Thank you, MRAC!

In June 2010, The Metroplitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC) awarded $503,837 to 61 organizations/projects in the second round of its 2009/2010 Arts Activity Support grant program. This round's funded projects include summer festivals, music series, site-specific performances, a poetry slam, art residencies, a book festival, visual art exhibitions, plays, puppetry, dance programs, cultural heritage events, and the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center's very own SPEAK Project!

The SPEAK Project builds connections between urban youth and their communities through the media of digital photography, spoken word, and, of course, metal sculpture. We are very excited about this year's project as we've got some wonderful talent lined up, and this year is the first year that the SPEAK metal arts classes will be taking place in our own building!

Thank you MRAC, and stay tuned for more details!

IT'S TIME FOR SPEAK 2009!

Please join us for a celebration and dedication ceremony for the latest works from the SPEAK Project, 2009!

The SPEAK Project is a collaborative youth-produced exhibit featuring metal sculpture, painting, spoken word and digital photography which represents the important dialogue between the youth and our community. Please join us in celebrating the creative efforts of our kids with an afternoon of sculpture, poetry and images.

What: Two exciting projects this year! The SPEAK Project Dedication Celebrations will feature youth-produced poetry, photography, painting, and metal sculpture. Refreshments will be served.

SOUTHSIDE:

Where: We'll be at the Youth Farm Garden – 37^th Street and Chicago Avenue, South Minneapolis.

When: Saturday August 15^th, 2009, 4-6 p.m

NORTHSIDE:

Where: Jordan Community Garden - 26th and Knox, North Minneapolis

When: Saturday, August 22, 2009 4-6 p.m.

The SPEAK Project is organized by the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center and made possible through generous donations provided by the Irwin Andrew Porter Foundation and the Pohlad Family Foundation.

For more information give us a shout at fireartscenter@gmail.com or 612.294.0400.

Can't wait to see you there!