ArtMatters Newsletter Jan 2021
New in 2021
Seems hard to believe we have made it across the 2020 finish line but we did and are so thankful for the support we received from the community throughout these tough times. While the Arts Consortium had to pull back and alter much of our programming for 2020, we have been hard at work behind the scenes to bring an amazing 2021 to fruition. Be on the lookout for new classes online and, when we can, in-person. There will be an amazing 10th Anniversary of ArtStock Art, Wine & Music Festival that is being planned already. Exciting news will be forthcoming about a new ACCC online store. There is so much more to share, stay tuned! 2021 Is looking to be a stellar year; thank you for being part of this inspiring community of artists, writers, musicians and lovers of all things art. Cue the fireworks!
We are happy to announce that our first grant for “The Art of Being Human Series – Creating Community through the Arts” has been accepted! It is about opening new horizons with the intersection of race, class, gender and inclusivity in Carver County Communities. We look forward to starting this programing this year. Watch for new activities and class offerings in 2021. Thank you to Anne Krocak and Cindy Anderson for putting the grant together, we are so pleased that it was accepted!
“Fresh Work” for Artists in Carver County is a new group for ACCC Members that will meet monthly on the second Wednesday of the month at 1pm, starting on January 13, 2021. This is free to any member who would like to join to share art and support each other in their art careers. Meeting details are on our website. You can send your questions to classes@artsofcarvercounty.
Live Online Art Classes for all ages by Anne and Phoenix Designs
A weekly online live course coming soon. Classes will be held on Tuesdays from 4-5 pm for any age or ability to join in the small group fun. Class will be limited to 5 participants and a small donation of $5/student/class for the ACCC is requested. Students will register and a link will be sent for the online access. A list of art materials will be listed with the class registration information on our website. Class will meet on a weekly basis through 2021…look on our website to learn more about weekly activities! Instructor Info.
What’s New in the Gift Shop?
Artists are replenishing the inventory at the Gift Shop regularly. Stop by to see what’s new! We have a unique collection of one-of-a-kind gifts for every occasion! If you’d like to volunteer at the ACCC Arts Center please fill out the Volunteer Form on our website.
New Arts Center Hours
Starting January 6th, the ACCC Arts Center will be open Wednesday-Friday 11am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 4pm, subject to volunteer availability.
Thank you to our valuable Arts Center Volunteers
We would like to thank our 30+ Arts Center Volunteers and supporting Artist Gift Shop Helpers who took shifts the past few months to keep our Arts Center Gallery and Gift Shop OPEN. We appreciate your dedication and commitment to the ACCC. The sales for our Holiday Gift Show (Nov-Dec) were higher than 2019, even with the pandemic! That was possible because of our volunteers and the beautiful works submitted by our ACCC Members! We look forward to seeing everyone at the Arts Center as we bring in new inventory for the new year! Michelle Aspelin has been serving as our Interim Arts Center Volunteer Coordinator. If you’d be interested in helping her and learning the ropes, please let us know by filling out the Volunteer Form on our website.
Literary News
Welcome to 2021! We hope you had a warm and safe holiday season, and are ready for all the New Year has to offer. January kicks off with three exciting events: Our Flash Fiction Contest starts January 1st with the theme: “A Very Bad Day with a Very Good Ending”, see info below. Later in the month look for a limited run virtual course on Twelfth Night presented by Walter Cannon, as well as a virtual book launch of View from the Shore, an anthology work by the members of the Waconia Writers Group. If you’d like to plan ahead, the theme of the April Poetry Contest has been announced as “Change”, the deadline for submissions is March 1st. Please check our webpage and Facebook page for updates on these and other events. If you have any questions or ideas for events, contact the Literary Committee at literary@
Flash Fiction Contest
ATTENTION WRITERS: We all love happy endings, so conjure one up and enter it in the 2021 flash fiction contest sponsored by the Arts Consortium of Carver County (ACCC).
The theme is A VERY BAD DAY WITH A VERY GOOD ENDING. Those words do not have to appear in the body of the story, and per flash fiction definition your entry should have a distinct beginning, middle and end. Maximum story length is 600 words. Entry deadline is Feb. 1, 2021. See our Flash Fiction post for submission instructions. Send your questions to flashfiction@
Music News
We are excited about live music for 2021. We are in the planning process to have live music at ArtStock (July 10 & 11), CD Release Concert and Music Events at the Chaska Community Center Theater. Stay Tuned! Music Liaison, Steve Kelzer music@
Window into the World of Classical Music
Join us for Window into the World of Classical Music virtual event via Zoom on January 19th, 7pm, presented by Barb Hone. We will explore the era of Classical Music. All five periods will be presented. Including, highlights about the most famous composers and their compositions. With each to listen to, scores to view, and stories to tell, you’ll be guided through the distinct aspects of this amazing European music we call “the classics”. We already have several signed up but there’s room for more in this virtual event. RSVP by January 17th, details are on our website.
Visual Art News
Watch your email for the Call for Artists for our next opportunity for artists, the Family Connections Exhibit. Entry deadline is January 20, 2021. The Family Connections Exhibit is January 27-February 27, 2021. And in March we will celebrate Youth Art Month!
Members’ Show Extended
Enjoy our Members’ Show Exhibit in the ACCC Art Gallery at the Chaska Community Center. All works are available for purchase unless marked accordingly. Support local artists! This show is extended through January 23, 2021.
Art Tourism News
Ag Art – Invitation for Carver County Agriculturalists/Farmers to share their Artistic Creations
Having wandered the County and observed all the wonderful yard art, I’m sure you have more in your homes and barns. The call is for agriculturalists/farmers to photograph their works of art and submit to arttourism@
The entry deadline is by midnight, January 31, 2021. See our website for submission details. This is a FREE program, sponsored by Art Tourism Committee of Arts Consortium of Carver County, Barb Hone and Janet Fahey, 952-443-2066.
Volunteer Opportunities
Help us kick off the new year on the best foot possible. We are seeking volunteers for the following roles/positions. If you are interested in learning more, please fill out our Volunteer Form on our website so we can match your skills and talents with various needs for the ACCC. Thank you!
- Treasurer
- Arts Center Volunteer Coordinator
- Membership Coordinator
- Arts Center Gallery & Gift Shop Volunteers
Join the ACCC
OUR MISSION: The Arts Consortium of Carver County strengthens our community through the arts – and cultivates the arts through the community. Show your support by becoming a valued Member of the ACCC. View our Member Benefits on our Membership page. Send your questions to: membership@
Social Media
Be sure to check out and follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see what is going on with the ACCC. We post regularly about artists, authors, musicians, art, the gallery and more.
