| Hello, New Subscribers!
We hope you'll enjoy this monthly update on all things Upstream Arts. We only include highlights here, so be sure to keep tabs on our website to learn more about our arts programming for people with disabilities at every stage of life, plus public events and opportunities.
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Save the Date: Moth StorySLAM - Feb. 28
We are thrilled to announce our upcoming partnership with The Moth, an acclaimed non profit that works to promote the art and craft of storytelling. Known best for their national podcast, The Moth also hosts monthly StorySLAMs in which the local community tells stories.
Upstream Arts will be the special guests at the February 28 slam at The Amsterdam in St. Paul. Our community members can put their name in the drawing to have a chance to share their story live onstage. Come support the powerful act of storytelling and the brave folks who share!
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Join the Conversation
Each month in this corner, we share resources related to our ongoing campaign to generate artistic reflection and public conversation about stigma associated with disability. This month we are sharing a beautiful essay from Chris Martin, of Unrestricted Interest, titled "The Surprising Link Between Autism, Gender, and Courteney Cox." Through the poems of a young man he worked with, Martin explores themes of authentic selves, redefinition of gender norms, and neurodiversity. Click here to read the full essay.
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Dear Friend,
We're looking forward to a winter full of opportunities, with classes, events and more! In this issue of The Current, you'll find - - Registration for Upstream Arts' Art of Social Skills classes this January, February and March,
- Save the date for The Moth StorySLAM in February,
- Gratitude and and update on the progress of our fall fund appeal, and
- A fascinating and poetic article from our friends at Unrestricted Interest shared as part of our Disability is not a 4-letter word campaign.
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Upstream Arts Participant and Teaching Artist during class. Photo by Matt Guidry | |
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Registration Open for Evening and Weekend Classes
Registration has begun for six Upstream Arts classes happening in three different locations this winter. These classes are open to the public and run for 8 weeks each. The Art of Social Skills program introduces participants to the fundamentals of multiple artistic disciplines while using arts learning to develop vital social skills, practice advocacy, and expand voice and choice.
Upstream Arts will bring classes to Pillsbury House Community Center in Minneapolis starting in January, to Artistry in Bloomington starting in February, and to The Show Gallery in St. Paul starting in March. Open to individuals with disabilities ages 18 and older.
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Upstream Arts Participants and Teaching Artist. Photo by Matt Guidry. | |
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| Gratitude & The Work Ahead THANK YOU to our remarkable community for investing in our work and starting our Fall Fund Appeal with enthusiasm. With your generosity, we are now $10,000 closer to our goal of raising $30,000 this winter! If everyone reading this email gave $10 today, we would surpass our goal immediately.Will you be one of 10 super-supporters to contribute $100 and help us reach our goal by the end of December? Click here to give online. You can also call (612) 331-4584 to donate by phone or mail a check to Upstream Arts, 3501 Chicago Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407. Together, we are moving upstream. Thanks for all that you do!
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