An Artist's Update

Eventually, she climbed up the river bank holding onto the roots of a willow tree. Barefoot and soaked, she made her way home.

--Mine Song by Shanai Matteson

Making a spiral necklace by pouring hot metal into a carved Cuddlefish bone

A Warm Welcome to my friends and supporters

IN THIS ISSUE

EXHIBITS (4)

GRANT AWARDS (2)

MEDIA COVERAGE (2)

NEW SOCIAL MEDIA

RECAP (4)

Hello Friends!

In my last newsletter, Kao Kalia Yang's beautiful article about artistic disappointments felt important to share as I continue to convey one person's "Artist's Update" centered on my own experience. I value an honest portrayal. My hope is that over time, you get a well-rounded glimpse into my (an) artistic life. Although experiencing artistic challenges recently, particularly surrounding studio space, fortunately there is lots to share in the lush times of Summer that bring continued blossoming in my creative life. I'm so grateful to be connected to such a strong sense of community that help cheerlead me along as I figure things out.

Oh, and playing Pickleball helps.

I'd love to hear what is blossoming or challenging to you in your life.

Martha

Solo Installation

A World Beyond

April 23 - August 3, 2023

(9 sculptures)

This installation went up in celebration of Earth Day. You are invited to visit this Unitarian Universalist Church to view my installation of nine sculptures hanging on the sanctuary walls.  It is an honor to have my work featured here.  The building is open for viewing on Sunday mornings at the 10 am service as well as Wednesdays from 10-4 pm by ringing the bell at the entrance on Dupont Ave S.

THIS SUNDAY, July 16th....I've been invited to participate in "Art & Soul" with Davu Seru and Martha Bird. I'll be in conversation with Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Director of Worship Arts Ministries (along with musician Davu Seru) during the 10 am Sunday service. All are welcome to join in person or on zoom. Join here

Where: First Universalist Church, 3400 Dupont Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN

Chicago area Exhibit

From the Earth

June 29 - August 9, 2023

(2 sculptures)

This group exhibition looks at raw materials taken from the earth and transformed into functional or decorative art. Thirty artists from around the US are showcased.  Jurors' selections were based on creativity, quality of artistry, and originality.

Invited Artists:

Madeleine Althoff IA

Sue Ament IL,

Mary Bauer ND,

Gary Beaumont IL,

Martha Bird MN

Matthew Brej IL,

Ashley Budde IN,

Gregory Chapman IL,

Alisa Clark MI,

Jane Cooper Hong IL,

Connie Creek KS,

Robb Gries IL,

Kristen Grow Bauer WI,

Martin Huehner OH,

Fredric Klingelhofer IL,

Karen Kloubec IL,

Lynda Lawson Karr IL,

Sophia Moreau CO,

Kathryn Parenti IL,

Maria Patterson IN,

Debra Quinn WI, Jay Reed IL,

Marcy Rogge IL,

Nick Schroeder WI,

Georgia Schwender IL,

Belinda Shastal IL,

Elizabeth Shriver IA,

Karyl Silerzio IL,

Gregory Steel IN,

Rachel Stickney MI,

Jodi Younglove IL

Kavanagh Gallery at the Fine Line Creative Arts Center is located in the Fox River Valley, approximately one hour west of Chicago, Illinois.

Lanesboro Arts Gallery

May 9, 2023 - ongoing

(4 sculptures)

After receiving 30-40 applications and selecting 4-5 new artists, I am so pleased to have my willow sculptures added to this wonderfully curated gallery shop.

Over 90 artists calling Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin home are featured. The pieces exhibit a unique vision and original voice, quality craftsmanship, and are diverse and accessible to a wide range of people.  The gallery and pieces exhibited have a strong sense of place and encourages engagement between regional artists, visitors, and the community. 

Where: Lanesboro Arts, 103 Parkway Avenue North, Lanesboro MN

Gallery hours: Tuesday – Saturday:10 – 5; (Sundays also during May-August from 11 - 4)

Local Exhibit

In the Middle

April 24, 2023 - ongoing

Fresh Eye Artist, Kimberly Laudert curated this exhibition that launched the opening of the Hub Gallery at MSS.

Where*: MSS, 900 Ocean St., St. Paul, MN

Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 2 pm (enter door #1 and stop at receptionist desk)

*If you'd like to visit, please contact Jes Reyes to inquire whether the exhibit is still on display.

Grant Award: 2023 MN Individualized Microgrant

I am pleased to share that I am a recipient of a $2000 microgrant to help grow my art business. I am well on my way to using those funds. Money was allocated for 1) increasing my business bookkeeping skills; 2) materials to hand build a movable Storage Art Wall with a designated volunteer; 3) Get hands on assistance with establishing and posting to a Patreon account (watch for this opportunity to support my art career in the future!) 4) Get business cards that utilize my brand and include my new social media info.

Update: 1) my "quickbooks" are cleaned up and now I can see my profit since the inception of my art business in 2016; 2) the wall is built (thanks to Dwayne, MSS volunteer), sanded (thanks to Fresh Eye Artist Ken B.) wood filler added to seal up seams and tomorrow is painting day!

The Minnesota Microgrant Partnership is funded by the Minnesota Department of Human Services and serviced by The Arc Minnesota. Grants are awarded to individuals with disabilities seeking to reach goals around housing and employment.

Grant Award: 2023 MRAC Arts Impact for Individuals 

I consider it a great honor to be one of the 62% of applicants, 83 people, awarded a $5000 MRAC Arts Impact grant in order to bring Minnesotans' access to the arts in 2023. These funds make it possible to create kits for Vail Place members to continue building their basketweaving skills with me teaching them to make their own Farmers Market Basket.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

This grant is designed to support individuals leading efforts to create access to the arts for Minnesotans. Projects must center enhancing Minnesotans’ access to the arts through projects that: connect Minnesotans with arts and arts experiences; and/or integrating arts into community efforts and projects; and/or connecting Minnesotans with arts learning opportunities.

Media coverage: Newspaper

"It's like a second home" (front page)

The St. Paul Pioneer Press newspaper had a front page article on Saturday, July 8 featuring Vail Place and the hopes of expanding the recovery model for mental illness of "Clubhouses" into Ramsey County. The paper happened to visit the Minneapolis clubhouse on one of my basketry class days! And if you subscribe to the digital version (trial is $1 for 6 months) you'll be able to find even more pictures with the article.

Media coverage: Podcast

Behind the Vail: Artist interview with Martha Bird

One of the benefits of being a Vail Place clubhouse member is the opportunity to build the skills you'd like to develop in a supportive environment. The current skill I'm working on is building my confidence with teaching basketry. Others are experimenting with the podcast platform. I was so pleased to be asked for an interview about my art and creativity.

New Social Media Accounts!! 

As a long-time-reluctant-to-join-social-media person, I am excited to announce that I have "finally seen the light" at least in terms of the 2 popular visual platforms. A portion of my 2023 MN State Arts Board Creative Support grant funds are going towards my learning to create and post on Instagram and Pinterest. Check out my new accounts and consider following me. Watch for improvements as I learn these technical skills and become competent in diversifying between the sites.

RECAP 

New skills I've learned this summer

RECAP 

History Theater display of Vail Place Collaborative Baskets

RECAP 

Our Personal Stories in Resilience

Our Personal Stories project was an eight-week exploration of resilience facilitated by Fresh Eye Artist Kimberly A. Laudert. Eight women, recognized and named, honored and supported, and then wrote about the strength that is seeded in our histories. The stories reveal and build, word by word, upon the layers of the resilience that reflect the strong and capable women we are in our own words. May you find inspiration here.

Featuring readings from:

Cecile Bellamy

Janetgrace Bergman

Martha Bird

Morgan Brooke

Kimberly A. Laudert

Rose Mullenix

T.L. Reeves

Amy Wilderson

This was a Poetry Book Release Reception--my poem included in the book is based on a needle felted spiral image I created.

The first 4 people to reach out to me will be invited to pick up their complimentary copy of this book of poems.

RECAP 

Last Art Works Exhibit (building sold)

March 5 - May 26, 2023

Thank you for sharing in my life!