The Minnesota Youth Community (MNYC) Holds Grand Opening Art Exhibition by Quivale R Roberts

The Minnesota Youth Community (MNYC) held a grand opening for their art exhibit at the Hopkins Center for the Arts on Saturday, August 8, 2015, in the Charles D. Redepenning Gallery. The exhibit showcases the artwork of student artists participating in the MNYC Art Club. The works on display include: paintings; drawings, prints and sculptures which were lead by the Minnetonka Center for the Arts, and various local artists.

The exhibition drew a diverse audience of over 100 people who filed in to view the exhibit. Many of the attendees were enthralled with the young artists’ work and stunned by the talent on display. While perusing the art pieces, the excited crowd was able to taste the culinary arts of Chef Roy C Roberts, who prepared appetizers for the event. In addition, guests were treated to performances by the breaking crew, House of Dance Twins Cities and spoken word artist, Quivale “Lady Q” Roberts.

The MNYC event allowed audience members to experience art in a way many were unaccustomed, playing to the group’s slogan, “building our community one child at a time”. Many people in attendance were heard giving glowing reviews about the displayed art. They also spoke positively about the culinary skills of the caterer, the highly energized House of Dance performance and the passions evoked by the spoken word artist. The family friendly event was a success. Children and adults of all ages were well represented and seemed more than pleased by the works of MNYC artists, community collaborators and supporters.

Dominique Pierre-Toussaint and Tracie Nelson Stanton co-founded MNYC, an outreach program designed to help youth in Minnesota communities. The program provides extracurricular activities and enrichment programs through community support to students in elementary and junior high. Although, the art club was showcased at the exhibtion, MNYC also offers additional opportunities to students including: soccer club, tennis club, track club and writing club. Clinics are provided in baseball, football, basketball and writing. The group hopes to add a cooking club with clinics in the future.

Come out and support the youth of MNYC. The art club exhibition will continue through August 30, 2015, at the Hopkins Center for the Arts.

Quivale R Roberts is a freelance writer, poet and spoken word artist in Hopkins. She can be reached at

qrobertsartworks@gmail.com.

Photography by: Kyle J. Olson (MNYC Photographer)