"Barker" for the Maple Grove Arts

Someone on Facebook once referred to me as a “barker” (I don’t bite), of course I will constantly promote the Maple Grove Arts Center or any artist that needs marketing. I really didn’t know what to think initially about that comment, but as I thought about it the more it made sense.

So what is a barker? Barker |ˈbärkər|noun informal—a person who stands in front of a theater, sideshow, etc., and calls out to passersby to attract customers.

A long time ago I saw a need to promote the arts and educate the community. I’d like to think that at the arts center we are creating a “front porch” — a gathering place and a community for people who love art and for those who create.

The lack of adequate facilities to practice art in Maple Grove has limited artists living in the area the ability to create or expose our youth to potential art careers. Many practicing artists have studios in Minneapolis. 

The Maple Grove Arts Center is just the beginning and does more for giving artists a means to do their art. It brings them home. 

I hear from many people that they have never heard of the Maple Grove Arts Center.  I am not surprised. We are a nonprofit 501c3 and do not have the marketing budget to go out and broadcast our existence. That day is coming soon. We are working diligently in every channel and venue we can to “barker” the center.

So, here is how I will briefly reprise my role as a “barker:” check out the www.maplegroveartscenter.org or if you are driving by and just happen to have a smart phone, check out the giant “qr code” hanging in the window. Yes, it’s one of my crazy ideas that if you can’t get out of your car to come in, then, we are going to come to you.  You never know what discount or surprise you might find. 

Starting Wednesday, June 1 is Comedy Tech with Scott Hansen and Improv Classes with The Stage Benders. What people don’t know about Scott’s class is that it is for everyone. It’s not the raunchy comedy that you will see on late night television, but a wholesome approach of learning how to write and perform comedy, or it will boast your self-esteem and public speaking skills. Same reasons apply for the Improv Class. There is still time to sign up.

The arts center along with the City of Maple Grove is sponsoring “Comedy on the Green.” Held on Thursdays: June 9 and the 23, July 7 and 21, August 4 and 18th. Just to name drop a few: Jim Wiggins and Scott Hansen, The Stage Benders, Jeff Gerbino, Kevin Meaney, Tim Canvanagh,Hot Rox Live and a few new names like Maple Grove resident Patrick Stuart;  see the website for more information.

There are so many opportunities for adults and children to take a class at the center. Christina Hankins is teaching a 5-week “Art Adventure Camp” for children 8 to 12 years old that starts in July. Kayla Kaser, young progressive artist is teaching several summer camps for children 5 to 10 years old. And former Maple Grove Days Art Fair top artist, Leanne Hanson is teaching an adult watercolor class. 

Every once in a while we are able to offer free art classes. Artist Jordan Kammer is teaching a “Free Portfolio Creation Class for Juniors and Seniors in High School.” 

The Maple Grove Arts Center is a one-room school room with so much to offer. Don’t miss the current gallery show “Iraq: Understanding through Art.  This show will be available through July 8.

As Pablo Picasso said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” 

Finally, art touches everyone in a different way in the meaning and expression—art simply enhances life in Maple Grove.