FREE ARTS ENEWSLETTER may 2010

news

Free Arts Minnesota Hires New Executive Director
Executive Director Dan Thomas
Please join us in welcoming the new executive director of Free Arts Minnesota, Dan Thomas. An experienced nonprofit leader and published poet, Dan worked most recently as a media consultant and as chief operating officer at Twin Cities Public Television (TPT).

Thomas said, “I’m incredibly pleased to be leading this outstanding organization. The dedication of its staff, board, volunteers and donors is inspiring. And, I’m glad to be able to combine my lifelong interest in the arts with my desire to make a real difference in our community. Because of the pressure brought to bear on families by the weak economy and job market, there is more need than ever for the good work that Free Arts does.My first priority as executive director will be to create a stable foundation that will enable Free Arts to reach out to even more kids.”

Read more about Thomas >>

SPECIAL THANKS

"Thank You" to these individuals & businesses:
Mosaic Company for sponsoring the "How Does Your Garden Grow?" Free Arts Day.

Brownie Troop #14028 for raising funds and collecting art supplies with their cookie sales money.

Debbie Tonkin and her Creative Memories club for donating art supplies.

Dan Norrick and First Congregational United for hosting an awareness raising presentation.

The Volunteer Program Committee for arranging and sponsoring the Weekly Mentorship appreciation potluck.

Everyone who attended the Art on Tap happy hour, you helped raise over $1,000 for Free Arts programs!

Since no child or nonprofit partner facility pays a fee for our services, donated materials are crucial to the success of our mentorship programming. Want to donate supplies? Click here to see our Wish List.

PROGRAM UPDATE

"How Does Your Garden Grow?"
Free Arts Day Recap

Over 30 youth were paired with adult mentors at Northside Child Development Center to create garden-inspired art. Youth created seed art, painted garden signs, planted flowers and more before sharing lunch and ending the day with an amazing interactive performance of Taiko Drumming.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

The day was filled with art, laughter and pizza. When it was time for mentors to say goodbye to their art pals, memories form the day were shared and hugs were abound. We asked the kids what their favorite part of the day was and the overwhelming response was, "Meeting my art pal."

Events

Heartfull Expressions - Craft Fair and more!
Sat. May 22, 11am - 4pm

Rock the Cause Mainstage - Great local music for a cause! Sun. Jun 6, 12pm - 5pm

The Beer Dabbler - Try great craft brews and support Free Arts! Sat. Jul 17, 1pm - 5pm

Full details on events here >>

Farewell & good luck!

Good Luck Andrea!
A big thank you to Andrea Satter for three years of service to the mission of Free Arts Minnesota. Andrea is bringing her passion for the arts and community service to the development manager role at Coffee House Press. Andrea’s dedication to Free Arts Minnesota’s children has brought partnerships, funding and many dedicated supporters to our work. Please join us in wishing her well!