The Current

Upstream Arts News
March 2015  

Welcome, New Subscribers! 
We hope you'll enjoy this monthly update on our work, events, ways to get involved, and more. We only include highlights here, so be sure to visit our website to learn more about our multidisciplinary arts programs for people with disabilities at every stage of life.

Plan to Party on May 11!
Our 2nd Annual Meeting and Fundraiser will happen at Bloomington Center for the Arts on Monday, May 11 from 6-9pm, and we want you there! Art, performances, food… plus this FREE and FAMILY-FRIENDLY event will include an early peek at plans for our 10th Anniversary. Click here to learn more.

Arts on Chicago is Back
Thanks to support from VSA Minnesota, Arts on Chicago is presenting two creative placemaking projects by artists who have disabilities or are working with and/or alongside individuals with disabilities this spring! Click here to read more on the Upstream Arts blog.

Join the Conversation 
In May 2014, we launched our disability is not a four-letter word campaign to generate artistic reflection and public conversation about stigma associated with disability.
Each month, we're sharing a related video or article. We invite you to respond by sharing thoughts via email, our blog, Facebook, Twitter, or in any creative form you like!
This month, we're super excited about We Are Lions, a fundraising platform for artists with "disABILITIES" that also employs adults with disabilities in the processing of orders. Their vision, as shared in this post on Disability.Blog, is so inspiring. Have a read, then let us know what you think.
Click here to check out our growing archive of resources.
Dear Friend, 
Happy official spring! This month, we're excited to share with you:
  • A poem from The Art of Me at Opportunity Partners
  • A TV interview featuring Upstream Arts Executive Director Julie Guidry 
  • An awesome kindred group that supports artists with disabilities
  • Updates from Arts on Chicago
  • Recent gifts and our current funding gap
And of course, that list only scratches the surface of what's happening right now. Read on, enjoy, and always keep tabs on our website and social media for more. We're so grateful to have you in our community.
Julie, Matt, Bree, and everyone at Upstream Arts
Upstream Arts participant at Opportunity Partners
The Art of Me participant Murry enjoying a movement activity at Opportunity Partners
The Art of Me at Opportunity Partners
Last month, we launched two new The Art of Me programs for adults with disabilities at Opportunity Partners. 
The Art of Me focuses on self-expression and artistic collaboration, always culminating in a public performance and/or art exhibition.
While only halfway through the programs, participants already are generating amazing work, like this poem written in collaboration with Upstream Arts Teaching Artists:
I'm a boss I'm a person a creator
Of whatever makes me happy...it's an art.
A plain man, a bowler who gets nervous 
When presenting - take a breath. Make a start.
A tiger black and orange on an antelope hunt,
A princess who's a ruler of the world.
If I was back on my feet I'd be dancing
Like a dog or a puppycat who shook it till he twirled.
I wish I could walk, sing, cook or fly
To my family - see the Whole...
Passionate. Exotic. A real cool guy.
Successful scared achiever on a roll
Yes YES WOW... to my Yellow Sun Goal.
This edition of The Art of Me will feature two FREE public performances and tandem photography exhibit on April 30 and May 1 (6pm both nights) at Opportunity Partners. Click here to learn more on the Upstream Arts blog.
Julie Guidry on TODAY TMJ4's Live at Noon
Julie Guidry on set with Vince Vitrano
Upstream Arts in the News
In case you missed it: Last month, Upstream Arts Executive Director Julie Guidry was featured on several morning news TV spots, talking about our exciting partnership with the Harry and Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center in Milwaukee! Click here to watch Julie's full interview on TODAY TMJ4 Live at Noon with Vince Vitrano right now.
These appearances coincided with our February offerings of The Art of Social Skills and The Art of Access at the Milwaukee JCC, both of which were jam-packed with extraordinary participants and loads of fun. Click here to learn more about our work with the Milwaukee JCC on the Upstream Arts blog. 
Upstream Arts participants and teaching artists at Opportunity Partners
Upstream Arts Teaching Artists and participants rehearsing The Art of Me at Opportunity Partners
Gratitude and the Work Ahead
Huge thanks to Paul Brown (in honor of Henry Brown), Marilyn Mounger, and two anonymous supporters for recent gifts! 
Right now, our funding gap is $20,118. That's how much we need to raise before the end of our fiscal year on June 30 to meet our fundraising goals. Will you invest in our work with a gift of $100 this month? Your support brings programs like The Art of Me, The Art of Social Skills, and The Art of Access to more people of all abilities at every stage of life. Click here to make a tax-deductible gift today, We're so grateful for your partnership!
Upstream Arts on GiveMN
Upstream Arts | 3501 Chicago Ave S | Minneapolis, MN 55407 | 612.331.4584 
www.upstreamarts.org
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