Fresh Eye Gallery offers Rainbow-ish
Fresh Eye Gallery presents Rainbow-ish, an exhibition exploring joy and exuberance. Throughout history and in many cultures, rainbows have represented optimism, promise, and hope. With all of the daunting challenges that face humanity worldwide; COVID-19, climate change, racial and economic inequality, optimism seems to be in short supply. The exhibition features work that is bright, colorful, and generated for the sheer joy of creating something from nothing. Exhibiting artists are Danielle Day, Deja Day, Dede Decker, Ryan Suckow and Lucas Williams. All are self-taught artists supported by Fresh Eye Arts, a progressive art studio supporting artists with disabilities. An opening reception is 6-8 p.m. Fri, Jan. 21. Free. The gallery is at 4238 Nicollet Ave., Mpls. FFI: www.fresheyegallery.com
Springboard hosts access discussion
Springboard for the Arts hosts a virtual workshop and social time for artist with disabilities, on the topic of accessing mainstream spaces. The free event, Accessing Mainstream Spaces, is 6-8:30 p.m. Tue, Jan. 18. The free workshop will center the experiences and concerns artists with disabilities when working with mainstream art institutions, including requesting accommodations, arranging supports for collaborators, and impacting Minnesota’s cultural landscape. FFI: https://springboardforthearts.org/events/artists-with-disabilities-virtual-social-and-discussion-accessing-mainstream-spaces/
Call for performers
Off-Kilter is a new community program of Off-Leash Area to highlight and support performance work by artists with disabilities. Artists are sought to present work at Off-Kilter Cabaret June 9, 10, 11 and 12 at the Barbara Barker Center for Dance at the University of Minnesota, a fully accessible black box theater with a floor-level stage. The event will include accessibility accommodations such as sign language interpreting, captioning and audio description, as well as current health protocols. Artist proposals are sought on the theme of “organ recital,” pieces should be five to 10 minutes in length and are due Feb. 14. Seven artists or artist groups will be selected. FFI: www.offleasharea.org/off-kilter.
Save the date for Fetching Ball
Save the date of Sat, Feb. 26 for the Can Do Canines Fetching Ball Gala, at the Fetching Ball Gala, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Bloomington. Enjoy dinner, entertainment, games and silent and live auctions – all benefiting the organization. Master of ceremonies is Rena Sarigianopoulos, KARE 11 reporter/anchor. FFI: Melissa Herman, 763-331-3000, ext. 115, mherman@candocanines.org
2022 Arc Gala
The Arc Minnesota has set its gala date for March 5, 2022 at the Depot, Mpls. Save the date and join in for a night of celebration, acknowledgement, and commitment. Proceeds support Arc and its many statewide advocacy efforts and activities. Plan to attend the Arc Gala in person by purchasing tickets, or attend virtually for no charge. Tickets start at $175. Sponsorships available. FFI: https://arcminnesota.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, Jan. 6, Feb. 3 and March 3. 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!
Restrictions have eased in the entertainment world, but with spikes in COVID-19 cases, arts organizations can change schedules. Check on events and activities before heading out. 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/