Art in Community 4971 Jessica Turtle Creates a Community Mural at WBCA This summer, White Bear Center for the Arts collaborated with celebrated public artist and WBCA teaching artist Jessica Turtle to create a community mural driven m installation. the name, but you wouldn't believe the connections made over a community mural Over the course of five days, Jessica was joined by over 100 people to paint on WBCAS 14 x 43 foot, east-facing wall. The motley crew included artists, students, WBCA staff members. board members, writers, and even a group of morticians On the first day, WBCA visitor Randy joined in on the fun. He had been viewing w ewing WBCA's exhibitions with his mother in early September when he spotted Jessica gridding out the mural After i inquiring at the front desk, he stopped by on the first day of painting sessions a even brought his own ladder. Much of the water lily on the mural can be attributed to him. He painted for over 4 hours. It's for reasons like this that Jessica is drawn to community murals versus painting alone. "It makes it much less hollow," she said. Though she identifies as a true introvert, the aspect of connecting with people through a community project feels fulbow e g to her. "It restores my different peopley so many a design full of color, movement, and creativity suited for an art center. "As a community art center, the exterior of our building should reflect the vibrant, creative work that's happening inside, Creative Services Director Sara Nephew said. "We e together to wanted a mural that tells our story -one that embodies the range of mediums we offer, and the energy and can come to The mural, which she calls a on something Collage mural" is essentially a of images submitted by members of the WBCA community The prompt went like this: "As you" walk around White Bear Lake, stop and take a look. What do y you see that celebrates art, inspires creativity, or connects people?" Over 130 photos were submitted of art center memories, White Bear Lake landmarks, and people making art. From those images, Jessica created heart that defines WBCA" chines create a How does Jessica coalesce over a hundred photographs to cre unifying image? I never really know how I do it," she it she laughs. She set out e o to design an space centered on - creativity and n an intentional communal connection. The mural features art in the form of dancers, a sketchbook, and a paint palette. It's also peppered with elements of nature essential to the White Bear Lake community. For Jessica, the call for art has always been there. She's been making murals from a very young age, when she r closet. She was always drawn to large-scale projects, but with an interest in ecological awareness, she couldn't get e it get over the lack of sustainability in fine arts. She was caught up with the feeling that she was always f With a cost producing more. y mural, you're working on an existing structure. "I'm not adding anything and it's being used for a e a bigger purpose." she said. Her mission aligned perfectly with what WBCA was looking for when searching for g for artists. "Jessica was the perfect choice for e for this project, not only because of her past involvement as a teaching artist at WBCA), but also because of her impressive mun work and her leadership in pu art, community engagement, and activism, Sara says. "We've admired her work repeatedly and knew she would bring the community's vision to l public Next time you spot a community project of any kind, don't hesitate to approach it. "People are always cautious but anyone can do it." Jessica says. Whether you have experience or not, be a part of something bigger. Upcoming Avenue of the Arts Events: "From Barry: The Perfect Pop Songs of the Bee Gees The Hanifl Performing Arts Center Saturday, September 14, 7:30 PM Star of the North Jazz Orchestra The Hanif Performing Arts Center Saturday, September 21, 7:30 PM Star of the North Jazz Orchestra presents "All You Need Is Love: A Big Band Tribute to the Music of The Beatles" featuring vocalist Jen Burleigh-Bentz. Writer's Speak: An Open Mic Night for the Commenter for the Arts White Bear Thursday, October 3, 6:00-8:00 PM All are welcome to come join your fellow writers Mick Sterling presents his love letter to Barry Gibbs and the White Bear Lake community for an open in this Bee Gees tribute concert. Welcome Home: The Legacy of Carole King The Hanifl Performing Arts Center Sunday, September 13, 2:00 PM Michelle Foster performs Carole King's hits and hidden gems mic night. Share your latest work, test new ideas, or simply soak in the words around you. Bring an original piece to read that is under 5 minutes. Please register online at WhiteBearArts.org "Light in Droplets" Community Reception White Bear Center for the Arts Thursday, October 17, 6:30-8:30 PM With over 350 members, the Minnesota Watercolor Society is one of the largest associations of watercolor artists in the Midwest. "Light in Droplets" is a non-juried show open to all active members. Fall Community Day White Bear Center for the Arts Saturday, October 26, 1:00-3:00 PM Visit White Bear Center for the Arts to celebrate fall with a day full of art. Compete in a pumpkin carving contest, give several art mediums a try. create make-and-take art projects, hear live music. and more. Costumes are welcome! Art in Community 4971 Jessica Turtle Creates a Community Mural at WBCA This summer , White Bear Center for the Arts collaborated with celebrated public artist and WBCA teaching artist Jessica Turtle to create a community mural driven m installation . the name , but you wouldn't believe the connections made over a community mural Over the course of five days , Jessica was joined by over 100 people to paint on WBCAS 14 x 43 foot , east - facing wall . The motley crew included artists , students , WBCA staff members . board members , writers , and even a group of morticians On the first day , WBCA visitor Randy joined in on the fun . He had been viewing w ewing WBCA's exhibitions with his mother in early September when he spotted Jessica gridding out the mural After i inquiring at the front desk , he stopped by on the first day of painting sessions a even brought his own ladder . Much of the water lily on the mural can be attributed to him . He painted for over 4 hours . It's for reasons like this that Jessica is drawn to community murals versus painting alone . " It makes it much less hollow , " she said . Though she identifies as a true introvert , the aspect of connecting with people through a community project feels fulbow e g to her . " It restores my different peopley so many a design full of color , movement , and creativity suited for an art center . " As a community art center , the exterior of our building should reflect the vibrant , creative work that's happening inside , Creative Services Director Sara Nephew said . " We e together to wanted a mural that tells our story -one that embodies the range of mediums we offer , and the energy and can come to The mural , which she calls a on something Collage mural " is essentially a of images submitted by members of the WBCA community The prompt went like this : " As you " walk around White Bear Lake , stop and take a look . What do y you see that celebrates art , inspires creativity , or connects people ? " Over 130 photos were submitted of art center memories , White Bear Lake landmarks , and people making art . From those images , Jessica created heart that defines WBCA " chines create a How does Jessica coalesce over a hundred photographs to cre unifying image ? I never really know how I do it , " she it she laughs . She set out e o to design an space centered on - creativity and n an intentional communal connection . The mural features art in the form of dancers , a sketchbook , and a paint palette . It's also peppered with elements of nature essential to the White Bear Lake community . For Jessica , the call for art has always been there . She's been making murals from a very young age , when she r closet . She was always drawn to large - scale projects , but with an interest in ecological awareness , she couldn't get e it get over the lack of sustainability in fine arts . She was caught up with the feeling that she was always f With a cost producing more . y mural , you're working on an existing structure . " I'm not adding anything and it's being used for a e a bigger purpose . " she said . Her mission aligned perfectly with what WBCA was looking for when searching for g for artists . " Jessica was the perfect choice for e for this project , not only because of her past involvement as a teaching artist at WBCA ) , but also because of her impressive mun work and her leadership in pu art , community engagement , and activism , Sara says . " We've admired her work repeatedly and knew she would bring the community's vision to l public Next time you spot a community project of any kind , don't hesitate to approach it . " People are always cautious but anyone can do it . " Jessica says . Whether you have experience or not , be a part of something bigger . Upcoming Avenue of the Arts Events : " From Barry : The Perfect Pop Songs of the Bee Gees The Hanifl Performing Arts Center Saturday , September 14 , 7:30 PM Star of the North Jazz Orchestra The Hanif Performing Arts Center Saturday , September 21 , 7:30 PM Star of the North Jazz Orchestra presents " All You Need Is Love : A Big Band Tribute to the Music of The Beatles " featuring vocalist Jen Burleigh - Bentz . Writer's Speak : An Open Mic Night for the Commenter for the Arts White Bear Thursday , October 3 , 6 : 00-8 : 00 PM All are welcome to come join your fellow writers Mick Sterling presents his love letter to Barry Gibbs and the White Bear Lake community for an open in this Bee Gees tribute concert . Welcome Home : The Legacy of Carole King The Hanifl Performing Arts Center Sunday , September 13 , 2:00 PM Michelle Foster performs Carole King's hits and hidden gems mic night . Share your latest work , test new ideas , or simply soak in the words around you . Bring an original piece to read that is under 5 minutes . Please register online at WhiteBearArts.org " Light in Droplets " Community Reception White Bear Center for the Arts Thursday , October 17 , 6 : 30-8 : 30 PM With over 350 members , the Minnesota Watercolor Society is one of the largest associations of watercolor artists in the Midwest . " Light in Droplets " is a non - juried show open to all active members . Fall Community Day White Bear Center for the Arts Saturday , October 26 , 1 : 00-3 : 00 PM Visit White Bear Center for the Arts to celebrate fall with a day full of art . Compete in a pumpkin carving contest , give several art mediums a try . create make - and - take art projects , hear live music . and more . Costumes are welcome !