ArtMatters Newsletter Volume 10 Issue 4 | May 2020

Greetings to You

Every Arts organization is grappling with the situations we are faced with during this time of uncertainty. We are all reaching out to change our modes of operation and continue in other ways that we can connect. We have had to cancel many of our activities at the Arts Center and our events to come due to CoVid 19, but we are striving to bring a new breath of virtual programming to your table. With this in our minds we hope to add that much needed breath of fresh air to your day and look forward to the interaction between the artists, writers, musicians and members at large as we explore, express and document this change in normalcy and life as we know it. We are introducing the ACCC Pandemic Arts Journal with this issue.

Our hearts go out to the people who have been affected by this unprecedented global health event that is currently unfolding before us. We appreciate the healthcare workers, communities, governments and those on the front lines, locally and globally working to best contain this pandemic.  We keep this in our minds as we plan for the future.

We are set to reopen on the 20^th of May as the State of MN’s #stayinplace order is lifted. With this, I want to assure you we have also prepared ACCC set guidelines for our volunteers and our visitors to the Arts Center and are vigilantly monitoring the CoVid19 situation closely. We want to make sure we are diligent in keeping everyone safe and ensure a healthy environment for all. We also will continue social distancing at the Arts Center during phase one of reopening and we plan to follow the State guidelines for everyone’s benefit and safety.

Please take some time out of your schedule to visit us online and in person, join us virtually or submit your perspective of these uncharted waters as we make our way into the future. We have wonderful gift ideas for the special people in your life. We have plenty of space to roam our Gallery and Gift Shop in person. We can also curate gift items for you ahead of time virtually and deliver to you curbside for your convenience. Contact us at giftshop@artsofcarvercounty.com for help with your gift lists today. Just let us know how we can serve you through the Arts.

Stay Healthy and Be Well. Cynthia Anderson, President

Announcing the ACCC Pandemic Arts Journal

Send us Your Literary Work, Images of Your Visual Arts, Your Music!  The ACCC is creating a very special project called the ACCC Pandemic Arts Journal. This will be a collection of creative work from artists, writers, musicians and songwriters, and others in the region  as well as an historical record of the abounding creativity in Carver County during these uncertain times. We will add to it over the course of 2020 as we adjust to these times.

We invite all Visual Artists, Writers, Songwriters, and Musicians, young and young at heart to submit your responses to the COVID- 19 pandemic. Your work will be published on the ACCC website as part of our ACCC Pandemic Arts Journal page. Your creative expression will become part of a collective work expressing your thoughts, emotions, inspirations, etc. throughout the year. The journal will provide an artistic perspective on what is happening during this time. See our Call for Submissions for instructions.

This is a FREE opportunity. If you would like to support activities like this and other activities of the ACCC, please consider making a DONATION today. Thank you for your support.

Lots of Literary News

Literary Liaison: Are you interested in serving on the board of the Arts Consortium as the next Literary Liaison? You will be working with an active literary committee and helping to elevate the visibility of literary work as one of the thriving arts in our county. If you are interested, please fill out an application for the board, indicating your interest in becoming the next literary liaison. If you have questions, you may contact Susan Coultrap-McQuin at literary@artsofcarvercounty.org.

Music News

The latest Songwriters and Musicians of Carver County CD is being completed and will include 20+ contributions. We think this is the best one so far! We will have CDs and the songs available for download on the Bandcamp website along with all of the previous CDs. The CD Release Concert is set for June 18th at 6:30pm, but is pending further notice from The City of Chaska. We will keep you updated. Send your ACCC Music questions to Steve Kelzer at music@artsofcarvercounty.org. Visit our CD page.

Barn Quilts of Carver County MN Offers Support During COVID-19 by Barb Hone, Janet Fahey and Suzanne Thiesfeld

The Arts Consortium of Carver County, a 501c(3) nonprofit organization, was the fiscal agent for the Barn Quilts project in Carver County. 

What began in 2011 as a community-wide, public art project – continues as one during this unprecedented time. This year, the project celebrates its 10 Year Anniversary. Throughout this time, barn quilts have represented Carver County’s heritage and families. While the 10 Year celebration has been postponed due to COVID-19, the project has stepped up to help our community: Families, teachers and students. Barb Hone, Janet Fahey & Suzanne Thiesfeld, all original members of the Barn Quilt Project, have come together to offer unique ways to stay connected – yet apart.

We invite you to see the Barn Quilts from different perspectives. We have created barn quilt education, ideas for Independent Study related to art, literature, history, math and agriculture. Free resources, self-guided tour map and curriculum for teachers, students and citizens are available on the Barn Quilt MN website. Visit BarnQuiltsofCCMN.com to learn more.

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Welcome New Board Members

Jean Kubes-Werremeyer

Mary Williamson

The Arts Consortium is pleased to announce that Jean Kubes-Werremeyer and Mary Williamson have joined the board as new members.  Those who have been to the Arts Center will know Jean, who has been an active volunteer and has recently taught a class for us. A former elementary teacher, she current works in the field of art retail.  Mary has been active in the arts in the county for many years and has served in local government and on other boards.  She has her own studio and gallery and is passionate about involving young people in the arts. Please join us in welcoming both of them. Read more about Jean and Mary on our Meet the Board page on our website.

 

Submit a Nomination or Application for the ACCC Board of Directors

Our ACCC Board Members are actively involved in all aspects of the ACCC including events, classes, festivals, the Arts Center, community initiatives and more. They serve on the board and work on projects or committees with other volunteers.We are seeking board members with the skills and talents mentioned in the qualifications below. SUBMIT

• Commitment to the arts (visual, literary, musical, performing) as an artist or supporter
• Membership in the Arts Consortium of Carver County
• Previous involvement with ACCC activities a plus
• Skills or experience in one or more of the following areas:  social media, education, program coordination, theatre arts, finance, fundraising, marketing, other nonprofit boards
• Willingness to contribute your time and talents to our projects

ACCC Membership

Not an ACCC Member? Consider joining! Our Membership page lists all the benefits and opportunities we offer our Members.

If you are a Member, please take a minute to log into your ACCC account and review your Membership. You can see when you joined and when your Membership is up for renewal. We automatically send you reminder emails before your due date. Membership questions can be directed to our Membership Coordinator, Beth Billstrom at membership@artsofcarvercounty.org.

Go to our Account page to access your Membership info as well as your Directory Listing. Keep it up-to-date. Be sure to include your social media accounts as we have been promoting our Member artists on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Volunteer Opportunities with the ACCC

The Arts Consortium of Carver County Volunteers are working diligently behind the scenes on some exciting new opportunities for 2020. Volunteer and work to bring the arts to the people of your community. We seek a wide range of strengths and talents, art experience not required. We are actively looking for additional Members for our Board of Directors to fill several positions and for people to serve on a committee, special project or participate in new initiatives. Volunteer Form.