For information on galleries and theater performances around the state, join the Access to Performing Arts email list at access@vsamn.org or call VSA Minnesota, 612-332-3888 or statewide 800-801-3883 (voice/TTY). To hear a weekly listing of accessible performances, call 612-332-3888 or 800-801-3883. On the web accessible performance listings are found at www.vsamn.org/calendar.html, www.mrid.org,www.testing.accesspress.org, or http://c2net.org  (c2: caption coalition, inc.), which does most of the captioned shows in Minnesota and across the country.

Connect with performances on Facebook. Sign up to connect with Audio Description Across Minnesota on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/Audio-Description-Across-Minnesota/202035772468). Sign up to connect with ASL Interpreted and Captioned Performances Across Minnesota on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/ASL-Interpreted-and-Captioned-Performances-AcrossMinnesota/257263087700814)

 

Emerging Artists reception

Seven recipients of VSA Minnesota’s 2011 Emerging Artists Grant will have their work exhibited Sept. 13-29 at Homewood Studios Gallery, 2400 Plymouth Ave. N., Mpls. Each artist received a $1,500 grant earlier this year, funded by the Jerome Foundation, to help them create new work. Artists include Steven Accola, visual art, Mpls; Ethan Heidlebaugh, visual art, Mpls; Lane McKiernan, writing, Mpls; Tracy Gulliver, writing, Chisago City; Nancy Miller, visual art, Eveleth; Andrea T. Langworthy, writing, Rosemount; and James Van Amber, writing, Mankato. Opening reception is 6-8 p.m. Fri, Sept. 14. A reading is 6-8 p.m. Tue, Sept. 18. Refreshments will be available, work is for sale, and ASL interpreting and Audio Description are available if requested a week in advance from VSA Minnesota. Please refrain from wearing scented products. FFI: Homewood Gallery, 612-587-0230, www.homewoodstudios.com; VSA Minnesota, 612-332-3888 or 800-801-3883 voice/tty, www.vsamn.org

 

Facing The Past Exhibit

Facing the Past uses art to tell the story of people with disabilities who were institutionalized in Minnesota state hospitals. Between 1866 and 1997 more than13,000 people with disabilities, in 11 different state hospitals, were buried in state hospital cemeteries with numbered or unmarked graves. These forgotten and discarded lives serve as a stark reminder of a system that separated people with disabilities from the community and denied them basic human rights and dignity. 

The show can be seen through September at Claddaugh’ Coffee Shop, 450 W 7th Street, St Paul The emerging artists involved in this project are people with disabilities. Most are members of human rights organizations including Remembering With Dignity (RWD), Advocating Change Together (ACT) and Self- Advocates Minnesota (SAM) 

One of the emerging artists, Kelly Lee, said, “It’s just plain fun. I keep learning and learning. And I gotta keep practicing. “

Facing The Past came out of another project, See Their Faces. Both projects were about process, not product. Artists wanted to know what their subjects may have looked like, so they used portraits of former residents of the state hospital institutions that were buried with a numbered gravemarker.

In some cases they also used photographs from family members in search of their lost relatives. The artists also drew on genealogy, which is generally sparse, as well as information about the subjects’ occupation and the time period they lived in.

In Facing The Past artists continued their studies of drawing, investigated collage and researched what the life of an artist entails. They visited galleries, museums,  artist studios and worked with artists in their studios. They also attended artists’ talks and sketch-outs sessions.  They also attended meeting for artists with disabilities, and practiced their craft, developing their own style of drawing and painting

 

Voter education offered

Minnesota’s general election is Nov. 6. The Secretary of State Voter Education and Outreach staff and Disability Law Center are eager to connect with groups with disabilities that are interested in free voter education workshops and training—which can be catered specifically to the groups’ request. Information is also available at www.mnvotes.org. FFI: Pamela Hoopes, Minnesota Disability Law Center, 612-746-3711, phoopes@mylegalaid.org; Claire Wilson, Minnesota Office of the Secretary of State , 651-201-1339, claire.wilson@state.mn.us

 

Artability show and sale

More than 90 artists are involved in the 18th annual People Incorporated Mental Health Services Artability Art Show and Sale. It includes paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, and writings from artists throughout the Twin Cities metro area. The three-day event is free and open to the public. The show will be held Sept. 27-29 at Historic Mounds Theatre, 1029 Hudson Rd, St. Paul. An opening reception will be held 6 p.m. Thu, Sept. 27. Weekend hours are 2-8 p.m. Fri, Sept. 28 and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat, Sept. 29. Artability is made possible in part by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, the Boss Foundation, Tapemark, and the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council. FFI: www.PeopleIncorporated.org

 

Attend Arc conference 

“A New Vision in Action” is the theme for The Arc Minnesota State Conference, Nov. 16-17 at Crowne Plaza Suites Airport, Mall of America, Bloomington. This annual conference can help provide a new way of looking at disability supports and services in the years ahead. Hear about successes and best practices from parents, self-advocates, and people employed in the field who are creating visions of what is possible and how to get there. Hear from prominent leaders who are advancing disability rights and new futures for people with disabilities, including Judge Don-ovan Frank of the U.S. District Court in St. Paul, and Deputy Commissioner of Human Services Anne Barry. Hotel rooms are $99/night. Reduced conference fees for members of The Arc. Register by Sept. 29, and save $20 more. FFI: 1-800-582- 5256, ext. 113, www.arcmn.org

 

Open the Door to Education

Help adults reach their educational goals and earn their GED. Tutor, teach or assist in a classroom with the Minnesota Literacy Council. Give just 2-3 hours a week and help people expand their opportunities and change their lives through education. The literacy council provides training and support. Accommodations for volunteers with disabilities. FFI: Allison, 651-251-9110, volunteer@mnliteracy.org, www.mnliteracy.org/volunteers/opportunities/adults.

  

Volunteer with RSVP

Volunteers age 55 and older are eligible to receive free supplemental insurance, mileage reimbursement and other benefits through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) sponsored by Volunteers of America of Minnesota. RSVP/Volunteers of America of Minnesota and AARP Foundation need volunteers with good budgeting and organizational skills to help manage finances of older or disabled low-income individuals. Have a few hours a month to volunteer? Money Management Program staff will train and match you with someone in the community. FFI: 612-617-7821