What a year so far!

Wow! What a year it has been for Spectrum ArtWorks! We had a memorable start to the year with an exhibit at Soo Visual Arts Center in Minneapolis titled For the Love of... During this show, Spectrum ArtWorks artists received a lot of support from the community. We were A-Listed in the City Pages and Spectrum ArtWorks artist and Peer Support Specialist Christi Furnas was interviewed and featured on the cover of the Variety Section in the Star Tribune!

Follow this link to read The Art of Healing in the Star Tribune:
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/138789154.html?refer=y

 I was here... by Clarence Reed feat. at SooVAC

In February, Spectrum ArtWorks artist and Peer Support Specialist Christi Furnas was showcased in the Rosalux Gallery exhibition Open Door 7. This was a great achievement and we cannot think of a more talented and deserving artist to receive this special recognition.

Reading in bed by Christi Furnas

This year, Valentine's Day was Mental Health Day on the Hill. Alongside many other individuals, agencies and organizations, Spectrum ArtWorks artists rallied at the Minnesota State Capitol to be a part of demonstrating the importance and need for mental health supportive services.

A Valentine's Day Rally at the Capitol!

This summer, Spectrum ArtWorks artist and Peer Support Specialist Christi Furnas received more recognition for her work as both an advocate and an artist. She was featured in an issue of The Advocate in an editorial titled Forty under 40. Christi was celebrated as an artist and also as an inspiration to others for the work she has done in the GLBTQ community as well as her work to break down stigma associated with mental illness. She is a rock star!

Follow this link to read Forty under 40 in The Advocate:
http://news.advocate.com/post/21701470227/forty-under-40

Photo of Christi Furnas feat. in The Advocate

This summer Jamaicans celebrated the 50th anniversary of their freedom. To celebrate, Spectrum ArtWorks artist Audrey Bernard created this handmade quilt which she donated to help raise money for the school she attended as a child in Jamaica. In addition, Audrey headed home to St Thomas, Jamaica and spent three months with her family! She just arrived back in Minneapolis last week... welcome back Audrey!

Audrey working on finishing touches on her quilt!

It is now fall and we continue to stay busy! Spectrum ArtWorks artists walked in the 2012 NAMI Walk to raise awareness and end stigma about mental illness. Follow this link to learn more about the National Alliance on Mental Illness: http://www.namihelps.org/

On September 27th, Spectrum ArtWorks artists participated and celebrated work in the annual Artability Art Show. This year the show was held at The Historic Mounds Theatre in Saint Paul. The show was a lot of fun and a huge success! ArtWorks artist Peter F. Hinze won 2nd place in watercolor! Follow the link for more information about Artability:

http://www.peopleincorporated.org/get-involved/artability/

Peter at the Artability Opening

As it is impossible to share all the wonderful details of all the exciting things that happen with the Spectrum ArtWorks program and artists, we hope you enjoyed this highlight of the year so far! Spectrum ArtWorks artists would like to thank you dearly for supporting the Spectrum ArtWorks program!

Please continue to stay informed and show your support for Spectrum ArtWorks. You can follow us on facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Spectrum-ArtWorks/169027723169?ref=hl

Continue to view and read our blog, as well as view lovely art on flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7725496@N05/

And, Spectrum ArtWorks is now on Twitter!! Check us out!

http://twitter.com/SpectrumArtWork

For more information or questions about the Spectrum ArtWorks program please contact Megan Andersen at mandersen@resource-mn.org



For the Love of...

Greetings! This evening For the Love of... opens at Soo Visual Arts Center. For the Love of…features new work by twelve Spectrum ArtWorks artists. Living with mental illness is merely an element that brings these gifted artists together; it does not define the individual. The work in this exhibition explores what inspires creative impulses…revealing their own personal interpretations of what motivates them in life and in art. Each artist brings with them a wealth of diverse experiences that provides background to what has profound meaning and love in their lives. The works utilize a variety of different mediums and styles ranging from geometric abstraction to mixed media installation.

Exhibiting at Soo Visual Arts Center is an incredible opportunity and we can't wait to celebrate this new work with our community. The opening reception is this evening, January 12th 6:00-9:00pm. The show runs through January 18th.

Follow this link to the Soo Visual Arts Center's website for more information:

http://www.soovac.org/index.php/shows/view/for_the_love_of/

Soo Visual Arts Center is located at:

2638 Lyndale Ave. S Minneapolis, MN 55408


Thank you dearly for supporting the Spectrum ArtWorks program! Please continue to stay informed and show your support for Spectrum ArtWorks. You can follow us on facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spectrum-ArtWorks/169027723169

Continue to view and read our blog, as well as view lovely art on flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7725496@N05/

And, Spectrum ArtWorks is now on Twitter!! Check us out!

For more information or questions about the Spectrum ArtWorks program please contact Megan Andersen at mandersen@resource-mn.org

Let's get to know some of the artists!

Greetings from Spectrum ArtWorks! We thought it would be fun to share a little more personal information about some of the artists in the group. Below each image will be the title of the piece as well as the name of the artist, followed by a short biography of the artist. Please enjoy! And, stay connected with the Spectrum ArtWorks blog to read more artist biographies in the future!

Orchid, watercolor and watercolor pencil by Cecile Bellamy

Cecile was raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. She didn't take an interest in art until the age of eleven. From that point she took a strong interest in drawing, and then soon into acrylic painting. In high school, she took a college level drawing course and later continued her education at the University of Minnesota where she excelled in fine arts. Cecile then attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design andgraduated from MCAD in 1997.

Cecile has exhibited locally for over three years. Currently she is both a member of Spectrum ArtWorks and is a staff artist at In the Heart of the Beast Theatre. She is happy to be in a creative field.

Follow this link to view more of Cecile's art on flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7725496@N05/sets/72157622603583131/

Grand Kids, mixed media by Audrey Bernard

Audrey was welcomed into the Spectrum ArtWorks program nearly seven years ago. Audrey came to the U.S. from Jamaica and it is here in Minneapolis, when she joined the ArtWorks group, that she discovered her dreams, abilities and potential of becoming a visual artist. Since then Audrey has developed her own personal artistic style, working in mixed media. She has exhibited in many galleries throughout the Twin Cities and metro area and has received special recognition and awards for her artwork. Audrey enjoys making art because it keeps her focused as well as makes her feel close to her grandchildren living in Jamaica.

Follow this link to view more of Audrey's work on flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7725496@N05/sets/72157600772523731/

Past, Present and Future, acrylic and collage by Faye Buffington-Howell

As an artist, Faye's goal has always been to create images that are meaningful, expressive and inspiring. She has been practicing in the technique which she learned in icon classes several years ago. Faye works in a merging of styles including classical, modern and figurative surrealism. Faye often addresses the notion of spirituality in her work and recently, August 2011, she was the curator of the show titled Enlightenment at Stevens Square Center for the Arts.

Follow this link to view more of Faye's art on flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7725496@N05/sets/72157600772047316/

Dignity, watercolor by cynTHIA

cynTHIA has been making art for almost all her life. cynTHIA has been a member of the Spectrum ArtWorks group for about five years and she brings to the group a lifetime of invaluable experience. She studied art in college and has shown her work in many venues throughout the TwinCities and metro area. cynTHIA enjoys making art and receiving the innate therapeutic benefits art allows through the expression of self. She often creates art inspired by the people who have meaning in her life. cynTHIA is skilled in many mediums and is currently working mainly with glass and mosaic as well as watercolor and watercolor pencil.

Follow this link to view more of cynTHIA's work on flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7725496@N05/sets/72157622727790132/

Me Too, oil on canvas by Christi Furnas


Christi Furnas considers herself a Figurative Expressionist, working with both oil and pen and ink. Capturing a cast of emotions with color and brushstroke as well as feeling the movement of line is the focus of Christi's objective. She has been making and showing art in the Twin Cities for over fifteen years. Her work has been featured at venues such as Augsburg College, CorAzon, and The Warren Artist Habitat.

Christi has been with the Spectrum ArtWorks program for over eight years. Currently she is working as the Peer Support Specialist at Spectrum ArtWorks, and is painting and drawing in Minneapolis.


Follow this link to view more of Christi's work on flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7725496@N05/sets/72157600772482839/



Thank you dearly for supporting the Spectrum ArtWorks program! Please continue to stay informed and show your support for Spectrum ArtWorks. You can follow us on facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spectrum-ArtWorks/169027723169

Continue to view and read our blog, as well as view lovely art on flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7725496@N05/

Please contact Megan Andersen at mandersen@resource-mn.org

The Big Day is Finally Here!

The Spectrum ArtWorks Open House & Art Sale is finally here...tomorrow!! Tuesday, October 25th from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. We have been working incredibly hard and are excited to share this event with everyone! This year the open house will feature artwork by 27 artists. Fine art and crafts will be available for sale and there will be plenty of yummy refreshments served as well. Art will be on display on the two main levels of our building, and of course in the ArtWorks studio!

This event is FREE and open to the public. Stop by for an enjoyable experience, exploring our unique space, viewing amazing art and having the opportunity to meet the talented artists who created it all!

Please join us for this very special day. We hope to see you there!

The Spectrum ArtWorks Open House & Art Sale is located at:

Spectrum Community Mental Health

1825 Chicago Ave S

Minneapolis, MN 55404

Contact Arts Coordinator Megan Andersen for more information:

(612) 752-8282

What have Spectrum ArtWorks artists been up to?

Greetings everyone! It has been a busy few months for Spectrum ArtWorks! On Friday, September 2nd, Altered Esthetics Gallery in Northeast Minneapolis held an opening for a show titled Home. "Whether it is a place we came from, a place we dream about, or a settling destination; artists react to immigration, homelessness and what it means to have a sense of place in the world." This wonderful exhibit, Home, featured Spectrum ArtWorks artists Faye Buffington-Howell, Audrey Bernard and cynTHIA. This is the last week Home will be on display to the public and we will be bringing art back to the Spectrum ArtWorks studio this Saturday.


In other news... Spectrum ArtWorks has been celebrating an amazing opportunity awarded to artist Cecile Bellamy. Ramsey County recently commissioned Cecile for five of her beautiful watercolors. These watercolors are now on display as part of A Bridge to Health & Wellness's permanent collection. Congrats Cecile! A Bridge to Health & Wellness will house urgent care for Adult Mental Health, Chemical Health Assessment and Placement, Detox, and the Second Judicial District Commitment Court. NAMI Minnesota credits the creation of this new building as "bringing an unprecedented opportunity to improve and coordinate services to individuals experiencing either a mental or chemical health crisis, or both. The goal is to improve the availability of integrated, community-based, chemical and mental health services for this population." Cecile was invited as a special guest to attend the grand opening and official ribbon cutting ceremony. There, she met and spoke with Ramsey County Commissioner Rafael E. Ortega. Commissioner Ortega praised Cecile for her art as well as exhibited a large amount of support for mental health services.


Spectrum ArtWorks artists are gearing up for the annual Artability Art Show and Sale. This year Spectrum ArtWorks supported 13 artists to complete and submit artwork for this event! The Artabilty Art Show and Sale will be held at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 285 N. Dale Street, St. Paul, MN 55103. The show runs October 6th - 8th with the opening reception on Thursday, October 6th at 6:00pm. We hope to see you there!


On a final, very exciting note... Spectrum ArtWorks
will be hosting the 5th Annual Open House & Art
Sale!! The open house and sale will be held on
Tuesday, October 25th, 4:00pm - 8:00pm. Please stop in and join us for refreshments and fantastic art! The Spectrum ArtWorks Open House and Art Sale will feature fine art and crafts... just in time for the holidays! The Spectrum ArtWorks studio is located at 1825 Chicago Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55404. Please call or email Arts Coordinator, Megan Andersen, with any questions or requests for detail: (612) 752-8282 and mandersen@resource-mn.org


Also... remember to "like" Spectrum ArtWorks on facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spectrum-ArtWorks/169027723169

Spectrum ArtWorks Events July 23rd!

Greetings everyone! Some exciting news from Spectrum ArtWorks! There is an event taking place on Saturday, July 23rd at the Regla De Oro Gallery on Lyndale Ave in Mpls. The Regla De Oro Gallery aims to represent local artists, participate in local public exhibits, and provides a percentage of net proceeds to Arts Education and Social Justice Non-Profit Organizations. Every six weeks a new artist is featured in the gallery. The artist is given the opportunity to select which non-profit organization they would like to benefit during their opening reception. Local artist Catherine A Palmer has selected Spectrum ArtWorks to be the beneficiary during her event.

Catherine A Palmer Artist Reception/

Spectrum ArtWorks Benefit

Saturday, July 23rd

3:00pm - 6:00pm

Regla De Oro Gallery-Art and Fair Trade Gifts

3007 Lyndale Ave South

Mpls, MN

20% of all purchases during this three hour opening reception/benefit event will proceed Spectrum ArtWorks!

For more information about Catherine A Palmer follow this link:http://www.catherineapalmer.com/

For more information about Regla De Oro Gallery follow this link:http://www.regladeoro.com/Artist.asp?ArtistID=11579&Akey=2B782ELR

Please join us at Regla De Oro Gallery on Saturday, July 23rd! Come visit, have fun and show your support for local artists and the Spectrum ArtWorks program!

IN ADDITION!

In addition to the event at Regla we could like to share some exciting news about a new show opening at Stevens Square Center for the Arts. On the very same evening as the Regla De Oro event, Saturday, July 23rd, the opening of "Enlightenment will be held at the Stevens Square

gallery. This show will feature two Spectrum ArtWorks artists, Faye Buffington-Howell and cynTHIA. Not only will Faye's artwork be featured but she also played an immense role as one of the curators, selecting work by other artists and working to make the show come to life.

Please join us this special evening to celebrate the making of beautiful art as well as the efforts made by Spectrum ArtWorks artists to present the public with an impressive show!

"Enlightenment" Opening Reception

Saturday, July 23rd

7:00pm - 10:00pm

Stevens Square Center

for the Arts

1905 3rd Ave South

MPLS, MN

For more information about Stevens Square

Center for the Arts follow this link:

http://www.stevensarts.org/

We are looking forward to celebrating this special day! We hope to see you at one of or both of the events!

Thank you dearly for supporting the Spectrum ArtWorks program! Please continue to stay informed and show your support for Spectrum ArtWorks. You can follow us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spectrum-ArtWorks/169027723169

Continue to view and read our blog, as well as view lovely art on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7725496@N05/

Please contact Megan Andersen at mandersen@resource-mn.org

We've been busy!

Can you believe it is June?! Summer is in full bloom and Spectrum ArtWorks artists have been busy! A few months ago the artists were challenged to create large scale works of art and many of them have finished or are very close to completing. A few artists have even started to work on a second large scale piece of art! We are hoping to be able to showcase these large works of art sometime late summer or early fall.

The Sister Kenny 48th Annual International Art Show by Artists with Disabilities took place April 14th and was on display through May. It was a wonderful event and a huge success for the Spectrum ArtWorks Artists! Four of the artists were recognized with awards of honor and encouragement.

Today work was brought home from the Alliance Bank Building in St. Paul. The Spectrum ArtWorks artists had work on display in the skyway. We are hoping not only many of our current fans/supporters were able to visit this display but that we were also able to gain new attention and support from the community.

Spectrum ArtWorks artists have been busy in the studio making art as well as teaching others. The ArtWorks studio opens up to others for a weekly art class and weekly open studio time. The Spectrum ArtWorks artists work to help other members of Spectrum Community Mental Health Lighthouse CSP improve artistic abilities as well as provide opportunity to pursue individual creative endeavors. A six week still-life class has just concluded and this week was the beginning of color theory and painting with acrylics.

Thanks to everyone for checking in on whats new with the Spectrum ArtWorks program! The artists are busily creating new art and we are currently in the process of finding new venues to showcase their wonderful and inspiring work. Please stay tuned for whats next!

Thank you dearly for supporting the Spectrum ArtWorks program! Please continue to stay informed and show your support for Spectrum ArtWorks. You can follow us on our facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spectrum-ArtWorks/169027723169


Continue to view and read our blog, as well as view lovely art on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7725496@N05/


Please contact Megan Andersen at mandersen@resource-mn.org