Out in the Garden

Summer has finally arrived here in Minneapolis, and for that we are thankful!

The grass is growing non-stop between rain storms and after all the plants in the garden staying dormant an extra 3 weeks, with a little sun things are popping out. 

This week we started seeing all kinds of color, including 2 new iris purchased at the Iris Anderson Gardens last season up in Forest Lake. They turned out to be real show-stoppers!

The first was a double-bloom with multiple colors called, "Carnival Song" and the other a deep purple, large and ruffly-edged one called, "Tuxedo."

Art at Art-A-Whirl, Castle Remodeling NE MPLS

Helping Others

The Duraclear was created for an artshow in 2006 to commemorate the 1st year anniversary of the Katrina Hurricane that hit the Gulf Coast. I teamed up with non-profit CEO, Mary Gray of Minnesota Helpers acting as Creative Director to benefit artists in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. This Duraclear peice was used as a forefront transparent piece to re-create the devasting effects of Katrina and a reminder of  that which was loved and lost. Mayor Favre was equally impressed that we actually shipped Katrina debris here for this incredible visual journey. Together, we orchestrated a huge, successful event that brought in some $40,000 through Mary's efforts with ArtShare Minnesota. I had the opportunity to meet some of the artists and talk to others by phone. It was a great honor to represent them in this show.

Some of the Mississippi artists who were represented in the art show in 2006 include: 

Michelle Allee, Bay St. Louis, mixed media, oils; Kathy Gray, Gulfport, photographer, jewelry and debris artist; Lori Gorden, Bay St. Louis, oils and debris artist; Gwen Impson, print artist and president of Hancock County Arts; Ken and Mary Davidson, Bronze artists

Now, 2 years later, the need is still very great for these people. There are still many struggling to rebuild their lives. Both physically and emotionally. 

Take time to hear their story, look on the internet and see what's happening and find a way to help. 

Maybe you could help someone in your own community instead. We have many people who could benefit from those of us who are blessed with abundance - a home, a car, a family, and food on the table. Did you know over 3,200 children and young people are homeless on any given night in MINNESOTA? About 500-600 are unaccompanied youth under 18. (source Lutheran Social Service website)

This year - the Duraclear was exhibited at Castle Remodeling in NE Minneapolis. Loren Shirber, owner of Castle Remodeling was kind enough to coordinate and exhibit the work of over 12 artists, including myself. It was a wonderful experience and I look forward to doing it again next year! If you haven't been to NorthEast Mpls, you are missing out on a real treat. It's the place to see art and be seen. Try the Northrup King building on 1st Thursdays to sample some of what the area has to offer.

Art-A-Whirl Collage