2021 Celebrate Rise Gala
Rise friends, family, and supporters to attend the Celebrate Rise 10th Annual Fundraising Gala 5-8 p.m. Thu, Nov. 4th at the Mpls Marriott Northwest, recognizing Rise’s 50th anniversary. Planned are both an in-person gala with dinner, a program, social hour, games and more, and a free virtual event livestream for those who cannot attend in person. The virtual event starts at 7:45 p.m. on Rise’s Celebrate Rise gala event website, Facebook page, and YouTube page. The stream will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Purchase tickets or RSVP by October 15. Support Rise through an online auction, starting Oct. 28 with the chance to browse items. FFI: www.rise.org
Puzzle competition is Nov. 6
The 4th Annual AuSM Connections Jigsaw Puzzle Competition will be offered in both an in-person and virtual format in 2021. Between 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Sat, Nov. 6, teams of puzzlers will gather at the Mall of America TCF Rotunda and on Zoom to put their skills to the test while supporting the local autism community.
Organized by the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) in partnership with PuzzleTwist and Games by James, the AuSM Connections Jigsaw Puzzle Competition offers the opportunity for teams of up to four, located anywhere in the U.S., to put their jigsaw puzzling passion to the test by competing for the fastest puzzle completion time. The event will feature two team divisions including the 500-Piece Division (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) and the 1,000-Piece Division (12:30-3:30 p.m.) in both in-person and virtual formats.
Team registration fee is $60, and puzzles will be provided to all participants. FFI: www.ausm.org
Sunshine Sunset Fashion
Through Wed, Nov. 2, Sunshine Sunset Fashion is on display at Interact Gallery, 755 Prior Ave. N., Suite 002D, St. Paul,. Open by appointment, the exhibit by 14 Interact artists considers questions such as how can a drawing be worn? Can a collar or a cape be a sculpture? Working in embroidery, crochet, surface pattern and garment design, the artists developed responses from their home studios. They pooled their interests for inspiration, generating a mood board that includes aliens, bald eagles, anatomical drawings, and Grace Jones. Artists in the exhibition include Katie Bretzman, Janice Essick, Peder Hagen, Ingrid Hansen, HML, Ashlea Karkula, Laurie M., Rosemary Perronteau, Lucy Picasso, John Riddle, Andrew Seymour, Briana Shelstad, Eric Sherarts and BDG Wolfe. FFI: https://gallery.interactcenter.org
Steve Martin at PACER
Steve Martin, the accomplished comedian, actor, musician, writer and producer, headlines PACER’s Annual Benefit 7:30 p.m. Sat, Nov. 13, at 7:30 p.m. CST. Martin co-created and currently stars in Hulu’s smash hit comedy series, Only Murders in the Building. His movies include The Jerk; Parenthood; Little Shop of Horrors; Planes, Trains, and Automobiles; and the Father of the Bride films. For safety reasons, the benefit will be held virtually this year — enjoy it from the comfort of home. A silent auction is offered. Tickets are available. FFI: 952 838-9000, www.PACER.org
Boo! It’s the Ghostly Gala
Reach for Resources (Reach) invites members of the community to its annual Ghostly Gala, 5:30-8 p.m. Fri, Oct. 29. The Ghostly Gala Halloween Party will be in-person with masks required. The event will take place at Brooklyn Park Community Activity Center Grand Rooms, Brooklyn Park.
The annual Halloween party is for individuals, families, and friends of Reach. The entrance fee is $10 and all ages are welcomed at this event. The entrance cost includes a fun-filled evening of: music, dancing, pizza, games, prizes and a costume contest. Register for the event online at reach.recdesk.com. The registration deadline is Mon, Oct. 25, and proceeds will go towards Reach for Resources’ mission of supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and mental illness. Attendees will have the opportunity to win some door prizes as well as through the costume contest. For the costume contest, there will be five categories: scariest, funniest, best individual, best group and most original. FFI: https://www.reachforresources.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, Oct. 8 and Nov. 4. 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 the spike in COVID-19 cases, arts organizations are making contingency plans. It’s more important than ever to check on events and activities before heading out.
Some 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. Others are offering their art in-person. Please check with a venue or organization before making plans. Check 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
