the arts

We believe art is a tool for social change. Art can and has changed lives! Unfortunately, not everyone feels welcome or included in traditional art spaces. We provide opportunities for people from various walks of life to engage with the visual arts, including bringing art to people. We support the creating, exhibiting, and selling of artwork to benefit our projects and artists. We believe it's vital to listen to those who are othered, marginalized, and over-looked, and use our privilege to create spaces and opportunities through our access points.

Watch ART CREATED BY Student arTISTS

Teaching artist residencies

Sarah Drake is a teaching artist with 10 years experience. She works with all ages and abilities, with a specialty of reaching marginalized groups, to create a unique and safe learning experience. Although she is strictly an author and collagist now, Sarah teaches using paper, paint, and mixed media in creating. Contact us to create your customized residency!

Kaye Tintana Cross-Cultural Collaboration Project

We want to encourage and increase artists' skills and cultural experiences. Still in development, this partnership between Burkinabé and Americans will allow artists to share art and culture. The project name is after the artist in Tiébélé, who inspired Sarah's artistic endeavors.

Dexter R. Stanton MLK Art & Essay Contest

Dexter asked Sarah to facilitate this contest at its founding in 2014. As funding is available, Sarah also leads students in an artist residency to create art for the contest. We serve as the fiscal agent for the award funds and on the planning committee. Join us for the MLK Community Celebration.

Mentorship

We provide mentorship for artists of color in the St Cloud area.  Mentoring, learning, and network opportunities allow artists to build their portfolios, confidence, and networks to exhibit and sell their artwork. By connecting those who are marginalized with the desired information and an opportunity to network with those who have knowledge and opportunities, artists of color become more visible, active, and welcomed in the St Cloud art scene.

art exhibitions

Do you have a space that can house artwork? Are you an artist that needs space to exhibit your artwork? We help spaces and artists meet! We currently manage the Falcon National Bank art gallery and assist the coordination of the St Cloud Art Crawl.

Art award

The Salifoura Harmony Social Justice Art Award honors Sarah’s friend from Burkina Faso, who has passed. The award is for artists in USA & Burkina Faso who use art to discuss social topics, just as Salifoura did in his work.

2018 winners: Eve & Gary Wallinga