Announcement Archive

News Archive »

• Give to the Max Day for Arts Nonprofits November 16, 2010

  Arts groups hope to max out Give to the Max Day Read More »

  Support Free Arts Minnesota on Give to the Max Day, Nov 16th from 12 am to 12 pm. Your gift enters you into a chance to win $1,000 for your charity of choice through the Give MN website. Support Free Arts Minnesota and other local arts nonprofits and give to the max!
  
  Read full article at Star Tribune.
  
  

• Free Arts Minnesota Hires New Executive Director May 13, 2010

  Dan Thomas, former chief operating officer of TPT, is hired as new executive director. Read More »

  Free Arts Minnesota, today announced the hiring of Dan Thomas as the organization's new executive director, effective immediately.
  
  "We are honored to have Dan join Free Arts," said Kim Witczak, Board Chair, Free Arts Minnesota. "His unique experiences and proven capabilities in strategic planning, organizational thinking, fundraising, and his commitment to the arts will help bring new direction and growth to our organization."
  
  Thomas began his new position May 4, taking over for interim executive director James Delaney who has held the position since fall 2009. He will be responsible for strategic direction, external relationships and fundraising, board and executive committee relations, membership growth and development, communication and public relations, and administration.
  
  Prior to joining Free Arts, Thomas built a distinguished 25-year career in the media industry where he most recently served as a consultant specializing in planning, media strategies and project fundraising. Prior to that, Thomas was chief operating officer at Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) for seven years, where he created a new online service, the Minnesota Video Vault, for anytime, anywhere viewing of TPT content. He funded the development by raising nearly $1 million. In 2007 he led the creation of Minnesota's first statewide television network. He obtained funding from the State of Minnesota and developed the programming plan with five other independent stations. He also oversaw the development of the Minnesota Channel - an innovative television service fueled by partnerships with non-profits.
  
  "I'm incredibly pleased to be in a position that combines my lifelong interest in the arts with my desire to make a real difference in the community. The weak economy and job market have put more pressure on families and there is more need than ever for the good work that Free Arts offers. And yet resources have never been tighter," said Thomas. "My main focus as executive director will be to strengthen the foundation at Free Arts by raising crucial funds and stabilizing expenses. We have high goals to meet the needs of many children, which is challenging in our current economy."
  
  Thomas is also a published poet with graduate degrees in both creative writing and film. He has been active in the community as a member of the Board of Directors for the American Composers Forum, a past member of Board of Directors of the Minnesota High Tech Association, a panelist for Minnesota State Arts Board and Metro Regional Arts Council, and a member of the Minneapolis Basilica Choir.
  

• Free Arts Minnesota Day Declared 3/27/2010

  Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak declares March 27,. 2010 to be Free Arts Minnesota day. Read More »

  
  In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Metro Murals campaign, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak has declared March 27, 2010 to be Free Arts Minnesota Day. Free Arts youth artwork will be on display throughout the Twin Cities in bus shelters to raise awareness for child abuse and encourage making healthy choices as a family.

• Metro Murals Travel to Washington D.C. Sept. 22 - 26 2008

  Free Arts youth murals hit the road to our nation's capitol. Read More »

  This marks the third time that artwork, created by Free Arts Minnesota children, has traveled to Washington D.C. for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The late Sheila & Paul Wellstone organized the first exhibit in 2001 to continue a tradition that Sheila had began in Washington in 1990.
  
  Today, the exhibit is carried on by the Sheila Wellstone Institute to raise awareness about domestic violence. The Metro Murals were completed in April for Child Abuse Prevention Month in the Free Arts Minnesota programs.
  
  18th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month Reception & Art Exhibit
  September 25, 2008
  5:30 PM—8 PM
  US Capitol, Russell Senate Office Building Room 325
  Washington, D.C.
  
  The Metro Mural Exhibit will be on display in the Russell Rotunda the week of Sept. 22nd

• Free Arts Minnesota in the "LEAD" Sept 17 2008

  Young professionals take the "LEAD" in giving back. Read More »

  Michelle Silverman, Executive Director, was recently interviewed by Janel Klein of KARE 11. The piece featured two of the founders of The LEAD Project, Matt Hemsley and David Miller. Michelle spoke about the LEAD's involvement with Free Arts Minnesota and the impact it has made on the organization.
  
  

• Free Arts and Colle+McVoy News 1/18/2008

  Create your own artwork and support Free Arts Minnesota! Read More »

  Colle+McVoy has launched a web site that allows users to create their own designs on a popular miniature Qee figurine, while also learning about Free Arts Minnesota programs that help abused and at-risk children heal through art. “We believe children and adults can benefit from the healing affects of art,” said Christine Fruechte, president of Colle+McVoy. “It is powerful to see how the creative imaginations of children come to life, build self esteem, and have a profound impact on our staff.” To view some of these truly amazing pieces of art and to create your very own Qee online visit www.artisagift.com

• Free Arts and M.A. Rosko, FOX 9 News 11/14/2007

  M.A. Rosko featured Free Arts Minnesota in 4 segments, live from the Convention Center. Read More »

  M.A. Rosko talked with Cat, a Free Arts youth participant, as she explained the difference art and mentorship has made in her life. Also, Michelle Silverman, Executive Director, discussed our exciting 10th yr anniversary accomplishments!

• Free Arts on KARE 11 Saturday Morning Show 11/10/2007

  Michelle Silverman, Executive Director, was interviewed by Belinda Jensen and explained how every family can benefit from the therapeutic arts. Read More »

  Plus, learn about a great project you can do at home with your family - make a Family Banner! Family Banner Kit - Work together as a team to create a lasting memory you can display in your home. Purchase your Family Banner Kit today for 19.99!

• Free Arts Minnesota's, I Dream book on KARE 11 6/27/07

  Michelle Silverman and Chelsea, a Free Arts Minnesota participant, talk about the launch of the, first ever, published book of artwork. Read More »

  This beautiful book includes children's artwork and projects from the last ten years of Free Arts Minnesota programming.