An installed exhibition of artwork feels natural and easy. There’s something almost self-evident about the way things are put together. Pounding some nails into the wall and setting things on pedestals just takes a minute, right?

Well, not quite.

By the time an exhibit has been arranged, installed, lit, labeled, opening-receptioned, insured, and promoted, there’s a lot of effort, time and expense invested. It would take several sales from a show to just break even for the Art Center. Therefore, we restrict the NFS option for all but our Student Show and the rare exhibit, such as with the historical quilt show.

Admittedly this policy has the potential to eliminate some choice pieces from exhibits. Certainly, there are those special, experimental, or “best” pieces that an artist won’t be ready to sell.

Why no saw-tooth picture hangers?

A saw-tooth picture hanger resting on a nailhead does not hold a picture on the wall as securely as a wire sitting in the deep crook of a picture hook. The risk of being dislodged or even knocked clear off the wall (which, sadly, has happened in our gallery) is too great. With a densely installed show, like our student or member show, a piece leaving the wall is not only in danger of being damaged, it also presents a danger to nearby pieces on its way down. Installation of artwork is a community undertaking, and we request proper hanging hardware for the sake of your work, as well as the other exhibitors.

Screw-eyes, or even better, D-rings are easily attached to the back of most frames using just a hand drill and pliers, so your work can have a hanging wire for secure presentation.

The Minnetonka Center for the Arts offers two versions of its Members’ Show (as an example), in alternate years. The Salon Show, in which all entries are accepted for exhibition, and the Juried Show, in which a pair of guest jurors, drawn from the Twin Cities arts community, selects which of the submitted pieces will be included in the show.

A juried show is a competitive event, designed for artists who would like to see how their work stands up to that of other entrants. Many artists feel that getting into a juried show improves their resume, or satisfies their desire to win approval for their work.

Who should enter a juried show?

• Artists prepared for a competitive event in which not everyone will be chosen
• Artists who will use their participation as a tool for thinking critically and tactically about making and exhibiting their art:
  • How does my work represent me?
  • Is what I’m doing with my art right for me?
  • How does my work compare to that of other artists whose work deals with a similar interest/subject/medium?
  • What could I learn that would help me improve my work?

Who decides whether or not my entry is included?

• A pair of arts professionals selected from the Twin Cities’ vibrant arts community, usually consisting of a gallerist or museum professional, and a working studio artist

How will I know if my entry was selected?

• A list of selected pieces will be posted online. If your entry is not listed, it was not selected for the show and has been set aside for you to pick up during the indicated times. If you cannot access the online listing, you may call an MCFTA registrar after the posted notification date and time to find out if your work was selected

What does it mean if my entry is not selected?

• Resist thinking the worst! Being said “no” to is a basic part of showing and selling art. It’s not the result you’re hoping for, but you can learn from it. You might realize, as you look at similar pieces that were selected for the show, that your entry could have been improved upon, but often, the selection of one piece over another is a matter of balancing the show, or the juror’s opinion
• Some categories of work are more competitive than others due to the number of entries. For example, landscapes in oil will have more competition than life-sized equestrian bronzes.

Will I be told why my entry was or was not selected?

• It’s not viable to record jurors’ comments for each entrant. The jurors will provide a general written statement about their impressions of the entries, and some comments about what they looked for in making their selections, but specific information regarding individual entries will not be available

If my entry is not selected, will I receive a refund of my entry fee?

• You will have received the service for which the entry fee was charged: your work was set out among the other entries, considered for inclusion in the exhibit, and, if not selected, held for you to pick up. The fee is a jurying fee, not a showing fee

High School Art Education Intern

Eligibility: Seniors, at least 18 years of age at the time of internship

Our History:

The Minnetonka Center for the Arts is a non-profit community based organization providing instruction in the visual arts. Founded in 1952, the Art Center has been offering community and educational access to Minnesotans throughout the western suburbs, Twin Cities, and beyond.

Our Mission:

In the belief that the visual arts are indispensable to a healthy community, it is the mission of the Minnetonka Center for the Arts to provide teaching excellence, quality exhibitions and cultural enrichment for people of all ages, interests and abilities.

Minnetonka Center for the Arts provides:

• Educational visual arts programs for all ages and abilities. Classes and workshops introduce students to the history, techniques, materials and processes of the visual arts through hands-on, interactive experiences.
• Community programs include school and organizational partnerships, children & teen classes, kids, family and multigenerational workshops, Art Center tours and private lessons.
• Summer Arts Camp provides visual arts opportunities in all media throughout the summer to children ages 5-15.
• Special Events in which members of the community can participate in visual arts activities, educational opportunities, view exhibitions and take part in artist talks and lectures.- Exhibition Spaces which exhibit art work created at the Art Center, locally and nationally.

Art Education Intern description:

The Minnetonka Center for the Arts is looking for high school interns who will work with Art Center instructors, teaching assistants and the Children & Youth Program Director to prepare and execute visual arts classes to children ages 5-15 through our educational and community programs.

Art Education Intern(s) will be expected to:

1. Assist in the preparation of materials and project examples for classes
2. Assist in the preparation, set-up, and clean-up of classrooms
3. Assist in providing high-quality instructional support to students
4. Assist in overseeing the safe use of the studio, materials, and equipment during classes

Intern requirements:

This internship is for seniors, at least 18 years of age at the time of the internship at the art center. Internships hours can take place anytime during regular Art Center hours. Students with some visual arts experience are preferred, but it is not necessary. Interns are expected to show dependability, initiative, attention to detail, and the ability to learn. Interns must also have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with others. Interns must have reliable transportation.

2019 Summer Arts Camp start and end dates:

June 10 through August 23, 2019

Camp Schedule:

Summer Arts Camp classes take place 9:00am – 4:00pm, Monday through Friday. Morning classes are 9:00-noon; LUNCH BREAK; Afternoon classes are 1:00-4:00 p.m. Classes are 3 hours long and run 1-10 days in length depending on the age group and medium.

For more info:

If you have questions or would like to schedule a visit please contact Nicole Buchholz, Children & Youth Program Director at 952-473-7361 extension 190 or email nbuchholz@minnetonkaarts.org.

High School Internship Application

Summer Arts Camp Intern

Our History:

The Minnetonka Center for the Arts is a non-profit community-based organization providing instruction in the visual arts. Founded in 1952, the Art Center has been offering community and educational access to Minnesotans throughout the western suburbs, Twin Cities, and beyond.

Our Mission:

In the belief that the visual arts are indispensable to a healthy community, it is the mission of the Minnetonka Center for the Arts to provide teaching excellence, quality exhibitions and cultural enrichment for people of all ages, interests, and abilities.

Minnetonka Center for the Arts provides:

• Educational visual arts programs for all ages and abilities.  Classes and workshops introduce students to the history, techniques, materials, and processes of the visual arts through hands-on, interactive experiences.
• Community programs include school and organizational partnerships, children & teen classes, kids, family, and multigenerational workshops, Art Center tours and private lessons.
• Summer Arts Camp provides visual arts opportunities in all media throughout the summer to children ages 5-15.
• Special Events in which members of the community can participate in visual arts activities, educational opportunities, view exhibitions and take part in artist talks and lectures.
• Exhibition Spaces which exhibit artwork created at the Art Center, locally and nationally.

Here is a sampling of the art classes offered in Summer Arts Camp 2019:

Fiber Arts * Illustration * Ceramics Wheel & Hand * Stone Carving * Drawing Skills * Printmaking * Fused Glass * Mixed Media * Watercolor and Acrylic Painting * Clay Handbuilding *Digital Photography

Internship description

The Summer Arts Camp (SAC) Intern(s) will work with the Children & Youth Program Director and SAC Instructors and Assistants to prepare and present visual arts classes to school age visitors and the community through our on-site Summer Arts Camp and off-site community programs held June-August.

SAC Intern(s) will be expected to:

1.      Assist with the day-to-day preparation for classes
2.      Assist with the instruction of classes both on- and off-site, primarily with students ages 5-15
3.      Help oversee the safe use of the studios, materials, and equipment during classes
4.      Help with a variety of art materials, create art examples, and research projects
5.      Assist with classroom projects, visiting teachers, community and special events
6.      Help promote the Minnetonka Center for the Arts to young people, adults, schools and the community
7.      Help with other projects as needed

Intern requirements

Interns must be able to commit to an average of 12-20 scheduled hours per week, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30am – 4:30pm. Interns must have visual arts skills and some teaching experience. Dependability, initiative, attention to detail, and the ability to learn are paramount. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with others are also important. Note: Interns must have reliable transportation.

Preferred qualifications

Prior experience working with young children, preferably in an art setting. We welcome interns with varied experience in the arts, from drawing to mixed media. Interns are particularly helpful for assisting with ceramics, sculpture and photography-based camps.

SAC Internship duration:

June 10 – August 23, 2019 (11 weeks)

Summer Camp Schedule:

Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 12:00pm (Morning session)
Monitored Lunch Break for all-day campers from 12:00-1:00 pm
Monday – Friday from 1:00pm – 4:00pm (Afternoon session)
Summer camp staff and interns generally work between 8:30-4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday
Occasional weekend and late afternoon hours may be available for community programs and special events.

Compensation:

Invitations to Minnetonka Center for the Arts exhibitions and special events, free parking, and the experience of being a part of a high-quality and professional Art Center.

For more info:

If you have questions please contact Nicole Buchholz, Children & Youth Program Director, at 952-473-7361, extension 190 or email nbuchholz@minnetonkaARTS.org.

Information about our organization and programming is listed on our website at www.minnetonkaARTS.org.

TO APPLY

Please submit the following to Nicole Buchholz, Children & Youth Program Director, via mail or email nbuchholz@minnetonkaarts.org:

1. Letter of interest; discussing your prior experience, reasons for applying, and skills that you may bring to this internship
2. Resume; including personal contact information, prior experience, and related skills
3. Up to 3 jpeg images; featuring your artwork/areas of art expertise (optional).

Online application available through the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits

Mail application to:

Nicole Buchholz
Children & Youth Program Director
Minnetonka Center for the Arts
2240 North Shore Drive
Wayzata, MN 55391

Or email application to nbuchholz@minnetonkaARTS.org

And that is precisely what she has done for the Minnetonka Center for the Arts.

In 2006, Ellen brought her vision for a Contemporary Abstract Painting course to the Art Center and created curriculum from her own heart, head and experience. It was the first abstract painting class embraced by the community and, for 11 years and counting, continues to fill session after session.

“What I personally love about abstract art is that it is universal. Everybody [the viewer] brings their own mind and their own experiences to a painting and makes their own decision about what it is. You’re not dictating to them that the painting is something, because the viewer is going to make their own decision what the painting’s about,” says Ellen.

Abstract work is also known as Formalism because its tools are the formal aspects of line, shape, form, tone, texture, pattern, color and composition. Ellen likens abstract painting to a dance, an ongoing push and pull of contrasts to create a cohesive balance that works.

It takes a bit of courage to let go of all realistic reference, but what transpires in its place can be exhilarating. With the tools of line, form, value, etc., abstract artists are challenged to paint in their own voice. With infinite possibilities, each painter must make decisions based on what is, or what is not, on the canvas, which is more difficult than it sounds.
Ellen’s own work continually shifts and changes, evidence that there is no fear constraining her expression or limiting her work to a predetermined style, though her ongoing interest is geometric abstraction.

“If I stopped changing my paintings, I would feel like I wasn’t growing anymore as an artist,” says Ellen. “At the end of the day, I’m painting for myself. And because I am the eternal student and am always growing, I need to have my work continue to evolve with me.” She describes her current work as gritty, making order out of chaos.

Disciplined and hardworking, Ellen paints four days a week in her studio plus teaches two days a week. Twice a year she supplies new artwork to the galleries representing her, Circa Gallery in Minneapolis and Thomas Masters Gallery in Chicago. Ellen’s paintings are featured in public collections at the Bentson Foundation, NorthMarq Companies, Deloitte, Boston Scientific, Phillips Beverage Company and eight other corporate locations.

New painters coming to Ellen’s class begin with only the primary colors of yellow, blue, red plus black and white and learn to create color. From there, it is an exciting journey as students explore making creative decisions based only on what is in front of them. There are no photographs to follow.

“It’s about thinking and the creative process. It can be very exciting intellectually,” says the Artist-Instructor. “Don’t have expectations that you’re going to make this beautiful painting. That, in and of itself, is going to set you up for failure.”

Another mantra in the classroom: It’s just paint! Ellen encourages taking risks. She encourages ugly. Students reach, stretch and try new things, knowing that if it’s bad, they can just paint over it. In fact, layers are essential to Ellen’s own painting process. Each of her creations is the culmination of 40-plus thin layers of oil paints, creating an organic and rich surface. She applies thin layer after layer, working on eight or nine canvases at a time. Sometimes wet on wet, sometimes wet on dry, almost always using a pallet knife.

Ellen effectively and generously shares her passion and lights the flame in others, yet she says sincerely, “My students taught me to teach.” As they paint, not only do students find new levels of satisfaction and fulfillment in their lives, an impressive number of Ellen’s Contemporary Abstract Painting students have launched their own successful careers as professional artists.

“There’s an illusion out there that art is for some elite group of people who are special, but art is for everybody,” says Ellen. Perhaps it’s that central belief that makes her class so popular.

You can find her bio on our Artist-Instructor page: https://minnetonkaarts.org/our-artist-instructors/

Pictured: Blow it Open by Ellen Richman