Art Connects Us - August 2020 Artists

#ArtConnectsUs - August

Hennepin Theatre Trust partnered with Clear Channel Outdoor to produce ten works of original artwork by Minnesota-based artists to be featured on digital billboards across the region with messages of hope and gratitude to those who are working on the front lines in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Trust has expanded the scope of Art Connects Us to include reactions to the local and national conversations demanding the breakdown of systemic racism “This injustice in our city and beyond must not be ignored,” said Mark Nerenhausen, president and CEO of Hennepin Theatre Trust. “While the arts can be a source of unity, we are committed to joining other voices in the community that are calling for equity and justice in Minnesota.”

Joan Vorderbruggen, director of Hennepin Theatre District Engagement, reached out to artists for additional designs to reflect those themes. Due to the positive response focusing on social justice will now be included in rotations for July and August. “We are grateful to our artists for the opportunity to expand our Art Connects Us billboard project to include meaningful responses to the killing of George Floyd and the worldwide outcry for change,” said Vorderbruggen.” The ten previously scheduled designs relating to COVID-19 for July and August will be featured in September.

View September Artists View July artists View June artists View May artists

Participating artists in August 2020 include:

Allison Severson

Originally an illustrator and house painter, Allison has been sharpening her large-scale chalk and mural skills over the past two years. She enjoys all aspects of the creative process, but relishes in the surprise and novelty of a large mural or a colorful street drawing.

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Brighton McCormick

Brighton often combines various mediums, but the resulting works live in the domain of sculpture. Utilizing experimental casting techniques for metal and clay Brighton fossilizes memories and reflections of everyday moments and formed ideologies.

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Camille Gage

Camille Gage is a Minneapolis artist and writer. She is inspired by the intersection of art and political expression and believes artists have a role to play in shaping the public consciousness and creating a more compassionate and equitable world.

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Katie Blanchard

Katie Blanchard is an artist and designer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her art practice began making zines in the back of class in her hometown in Northern Michigan, and is suffused with the hope-in-the-dark-winter spirit of all the Midwestern places she has called home.

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Keren Kroul

Keren is a recipient of 2015, 2017, and 2019 Artist Initiative Grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board. Her work has been featured in MN Original, and in print publications such as Paint Lab, Color Lab and Tangled Art. She holds an MFA in Painting from Parsons School of Design.

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Kprecia Ambers

Kprecia uses illustration as a tool to empower, collaborate with businesses, celebrate her culture, and create home décor catered to black girls. Her hope is to inspire others like her to build their own door and pursue their dreams.

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Michael Gaughan

Michael Gaughan is a Minneapolis based watercolor Artist with an MFA Painting 2014 San Francisco Art Institute,  M.Ed Art Education in 2004 from the University of Minnesota, BFA Painting in 2002 from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.

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Neal Peterson

Neal Peterson is a Minneapolis-based artist. His primary work includes a photo collage series of cities called Urban Mandalas. Peterson teaches occasionally at the Minneapolis College of Art & Design.

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Philipo Dyauli

Philipo is a self-taught artist from Tanzania currently living and working in Minneapolis. His art is primarily acrylic paintings and is inspired by his favorite musicians, Saturday morning cartoons and film.

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Shawn McCann

Shawn is a street artist and muralist based in the Twin Cities. His work has been exhibited and shown worldwide. He is also co-founder of Chalkfest at Arbor Lakes and six other street art festival throughout the Midwest.

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