Botanical painting by Kathy

The CSP's member-led workshops are ramping up in September! We'll have four creative and talented members leading workshops on a wide range of topics. To start, Sarah will teach members to pour colorful resin shapes for keychains, barrettes, magnets, and pendants. Next, Kathy will teach members to paint botanical (plant) images using watercolors. Yachelle's "Aim and Paint" workshop is an exciting opportunity to launch balls dipped in paint at stenciled canvasses. (This workshop will be outside, so please dress accordingly.) To wrap up the month, Antoin will teach members to draw and paint graffiti letters.

Graffiti lettering by Antoin

All are welcome to attend these workshops -- no prior skills or knowledge needed! Thank you to all members who are teaching and attending these fabulous workshops.

September Member-Led Workshop Schedule

• Sarah's Resin Workshop: Wednesday, Sept. 6 & Thursday, Sept. 7

• Kathy's Botanical Painting Workshop: Monday, Sept. 11 & Wednesday, Sept. 13

• Yachelle's Aim and Paint Workshop: Monday, Sept. 18

• Antoin's Graffiti Letters Workshop: Thursdays, Sept. 21 & Sept. 28



All workshops begin at 1:00 pm and take place at the Grain Belt Studio, located at 79 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413.

CSP Staff Directory

Rena, Director

612-978-8802

[email protected]

Tovah, ArtWorks Supervisor

612-916-5121

[email protected]

Laura, NatureWorks Supervisor

612-590-2647

[email protected]

Audrey, Peer Specialist

612-916-6163

[email protected]

T'Adre, Studio & Resource Coordinator

612-978-7714

[email protected]

Now Accepting Sidewalk Gallery Poster Show Submissions

Submitted works will be turned into large posters and displayed on Hennepin Ave in downtown Minneapolis.

CSP Artists at East Lake Library

Untitled by Steven A.

Centurion's Testimony by Tobias N.

Avivo ArtWorks is excited to present the latest East Lake Library art show, featuring works by two of our talented CSP artists. Untitled by Steven A. and Surreal Collection by Tobias N. will be on display through the end of September. Everyone is welcome to visit this show, accessible whenever the Library is open. Congratulations, Steven and Tobias!

Announcements

Goodbye, T'Adre!

We are sad to announce that T'Adre, our Studio & Resource Coordinator, is leaving Avivo. His last day with the CSP will be September 5. During his time with ArtWorks, T'Adre inspired many members to try new things, including music production and various painting techniques. We will miss his kindness, encouragement, and endless creativity. Good luck, T'Adre, as you start your next adventure!

A Message from T'Adre: "Hello everyone! After two wonderful years working at Avivo ArtWorks, the time has come for me to step into the next chapter of my journey. As you may know, art and creativity are the driving forces in my life, and for that reason, I have decided to transition into a career as a full-time artist. It has been an honor to work beside such talented and passionate people in our Community Support Program. I find myself inspired by every one of you, day in and day out! I am so lucky to have had this opportunity and for the chance to watch you all grow so much as artists.

If there is one piece of advice I can impart to you all, it would be to keep pushing the limits of your creativity! There is always something new to be inspired by, and every day is an opportunity for growth. Thank you so much for all that you have taught me. I know that I’ll carry these experiences with me for the rest of my life! I am rooting for you all."

-- T'Adre McHenry

1825 Community Garden Update

The CSP Community Garden at 1825 Chicago has been thriving this summer! Members have harvested countless veggies and herbs, with many more to come! Starting in September, CSP Community Garden programming will take place on Tuesday afternoons, during the regularly scheduled CSP Gatherings at 1825 Chicago. Please join us for harvesting, weeding, watering, and community.

Temporary Programming Changes for September

The CSP is working hard to fill our vacant Peer Specialist and Studio & Resource Coordinator positions. Until these positions are filled, we will be short-staffed, so we'll be adjusting our programming schedule to make sure we have enough staff present at each CSP event. During the month of September, the CSP schedule will contain the following temporary changes:

• No Mindful Art on Zoom
• The Grain Belt Studio will be closed on Tuesdays -- join us at 1825 Chicago instead!
• No Music Production on Thursdays
• Open Studio at Grain Belt on Thursdays from 11:00am to 4:00pm
• Coffee & Board Games at Grain Belt, Thursdays from 11:00am to 1:00pm

Please reach out to CSP staff with any questions about these changes. We are excited to be hiring new staff and can't wait to be fully staffed again. We will announce any further programming updates in the October newsletter, so please stay tuned!

Avivo Institute Information Sessions

The Avivo Institute is now holding weekly information sessions for prospective students. Attendees will learn more about the career education and technical training programs that the Avivo Institute offers. These programs are free for individuals who meet certain eligibility requirements.

The information sessions are on Zoom every Thursday from 10:30 to 11:30am. You can find the Zoom link on the Institute's website: https://avivomn.org/avivo-institute-of-career-technical-education/.

Free Meals on Weekdays

Avivo has free hot meals available every weekday at 1825 Chicago Ave from 11:15 am until gone. You'll find Avivo staff handing out food from the gazebo on the corner of Chicago Ave and E 19th Street. You're welcome to grab a few meals to stock up for the week or share with friends! Regarding dietary restrictions: We don't serve pork, but the food usually contains meat and gluten.

Is it your first time visiting our Grain Belt Studio? The studio is located in the Grain Belt Bottling Building. The address is 79 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis MN 55413. Our studio is #105, up a short flight of stairs (or an elevator ride). When you arrive, buzz ArtWorks on the keypad outside the door, and a CSP staff member will let you into the building. We can't wait to see you!

When you arrive at 1825 Chicago Ave, please come to the south side of the building (along 19th Street) and look for the CSP sign! Ring the doorbell, and staff will let you into the building. If you need a ramp for accessibility, please call the RSVP line in advance so that staff can plan to meet you at the north entrance: 612-752-8332.

Attention Providers: To refer a client for an intake, call or email Rena: 612-978-8802 or [email protected]. We love to welcome new CSP members!

Please RSVP to attend both in-person and virtual CSP programming. Call 612-752-8332 or email [email protected]

Project supplies, tickets, or food may be limited to RSVPed members only. In cases of programming changes or cancellations, CSP staff will call or email all RSVPed members. Members who are not RSVPed will not receive notice of cancellations.

September Programming

1825 Chicago

Tasty Tuesday

Tuesdays, September 5, 12, 19, 26, 12:00-1:00pm

CSP Kitchen (1825 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404) 

Join the CSP in cooking and eating delicious food made from easy recipes. Foods cooked in September will include ingredients from the CSP Community Garden! RSVP required so we know how much food to purchase: 612-752-8332 or [email protected]. 

CSP Gathering at 1825 Chicago

Tuesdays, September 5, 12, 19, 26, 12:00-3:00pm

CSP Kitchen (1825 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404) 

Join the Avivo CSP in the CSP Kitchen for company, conversation, and connection. We'll provide coffee/tea, board games, puzzles, Nintendo Wii, art supplies, and friendly staff to talk with, as well as scheduled activities. Call the RSVP line (612-752-8332) to make an appointment for 1:1 assistance with technology, filling out forms, applying for benefits, etc. RSVP to reserve your spot: 612-752-8332 or [email protected]. Scheduled activities begin at 1:00pm.

September 5: Diamond art + gardening

September 12: Gardening

September 19: Watson the Dog + gardening

September 26: Bingo! + gardening

Grain Belt Studio

Peers Check-In

Mondays, September 11, 18, 25, 11:30am-12:30pm -- CSP Closed Sept. 4

Grain Belt Studio (79 13th Avenue NE, #105, Minneapolis, MN 55413)

The Peers Check-In is a weekly support group led by our CSP Peer Specialists – staff who work in field with lived experience of either mental illness, substance-use disorders, or both. Discussion will be based on challenges, successes, coping strategies, and relating based on similar experiences. We will focus on fostering a community of mutual support between both CSP staff and members. Please RSVP with Audrey: [email protected].

Walking Club -- Back to Mondays!

Mondays, September 11, 18, 25, 12:30-1:30pm -- CSP Closed Sept. 4

Meet at Grain Belt Studio (79 13th Avenue NE, #105, Minneapolis, MN 55413)  

Join the CSP for fun walks for all accessibility levels! Become a Walking Club Member on your first walk and earn your way to great prizes with each additional walk. Punch cards will be given to keep track of your walks and determine prize level at the end of fall, when we will have a party for all participants (with food and activities)! Let’s get outside and enjoy the Northeast Arts District! Please RSVP so we know to wait for you before heading out on the walk: 612-752-8332 or [email protected]. 

Open Studio -- New Longer Hours on Thursdays!  

Mondays, September 11, 18, 25, 11:00am-4:00pm -- Studio Closed Sept. 4

Tuesdays: Grain Belt Studio CLOSED

Wednesdays, September 6, 13, 20, 27, 11:00am-4:00pm 

Thursdays, September 7, 14, 21, 28, 11:00am-4:00pm

Grain Belt Studio (79 13th Avenue NE, #105, Minneapolis, MN 55413)  

Please join us in our studio space in the Grain Belt Bottling House for Open Studio! Art supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. Scheduled activities start at 1:00pm unless noted otherwise. Independent creative work is always also encouraged! RSVPs are required: 612-752-8332 or [email protected].

September Schedule

Monday, Sept. 4: Studio CLOSED for Labor Day

Wednesday, Sept. 6: Sarah's Resin Workshop

Thursday, Sept. 7: Sarah's Resin Workshop

Monday, Sept. 11: Kathy's Botanical Painting

Wednesday, Sept. 13: Kathy's Botanical Painting

Thursday, Sept. 14: Kitchen Lithography with Tovah

Monday, Sept. 18: Yachelle's Aim and Paint

Wednesday, Sept. 20: Clay with Laura and Tovah

Thursday, Sept. 21: Antoin's Graffiti Letters

Monday, Sept. 25: Cyanotypes in the Garden (starts at 2:00pm)

Wednesday, Sept. 27: Clay with Laura and Tovah

Thursday, Sept. 28: Antoin's Graffiti Letters

Artistic Development & Opportunities 

Wednesdays, September 6, 13, 20, 27, 11:00am-1:00pm

Grain Belt Studio (79 13th Avenue NE, #105, Minneapolis, MN 55413)  

Please join us in our studio space in the Grain Belt Bottling House for dedicated time to work with staff on professional goals within the arts: dream up what you want to focus on within your arts career! One-on-one support is available too. RSVPs are required: 612-752-8332 or [email protected].  

New! Coffee & Board Games

Thursdays, September 7, 14, 21, 28, 11:00am-1:00pm

Grain Belt Studio (79 13th Avenue NE, #105, Minneapolis, MN 55413)  

So, you want to hang out at the Grain Belt Studio, but you're not interested in art? Join the CSP midday on Thursdays for coffee and board games, instead! All are welcome! (There's a rumor going around that there might be donuts on September 7 -- don't miss it!)

CSP August Highlights

Ceramics works from our most recent glaze firing at the Grain Belt Studio

Member Roy with a newly finished jigsaw puzzle in the 1825 Kitchen

A watermelon growing on the fence in our 1825 Chicago Community Garden

Completed string art projects from member Kyrtie's MSAB workshop

COVID-19 Protocol Reminder

The Avivo CSP is working hard to provide safe in-person programming! Currently, masks are not required at indoor programming. Members and staff who would like to continue masking are encouraged to do so. Staff will provide a mask if you need one.

The health and safety of our members and our staff is of the utmost importance to us. Please stay home if you are feeling sick. Thank you!