Volunteer Spotlight: Denise Artley (& Watson!)

In January 2023, Denise Artley and her dog Watson began making monthly visits to the Avivo CSP. Members and staff alike are always eager to spend time with Watson, and it's been equally fun to get to know Denise, whose warm kindness and genuine interest in our lives never go unnoticed! We asked Denise a few questions so we could all learn more about her and Watson...

Q: How and why did you start volunteering with the CSP?

A: Watson and I have been volunteering with the Secondhand Hope program for several years. Being able to regularly visit with CSP participants is a great opportunity for gentle and affectionate Watson to meet new friends and reconnect with those he's already met.

Q: What kind of dog is Watson? Tell us a little about him!

A: Watson is a mysterious mixed-breed dog. His veterinarian is certain he's part Jack Russell Terrier but the rest is a guess -- maybe dachshund or corgi. He's kept his age a secret, but we guess he's 5 or 6 years old.

Q: What's Watson's adoption story?

A: I adopted Watson in December 2020. He came to Minnesota from a shelter in Texas. He'd been living on his own for a while and had some health problems that needed attention, so a Minnesota-based animal rescue organization brought him to the Twin Cities. Once Watson's health improved, I was the lucky one who got to adopt him, a friendly little guy who carries his scars and a ripped ear as mementos of his earlier life.

Q: What has been the highlight of your volunteer visits so far?

A: It's so nice to see Watson's excitement and hear the happy greetings when we arrive for our visits. He and I enjoy spending a few minutes with each person. Watson loves the attention and gives it back -- and he enjoys the chance to do a few tricks that might just result in a few treats!

Q: What else do you like to do in your spare time?

A: In addition to Avivo, Watson and I visit nursing homes and assisted living communities. When Watson is busy napping, I volunteer at the Secondhand Hounds pet food shelf, help travelers looking for assistance at the airport, and assist with a free tax preparation/ financial education organization. At home, I enjoy gardening and small home improvement projects. 

Thank you, Denise and Watson, for visiting us and bringing joy to the CSP!

CSP Staff Directory

Rena, Director

612-978-8802

rena.ledin@avivomn.org

Tovah, Supervisor

612-916-5121

tovah.rudawski@avivomn.org

Laura, Team Lead

612-590-2647

laura.schwarz@avivomn.org

Audrey, Peer Specialist

612-916-6163

audrey.donohue@avivomn.org

Sasha, Studio & Resource Coordinator

612-404-4475

sasha.warren@avivomn.org

ArtWorks is being featured at the upcoming February 22nd Hennepin Theatre Trust Art Salon! We will have a merch table with member work for sale, as well as opportunities for members to speak about their work. Reach out to staff for more info -- this is an exciting opportunity to both sell your work and engage with a broader arts community in Minneapolis!

Announcements

Technology Access Resources

Stable internet and phone service have become increasingly important for accessing resources and information -- and simply staying connected. If you feel like you can’t keep up with all the necessary technology or if you’re struggling paying your internet or phone bills, there are options to help make access easier.

If you are low-income or if you receive a form of government assistance (Medical Assistance, food stamps, etc), PCs for People [(651)-354-2552] in St. Paul offers heavily discounted computers and associated technology. If you meet those requirements, you may also want to ask your internet or phone provider about applying for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which will reduce your monthly fees or even cancel them out! If you cannot prove your eligibility to those, you still have options for discounted tech: Free Geek [(612) 223-5967] in Minneapolis runs a thrift store with a wider range of devices including security tools, gaming devices, and more, in addition to computers offered at low prices.

Metro Transit Buses & Trains Now Free for Metro Mobility Clients

In response to its current shortage of drivers, Metro Mobility is now offering clients free rides on all Metro Transit regular route buses and trains though the end of 2024. To ride a bus or train for free, simply show the driver your Metro Mobility ID card when boarding. Talk with CSP staff if you'd like help figuring out bus and train routes to and from the Grain Belt Studio -- or to other locations you need to visit. We're happy to help.

Call for Art: New ArtWorks Website

We are excited to announce an exciting opportunity for CSP members in the new year. ArtWorks will soon be launching a new website, and interested artists will have the opportunity to host portfolios of their work online! We hope the website will facilitate greater awareness of and access to information about our program, including our current shows, past and present newsletters, and, most importantly, our artists’ work.

If you have any questions or want to see what the website looks like, contact Sasha in studio, via phone, or email. Any members interested in having a digital home for their art on our site can let a staff member know in studio or call or email Sasha to get the process started.

MIA Photography Show Free for Native Visitors, Veterans, All Recipients of Public Assistance

CSP members and staff had a wonderful time visiting the Minneapolis Institute of Art's current featured exhibit, "In Our Hands: Native Photography, 1890 to Now." At the museum, we learned that the MIA is providing free tickets to this show for anyone who identifies as Native or Indigenous, military veterans, and all recipients of public assistance (such as Section 8, EBT, WIC, SSI, MA, MNCare, SSDI, etc). The exhibit runs through January 14, 2024 and is definitely worth the trip. Check it out!

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!

Attention Providers: To refer a client for an intake, call or email Rena: 612-978-8802 or rena.ledin@avivomn.org. We love to welcome new CSP members!

Please RSVP to attend both in-person and virtual CSP programming. Call 612-752-8332 or email community.support@avivomn.org

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

January Programming

Grain Belt Studio

Peers Check-In

Mondays, January 8, 22, 29, 11:30am-12:30pm -- Studio closed January 1 & 15

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 Specialist – 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.

Walking Club

Mondays, January 8, 22, 29, 12:30-1:30pm -- Closed January 1 & 15

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. Please RSVP so we know to wait for you before heading out on the walk: 612-752-8332 or community.support@avivomn.org. 

Open Studio  

Mondays, January 8, 22, 29, 11:00am-4:00pm -- Closed January 1 & 15

Tuesdays, January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 11:00am-4:00pm

Wednesdays, January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 11:00am-4:00pm 

Thursdays, January 4, 11, 18, 25, 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 community.support@avivomn.org.

Workshop/Event Schedule

January 3: Clay

January 4: Diamond Art

January 8: Puff Paint Tote Bags with Johanna

January 9: Book Making with Tami (starts at noon -- see image below for project example)

January 10: Clay

January 11: Diamond Art

January 16: Book Making with Tami (starts at noon)

January 17: Van ride to view "Beginnings" poster show in downtown Minneapolis!

January 18: Canvas Stretching with Sam

January 24: Clay

January 25: Graffiti Lettering with Antoin

January 29: Tie Dye and Indigo Dyeing -- bring your new ArtWorks t-shirt!

January 31: Clay

Creative Writing

Tuesdays, January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 1:00-4:00pm

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

Have you ever wanted to write a story, a poem, or an essay but found yourself overwhelmed and unsure how to start? Join Sasha on Tuesdays to practice the basics of creative writing. Starting with free writing, members will review and practice the basics of multiple writing styles, with an emphasis on the basics of atmosphere, preparation, organization, and editing. Sessions can be catered to member interests. Possible genres include poetry, memoir, and argumentative writing. 

Artistic Development & Opportunities 

Wednesdays, January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 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 community.support@avivomn.org.  

Coffee & Board Games

Thursdays, January 4, 11, 18, 25, 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! Popular games so far have included Word Yahtzee and Sorry! All are welcome.

Audio with Sasha

Thursdays, January 4, 11, 18, 25, 1:00-4:00pm

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

Thursday afternoon audio sessions are now available with Sasha! Audio sessions can be booked for recording existing music, but sessions can also include jamming/brainstorming ideas, practicing an instrument (bass, guitar, banjo, and keyboards are available upon request), or writing. Additionally, sessions can be booked for working on or recording audio unrelated to music. Possible examples include recording a fictional story or poem, podcasting, recording a message for a friend or loved one, or recording an audio memoir. RSVP to schedule a session: 612-752-8332 or community.support@avivomn.org. 

Book Making with Tami

Learn to make beautiful handsewn journals like these with member Tami! Join us during Open Studio Tuesdays, January 9 & 16 from noon to 1:00 pm.

COVID-19 Protocol Reminder

The Avivo CSP wants to provide everyone with 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 or have symptoms of COVID-19. Thank you!