud to annouce Peter F. Hinze's solo exhibition at Fire Roast Cafe in Minneapolis. The reception for Peter's solo show is this Saturday, May 14th from 1pm - 5pm. You can view the artwork on your own during open business hours. Artwork is for purchase.

More on Peter F. Hinze: http://rockpike.weebly.com

More info on the Fire Roast Cafe:

Address: 3800 37th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406

Phone:(612) 724-9895

HOURS

MON-THURS 6:30 - 8       kitchen closed 2-3

FRI                 6:30 - 9       kitchen closed 2-3 and 8pm

SAT                7:30 - 9       kitchen closes 8pm

SUN               7:30 - 8       kitchen closed 7pm

Peter F Hinze
The Security Guards
Acrylic on canvas
This scene struck me at the St. Paul Art Crawl and it stayed with me. I saw two security guards and it made me think about how there invisible people in our lives, people that are taken for granted, such as people who do blue collar work. I want to celebrate those people, as part of, “the big picture.” We need these people, because they are a part of our community. They have lives too.
I grew up near Grand Avenue in St. Paul and have lived in the Longfellow neighborhood of Minneapolis for the last 20 years. I work in many different mediums but my first love was watercolor painting which I began to study at about age 15. I have studied under watercolorists John Stuart Ingle at the University of Minnesota, Morris, Howard Sivertson at the Grand Marais Art Colony and Lisa Fertig at the White Bear Center for the Arts. I became a member of Spectrum ArtWorks in 2011 and do most of my artwork at the Lighthouse CSP. Doing artwork is very therapeutic for me and has been a vital part of my recovery. http://rockpike.weebly.com/

You're Invited: The Beauty of it All

Spectrum ArtWorks and The Family Partnership present a group exhibition that explores beauty through art.

ArtWorks Core Group Artist Awarded VSA MN Emerging Artist Grant

We are super excited to announce that ArtWorks Core Group Artist Samuel L. is one of many artists who have just been awarded the VSA Minnesota Emerging Artist Grant! Samuel has been selected for his promising application. He will use this grant to continue his painting projects, particularly around giving voice to individuals who have lived with mental illness. Way to go, Sam! We can't wait to see where this opportunity will take you!

Samuel L.
Breakfast Objects
Recently exhibited in Spectrum ArtWorks group show The Big Picture
Acrylic on canvas
Not for sale

Artist statement:

 

The placement of medication alongside breakfast objects illustrates how common place medication is in our everyday lives. Medication can help us live more productive and independent lives. However, medication can be addictive and can cause other addictions. Medications used to regulate the brain often cause us to crave stimulants like coffee, food, and tobacco. Fortunately, new medications are coming out all the time with fewer side effects. Medication can be both a good thing and bad.

 

I am a fine arts student and I mainly paint in acrylic. I also work on the potter’s wheel. I have been an artist since I was a kid playing with clay and drawing.

 

Prints of Sam's work are available at: http://www.artpal.com/tobias

The Big Picture Opening - Solar Arts Building - Photo Recap

The opening reception last week on Thursday, February 4th during First Thursdays at the Solar Arts Building was quite the success. Well over 100 visitors experienced the exhibition that night. If you missed the event you can contact Jes Reyes at jreyes@resource-mn.org to schedule a personal tour. Also, if you would like to feature work from this exhibition, please contact Jes and she can arrange a presentation for you. Two presentations are scheduled, one being displayed in March at the American Swedish Institute.

 

You can also view the show virtually on Flickr.

 

Spectrum ArtWorks thanks the Solar Arts Building for hosting the exhibit and the American Lung Association in Minnesota for their financial support!

 

Attendees of the opening entered to win original community art from the ArtWorks studio! Attendees were also considered for a drawing for a Budhha Board.

Shining Starr, Core Group Artist

Janelle Koscinski from the American Lung Association in Minnesota viewing ArtWorks' special presentation of Photovoice at the opening.

James E. Sjolin , ArtWorks Core Group Artist with guest

Samuel L., ArtWorks Core Group Artist

Samuel L., ArtWorks Core Group Artist  with guest

 Kandace Krause (left), ArtWorks Core Group Artist with guests

Katie Varvel, ArtWorks Studio Assistant Intern



Jes Reyes, ArtWorks Program Coordinator with Cecile Bellamy, ArtWorks Core Group Artist

Christi Furnas, ArtWorks Peer Support Specialist and Janelle Koscinski, American Lung Association in Minnesota

Christi Furnas, Andrew Turpening, Jes Reyes

Guests

Guests

Janelle Koscinski - Thank you for your support!!

 

 

 

The Big Picture - Spectrum ArtWorks Group Exhibition - February 2016 - Solar Arts Building

Spectrum ArtWorks at Mia Group Show Extended

Spectrum ArtWorks at Mia is extended until February 21, 2016

artwork by cynTHIA

If you haven't been able to see In Conversation at the Minneapolis Institute of Art yet you still have a chance! The museum has requested to extend the show. Take a family member or friend to the exhibit! You have until February 21, 2016 to see all of the amazing artwork. It is located on the first floor in the Community Commons Hall.