Art for All
We specialize in the facilitation of fine arts programming for individuals of all ability levels. We utilize enthusiastic encouragement to make art accessible for all - we even have an extensive array of adapted techniques and tools if you need them. Our menu of art opportunities has grown exponentially since its inception in 1999. We now have an art department with a dedicated Art Facilitator at each location.
Quality Arts Experiences
A variety of art mediums are available for MSS artists to explore including painting, drawing, printmaking, screen printing, fiber arts, ceramics, woodworking, photography, and more. We provide quality art materials and opportunities for artists to share their work with other members of the community through exhibitions, events, and art fairs. Some MSS artists choose to sell their work and earn an income from the sales. We can provide support and guidance if you choose to pursue art as employment.
In 2021 we officially launched our progressive art studio called Fresh Eye Arts! This program supports artists in exhibiting and selling their work, as well as engaging in professional development opportunities. While everyone at MSS can participate in the creative arts, Fresh Eye artists are self-driven and are dedicated to their artistic practice. We provide artists with high quality materials and access to art facilities that include screen printing, ceramics, and more. Our program is designed and supported by professional teaching artists.
Artwork created by Fresh Eye artists has been sold nationally and internationally, and our artists have exhibited work at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, The Show Gallery Lowertown (St. Paul), GAMUT Gallery (Minneapolis), The Textile Center (Minneapolis), SHRINE gallery (NYC), COACHELLA (Indio, CA), Galerie C.O.A. (Montreal, QC) and many other spaces including our new gallery in Minneapolis.
You can find out more about Fresh Eye Arts here.
Fresh eye gallery
In June 2021 we opened Fresh Eye Gallery, a community art space in South Minneapolis. We will utilize this space to create more community connections and professional development opportunities for the artists we support.
Fresh Eye artists can submit work for exhibitions, display their work in the gift shop, take classes, and be a part of the annual Co Lab exhibition. Co Lab brings artists from all walks of life together to collaborate on a piece of art. This project has led to lasting relationships that extend beyond MSS - deep friendships and artistic partnerships that continue today.
Visit us at 4238 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55409.
Partnerships
MSS artists frequently collaborate with members of the public and local arts community through various partnerships. Previous partners include Kairos Alive, Z Puppets Rosenschnoz, composers Chris Coyle and Paul Giess, Upstream Arts, Cow Tipping Press, the Textile Center, COMPAS, Carnage the Executioner, and students from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
In 2015, we created a feature film through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board (Sleeping Between Worlds) where we partnered with local playwrights Rachel Jendrzejewski and Theo Goodell, director Mark Hanson, and composer Troy Strand.
In 2018, MSS artists created a sculpture garden at our St. Paul site in collaboration with local sculptors Craig Snyder, Molly Barrett, Alan & Nicole Milligan, Brighton McCormick, Victor Yepez, and artists from the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center.