Support Your Local Artists

Recently the Maple Grove Arts Center presented to the Maple Grove City Council an overview of the arts center board of directors and programs; a council member suggested the presentation. We were given about eight minutes to present—whew, it went by fast.

We can’t assume that every one is going to know what we are all about or why art is so important to our community. Many city officials asked why should there be two or more non-profit groups doing art activities or art events—my response is more power to the arts!  

So, what is the role of fine arts organizations in our community? Community arts programs and events are for both the artists and the public to enjoy. It is freedom of expression and gives us a sense of place. 

Diminishing arts education in our public schools is leaving our youth with a huge arts development gap. Art serves as a stimulant for the brain to function mathematically, develop imagination, critical thinking for solving problems, and it refines cognitive and creative skills.  

The intrinsic benefits are that art enhances life; it builds and bonds communities, and bridges differences. Studies show that art can revive communities with economic growth and having a destination arts center helps by bringing customers to businesses. 

Having an arts center provides classes at the center and in the public schools.  Without experienced art teachers in our schools, teachers are burdened with having to teach art that they may not have been formally trained to teach.  Having experienced artists teach public school students is a benefit to the teacher and the student.  The arts center donates artist’s time to teaching in the elementary schools.

The arts center provides a space to work and display art. Classes at the center are for all age groups. There are many classes for children, so check out our website: maplegroveartscenter.org. Display is very important because the art subject and expression are there for all skill levels and abilities for the public to see—this is community art. 

Maple Grove Arts Center events:

The Black & White Show is coming to an end. Mathew Scherfenberg's Mega Volt nude Gilclee print, studio flash photograph, with high voltage static electricity was judged Best in Show.Deanne Rohlf-Brindamour's untitled black and white wash of a bridge and landscape placed second.  Show ends this week.

Don’t miss the 99 Paintings on the Wall show and fundraiser. Artists are asked to donate a 1-foot x 1-foot painting, drawing or sculpture to help raise money for the arts center. The art will sell for $99 each, a great price for art collectors or first time art buyers! This is a juried show. The top three pieces of art donated will be featured on our website and prints will be made to further the fundraising of the arts center. There is still time to donate art to this fundraising show. The show reception is at the Maple Grove Arts Center on Friday, Sept. 23, 6 p.m until 10 p.m.  Enjoy wine, food and music. 

Calling all artists:  The Monster Art Show!

Here’s a chance to show off your best monster art! The show is Friday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. The Monster Art Show is also a costume party and the best costumes will win a prize! 

Finally, community as much as we (artists) think you need us, we really need you. Please volunteer! There are many volunteer opportunities at the arts center. Let us know what you would like to do!