Opportunity Partners Gala
Opportunity Partners’ annual gala at 5:30 p.m. Sat, May 14 is an in-person event, with a free livestream for those who wish to attend virtually. The gala will be held at the Opportunity Partners-Koch Campus, 5500 Opportunity Court, Minnetonka. This year’s emcee will be Ian Leonard, chief meteorologist at FOX 9. Leonard is a tireless supporter of the disability community and Special Olympics Minnesota. Events start with a reception and silent auction, followed by a 7 p.m. dinner, program, Fund-an-Opportunity and live auction with Glen Fladeboe. It is the nonprofit’s largest fundraising event of the year and the organization’s first in-person gala since 2019. Tickets are $150 and are available at https://opportunities.org/gala Sponsorship opportunities available; contact Grace Brennan at events@opportunities.org or 952-912-7442. FFI: 952-938-5511, https://opportunities.org/
Virtual Run Walk Roll
PACER Center’s Virtual Run Walk Roll is a free month-long event with the goal of collectively circling the earth as many times as possible. This distance around the earth — 24,901 miles — symbolizes “moving toward a world without bullying.” Individuals or teams can measure their miles running, walking, rolling, strolling, biking, hiking or wheeling and log these distances throughout the month of April. This a great opportunity to raise pledges for PACER Center’s anti-bullying efforts. Participate in fun activities, win prizes, purchase merchandise, and raise funds to support bullying prevention. Every mile will move everyone one step closer to a world which is kinder, more accepting, and more inclusive for all. Register as an individual or team. Registration is free but donations and fundraising are encouraged. FFI: 952-838-9000, www.pacer.org
New Interact show
This is a Picture that Janice Made runs through at Interact Gallery, 755 Prior Ave. St. PauI. Artist is Janice Essick, in her first solo exhibition. Essick is a painter whose deeply emotive work captures the vigor and resolve of her subjects. Drawn from personal history as well as invention, her paintings of women, men, horses, cityscapes, and color compose a personal iconography that spans her seventeen-year career at Interact. This is a Picture that Janice Made features 35 drawings and paintings from her extensive archive. The show can be viewed online or in person. the gallery is open by appointment. All gallery visitors are asked to wear masks. Email gallery@interactcenter.org to schedule and in person visit. FFI: 651-756-1246, www.interactcenter.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 7 and May 5. 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 Sturdevant at host organization Springboard for the Arts. Funding is available for access needs. FFI: 651-294-0907, resources@springboardforthearts.org
Less to Enjoy!
The Enjoy listings are for arts events as well as banquets and fundraisers for disability services organizations. Schedules may be subject to change. Some venues still may have mask and vaccine requirements. Some 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. See what is available through the Minnesota Access Alliance and its calendar, at https://mnaccess.org/
