Take a Look
Interact Center for Visual & Performing Arts presents Take a Look, an online exhibition at shop.interactcenter.org. Featuring the dynamic drawings, paintings, and collages of ten Interact artists, the exhibition dovetails on a multi-faceted collaboration between Interact artists and the authors of Cow Tipping Press. Over the course of a few months in late 2020, ten Interact artists met weekly online to read and discuss the poems of writers who had attended workshops at Cow Tipping Press. The collaboration culminated in Best of Cow Tipping Vol. 3, a book published by Cow Tipping Press, as well as a series of digital audiobooks that animate each poem as it appears in the artist’s work. The exhibit kicked off with a special panel March 17 on neurodiverse literature and art, hosted by the Minnesota Humanities Center. FFI: www.interactcenter.org
PACER’s Virtual Run, Walk, Roll Against Bullying
Join PACER Center’s virtual Run, Walk, Roll Against Bullying and unite with others for the collective goal of circling the earth (24,901 miles) to symbolically help “create a world without bullying.” the event takes place throughout April.
Registration is free. Sign up as an individual or as a team with others from school, work, neighborhood, or family. Set a goal of miles that fits one’s schedule — participate one day or throughout the entire month — and complete miles by running, walking, rolling, or even biking, hiking, or wheeling, either indoors or outdoors. PACER is also offering merchandise for sale in conjunction with this event. FFI: www.pacer.org
2021 Discover Abilities Virtual Expo
The Courage Kenney Discover Abilities Expo is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat, April 24. This year’s event will be virtual, with presentations, demonstrations, fitness classes, and various other activities offered throughout the day. Virtual vendor registration has closed. FFI: https://www.allinahealth.org/courage-kenny-rehabilitation-institute/
The Art of We: Re·Focus
Upstream Arts’ annual fundraiser and event is 6-7 p.m. Thu, April 29. The event is free, family-friendly, fully accessible and online via Zoom. It features the arts organization’s first-ever online exhibition. The upcoming online Re-Focus photo exhibit will spotlight self-expression and stories of the disability community. A beautiful retrospective spanning ten years of portrait photography with Upstream Arts participants, Re·Focus will feature favorite diptychs with accompanying stories told through many forms of creative expression. The exhibit will playfully confront ableist social isolation with the unapologetically joyful art of the selfie. Re-Focus continues through June 30, and will help Upstream Arts toward its $35,000 goal to make online classes a sustainable part of its programming. Watch for more details. FFI: www.upstreamarts.org
Steps for Autism 2021
Autism Society of Minnesota’s Steps for Autism in Minnesota 2021 – Hybrid Edition is 9 a.m. – noon Sun, May 23 at Como Lakeside Pavilion, St. Paul. It’s a new date and location for the annual fundraiser, which is in its 21st year. With safety in mind and social distancing in place, AuSM will offer participants a walk route, fun activities, an autism resource fair, and opportunities for community connections. Those who prefer virtual access will find autism business and organization resources on our website and will be able to walk their favorite route in their own spaces, in their own time. Registration opens soon. FFI: www.ausm.org
Open Flow Forum
The Artists with Disabilities Alliance meets via Zoom 7-9 p.m. the first Thu of the month. Upcoming dates Thu, April 1 and May 6. Virtually join artists with disabilities and supporters to share visual art, writing, music, theater and artistic efforts or disability concerns. Facilitators are Tara Innmon, Kip Shane and Springboard for the Arts. The gatherings are fully accessible. Anyone needing special accommodations should contact Andy at host organization Springboard for the Arts. FFI: 651-294-0907, resources@springboardforthearts.org
Less to Enjoy!
Restrictions have eased in the entertainment world, so look for changes. Many of the museums, arts and theater groups that typically have listings in the Access Press Enjoy! calendar have moved to online services or are offering in-person services with social distancing and safety measures. Please check with a venue or organization before making plans. Check with theater groups to see what classes and performances are offered online. See what is available through the Minnesota Access Alliance and its calendar, at https://mnaccess.org/
