Arts in Harmony Deadline to Enter Dec 5, 2008

Take advantage of this opportunity to enter your art in a National Juried Art Show in Elk River, Minnesota! Artist Deadline to enter is December 5, 2008!

For the past thirteen years the Elk River Area Arts Alliance has brought a national juried art show, Arts in Harmony, directly to your community. Sponsored by the Central Minnesota Arts Board, local businesses, and the Elk River Area Arts Alliance, the show is a cumulation of some of the areas best art in harmony with works from many U.S. states and occasionally art created by international artists. Last year artists from twenty-four different states entered 668 pieces of art representing 144 artists. It is a juried show with $9,700 in prize money given out last year.

The Sherburne County Government Center, located two miles west of downtown at 13880 U.S, Highway 10, has been housing the show since it’s inception. With ample space for hanging up to 155 pieces of art and display space for an addition 20-40 three dimensional pieces it’s an ideal place to showcase the works.

From February 9 to March 27 the exhibition will be open to the public from 8 A.M.-4:30 P.M. A reception and award ceremony to kick off the event will be Sunday, February, 15, from 1 P.M.-3:30 P.M. Everyone is invited! This is a time to interact with art and artists, free to all, with refreshments provided.

The deadline for artists to enter the show is December 5, 2008. An entry form with guidelines can be printed from the Arts Alliance website at http://www.elkriverart.org/ or you can call 763-441-4725 or email to info@elkriverart.org Entries can be made by digital images, slides, or photographs. The show is open to all living artists. Works must be original. Media includes paintings, drawings, digital and hand-pulled prints, mixed media, fiber, batik, photography, ceramics, glass, and sculpture. Jurors for this years show are Lance Killand, a professor at North Hennepin Community College and Bob Toensing, also a college professor from Anoka-Ramsey Community College.

The Arts in Harmony National Juried Exhibition brings together arts, artists, and community. This is an enormous accomplishment for a small community as well as a rare opportunity for area artists to enter a national juried show without shipping and travel. If you’re an art lover it is also a chance to enjoy a world-class art exhibit brought right to you.
The Elk River Area Arts Alliance is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Award sponsorships from businesses are encouraged and appreciated. Memberships are available. ERAAA has numerous exhibits throughout the year both at its downtown gallery as well as at the Government Center. It also produces Art Soup, a grand biannual celebration of the arts, classes, concerts, and more. Check out the website at www.elkriverart.org or call for more info at 763-441-4725.

Entertainment at the Holiday Art Show

The Arts Alliance Gallery is overflowing with one of a kind pieces of art for sale. Each Thursday night a different Artist will be showcased at an open house in the Gallery and the Gallery will stay open until 8PM.

The following artists will be providing entertainment for us during our Holiday Show at the Arts Alliance Gallery.

Nov. 13, Thursday, 5:30 - 8pm, Stephen Hodder, glass artist and guitarist from Princeton will provide background music for shopping.
Nov. 15, Saturday, 1:00 - 3:00pm, Ryan Knutson, a 12-year old guitarist from Clearwater will play. Ryan is a 7th grade student at St. Cloud Christian School, and has been playing guitar for 4 1/2 years.
Nov. 20, Thursday, between 5:30 - 7:30pm, Melia Willoughby of Elk River, will entertain with Harp melodies. Melia is a 14-year old student at Salk Middle School, and studies harp with Emile Gerard.
Nov. 22, Saturday, 1:00 - 2:00pm Story Time with Shawn McCann, illustrator of children's books and painter. His most recent book is _The Sick Bug_, written by Susie Bazil.
Dec. 4, Thursday, 5:30 - 8:00pm, Stephen Hodder will provide us with music on his guitar.
Dec. 11, Thursday, 6:00 - 8:00pm, "Mississippi Mud", a guitar trio from Elk River will entertain us with all original songs. Members are Darrell Peterson, Paul Donaldson and Gordy Moldenhaur.
Dec. 13, Saturday, 1:00-2:00pm "Holiday Songs on the Harp" arranged and performed by Jean Bostrum
Dec. 18, Thursday, 4:00 - 5:00pm, Story Time with Shawn McCann.

The public is invited to join in on the fun every Thursday evening, 4-8pm, during our Holiday Show receptions at the Arts Alliance Gallery, 716 Main Street, Elk River. For more information call the Gallery at 763 441-4725.

ARTS ALLIANCE LAUNCHES NEW SERIES OF DRAWING, PAINTING CLASSES

Moving in a bold new direction which maximizes the use of its home classroom and gallery space, the Arts Alliance will launch a dynamic series of drawing and painting classes in November, including instruction for students as young as 7 and continuing through adults.

The first offerings, designed primarily for home schooling families, will be offered weekday mornings beginning November 5 and will conclude December 11. Jessica Henry Davis, the series instructor, says,” I have spent six years developing this program of classes and have seen great results in the students that have gone through it. As a home schooling mom, I know quite well the need for a great art program. The methods that I use, geared to students beginning with little or no artistic experience, are designed to take them through several years of progress to prepare them for truly enriching artistic futures in classical fine art.” This exciting, high-energy series is open to the general public as well, however.

The program focuses on classical art traditions that Henry Davis has honed to the needs of several age and skill levels. It includes, for example, beginning drawing instruction for students aged from 7 to 15 years of age while other courses range all the way to advanced painting for students 16 through adults. Her watercolor class features methods employed by Victorian masters such as Blanche Fisher Wright, illustrator of Mother Goose tales and Beatrix Potter, author and illustrator of the Peter Rabbit stories. Courses may be taken as single experiences or may continue over a longer period of time throughout the year.

The Arts Alliance welcomes Henry Davis and her family back to the area and is pleased to introduce her fine work and experienced teaching to the area. She was raised here and trained in Elk River at the Schroeder Studio and at Atelier LeSueur. She has taken master painting classes with David Leffel, Wanda Kemper, and Skip Whitcomb and has studied sculpture with George Carlson and drawing with Sam Savatt. Her work has been featured on WCCO in Minneapolis and KPDQ in Portland, Oregon. She has taught in Wayzata, Minnetonka, and Elk River as well as at Master’s School of Art and Providence Academy in Oregon.

Detailed information regarding the drawing and painting series is available at the Arts Alliance office Thursdays through Saturdays from 12 to 5 PM at 716 Main Street, Elk River or by phone at 763-441-4725. Link to Class List and Online Registration.

Continental Ballet Brings Coppelia to Elk River

Continental Ballet
Sunday, October 12, 2008
3PM
Zabee Theater Elk River

Take advantage of this opportunity to attend the Ballet Coppelia with your family and friends in the Zabee Theater. Back by popular demand, the Continental Ballet will delight you with their artistry and dance. Tickets are available in advance at the Arts Alliance Gallery 716 Main Street in Beautiful Downtown Elk River and by calling 763-441-4725.
Tickets will be available at the door. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for ERAAA members and seniors 65+, and $6 for students up to age 18. Family Packs for 2 adults and a child are $30, additional child with family pack is $5. Group Rates are available for groups of 10 or more.

Tonic Sol Fa Coming to Elk River

Tonic Sol Fa, a nationally known a cappella group, will kick off its holiday tour right here in Elk River! Join us as we celebrate a night of music and fun with a group of Minnesota's own rising you talents. Perfect for all ages!

Friday, November 21, 2008
7pm (doors open at 6pm)
Zabee Theater in Elk River High School
children/students $17 Adults $22 *A portion of the ticket proceeds goes directly to arts programming at Elk River High!

Tickets available at:
www.tonicsolfa.com (accepts credit cards)
Coborns 763 441-1400
Arts Alliance Gallery 763 441-4725
ERHS 763 241-3434

Interested in Performing Your Art?

We are looking for people who like to perform and are looking for a venue to perform or share their art in a small intimate environment. The Arts Alliance has space for music, theater, comedy, poetry reading and gathering to discuss Art in the Arts Alliance Gallery at 716 Main Street in Elk River. We are forming a committee of people who are interesting in developing a plan to schedule and oversee events in the Gallery Space. Contact the Arts Alliance Gallery for more information. 763-441-4725 or email webmaster@elkriverart.org

Seeking Artists for Art Sale

Union Congregational Church in Elk River seeks artists to participate in a fundraising art sale. Space is free and 20% of all sales will be collected to help fund youth service and fellowship activities (with the exception of South African bead art sales from ArtAidsArt)*
*This year, we are featuring Bead Art from ArtAidsArt; a non-profit group providing sustainable income to South African Artists. For more information visit http://www.artaidsart.org/

Art Sale Details
*When*: Saturday, December 6, 2008
*Where*: Union Congregational Church
1118 4th Street
Elk River, MN.
*Time*: 10 am to 3 pm

*To register and reserve display space contact*: Marcie Babcock @ 763-441-7220 or 612-202-1040, or email youse123@aol.com

Two Art Shows to Enjoy

Harvey Shroeder's Students Show is currently on display at the Sherburne County Government Center. It will Run until June 19th. There are 22 artists displaying 82 paintings. The following link will take you to a Star News Article about the show http://erstarnews.com/content/view/3258/64/. Bruce Strand's description of this painting: "I call it "Kitty's Pillow," because this cat, whom I had for 18 years (died 2 years ago)liked to nestle his noggin into the palm of my left hand whenever it was available." Harvey is a great teacher. Make sure to check out this show.

Spring Thaw is an Exhibit that is at the Arts Alliance Gallery 716 Main Street in Downtown Elk River. The opening reception will be held on Thursday, June 5 from 4 to 8PM. Spring Thaw is a show of watercolors and clay and will run through July 5th. The Show features Judith Meyeraan, Eleanor Johnson, Kimberly Pietzrak, Mae Spencer and Deb Vandereyk. For more information go to http://www.elkriverart.org/

Art Soup 2009. Are you interested in being on the planning committee for ArtSoup June 2009? We are going to be forming a committee soon. Email the arts alliance at info@eraaa.org and we will add your name to the list.

Old Minnesota Song of the North Comes to Elk River

Minnesota History will be brought to life at the Zabee Theater on Tuesday May 13th when the Arts Alliance Old Minnesota Song of the North will be performed by Warren Nelson and the Big Top Chautauqua Band. There will be a 55 minute performance at 10AM and 1PM for students (others will be admitted to these show also if tickets are still available call 441-4725) and the full performance will take place at 7:30PM. Buy tickets to the 7:30 show on-line at Elkriverart.org and at Coborns in Elk River, Ramsey and Albertville, Elk River Activity Center, Luna Blue in Rogers, Rise N Shine Deli in Zimmerman, Sherburne County History Center and Kemper Drug.

The Arts Alliance and the Star News are sponsoring a Minnesota Sesquicentennial Art and Writing Contest for Students, Grades 5 to 12. Participants can win tickets for themselves and their families to the evening performance of the Old Minnesota Performance. Students work will be exhibited in ERAAA Gallery in August. Entry Deadline is May 7, 2008. Entry forms and ideas to stimulate creativity are available at the Arts Alliance website http://www.elkriverart.org/

Stop into our new offices at 716 Main Street. Enjoy viewing the creativity of artists who live in our community. The gallery space is open from 12 to 6PM Thursday and Friday, and from 12 to 5 on Saturday.

Get Things You Need and Support the Arts Alliance

As you hopefully know by know the RSVP deadline for the Arts Alliance's "Heart of the Arts Gala" on April 24 at the Wellstead of Rogers is April 15. Remember to call the Arts Alliance at 763-441-4725 to RSVP. $45 of the ticket price is tax deductible and you receive the opportunity to bid on many great silent and live auction items. Lots of friends of the Arts Alliance have donated valuable items for us to auction off and for you to enjoy. Some of the items available at the silent auction will be: Twins Tickets, Saints Tickets, Guthrie Tickets, Lyric Arts Tickets, Wine Packages, Spice Baskets, Jewelry, Art Work, Lorie Line Tickets, Massages, Restaurant Gift Certificates, Italian Women's Belts, Coffee Baskets, Sunglasses, Burts Bees Products, Salon Services and more. The live auction will feature birthday parties with the police and fire departments, lunch and a studio tour with Bill Hudson from WCCO, A weekend vacation on Gull Lake, A guided fishing trip and much more.
Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy time with your friends while you support the Arts Alliance.

Dear Friend of the Arts,
You are invited to the Elk River Area Arts Alliance Third Annual Heart of the Arts Gala on Thursday, April 24th at the Wellstead of Rogers. We hope that you will be able to join us for a very entertaining evening! The theme is April in Paris and it is going to really feel like Paris! We have lot's of great auction items coming in, and a lovely menu planned. You can enjoy visiting with your friends and experiencing ART in its many forms from 6 PM to 7:30 PM followed by a French inspired dinner. Information about the Gala is on our website www.elkriverart.org and we will be adding to it regularly. Tickets are $75 each. ($40 of that is a tax deductible contribution!) We are looking for table hosts who would like to decorate their table in the theme of a French Artist. Table sponsorships are still available at $1000.

Arts are essential to the health of our Community. This is the Arts Alliances primary fundraiser so come join the fun while you help support the Arts!
RSVP to the Arts Alliance 763-441-4725 by April 15, 2008.

Looking for Artists & Musicians

The opening night reception for the Grand Opening Member show was a great success! Good food - Thanks to Chipolte and Diamond City Bread. Good music- Thanks to Manny and Deb and The White Elks Jazz Group. The food and music are gone, but the ART is still there for you to see. Much of it is for sale. The Gallery space is open from 12 to 6PM Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The Heart of the Arts Gala is fast approaching on April 24th at the Wellstead of Rogers. This is a great time to mingle, be entertained, check out lots of cool silent and live auction items and support the Arts Alliance. This is our major fundraiser for the year and helps us to continue offering quality Arts Experiences close to home and at affordable prices. Also, if you are an artist and would like to display your art for sale at the Gala, you must bring it or pictures of it to 716 Main Street by March 31st to be juried.

Rockwoods Grill in Otsego is starting an open mic night and is looking for musicians interested in performing there. Give them a call if you are interested!

Have you ever wanted to teach a class or are you currently offering classes. We are starting a list of Arts Alliance members who are interested in teaching classes - whether you are a visual artist, a musician, a singer, a poet, a playwright or a novelist we want you! Please call 763-441-4725 or send an email to elkriverart@sherbtel.net

Join us for the fun March 8th!

A huge evening to celebrate the arts is being planned for March 8, beginning from 5 to 7 PM. This event will be the debut of our new storefront facility at 716 Main St, downtown Elk River and we are very excited about our new, roomy location! We intend to liven up the "art scene" in Elk River and we need your
participation.

Arts Alliance members will be having a show of their original art on March 8 which will be a feast for the eyes. In addition, on the menu will be burritos from Chipotle, delicious breads from Diamond City, and coffees from Caribou among other treats. Visitors can also enter drawings for prizes and will also be treated to live music by Manny & Debbie as well as ER High School student, Tyler Babneau and his small jazz/alternative group.

Come and meet your local artists and view our new location; we will be an active participant in the downtown excitement and YOU need to see firsthand what's going on here! We want you to know all about us; we want to meet you and hope you will plan on visiting often to be aware of what's new at 716 Main: rotating art displays, artists' gatherings and talks, musical ensembles, workshops, writers' groups...what would YOU like to see and hear? Give us your requests; your participation and suggestions are a very important part of this happening! We thrive with our memberships and volunteers so YOUR in put is very valuable.

After the visual arts festivities, we hope that you'll join us for the sensational Japanese Drumming Ensemble, MU DAIKO, at the 780 seat Zabee Theater, Elk River High School at 7:30 PM. This will be a fabulous evening for the arts and it's only the beginning! Come and help make it a success!

Finally, the Arts Alliance wishes everyone to know that we are greatly indebted to our community partners and, in particular, to the City of Elk River for their outstanding support of these efforts. Without all of you, none of this would be possible, and art experiences are more important now than ever in these months of cloudy national forecasts and the never-ending cold of the Minnesota winter!

Play the Drums with Mu Daiko - Drumming Workshop

Would you like to experience what it is like to perform taiko drumming? Join 20 participants from 4:30 to 5:30PM March 8 at Zabee Theater in a workshop provided by the Mu Daiko performers. You will learn the basic forms and stances of taiko drumming along with a few basic rhythms from the song, Matsuri. Participants will take part in warm up stretches, hitting the drums and playing the rhythms. The workshop is available for ages 10 through adult and is $15 per person. Call the Arts Alliance Office to sign up at 763-441-4725. Allow the rhythm and movement of taiko drumming to sweep you away.

Grand Opening Member Show March 8, 2008

Are you interested in seeing your art hanging in the New Arts Alliance location in Beautiful Downtown Elk River? We are having a members show starting on March 8th. We will be having a grand opening reception that evening in the gallery space from 5pm to 7pm prior to the Mu Daiko performance. Information is available on our website at http://elkriverart.org/grandopeningshow.asp. We are also starting a list of artists who are interested in holding their own shows in the gallery. If you are an artist and would like to be included in our member artist link on our website please email webmaster@elkriverart.org

Moving to 716 Main Street - Do you want to help?

The Arts Alliance Move to our new location at 716 Main Street in Beautiful Downtown Elk River is on. When we answer the phones on February 19th we will be in our new location. We are looking forward to being in a location where it is easy for people to stop in, appreciate the art that will be hanging in the gallery and ask about classes and other activities being offered by the Arts Alliance.
We are looking for volunteers to help us with the move - transporting boxes from the old location to the new. Please call the arts alliance office at 441-4725 if you can help!

Waybacks

Wow! if you missed the Waybacks Performance on Saturday night (2-9-08) make sure that you visit their website http://www.waybacks.com/ in March when their new CD will be released. They were all exceptionally good musicians. Many of the songs that they played were written by the band members. The violinist was the best I have ever heard in a blue grass band 0r anywhere for that matter. They entertained us with a variety of music styles. Their music was tight and energetic and everyone left with a smile on their face and plans to buy their new CD when it is released!

Many Good Things Happening

We are very excited to bring the Waybacks to Zabee Theater on February 9, 2008 at 7:30. We have been getting requests for tickets from all over the Twin Cities area. One gentleman said that he had heard them before, that they were one of the best bands he had ever heard and that the musicians themselves are very accomplished musicians. He is coming from Minneapolis to hear them play again. There are still tickets available. You can order them on our website directly or can view the locations selling tickets. Rockwoods Grill in Otsego has offered ticket buyers an opportunity to save $5.00 off their total dinner check the evening of the performance if you show them your ticket. They are also selling tickets there that will offer you a $5.00 discount off regular adult ticket price with a dinner purchase. (Remember, Valentines day is just around the corner – this is a great opportunity to celebrate early).

We are also very excited to be moving downtown Elk River. Plans are being made for an opening reception on March 8th from 5 to 7 in the new space (Before the Mu Daiko Performance at the Zabee that evening). Many volunteers are working hard to get a members show up and running in the Gallery space at the new location. If you are an Arts Alliance member (or you become one) and are interested in helping or having your art displayed in the Gallery, send an email to elkriverart@sherbtel.net or call 763-441-4725.

The Arts in Harmony Exhibit opens on Feb 4 at the Sherburne County Government Center. Thank you to Dave Beauvais and all the other people on the exhibitions committee for bringing us another incredible show! The opening reception is Sunday, February 10, 2008 from 1 to 3:30. Everyone is invited to come and meet the artists, see their art and see the prizes being awarded. Light refreshments will be served.

As many of you know, Patrick Grace our executive director, resigned the end of December. Our Board Chair David Raymond has been volunteering much of his time in the office and many others on the board have been volunteering much of their free time working to keep things running smoothly. If you have time to help out let us know – we will be very appreciative. We are definitely a volunteer run organization right now – let us know what you like to do and how you would like to help the Arts Alliance provide quality arts experiences in our community.