Artist Initiative

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2017 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$10,000
Fund Source
Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund
Recipient
Rachel A. Johnson AKA Olli Johnson
Recipient Type
Individual
Status
Completed
Start Date
March 2017
End Date
June 2018
Activity Type
Grants/Contracts
Counties Affected
Hennepin
Ramsey
Hennepin
Ramsey
Project Overview

Artist Initiative

Project Details

Johnson will study the mechanics behind gear driven sculpture in order to create a series of interactive shadow boxes that combine traditional printmaking techniques and modern technology. The boxes will be exhibited in at least five Twin Cities locations that are open to the public.

Competitive Grant Making Body
Board Members and Qualifications

Ardell Brede: Mayor of Rochester, elected 2002.; Peggy Burnet: Businesswoman, art collector, and community volunteer. Member of the Smithsonian National Board. Former chair of the board, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Officer at Large, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Uri Camarena: Business consultant, Metropolitan Economic Development Association. Board chair, Minneapolis College of Art and Design.; Michael Charron: Dean of the School of the Arts, Saint Mary?s University of Minnesota. Vice Chair, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Rebecca Davis-Lee: Touring pianist, piano and music theory teacher. Vice Chair, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Sean Dowse, Former executive director, Sheldon Theatre. Board member for Minnesota Citizens for the Arts. Secretary/Treasurer, Minnesota State Arts Board.; David Glenn: Ceramic artist. former executive director of the Minnesota Project.; Thomas Moss: Consultant to nonprofits and government agencies. Chair, Minnesota State Arts Board; Janice Sivertson: Gallery owner and visual artist; Dobson West: Senior advisor, Spell Capital Partners Fund; Christina Widdess: Arts organization consultant; former managing director, Penumbra Theatre

Advisory Group Members and Qualifications

Jennifer Carruthers: Architect and public artist; Guillermo Cuellar Brown: Potter and teacher from Venezuela; Erik Farseth: Printmaker, zine publisher, collage artist; Arts Board grantee; Karissa Isaacs: Associate curator, Tweed Museum Duluth; Gail Katz-James: Sculptor and public artist; Jennifer Nevitt: Artist; Arts Board grantee; professor of drawing at Gustavus Adolphus College

Conflict of Interest Disclosed
No
Legal Citation / Subdivision
Laws of Minnesota 2015 Special Session, chapter 2, article 4, section 2, subdivision 3
Appropriation Language

ACHF Arts Access

2017 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$10,000
Other Funds Leveraged
$0
Direct expenses
$10,000
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

I will acquire skills to create solidly constructed boxes with mechanical elements suited for public interaction. If I successfully create a solid box with mechanical elements, it will withstand the rigors of public use. I will be present to observe the effectiveness of the works by how viewers engage with them. 2: I will further establish myself as a visual artist through gallery exhibition and mobile display units. Success will be evaluated in the completion of a gallery exhibition and mobile display units stationed in public spaces.

Measurable Outcome(s)

I constructed and exhibited a series of interactive kinetic boxes. I engaged in substantial learning and experimentation during the process. The mentorship equipped me with skills and the new tools and processes created a space of learning and growth that led to the final series. The exhibition lasted one month and the boxes were not broken or damaged during interaction with the public. 2: I exhibited my work to the public and made connections for further exhibitions that further establish me as a visual artist. Exhibiting my work at a coffee shop made it accessible to people who were not necessarily seeking art. I created work with a variety of price points and established a modest customer base. My next exhibition is scheduled for the Fall at 801 Gallery.

Project Manager
First Name
Rachel
Last Name
Johnson
Organization Name
Rachel A. Johnson AKA Olli Johnson
State
MN
Phone
(507) 995-0717
Email
olli.johnson@goddard.edu
Administered By
Administered by
Location

Griggs Midway Building, Suite 304,
540 Fairview Avenue North,
St. Paul, MN 55104

Phone
(651) 539-2650 or toll-free (800) 866-2787
Email the Agency