ArtMatters Newsletter Dec 2019

in ArtMatters Newsletters 2019, News

ArtMatters ACCC Newsletter – December 2019 issue, Enjoy!

End of Year Donations Accepted

We rely on donations, sponsorships, memberships, grants, and contributions to support our initiatives and programs throughout the year. We work to fulfill our mission of elevating the arts within our communities. If you’d like to make a year-end donation, we have open arms for your support. We accept donations from individuals, families, charitable funds, estates, charitable organizations, businesses, schools, government agencies and nonprofits. You don’t need to be an artist to support the ARTS!

As a 501(c)3, the Arts Consortium of Carver County is a registered charitable organization. Your Donation should be 100% tax deductible. Please verify with your accountant. Thank you for your support! Donate TODAY on our website. Join us by becoming a valued Member.

Mark Your Calendar and Shop the Holiday Gift Show

Writers Read Their Books Thursday, Dec 5, 7-9pm
Holiday Gift Show open until Saturday, Dec 21
Youth Art Show-IAA – January 8-31
Artists’ Reception for Youth Art Show – IAA (Integrated Arts Academy) Thurs, Jan 9 6:30-8:30pm
Next Step Fund Grant Workshop by MRAC Wednesday, Jan 8 4-5:30pm
New Song Collective – Friday, Jan 10 7-8:30pm
Class – How To Get Started Writing a Book Sat, January 18, 11am-1pm (Registration required)

Arts Center Gift Shop and Gallery open until December 21, 2019 Wed-Fri 12-5pm; Sat 9am to 3pm
Open extended hours Saturday, Dec. 7, 14 & 21 9am to 5pm
Please check the website for additional hours and special event openings

Arts Center will be closed December 22 – January 7, 2020.
Check our online Calendar for more events and classes

Arts Center in December

Writers Read Their Books

Do you like to give a good book as a present or buy one for yourself? Come hear Carver County writers tell you about their books for sale in the ACCC Arts Center on December 5 at 7-9 pm. Writers Read Their Books will include short presentations by authors S. Collin Ellsworth, Barb Hone, Jim Kane, Sheri Kramer, Doug Munson, April Munson, Dan O’Brien, and Heidi Skarie. They work in a variety of genres and have written mysteries, children’s books, historical fiction, magical realism, science fiction, books on Barn Quilts, and much more. You will have a chance to talk with each of them and have them autograph any book that you buy. Refreshments will be served. The Holiday Gift Show will be in process. Do join us on Dec. 5 for Writers Read Their Books! Questions: Contact Literary Liaison Susan Coultrap-McQuin at literary@artsofcarvercounty.org.

Holiday Gift Show

Shop for some of the most unique gift ideas of the season! Bring your friends and relatives and help to promote the Arts in Carver County! We have transformed the Arts Center into a Holiday Market with over 50 artist’s works featuring paintings in watercolor, oils and acrylics, mixed media, pottery, jewelry, photography, textiles, unique gifts, wood, blown glass, kiln formed glass, sculpture, ornaments,metal, local authors books, felted wool, greeting cards, local musicians music CD’s and more. Delight yourself in the spirit of the Holidays while you shop for your special loved ones. Enjoy the Season!

January Gallery Exhibit

Enjoy the creative designs of student art in both 2D and 3D work. This is the first annual show for the IAA with the Arts Consortium and it will certainly be an impressive group of work. The show runs January 8-31. Join us for the Artists’ Reception on Thursday, January 9th from 6:30-8:30pm to meet the student artists and find out the secrets behind the art. Everyone is invited. Savor light appetizers and beverages as you enjoy the music and art of the evening. Free to attend.

Register For Workshop

Next Step Fund Grant Workshop by MRAC
Wednesday, January 8th from 4-5:30pm

The Next Step Fund, funded by the McKnight Foundation, provides project grants up to $5,000 to artists in any discipline for the purpose of career development and artistic achievement. Applicants may be at any stage of their career, but must demonstrate achievement in their artistic field and have a history of public presentation or community contribution. This is a highly competitive program and potential applicants are encouraged to attend a grant workshop to learn about this grant opportunity and the program intent.

MRAC brings these workshops out into the community in an effort to reach as many artists, makers, and creatives as possible. This is a free workshop held at the ACCC Arts Center, Registration is required through the MRAC (Metro Regional Arts Council) website. Limited to 30.

Register For Class

ACCC Membership Benefit – Members, be sure to get the current Discount Code from your ACCC Account before you register. Discount Code saves you 10% on all ACCC Classes.

How to Get Started Writing a Book with Debbie Johnson
Saturday, January 18th from 11am to 1pm. If inclement weather, backup date is Sat Jan 25th, same time.
Even if you don’t know what you want to write about, you will find out in this class, and get started simply, with step-by-step instructions in this two hour workshop by best-selling author, editor, publisher, and award-winning filmmaker, Debbie Johnson. Appropriate for fiction, non-fiction, poetry, screenplays and teleplays, workbooks, tech-manuals, whatever!

What students said who participated in this class in November:
“I thought it was a great class with very useful information, I would love to take more in the future.” G Seiffert, Victoria MN
“I got direction and feel like I can move forward.” and “Very informative.”

Register on our Classes page.

Agriculture Photography Contest Winners

In November the Arts Consortium of Carver County held their 5th photography contest. The subject of this year’s contest was AGRICULTURE and the entries fell into 5 categories by grade, resident and nonresident. Artists/photographers explored all seasons of agriculture from winter through harvest. Images were made of people, animals and the business of agriculture. Most of the images were in color, some images came close to black and white and a few were black and white. Award night participants were able to see the work and listen to a critique of photo composition. This year’s judge was Mary Strother, ACCC Visual Arts Liaison. After the announcement event, attendees shopped the Holiday Gift Show at the Arts Center.

Photo Contest Winners
Grade K-4
Blue Ribbon Charlie Szybnski, East Union Elementary
Red Ribbon Benjamin Szybnski, East Union Elementary
Yellow Ribbon Charlie Szybnski, East Union Elementary

Grade 9-12
Blue Ribbon Disha Thakkar, Chanhassen High School
Red Ribbon Disha Thakkar, Chanhassen High School
Yellow Ribbon Disha Thakkar, Chanhassen High School

Adult 18+ Carver County Resident
Blue Ribbon Bret Bailey
Red Ribbon Rebecca Willette
Yellow Ribbon Steve Kelzer

Adult 18+ Non-Resident of Carver County
Blue Ribbon Kyle Peterson
Red Ribbon Jeff Hillis
Yellow Ribbon Kyle Peterson

View winning photos on our 2019 Photo Contest Winners page

Literary Arts

The ACCC Literary Committee is looking forward to an exciting 2020, and we are hoping you will join us at several of our events. In the first part of the year we are sponsoring contests in Flash Fiction and Poetry, and we will host celebrations for each to which the public will be invited. All those who submit to the contests will have an opportunity to read their own works at the celebrations and to hear the announcements of the winners. The Flash Fiction contest is now open with a closing deadline of January 31 and a celebration date of March 5. The Poetry Contest will open in January with a closing date of March 1 and a celebration date of April 23. Later in the year we will host open readings as well as collaborative projects with artists and with musicians. We look forward to seeing you in 2020. Literary Liaison Contact Susan Coultrap-McQuin, literary@artsofcarvercounty.org.

Attention Writers! The 4th Annual ACCC Flash Fiction Contest Opens

Get your creative juices flowing. The 2020 flash fiction contest sponsored by the Arts Consortium of Carver County (ACCC) begins Dec. 1, 2019. The theme is IN THE BEGINNING, and entries must be 600 words or less. That three-word theme does not have to appear in the body of the story. Deadline for submissions is Jan 31, 2020. For the first time our contest will have two categories: Young Adult (ages 13-18) and Adult (19 and older). Submit your work in the body of an email sent to: flashfiction@artsofcarvercounty.org. Include your name, phone number, age category and story title with your entry. Attached files and handwritten entries will not be accepted. Judges will determine the top three winners in each category. All submitting authors are invited to an event scheduled for Mar. 5, 2020 at the Arts Center in Victoria. Winners will be announced, and there will be an opportunity for everyone to read submissions. You can consult the website for more details and to read winning entries from previous years 2019, 2018, and 2017. Please send questions to flashfiction@artsofcarvercounty.org.

ACCC is Seeking new Board Members

ACCC is Seeking new Board members
The Arts Consortium of Carver County is seeking new board members. The Board serves over 250 ACCC members, including visual artists, writers, musicians, performers, business patrons, and community supporters of the arts. We have sponsored events such as ArtStock, Victoria Fine Art Fair, community concerts, art exhibitions, and author events since 2009. Our board members are actively involved in these events and as volunteers in the new Arts Center in Victoria. They serve on the board and work on projects or committees with other volunteers. We are seeking board members from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. We hope to bring a diversity of new talents to the board.

Qualifications:

Involvement in the arts, whether visual, literary, musical, or performing, as a practitioner or as a supporter of the arts
Willingness to contribute your time, talents, and passion to our many projects
Skills or experience in one or more of the following areas: social media, education, program/festival coordination, business, finance, and/or marketing.
Membership in the Arts Consortium of Carver County
Volunteer involvement with ACCC activities, the Arts Center, or service on other non-profit boards a plus

To apply:
Please fill out the application form on line at https://artsofcarvercounty.org/about/meet-boardstaff/ to describe your background (work and volunteer) and qualifications and to provide the names of two people we can contact as references for you. Please complete the application beginning now through January 15. Review of applications will begin immediately.

Membership News

Welcome!
The holidays are upon us and our group continues to grow. Please join me in welcoming new members Andrea Merboth and Stacy & Christopher Kelly. We’re happy to have them join our community!

Get Noticed!
One of the biggest artistic challenges is getting our work (and info about ourselves) noticed by potential buyers and admirers. Your ACCC membership offers you an ideal opportunity to get yourself in the public’s eye by filling out your Artist Profile on the ACCC website.

Many of our members do have their profiles filled out (kudos to you!), but for others it’s a challenge. I’ve learned some members aren’t sure what info to include in the description or they don’t have decent images of their work. A few members also said they’ve been meaning to get it done but haven’t had the time. (I can relate!) As we move into 2020, ACCC will be exploring more ways to help our member artists connect with buyers. Having your Artist Profile filled out will be essential to participating in this process. So over the next few weeks I’ll be writing some short blog posts with tips to help you get your Artist Profile completed. I’ll email links to the posts as they’re published.

In the meantime, I’d love for you to check out a few of the Artist Profiles currently on the ACCC website. Some great examples are Cynthia Anderson (sculpture), Jackson Atkins (songwriter/musician), Andrea Merboth (painter/children’s book author), and Waconia Center For Dance Arts. You’ll find each artist approached their profile in the way that suited their art and their personal style in a way that felt comfortable for them. If you haven’t filled out your Artist Profile yet, I’d love to help you get that done in 2020!
Beth Billstrom Membership@artsofcarvercounty.org.

ArtMatters ACCC Newsletter – December 2019 issue

ArtMatters Newsletter November 2019

in ArtMatters Newsletter, ArtMatters Newsletters 2019, News

ArtMatters Newsletter Volume 9 Issue 11 | November 2019

Mark Your Calendar

Holiday Gift Show Nov 6 to Dec 21
Holiday Gift Show Artists’ Reception Thursday, Nov 7, 6:30-8:30pm
New Song Collective Friday, Nov 8, 7-8:30pm
Class – How To Get Started Writing a Book Tuesday, Nov 12, 6:30-8:30 (Registration required)
Photo Contest Ribbon Award and Workshop Thursday, Nov 14, 6pm
Class – Glass Paint Pour Wednesday, Nov 13, 7-9pm (Registration required)
Writers Read Their Books Thursday, Dec 5, 7-9pm

Arts Center Gift Shop and Gallery open Wed-Fri 12-5pm; Sat 9am to 3pm
We will extend hours for special events and community events.

Check our online Calendar for more events and classes

Arts Center in November

Holiday Gift Show Artists’ Reception
Please join us on Thursday, November 7th as we welcome in the 2019 Holiday Shopping Season. Meet our talented local artists and enjoy beverages, wine and light fare as you mingle and explore. Doors open at 6:30PM! ENJOY!

New Song Collective

Join us for an evening of original instrumental music. Enjoy beverages, wine and light fare. Friday, November 8th 7-8:30pm.

FEATURED MUSICIANS
Bob Mueller
Tom Bright
Jacob Whalen
Tom Sedio
Steve Kelzer

Agriculture Photography Contest Entry Deadline is by midnight November 5th

The top three winners in each category will be awarded a blue, red or yellow ribbon with our appreciation at the Photography Workshop on Thursday, November 14th at the Arts Center. All are welcome to attend. This year’s Photo Contest theme is “Agriculture” and photographs can include any aspect of agriculture and rural life. Ribbons will be awarded in the following categories: K-4th grade, 5-8th grade, 9-12th grade, Adult (18+ years of age) resident of Carver County, Adult (18+ years of age) non-resident of Carver County. The application deadline is midnight November 5. Check our website for submission instructions.
Shown is the 2018 Adult Resident Blue Ribbon winner Rebecca Willette.

Register For Classes

ACCC Membership Benefit – Members, be sure to get the current Discount Code from your ACCC Account before you register. Discount Code saves you 10% on all ACCC Classes.

How to Get Started Writing a Book with Debbie Johnson
Even if you don’t know what you want to write about, you will find out in this class, and get started simply, with step-by-step instructions in this two hour workshop by best-selling author, editor, publisher, and award-winning filmmaker, Debbie Johnson. Appropriate for fiction, non-fiction, poetry, screenplays and teleplays, workbooks, tech-manuals, whatever!
Class Details and Registration
Debbie Johnson is the bestselling author of Think Yourself Thin published originally by Disney’s publisher, Hyperion. She has ghost-written as well as edited books for her clients for three decades. Johnson is also the author of a dozen other books, including her latest tween novelettes, and is an award-winning screenwriter.

Glass Paint Pour with artist Katie Trent
Create a swirling mix of colors using enamel paint on glass! You will learn how to combine and mix paints on glass to create a plate or bowl that will become a treasured work of art! During the class you will choose colors and learn how to swirl and drag them across a clear glass base to create a one-of-a-kind design. Outside of class, the instructor will fuse this piece onto colored glass and then slump it into a mold to create a plate or bowl that you can pick up at the Arts Center in a week or two.
Class Details and Registration
I have been working with glass for more than 20 years. Fusing glass is my latest passion, though I still love to work on commissioned traditional stained glass pieces. I keep experimenting with new techniques and ideas. I really love to teach, and look forward to sharing my expertise with the Carver County community. My classes are for anyone interested in glass as an artistic medium. Typically NO prior experience with glass is required. All you need is an inquisitive spirit and a willingness to climb outside of your box.

Jim Hillis just finished teaching Watercolor, Acrylic and Drawing Classes in October and plans to schedule more classes soon! As soon as they are scheduled, we will let you know!

Would you like to teach a class at the Arts Center? Start by going to our How to Submit a Class page on our website for step by step instructions on how we can partner with you to support the Arts in Carver County.

Writers Read Their Books

Calling all those who have books for sale in the Holiday Show! The Literary Committee would like to feature you at a public event Writers Read Their Books on Dec. 5 in the Arts Center, Victoria. Do come and tell the audience about your work, read a little of it, and autograph your books for sale. The event will begin at 7pm. Refreshments will be served. If you are interested, please contact Susan Coultrap-McQuin for more details and to let the committee know you plan to participate. Email Susan.

Literary Arts

Writers Read Art, held on Oct 17, was a delightful event. We heard stories and poems from ten writers inspired by the works of artists and writers in the Member Show. After each reading, the artists present told us about what they had in mind in creating their own works. In pairs the artists, writers and audience members drafted haikus about other works of art in the show, which we then shared aloud. Artists received copies of the writings about their own work. It was an enjoyable evening of sharing art, literature, and inspiration. In 2020 we are planning a whole show featuring the collaborations of artists and writers. Watch for more details in the new year.

Writers, please don’t forget that you can submit your literary work to any of the shows in the Arts Center. If you have a one-page piece that is printed in at least 16 or 18 font and framed for hanging, you may enter it in a show, using the same theme, procedures, and deadlines as the visual artists. Your piece must be for sale, as are the works of art.

New Membership Coordinator

Hello! I’m Beth Billstrom.
I’m glad to volunteer as the new ACCC Membership Coordinator. I joined ACCC in spring of 2017 and have met many talented artists who love to share their work and inspire others to create. It’s the artists and supportive business/organizations that are at the heart of ACCC. We currently have 251 members! I feel lucky to be a part of such a vibrant community.

As the Membership Coordinator I’ll be helping current and new members manage all the details of their membership: initial registration, membership renewal, setting up membership profiles, answering questions, and being a liaison with board members and chairpersons as needed. Members needing assistance can email me at membership@artsofcarvercounty.org or stop by the Arts Center when I’m volunteering.

I’m looking forward to getting know more of our members. If you see me at an exhibit or ACCC event, please introduce yourself. Last, but not least, if you’re a new member or just haven’t had a chance to get your ACCC membership profile set up on our website, I’d be happy to help you. It’s a great way for all our members to promote their work and share what they love to do.

2 Specific Volunteer Opportunities

ACCC seeks a volunteer to help spread the word about us on social media. You will work in collaboration with our webmaster and board members to advertise all the good events and activities of the ACCC. This would take only a few hours a month from your own home on your own schedule. Interested? Fill out a volunteer form on the website and fill in your interest in being Social Media Coordinator.

ACCC seeks two volunteers who would like to coordinate ArtStock and Victoria Fine Art Fair. Working together under the mentorship of those who have done these festivals before and have the process in place, each of volunteer would take responsibility for one of the festivals. If you are interested in volunteering to work with a small group on festivals and to lead one of them, please fill out a volunteer form on the ACCC website and indicate your interest is Festivals—ArtStock or Festivals—Victoria Fine Art Fair.

End of Year Donations Accepted

We rely on donations, sponsorships, memberships, grants, and contributions to support our initiatives and programs throughout the year. We work to fulfill our mission of elevating the arts within our communities. If you’d like to make a year-end donation, we have open arms for your support. We accept donations from individuals, families, charitable funds, estates, charitable organizations, businesses, schools, government agencies and nonprofits. You don’t need to be an artist to support the ARTS!

As a 501(c)3, the Arts Consortium of Carver County is a registered charitable organization. Your Donation should be 100% tax deductible. Please verify with your accountant. Thank you for your support! Donate TODAY on our website. Join us by becoming a valued Member.

ArtMatters Newsletter November 2019

ArtMatters Newsletter October 2019

in ArtMatters Newsletters 2019, News

ArtMatters Newsletter Volume 9 Issue 10 | October 2019

Current and Upcoming Events

Writers Read Art October 17 at 7pm
Members’ Show Exhibit continues until November 1
Holiday Show Nov 6 to Dec 21
Holiday Show Artists’ Reception Nov 7, 6:30-8:30pm

Arts Center Gift Shop and Gallery open Wed-Fri 12-5pm; Sat 9am to 3pm

Check our online Calendar for more events and classes

Arts Center in October

Writers Read Art
You are invited to attend the event “Writers Read Art” on October 17 at 7 pm in the Arts Center in Victoria. Local writers have been composing written responses to the art in the Members’ Show and during this evening will read one of their works of prose or poetry to the public. Our event will include not only the readings, but also a time for artists and writers and the public to socialize with each other and to discuss possible future collaborations between artists and writers. We look forward to seeing you at this exciting new undertaking by the Arts Consortium of Carver County. Direct your questions to Susan Coultrap-McQuin, literaryarts@artsofcarvercounty.org or call the Arts Center at 952-443-3200.

Call for Artists for the Holiday Gift Show

We INVITE ALL ARTISTS to enter the 2nd Annual ACCC Holiday Gift Show at the Arts Center. We look forward to showcasing our extremely talented local artists. We are seeking a wide selection of one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted gifts, CDs, books and more for purchase for the holidays. Submission deadline is Oct. 22, 2019. Show is Nov 6-Dec 21. Sell your art in Victoria! Visit our website for submission details.

Agriculture Photography Contest

The top three winners in each category will be awarded a blue, red or yellow ribbon with our appreciation at the Photography Workshop on Thursday, November 14th at the Arts Center. All are welcome to attend. This year’s Photo Contest theme is “Agriculture” and photographs can include any aspect of agriculture and rural life. Ribbons will be awarded in the following categories: K-4th grade, 5-8th grade, 9-12th grade, Adult (18+ years of age) resident of Carver County, Adult (18+ years of age) non-resident of Carver County. The application deadline is midnight November 5. Check our website for submission instructions.

Art Wander Studio Tour 2019

Thank you to all who did the Art Wander Studio Tour and visited with our local artists throughout Carver County. You can learn more about the artists on ArtWander.com. We look forward to showcasing more of their work at the Arts Center during the Holiday Gift Show and into the new year!

We Are Gearing Up For Holiday Shoppers!

Seeking additional Volunteers to work alongside our experienced Volunteers in anticipation of our increased shoppers during the holidays. The ACCC Arts Center is one of the ways we support local artists, by offering them a venue to sell their beautiful work. We rely 100% on Volunteers to run the Center. We are seeking Volunteers to fill shifts that are 2 or 3 hours on Wednesdays – Saturdays. NO RETAIL EXPERIENCE NECESSARY, we will train you, it’s really quite simple to catch on and it’s so fun to talk with the customers as they browse the Center. If you are interested, please fill out the Volunteer Form.

QuickBooks Bookkeeping Volunteer
We are also seeking a Volunteer with QuickBooks experience to help us keep our finances in order. Indicate what you are interested in and your skills when you fill out the Volunteer Form, link above. Thanks!

Thank you for your support of the Arts Consortium of Carver County!

Join. Donate. Sponsor.

We rely on donations, sponsorships, memberships, grants, and contributions to support our initiatives and programs. We work to fulfill our mission of elevating the arts within our communities. We receive donations throughout the year from Members and Nonmembers. Sometimes we have a special donation drive when we have the opportunity to receive matching funds. We accept donations from individuals, families, charitable funds, estates, charitable organizations, businesses, schools, government agencies and nonprofits. You don’t need to be an artist to support the ARTS!

As a 501(c)3, the Arts Consortium of Carver County is a registered charitable organization. Your Donation should be 100% tax deductible. Please verify with your accountant. Thank you for your support! Donate Today. Join us by becoming a Member.

ACCC Member Directories

Hello ACCC Members! Thank you to those Artists, Businesses and Organizations who have completed their online Directory Listing on the ACCC website. If you haven’t logged into your new ACCC Membership Account for the first time yet, please start on our Account page by requesting your password. Contact Michelle Aspelin with any Membership questions at admin@artsofcarvercounty.org.

View Visual Artist Directory
View Music Artist Directory
View Literary Artist Directory
View Theater & Dance Directory

ArtMatters Newsletter September 2019

in ArtMatters Newsletters 2019, News

ArtMatters Newsletter September 2019 | Volume 9 | Issue 9

Mark Your Calendar

Members’ Show Exhibit at Arts Center August 28 to November 1
New Song Collective September 6, 7-8:30pm in the “street” area of the ACCC Arts Center
Members’ Show Artists’ Reception Thursday, September 12 6:30-8:30pm
Art Wander Studio Tour throughout Carver County September 27, 28 & 29

Arts Center Gift Shop and Gallery open Wednesday-Friday 12-5pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm. Until 8pm on Classic Car nights, Wednesday, September 4 & 18, subject to volunteer availability

Check our online Calendar for more events and classes

Arts Center in September

We’re excited to celebrate the Art created by the Members of the Arts Consortium of Carver County. Bring your friends and family to meet the artists and find out the stories that inspired their work. All artwork in the show is available for purchase during the show as well as during the Artists’ Reception. Enjoy light appetizers, beverages, wine and music throughout the evening. Their work is amazing! We have highlighted each of the 20 Member Artists with their Artist’s Statement next to their work so you can learn more about them when you browse the gallery.
Members’ Show Artists’ Reception Thursday, September 12th from 6:30-8:30pm

New Song Collective is a music event hosted by Ted Hajnasiewicz* and Steve Kelzer* where several songwriters perform their compositions and talk about the process. The event takes place at the ACCC Arts Center, in what is called “the street” area, directly outside the gallery. Limited to 30 guests. September 6th, 2019, 7 to 8:30pm

Participating Artists: Alex Tulp, Yvette Nelson, Tanecsha Jones, Tom Sedio and Stephen Smith*
Suggested $5 goodwill donation. Contact Steve Kelzer, music@artsofcarvercounty.org, 952-465-2384.
*ACCC Members

Art Wander Studio Tour

Wander by on September 27, 28 & 29, 2019. NEW in 2019, Free Art Wander Trolley Tours! Complimentary trolley tours to studios in outlying Waconia and Chanhassen, Chaska, and Carver will be available this year, courtesy of SW Transit Trolleys. No hassle of hunting for studios – Board a trolley and we’ll take you to a variety of studios on the Art Wander. Information on routes, parking and how to sign up will be available soon on ArtWander.com. Get your 2019 Studio Map and view the brochure on the Art Wander website or pick it up at the ACCC Arts Center. Gather your friends and do the tour!

Join, Donate or Sponsor

We rely on donations, sponsorships, memberships, grants, and contributions to support our initiatives and programs. We work to fulfill our mission of elevating the arts within our communities. We receive donations throughout the year from Members and Nonmembers. Sometimes we have a special donation drive when we have the opportunity to receive matching funds. We accept donations from individuals, families, charitable funds, estates, charitable organizations, businesses, schools, government agencies and nonprofits. You don’t need to be an artist to support the ARTS!

As a 501(c)3, the Arts Consortium of Carver County is a registered charitable organization. Your Donation should be 100% tax deductible. Please verify with your accountant. Thank you for your support! Donate Today. Join us by becoming a Member.

Literary News

The Literary Committee of the Arts Consortium announces a Literary Challenge for local writers. During the months of September and early October, you are invited to visit the Arts Center in Victoria (12-5 on W, Th, F or 9-5 on Sat) to choose a work of art in the Member Show that inspires you to write. Then, compose a piece of short prose (up to 2 pages double-spaced) or poetry inspired by that art (visual or literary) to read at our open reading entitled“Writers Read Art” on October 17 at 7pm. We will also invite the artists in the Member Show to join us, and we will plan a time for socializing with each other at the event. We hope you will join us in this Literary Challenge! If you have questions, please contact Susan Coultrap-McQuin.

Agriculture Photography Contest

NOW is the time to be snapping your photos!
This year’s Photo Contest theme is “Agriculture” and photographs can include any aspect of agriculture and rural life. Ribbons will be awarded in the following categories: K-4th grade, 5-8th grade, 9-12th grade, Adult (18+ years of age) resident of Carver County, Adult (18+ years of age) non-resident of Carver County. The application deadline is midnight November 5. Check our website for submission instructions.
Shown is the 2018 Adult Resident Blue Ribbon winner Rebecca Willette.

No Retail Experience Necessary – Volunteer at the ACCC Arts Center 1-2 times a Month, or More!

The ACCC Arts Center is one of the ways we support local artists, by offering them a venue to sell their beautiful work. We rely 100% on Volunteers to run the Center. We are seeking Volunteers to fill shifts that are 2 or 3 hours on Wednesdays – Saturdays. NO RETAIL EXPERIENCE NECESSARY, we will train you, it’s really quite simple to catch on and it’s so fun to talk with the customers as they browse the Center. If you are interested, please fill out the Volunteer Form.

We are also seeking a Volunteer with Quickbooks experience and we have openings on various committees. Indicate what you are interested in and your skills when you fill out the Volunteer Form, link above. Thanks!

Thank you for your support of the Arts Consortium of Carver County!

A Look Ahead…

Holiday Gift Show. We are working out the final details for our Holiday Gift Show at the ACCC Arts Center. If you’d like to Volunteer to help coordinate the artwork intake for this show or ongoing retail sales in the Gift Shop, please complete the Volunteer Form on our website. The Holiday Gift Show starts November 6 and runs through December. It will feature unique visual art, jewelry, sculpture, pottery, CDs by area musicians, books by local authors, and more!

ArtStock Art, Wine & Music Festival. Be a part of the planning for our signature festival held at Parley Lake Winery every July. Next year will be our 10th year for ArtStock! If you have ideas to share and want to be a part of this well coordinated, successful regional event, please fill out our Volunteer Form and check the “ArtStock” box. We will match your talent with tasks on our “to-do” list.

Member Directory Listings

Hello ACCC Members! Thank you to those Artists, Businesses and Organizations who have completed their online Directory Listing on the ACCC website. If you haven’t logged into your new ACCC Membership Account for the first time yet, please start on our Account page by requesting your password. Contact Michelle Aspelin with any Membership questions at admin@artsofcarvercounty.org.

View Visual Artist Directory
View Music Artist Directory
View Literary Artist Directory
View Theater & Dance Directory

Arts Center Hours

Wednesday – Friday 12-5pm, Saturday 9am-5pm
Open Until 8pm
on Discover Victoria Classic Car Nights
September 4 & 18

ArtMatters Newsletter September 2019

ArtMatters Newsletter August 2019

in ArtMatters Newsletters 2019, News

Welcome to our ArtMatters Newsletter August 2019 issue. We hope you find this information useful as you plan your precious time. We enjoy promoting the Arts to the Carver County community!

To become a Member of the Arts Consortium of Carver County, please visit our Membership page. You’ll find a list of Member benefits as well as different membership levels to choose from. Thank you for supporting the Arts in our community!

Summer Events

Nature: Water & Waves Exhibit at Arts Center now to August 23
Michelle Plombon, Featured Artist at the Arts Center now to August 23
Victoria Fine Art Fair in downtown Victoria on August 3, 10am to 5pm
Members’ Show Exhibit at Arts Center August 28 to November 1
Members’ Show Artists’ Reception Thursday, September 12 6:30-8:30pm
Arts Center Gift Shop and Gallery open Wednesday-Friday 12-5pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm. Until 8pm on Classic Car nights, Wednesday August 7 & 21 and September 4 & 18

Check our online Calendar for more events and classes

Arts Center in August

Current exhibit Nature: Water and Waves. The show runs through August 23. Remember, all the art for sale in the shop is by Carver County artists. We hope you will support their work.

Members’ Show August 28 through November 1, 2019. August 19 is the submission deadline for the Members’ Show exhibit at the Arts Center. We look forward to showcasing as many Members as we can. Be sure to register early, all media types are welcome. We will display our Member’s biography on the walls at the Center so you can learn more about each artist as you browse the Gallery. You can also search for artists on our Directories, link below. For registration information and details about the exhibit, visit the Members’ Show.
ACCC Member Directories – search for your favorite ACCC artists!
View Visual Artist Directory
View Music Artist Directory
View Literary Artist Directory
View Theater & Dance Directory

Summer Festivals
The annual ArtStock Art, Wine & Music Festival at Parley Lake Winery was held on July 13 & 14. This popular event featured opportunities to purchase great art and to enjoy fine wine, food and music. In honor of the Woodstock 50th anniversary, a 60’s theme featured artists and guests embracing their groovy-ness! This year we had a hot, sunny day to get together and celebrate art in the community, and we are so grateful to our amazing volunteers who made the day especially enjoyable. Thank you to all the artists and booth sponsors – everyone had a wonderful day and we can’t wait to start planning for next year. Special thanks to Steve Zeller and our host Parley Lake Winery.

Victoria Fine Art Fair
Bonjour! Bienvenue! Welcome to our 3rd annual Victoria Fine Art Fair in the heart of trendy Victoria on Saturday, August 3rd from 10am to 5pm. This year we have a French Flair complete with French wine, food and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. Our French-themed Art Fair will be held in conjunction with the German Volksfest in Victoria, bringing us together like the Rhine River! Enjoy music, sample fine French wines, French food and pastries, and explore the fine art for sale in the lovely lakeside setting in Victoria. Nearby cafes and restaurants will be open as well as specialty food trucks. Guests will enjoy a walk along the parkway overlooking scenic Stieger Lake. We hope you will come find the most unique treasures, gifts and displays of fine art. Please see our website for details.

Live Music in the Charlson Thun Community Bandstand:

Holly & Matt 10am-12pm
Internationally renowned Monroe Crossing 1-3pm
Two Sundays, 3-6pm
More music performed with Volksfest until late into the evening!

See you Saturday August 3rd. 10am -5pm at the Victoria Fine Art Fair 2019!

Literary News

The ACCC Literary Committee hosted a Haiku Jam at ArtStock at Parley Lake Winery on July 13-14. At the end of the day, there were 44 new haikus! Congratulations to all who wrote one. You will have a second chance at the Victoria Fine Art Fair on August 3. Watch for our sign and try your hand at poetry about the day.

The Literary Committee also hosted an open reading entitled Writers Read Water and Waves on Thursday, July 18 in the Arts Center. Fourteen authors from across the county read a wide variety of poetry and prose related to the theme of water. We had about 25 people in the audience, enjoying the art on the walls and the literature they heard read.

Finally, ACCC and the Literary Committee announces a new initiative to display short literary works along with art in the Members’ Show. Any writer who wishes to display a poem, flash fiction, or another short literary work, prepared for hanging on a wall, can submit it under the “Other” category in the Members’ Show guidelines. Your writing must use at least 16 font size. Follow the guidelines for artist submissions in terms of timing and other requirements on the ACCC Members’ Show submission page. If you have questions, contact Susan Coultrap-McQuin, Literary Liaison on the ACCC Board for further details. Deadline August 19 for submissions.

New Look at the Arts Center

“…time for a cool change, I know that it’s time for a cool change…” Little River Band 1979.

Change. That’s exactly what is happening in our Arts Center Gallery and Retail space right now. Board member Amy Rottunda has stepped up to lead the retail committee, and boy is this team excited! You may have already noticed a whole new “vibe” in the Center recently. If you haven’t been by in a while, we hope you’ll come in and check out the great new volunteer desk where our amazing gallery team helps everyone to have a great experience at the Arts Center. New fixtures are coming soon that will allow us to offer even more great locally crafted goods and represent more artists in the space.

So, come on downstairs and cool off! We’ve got amazing original work pieces that would be ideal wedding and anniversary gifts, a new line of greeting cards, jewelry and some new pottery pieces.

Want to learn more about our retail opportunities? Send an email to inquire about submitting your art to: GiftShop@ArtsofCarverCounty.org

Photography Contest

We are starting to get entries for the ACCC Photo Contest 2019. This year’s theme is “Agriculture” and photographs can include any aspect of agriculture and rural life. Ribbons will be awarded in the following categories: K-4th grade, 5-8th grade, 9-12th grade, Adult (18+ years of age) resident of Carver County, Adult (18+ years of age) non-resident of Carver County. The application deadline is midnight November 5. Check our website for submission instructions. Shown is the 2018 Adult Resident Blue Ribbon winner Rebecca Willette.

Business Skills Classes for Artists

Hello! We wanted to share this opportunity with our Members and Supporters. The Carver County Library has put together an amazing list of Business Skills Classes for Artists. Registration opens August 1, 2019 on the Carver County Library website. Space is limited, so if you are interested, be sure to register! Classes are FREE!

Could You Volunteer 2-3 Hours of Your Time?

Arts Center Volunteers: We always welcome new volunteers to help us in the Arts Center for a few hours every month. We will provide training by experienced volunteers before you will be asked to work on your own. You can always choose to work with others. It is fun and supports the arts in our county. Shifts are 2 or 3 hours. If you are interested, please fill out the Volunteer Form.

Victoria Fine Art Fair (Aug 3) also needs volunteers for 2- or 3-hour shifts to help setup or work in the ACCC booth. If you are interested, please fill out the form on the Victoria Fine Art Fair page to indicate your availability. Event coordinator, Sue Thompson Steenhoven, will contact you to confirm and provide details.

Thank you for your support of the Arts Consortium of Carver County!

Member Directory Listings

Hello ACCC Members! Thank you to those Artists, Businesses and Organizations who have completed their online Directory Listing on the ACCC website. If you haven’t logged into your new ACCC Membership Account for the first time yet, please start on our Account page by requesting your password. Contact Michelle Aspelin with any Membership questions at admin@artsofcarvercounty.org.

View Visual Artist Directory
View Music Artist Directory
View Literary Artist Directory
View Theater & Dance Directory

ArtMatters Newsletter July 2019

in ArtMatters Newsletters 2019, News

July 2019 ArtMatters Newsletter

ArtMatters Newsletter June 2019

in ArtMatters Newsletters 2019, News

ArtMatters Newsletter June 2019

Save These Summer Dates

Culture & Community Exhibit at Arts Center now through June 7
George Crockett, Featured Artist at Arts Center through end of June
CD Release Concert at Chaska City Square Park, 6:30 pm, June 7
Nature: Water & Waves Exhibit at Arts Center June 12 to August 23 – Reception, 6:30-8:30 pm on June 20
ArtStock Art, Wine & Music Festival at Parley Lake Winery July 13 & 14
Victoria Fine Art Fair in downtown Victoria on August 3
Arts Center Gift Shop and Gallery open Wednesday-Friday 12-5pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm. Until 8pm on Classic Car nights, Wednesday June 12 and 26!

Check our online Calendar for more events and classes

Arts Center in June

Our next exhibit Nature: Water and Waves welcomes entries until midnight June 3. All media are welcome. The show will open on June 12 and run through August 23. You can meet the artists at an Artist’s Reception on June 20 from 6:30-8:30 pm. To enter, go to our Call for Artists post on our website for details.

Our Featured Artist this month is George Crockett, whose landscapes, done in pastels, reflect the beauty of our upper Midwest region. You may be familiar with his work, but these pictures are quite special. Do come see them.

Our hours in June will be extended until 8pm on Discover Victoria Classic Car Nights, so drop in to see what is new in the retail shop and to view the art on the wall. Remember, all the art for sale in the shop is by Carver County artists. We hope you will support their work.

**Volume V of The Songwriters and Musicians of Carver County CD**

Please join us on June 7 at 6:30pm in the Chaska City Square Park to celebrate the release of Volume V of The Songwriters and Musicians of Carver County CD. Performers will include Bob Mueller, Holly Holldorson, Tara B, Ted Hajnasiewicz, Tom Bright, Tanecsha Jones, Yvette Nelson, and the Blue Skies Band. Proceeds from the CD sales will be used for promotional activities by ACCC to further the music scene in Carver County. The Arts Consortium of Carver County thanks the songwriters and musicians in this collection who have generously donated their songs for inclusion on this project, and we extend a special thank you to Steve Kelzer, the producer of the CD, for all of his hard work over the past five years!

Summer Festivals

Planning is well underway for ArtStock Art, Wine & Music Festival at Parley Lake Winery to be held on July 13 & 14. This is always a popular event with opportunities to purchase great art and to enjoy fine wine, food and music. We are excited to announce a new theme this year in honor of the Woodstock 50th anniversary: a 60s theme asking artists and guests to dress the groovy part. The deadline for booth applications is midnight July 1 on zapplication. See our website for details.

Planning is also underway for our 3rd annual Victoria Fine Art Fair on August 3rd! This year we have a French Flair complete with French wine, food and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. Our French-themed Art Fair will be held in conjunction with the German Volksfest in Victoria, bringing us together like the Rhine River! Enjoy music, sample fine French wines, French food and pastries, and explore the fine art for sale in the lovely lakeside setting in Victoria. Nearby cafes and restaurants will be open as well as specialty food trucks. Guests will walk along the park overlooking scenic Stieger Lake and shop for the most unique treasures, gifts and displays of fine art. The deadline for booth applications is midnight July 15 on zapplication. See our website for details.

Photography Contest

Summer will be a good time to work on your entries for the ACCC Photo Contest 2019. This is the ACCC’s 5th annual photo contest. This year’s theme is “Agriculture” and photographs can include any aspect of agriculture and rural life. Ribbons will be awarded in the following categories: K-4th grade, 5-8th grade, 9-12th grade, Adult (18+ years of age) resident of Carver County, Adult (18+ years of age) non-resident of Carver County. The application deadline is midnight November 5. Check our website for more details.

Shown is the 2018 Adult Resident Blue Ribbon winner Rebecca Willette.

Barn Quilts and ACCC at Springfest Artisan Fair

The 1^st Annual Springfest Artisan Fair, hosted by the NYA Area Chamber of Commerce and the NYA Economic Development Commission, was held on Saturday, May 18, 2019 in Norwood Young America. Despite the rainy weather, this event united local painters, designers, authors, potters, quilters, craft brewers, farmers, musicians, and others together in a small-town setting to display their talents and wares. Vendors were able to be inside! We had great participation, and it brought much awareness to the arts, along with the history of Historic Downtown Norwood. Barn Quilts of Carver County was nestled between the Quilting Grounds- Quilt Shop and a Quilt Show hosted within the Norwood Young America Library. We had record traffic and great interest in our Barn Quilt Tours, books and souvenirs, along with showcasing the Arts Consortium of Carver County information.

The Barn Quilts tour season officially started with a large group from Zumbrota Community Education visiting Carver County on May 22nd. Another tour group will be arriving on June 6th and will be visiting the Arts Center to see the latest Culture & Community exhibit.

Could You Volunteer 2-3 Hours of Your Time?

Arts Center Volunteers: We always welcome new volunteers to help us in the Arts Center for a few hours every month. We will provide training by experienced volunteers before you will be asked to work on your own. You can always choose to work with others. It is fun and supports the arts in our county. Shifts are 2 or 3 hours. If you are interested, please fill out the Volunteer Form.

ArtStock: Art, Wine & Music (July 13-14) would like volunteers to help at this Parley Lake Winery event in the ACCC booth for 2-hour shifts or help with setup. If you are interested, please fill out the form on the ArtStock page to indicate your availability. Event coordinator, Sue Thompson Steenhoven, will contact you to confirm and provide details.

Victoria Fine Art Fair (Aug 3) also needs volunteers for 2- or 3-hour shifts to help setup or work in the ACCC booth. If you are interested, please fill out the form on the Victoria Fine Art Fair page to indicate your availability. Event coordinator, Sue Thompson Steenhoven, will contact you to confirm and provide details.

Thank you for your support of the Arts Consortium of Carver County!

Member Directory Listings

Hello ACCC Members! Thank you to those Artists, Businesses and Organizations who have completed their online Directory Listing on the ACCC website. If you haven’t logged into your new ACCC Membership Account for the first time yet, please start on our Account page by requesting your password. Contact Michelle Aspelin with any Membership questions at admin@artsofcarvercounty.org.

View Visual Artist Directory
View Music Artist Directory
View Literary Artist Directory
View Theater & Dance Directory

To become a Member of the Arts Consortium of Carver County, please visit our Membership page. You’ll find a list of Member benefits as well as different membership levels to choose from. Thank you for supporting the Arts in our community!

Arts Center Hours

Wednesday – Friday 12-5pm, Saturday 9am-5pm
Open Until 8pm
on Discover Victoria Classic Car Nights
Wednesday, June 12 & 26

ACCC 10 Year Anniversary badge

ArtMatters Newsletter May 2019

in ArtMatters Newsletters 2019, News

Hello and welcome to our May issue of the ArtMatters Newsletter! If you’d like to receive this newsletter each month in your email inbox, please subscribe to our emails.

Join Us for Spring and Summer Events

Culture & Community Exhibit at Arts Center now through June 7
George Crockett Featured Artist at Arts Center through June
CD Release Concert at Chaska City Square Park, 6:30 pm, June 7
Nature: Water & Waves Exhibit at Arts Center June 12 to August 23 – Reception June 20
ArtStock Art, Wine & Music Festival at Parley Lake Winery June 13 &14
Victoria Fine Art Fair in downtown Victoria on August 3
Arts Center Gift Shop and Gallery open Wednesday-Friday 12-5pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm
Check our online Calendar for more events and classes

Arts Center

Two Successful Events

The Artists’ Reception for Community and Culture was held on April 18 with many artists, community members, and friends enjoying the art and discussing their latest works. This juried show features visual art of images that show artists’ interpretations of Culture and Community. The show includes photographs, paintings and drawings. If you did not have a chance yet to see the show, please stop by before the exhibit closes on June 7.

Writers Read Poetry was held on April 23 to a standing room only gathering of poetry contest winners, family, friends, and judges. Joyce Sutphen, Minnesota Poet Laureate and finalist judge for the contest launched the event by reading three of her poems. These were followed by readings from poets in contest categories that included Students K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12, and Adult, Nonresidents and Adult Residents of Carver County. Other contestants and preliminary judges also read poems. Read this year’s winning entries.

Featured Artists in the Gallery

Starting in April, we have begun devoting one section of the Arts Center to featuring the work of one of our member artists. Our first artist to be featured is Teresa Vining, from the Belle Plaine area. Ms. Vining works in oil and draws heavily from her years living in Germany. She uses much of the same scale, perspective, detail and color of the Northern Renaissance. We are pleased to share her work in the Arts Center through May 11th. Please stop by and enjoy her work.

Carver County Artist George Crockett will be the next featured artist in the Arts Center. His work will be on view from mid-May through June. He favors landscapes in his paintings, which are done in pastels. As he says, “Pastels are ready to use with very little preparation time and no clean up time. The hardest part for me is just getting started. Often, I have no idea where the painting will go. It’s the little surprises that happen in the process that motivate me to keep moving on. I am always hoping there will be an element of mystery in the end product. My favorite places for subject matter are S. E. Minnesota, S.W. Wisconsin and N. E. Iowa.” George Crockett reports that he trained with “some wonderful art teachers at Worthington High School and at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. I find Picasso was right when he said ‘Inspiration exists but has to find us working.’”

Call for Artists

Nature: Water & Waves Exhibit
Our next exhibition will be entitled Nature: Water and Waves. The subject of Water and Waves can be interpreted with many different images. Water is the basis of life. It can be part of a vista anywhere in the world. It is very much a part of life in Minnesota with our many lakes and rivers. Water is found indoors and outdoors. It can be frozen, pristine or dangerous. Life lives within it. Use your imagination.

When one first hears the word, waves you think of water. Sometimes waves can be damaging because they are so strong or they can be hardly there. Waves can be seen in landscape with the phrase “waves of grain”. One can also think of clouds such as a cold front wave is coming through. I even think of waves in hair on person or dog’s body. These are only a few of the images that come to mind when thinking about the word, waves. We are looking forward to seeing how you interpret the subject of water and waves.
We look forward to seeing your submissions for this next exhibition by midnight on Monday, June 3, 2019. All media are welcome. Submission Details.

Early Announcement for the 2019 Photography Contest
It is time to begin preparing for the ACCC’s 5th annual photo contest. This year’s theme is “Agriculture,” which can be represented in a wide variety of ways. You may want to photograph landscapes of fields with clouds and sky, lakes and streams. You might focus on wide vistas or the small details of agriculture along with lush or stark imagery. Think about taking photos of processes: planting, tending, harvesting, and/or storing crops. Or, focus your lens on the people involved, the women and men who work in agriculture. Find what interests you, then work on composing the image with colors, textures, repetition, and eye focus. We look forward to seeing your work.

We especially hope that teachers will alert their students to the upcoming contest that includes students and adults. Ribbons will be awarded in the following categories: K-4th grade, 5-8th grade, 9-12th grade, Adult (18+ years of age) resident of Carver County and Adult (18+ years of age) non-resident of Carver County. The ACCC Photo Contest 2019 submission deadline is Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Submission Instructions.

Registration is Open

Artists can register for booth space for ArtStock Art, Wine & Music Festival to be held on July 13 & 14, 2019 at Parley Lake Winery and Victoria Fine Art Fair to be held on August 3, 2019 in downtown Victoria near the Charlson Thun Community Bandstand and Bayfront Park. Registration is open to ACCC Members and Members will receive a $25 Coupon prior to paying for the booth. Details are on each festival’s page on our website.
Registration Deadline for ArtStock is by midnight, July 1 and VFAF is by midnight July 15, 2019.

Music Lovers Upcoming Events

The Songwriters and Musicians of Carver County Vol. V. CD Release Concert is June 7th at the Chaska City Square Park starting at 6:30pm. Performers will include: Bob Mueller, Holly Holldorson, Tara B, Ted Hajnasiewicz, Tom Bright, Tanecsha Jones, Yvette Nelson and Blue Skies Band. Contact Steve Kelzer for details.

If you like to plan ahead and know who is playing at the ACCC festivals, here is the line-up. At ArtStock Art, Wine and Music Festival, the performers on July 13^th will include Carol Z from 10 to 12, Holly Holldorson and Friends from 12 to 2, and Traveled Ground from 2 to 5. On July 14th, Ted Hajnasiewicz, will perform from 11 to 1, Tara B from 1 to 3 and Blue Skies Band from 3 to 5. At Victoria Fine Art Fair, the performers on August 3rd will include Holly & Matt from 10 to 12 and Monroe Crossing from 1 to 3. Contact Steve Kelzer if you have questions.

Art Tourism / Barn Quilts of Carver County, MN

The 2019 tourism season is off to a fast start with interest from across the State, from groups wanting to visit Carver County, MN. Our first group, from the St. Cloud, MN area, will be coming to the Arts Consortium Arts Center on Thursday, June 6^th. The tours often include visiting our Communities, Countryside and Culture. The “Culture and Community Exhibition” could not be timelier. If you are in the area and want to say “hello” to the tour group at the Arts Center, join us at 1:00 p.m. on June 6^th! Be sure to visit Barn Quilt Tours and Barn Quilt Treasures (our line of gifts and souvenirs) at the upcoming Springfest Artisan Fair, in Norwood Young America on Saturday, May 18^th! Questions? contact Janet Fahey.

Around Carver County

Springfest Artisan Fair, hosted by the NYA Area Chamber of Commerce and the NYA Economic Development Commission, will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2019 in Norwood Young America, MN. This event will unite local painters, designers, authors, potters, quilters, craft brewers, farmers, musicians, and others together in a small-town setting to display their talents and wares with the ultimate intention of bringing awareness to the arts, along with history and celebration in Historic Downtown Norwood.
Most events will be outdoors on Elm Street & Union Street in NYA with art vendors lining the streets with their displays. Some of the other preliminary events are a quilt show sponsored by a local quilting company, dance performances, food trucks, wine & craft beer tastings, a cribbage tournament, and goat yoga! Please plan to join us for this 1^st Annual Springfest Artisan Fair!

Volunteers are Always Welcome

Arts Center Volunteers: We always welcome new volunteers to help us in the Arts Center for a few hours every month. We will provide training by experienced volunteers before you would work on your own. You can always choose to work with others. It is fun and supports the arts in our county. If you are interested, please fill out the Volunteer Form, link below.

Volunteers are needed. We can use more volunteers in many areas, including for ArtStock: Art, Wine & Music (July 13-14), Victoria Fine Art Fair (Aug 3), and on Liaison committees in the Visual, Literary, Music or Performing Arts. If you are interested in helping out on either of the festivals or with a committee, please fill out the Volunteer Form on our website, link below.

Thank you for your support of the Arts Consortium of Carver County!

VOLUNTEER FORM

Member Directory Listings

Hello ACCC Members! Thank you to those Artists, Businesses and Organizations who have completed their online Directory Listing on the ACCC website. If you haven’t logged into your new ACCC Membership Account for the first time yet, please start on our Account page by requesting your password. Contact Michelle Aspelin with any Membership questions at admin@artsofcarvercounty.org.

To become a Member of the Arts Consortium of Carver County, please visit our Membership page. You’ll find a list of Member benefits as well as different membership levels to choose from. Thank you for supporting the Arts in our community!

Arts Center Hours

Wednesday – Friday 12-5pm, Saturday 9am-5pm
Expanded Hours starting in June!

ArtMatters Newsletter May 2019

ArtMatters Newsletter April 2019

in ArtMatters Newsletters 2019, News

Mark Your Calendar

April 11 Writers Read Poetry, Arts Center, 6:30 pm
April 11 Culture and Community exhibit opens
April 13 Ted Hajinasiewicz concert, Arts Center, 3-5pm
April 18 Artist’s Reception, Culture and Community, Arts Center, 6:30 pm

Arts Center Events

It’s National Poetry Month

Please join us to celebrate Poetry Month and the winners of our 2019 Poetry Contest at Writers Read Poetry, April 11 at 6:30 pm at the ACCC Arts Center in Victoria. The theme of our contest and of the evening is “Minnesota: Our Home.” Our special guest and contest judge, Joyce Sutphen, Poet Laureate of Minnesota, will read some of her poems, and help award ribbons to our winners. All those who submitted a poem, the judges who reviewed them, and any others who would like to read their poetry about Minnesota (people, places, lifestyle, etc.) are invited to participate on the 11th. Bring up to 3 poems to read if there is time. Family and friends are invited, too! If you have any questions, please contact Susan Coultrap-McQuin.

Visual Arts

Have you seen the Youth Art Show yet? Do stop by the Arts Center during our regular hours to view the great talents of the students from District 112. Their art work is wonderful! Culture & Community is the theme of our next exhibit in the Arts Center, which will run from April 11 to June 7. Works include photography, drawing, painting and 3D. You will find it interesting to see how each artist interprets the theme. We hope everyone will join us on April 18 for the Artist’s Reception from 6:30-8:30 in the Arts Center. Contact Mary Strother with questions.

Starting in April, we will feature one of our member’s works, and each month another Member will be invited to show their work. The first artist is Teresa Vining, from the Belle Plaine area. Ms. Vining works in oil and draws heavily from her years living in Germany. She uses much of the same scale, perspective, detail and color of the Northern Renaissance. We are pleased to share her work in the Arts Center throughout the month of April. Please stop by and enjoy her work.

House Concert

On Saturday, April 13th from 3 to 5pm, the Arts Consortium will sponsor a concert by Ted Hajnasiewicz at the Arts Center. 7924 Victoria Drive, Victoria. Ted Hajnasiewicz is a local Singer Songwriter who has just released a new CD called This Is What I Do. The CD is a culmination of 30 years of song crafting. This is a sort of “greatest hits” package, compiling Ted’s favorite songs into one album to provide a relatable soundtrack for the lover, the loser, the sinner and the saint – roles we all play at any given moment in life. Learn more about Ted Hajnasiewicz, visit tedhtunes.com. Ted’s CD will be available for purchase at the concert. A $5 suggested donation will be accepted the night of the concert.

Annual Meeting

On March 19, 2019 the Arts Consortium of Carver County held our annual meeting at the Arts Center. We shared information about the past, present and future of the ACCC, mingled, and met new friends.

Read our 2019 Annual Statement – It includes a letter from our President, expanded Mission, Reports from our Genre and Committee Leaders, our signature annual Events, Board of Directors (current and new members), and finally our Financial Statement and Annual Budget.

We are proud to celebrate our 10 year anniversary this year and we are looking forward to working together as an expanded team thanks to our new volunteers and board members. We will add their profiles to our Meet the Board page soon. New Board of Directors – at Large are Anne Krocak, Amy Rottunda, Jody Clark, Sue Thompson Steenhoven, Terrie Myers and Trudi Meloche. Continuing Board of Directors -at Large are Barbara Cobb, Deb Barce, Mary Strother and Steve Kelzer. The Executive Committee is Cynthia Anderson (President), Janet Fahey (Vice President), Susan Coultrap-McQuin (Secretary) and Linda Jo Stuckey (Treasurer). Barb Kelzer is our Arts Center Volunteer Coordinator. We appreciate our outgoing Board Members Barb Hone, Past President, and Jim Kane, Literary Liaison.

Thank you to everyone who supports the ACCC with your Membership, Donations, Sponsorships, your many volunteer hours, ideas, commitment and for being an ambassador and sharing the ACCC with others you meet along the way. We look forward to a successful 2019!

Registration is Open

Artists can register for booth space for ArtStock Art, Wine & Music Festival held on July 13 & 14, 2019 at Parley Lake Winery and Victoria Fine Art Fair held on August 3, 2019 in downtown Victoria near the Charlson Thun Community Bandstand and Bayfront Park. Registration is open to ACCC Members and Members will receive a $25 Coupon prior to paying for the booth. Details are on each festival’s page on our website.

Music

Songwriters and Musicians: The finishing touches are being put on The Songwriters and Musicians of Carver County Vol. V. There will be a CD release concert June 7th at the Chaska City Square Park with seven songwriters performing. Mark your calendars now! Contact Steve Kelzer for details.

Literary

Flash Fiction Contest Winners Announced: Fifteen writers submitted their work to the 2019 Flash Fiction Contest with entries from as far away as the Chicago area and Indonesia! Anne Jackson was awarded first place for her story “Round Robin,” a tale about a creepy neighbor and severed robins heads. Anne is a Chaska resident and member of several writers’ groups. Second place went to Tamara Shaffer for her story “Foiled,” a story about romantic hope aboard mass transit. Tamara lives in the Chicago area. Barb Zimmerman won third place for her story “A Surprise Discovery,” a story that suggests there’s more to fear in the woods than lions and tigers and bears. Barb is a member of the Waconia Writers Group. Anne and Barb read their stories at the Annual Meeting and received their award ribbons there. Read their stories.

Classes

ACCC’s first literary class, Romeo & Juliet, taught by Barb Hone at the Arts Center, has just ended. The syllabus was completed; the students were enthusiastically engaged; and the class was honored to have guest speakers, Poet Laurate, Dr. Joyce Sutphen and Dr. Walter Cannon. Sutphen and Cannon shared their professional areas of expertise in the Renaissance and Shakespeare, respectively. The final class was a “fieldtrip” to Barb Hone’s house for a potluck brunch, a viewing of Zeffirelli’s movie, Romeo & Juliet, and the following written testimonials: “A casual approach to what can be intimidating.” “Fantastic way to learn.” “Awesome and enriching, worthwhile!” They all agreed, “Parting is such sweet sorrow.”

Art Tourism / Barn Quilts of Carver County, MN

The 2019 tourism season is off to a fast start with interest from across the State, from groups wanting to visit Carver County, MN. Our first group, from the St. Cloud, MN area, coming to the Arts Consortium Arts Center is scheduled for Thursday, June 6^th. The tours often include visiting our Communities, Countryside and Culture. The “Culture and Community Exhibition” could not be more timely. If you are in the area and want to say “hello” to the tour group at the Arts Center, join us at 1:00 p.m. on June 6^th! Questions? contact Janet Fahey.

Around Carver County

Springfest Artisan Fair, hosted by the NYA Area Chamber of Commerce and the NYA Economic Development Commission, will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2019 in Norwood Young America, MN. This event will unite local painters, designers, authors, potters, quilters, craft brewers, farmers, musicians, and others together in a small-town setting to display their talents and wares with the ultimate intention of bringing awareness to the arts, along with history and celebration in Historic Downtown Norwood.

Most events will be outdoors on Elm Street & Union Street in NYA with art vendors lining the streets with their displays. Some of the other preliminary events are a quilt show sponsored by a local quilting company, dance performances, food trucks, wine & craft beer tastings, a cribbage tournament, and goat yoga! Please plan to join us for this 1^st Annual Springfest Artisan Fair!

Volunteers are Always Welcome

Arts Center Volunteers: We always welcome new volunteers to help us in the Arts Center for a few hours every month. We will provide training by experienced volunteers before you would work on your own. You can always choose to work with others. It is fun and supports the arts in our county. If you are interested, please fill out the Volunteer Form.

Volunteers are needed. We can use more volunteers in many areas, including for ArtStock: Art, Wine & Music (July 13-14) , Victoria Fine Art Fair (Aug 3), and on Liaison committees in the Visual, Literary, Music or Performing Arts. If you are interested in helping out on either of the festivals or with a committee, please fill out the Volunteer Form.

Thank you for your support of the Arts Consortium of Carver County!

Member Directory Listings

Hello ACCC Members! Thank you to those Artists, Businesses and Organizations who have completed their online Directory Listing on the ACCC website. If you haven’t logged into your new ACCC Membership Account for the first time yet, please start on our Account page by requesting your password. Contact Michelle Aspelin with any Membership questions at admin@artsofcarvercounty.org.

Join the ACCC – Membership Info

To become a Member of the Arts Consortium of Carver County, please visit our Membership page. You’ll find a list of Member benefits as well as different membership levels to choose from. Thank you for supporting the Arts in our community!

ArtMatters March Newsletter

in ArtMatters Newsletters 2019, News

ArtMatters March Newsletter 2019

Mark Your Calendar

Mar. 9 Afternoon Concert with Ted Hajnasiewicz, 3-5 pm, Arts Center
Mar. 15 Deadline for the Poetry Contest
Mar. 15 Deadline to contact Steve Kelzer about Vol V of Songwriters and Musicians of Carver County
Mar. 19 ACCC Annual Meeting, 6:30 pm, Arts Center
Mar. 20 Youth Art Month Visual Arts Show open, Arts Center
Mar. 21 Youth Art Month Visual Arts Reception, 6:30 pm, Arts Center
Ap. 11 Culture and Community Exhibit opens, Arts Center
Ap. 11 Writers Read Poetry, Reception and Reading, 6:30 pm, Arts Center
Ap. 18 Artists’ Reception, Culture and Community, 6:30 pm, Arts Center

ACCC Arts Center – A busy place!

Join us Saturday, March 9 for a concert at 3:00 pm in the Arts Center featuring Ted Hajnasiewicz, a local Singer Songwriter. Ted has a 30-year career spanning many genres and is a captivating performer. Driven to write the perfect song, Minneapolis-born singer/songwriter Ted Hajnasiewicz is constantly composing, learning, listening, playing and singing. This Is What I Do CD is a culmination of years of song crafting. It includes Ted’s favorite songs in one album to provide a relatable soundtrack for the lover, the loser, the sinner and the saint – roles we all play at different moments in life. Ted’s CD will be available for purchase at the concert. To learn more about Ted Hajnasiewicz, visit tedhtunes.com. For more information, contact Steve Kelzer.

The Annual Meeting for all members of the Arts Consortium of Carver County will be held on Tuesday, March 19 at 6:30 pm in the Arts Center, Victoria.

All members are welcome to join us for a review of the past year and to learn more about what we envision for the upcoming year. We will introduce and appoint new board members. Winners of the Flash Fiction Contest will read their work. We hope you will join us for this annual meeting as we enter our 10^th year as the Arts Consortium of Carver County.

Our current show, Passage of Time, opened on January 11 and explores fifteen artists’ interpretations of the idea of passing time. Our retail shop is adding new display space and new items created by artists of Carver County. Our next exhibition is entitled, Culture and Community. If you would like more information about the exhibit, contact Mary Strother. For information on retail, contact Deb Barce.

The Youth Art Month Visual Art Show begins Mar. 20 (sneak preview at the Annual Meeting) and will celebrate the creative visual art of students from District 112 Eastern Carver County Schools, students in grades K-12. We invite you to come see how local students are embracing the Arts. All are welcome to attend the Student Artist Reception on Mar. 21 to meet some of the students. The show will run through April 5. For more information, contact Jeff Lenzmeier.

Arts Center Hours
Wednesday – Friday 12-5pm, Saturday 9am-5pm

Arts Center Available for Rent
Did you know you can rent the ACCC Arts Center? We offer our space for a variety of events like planning meetings, business or networking meetings, small concerts, etc. You don’t need to be a Member to rent our facility, but Members do receive a discount.

If you’d like to use our Arts Center for your next event, please visit the Arts Center page on our website for reservation instructions.

We Love Our Volunteers
Arts Center Volunteers: We always welcome new volunteers to help us in the Arts Center for a few hours every month. We will provide training by experienced volunteers before you would work on your own. You can always choose to work with others. It is fun and supports the arts in our county. If you are interested, please fill out the Volunteer Form, link below.

Volunteers are needed. We can use more volunteers in many areas, including for ArtStock: Art, Wine & Music (July 13-14) , Victoria Fine Art Fair (Aug 3), and on Liaison committees in the Visual, Literary, Music or Performing Arts. If you are interested in helping out on either of the festivals or with a committee, please fill out the Volunteer Form on our website, link below.

Thank you for your support of the Arts Consortium of Carver County! Volunteer Form

Literary Arts
Carver County Library system sponsored a Local Author Bookshelf Live Read on Feb. 9, broadcast live and also recorded for view on the local Chaska communications channel. Several ACCC members read excerpts from their stories. The 2019 Flash Fiction contest deadline was Feb. 23. Winners will be announced at the Annual Meeting and will join us to read their work. The work of the winners will be posted on our website. For more information, contact Jim Kane.

The 2019 Poetry Contest for school-age children and adults is underway with a deadline of March 15. Please check the submission guidelines on our website and submit your best poem on the theme of Minnesota: Our Home. We will celebrate poetry month and our winners at a reception on April 11 entitled Writers Read Poetry. All those who submitted poems and any others who would like to read their poetry are invited to participate. We will award ribbons to our contest winners at the event and winning poems will be posted on our website. For more information, contact Susan Coultrap-McQuin.

Music Arts
Work is continuing on Vol. 5 of the Songwriters CD. A CD release concert will be held on June 7th at the Chaska City Square Park. If you are interested in participating on the CD, contact Steve Kelzer before March 15.

Visual Arts
REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Artists can register for booth space for ArtStock Art, Wine & Music Festival held on July 13 & 14, 2019 at Parley Lake Winery and Victoria Fine Art Fair held on August 3, 2019 in downtown Victoria near the Charlson Thun Community Bandstand and Bayfront Park. Registration is open to ACCC Members and Members will receive a $25 Coupon prior to paying for the booth. Details are on each festival’s page on our website.

Art Tourism / Barn Quilts of Carver County, MN
2019 tours and speaking engagements are being booked as we speak! Community Education Groups, Park & Recreations Groups, Senior Groups, Church Groups, Quilting Clubs, and History Clubs are just a few of the types of groups that want to explore Carver County each year. Do you? If you are interested in a tour, email Janet Fahey.

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE – PLEASE READ

We have fully converted all of our Members to our new membership management system called MembershipWorks. You should have received an email with the news and instructions to request your password and log into your new ACCC Membership Account from our website.

If you have not requested your password yet, please go to our Account Page and request it today, link below.

Attention Artists, Business and Organization Members – it’s important that you log into your account and complete your online Directory Listing. We uploaded as much information as we could, but we need you to add your images, phone number, link to social media accounts and a description of your services, products or artist biography.

Future Membership email reminders will come 30-days and 10-days prior to your renewal date from admin@artsofcarvercounty.org email address.

Thank you to everyone who has joined or renewed your ACCC Membership. If you have questions about your ACCC Membership, or need assistance, please contact Michelle Aspelin at admin@artsofcarvercounty.org.