I was going to use a photo with the last of the autumnal leaves for the main image this month, and then when I woke this morning, made a quick revision. The snow is here!
Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends, family, warmth and happiness.
Give to the Max 2022 - November 17th, 2022
It’s our big annual fundraising time again, and this year, we need your help as we continue to regain ground after Covid. Despite our space being donated, it’s difficult to manage. Our utilities and other operating costs continue to rise. We’ve tried to keep our costs at the same levels for artists, but that is becoming more difficult to sustain. More on that later in the newsletter.
See please consider donating to our cause this Thursday, November 17th.
We are asking for $8,000 this year and already have just under $3,000 in an anonymous match and other pledges. We have some giveaways this year, so please read the options on giving this year!
If you, or your workplace, would like to be a matching donor on November 17th, please let Lise Spence-Parsons know. We can accept matches up to the end of 11/16/22.
Youth Classes
Our youth classes are doing well with a wonderful Sunday afternoon series with Kristina Makousky, called Little Makers. Each week is a different theme and the young ones (3 -5 years old) can attend with a parent and go home with an art project.
We also have a fun class for children aged 12+ with Natalie Anderson - Tiny Art Holiday Tree.
Festive Holiday Ornaments with Kris Holtmeyer has a few spots left for 10-16 years olds.
We also have a two elementary art classes with Anwesha Guha open for registration.
Adult Classes
The adult classes also still have some temping classes available.
We have two online classes with Tess Georgakopoulos, you just register and then stay home and bake along with her via video link. Super fun!
The other fun class we have in the run-up to Christmas is the ever popular Paint and Sip class with Barbara Lance Alldaffer. That would be super fun before or after a dinner treat with friends. Book now!
We are always looking for more art teachers, and our Education Director, Kris Holtmeyer, would love to hear from you!
Our Next Shows - Tiny Art Show & 2023 Schedule
The Tiny Art Show is something new and exciting for Maple Grove Arts. The show is now up and our opening is Thursday November 17th, 6:30pm - 9:000pm.
The schedule for 2023 is now pretty solid and you can see it here. We have some new themes and some old ones in the mix. Be sure to check it out! We are looking for sponsors for these shows, either a corporate sponsorship or personal donation. If interested, please contact Lise Spence-Parsons.
Business of Art
The Business of Art is now into the 4th Qtr. for 2022! We have some great art and artists included in our programming. Be sure to check out all the venues.
You see all the art we have available by artist and location here! All pieces are available for purchase online.
We are always looking for new businesses to host art. So, if you are a new business in Maple Grove and you want to play with the cool kids in town and brighten your walls, please contact Natalie Anderson, our Business of Art Director.
Open Now! - New Handmade Boutique Space
We named the boutique “Grove Art Originals” It has a dedicated space in a side room at the Center. It’s open whenever we have the volunteers to open the doors. We are adding more art each day to increase the variety.
If you are interested in finding out more from either a buyer or seller standpoint, please check out this page on our website.
Arty Fun Birthday Parties
We also partner with another local organization to host kids’ party parties at the Arts Center. Please contact with Lisa Van Wyk to arrange the details!
Meet the Volunteers at Maple Grove Arts Center
Last month you “met” Tesla. This month our feature is Lise Spence-Parsons.
Lise Spence-Parsons
President & Treasurer
Lise Spence-Parsons, a Brit ex-pat, has lived in Maple Grove since 2003. She comes from an artistic family going back many generations. Before relocating to Minnesota in 2002, she worked in London as an accountant in the advertising world.
She owns Lottie’s Trinkets, a handmade jewelry business, since 2005. She has also authored two collections of short stories and is currently working on the first draft of a full length novel. Her other loves include watercolor painting and biking around Maple Grove’s trail system.
Advocacy Price Increase
Following a board meeting, it was reluctantly decided that we need to increase our annual advovacy in line with other centers around the metro area, to help with rising costs.
The fee will be increasing to $50 from $45 on January 1st, 2023. We still feel that this gives artists and art patrons many benefits that outweigh the costs. You can see more about what we do offer here.
The cost will be held at $45 until end of the year and you can even be “gifted” with one, if you donate $100 or more in Give to the Max this year.
Want to Get More Involved?
We are always looking for more volunteers and have a page here that details specific opportunities we have available.
We are actively looking for a Gallery Assistant to help with 7-8 shows per year Check that out here!
Maple Grove Arts Center is a 501c3 organization and we rely on donations to keep going. We are staffed entirely by volunteers.