Hennepin Theatre Trust Launches SPIRIT: MADE HERE on Today Today

Hennepin Theatre Trust will launch Spirit: Made Here, sponsored by Andersen Windows, with a free, public celebration in the City Center atrium (615 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis) on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. This will be the seventh round of Made Here window displays in WeDo™-the West Downtown Minneapolis Cultural District.

The launch event will feature an artist market, street performers and live music on the Northern Lights Stage presented by Jack Link's. There will also be special performances by students in the Trust's Spotlight Education program and a spoken word presentation by Kulture Klub Collaborative. Artists Paige Dansinger and Stephanie Glaros will present interactive media and film screenings. Hennepin Theatre Trust's director of public art and placemaking, Joan Vorderbruggen, will lead group walking tours of the displays at 6 and 7 p.m.

Featuring more than 30 window displays through March 30, 2017, Spirit: Made Here interprets the theme of spirit with works by more than 75 Minnesota artists and students. Window displays will include paintings, paper sculpting, photography, fiber art, three-dimensional mixed media, video and colored canvas - as well as giant puppets and the debut of an interactive light display.

For a detailed map of displays and artists, please visit MadeHereMN.org

The Trust's Made Here project fills windows and other underused spaces throughout WeDo twice per year with works by local artists. It has grown from visual displays in windows to live performances, artist markets, pop-up galleries and more. Made Here is among the offerings that make WeDo a more active and vibrant walkable center of arts, culture and economic activity benefitting visitors, artists, residents, businesses and property owners.

Launched in 2013, Made Here is now the largest project of its kind in the country. To date, there have been more than 336 window displays in downtown Minneapolis filling 16 blocks of unused commercial space twice a year. Made Here windows consistently feature work by artists that represent diverse communities. On average, 40 percent of Made Here artists come from communities of color, with balanced gender representation. The Trust places a priority on including art from seniors and children, artists with disabilities and LGBTQ artists.

Andersen Windows has been the presenting sponsor since 2014, allowing the project to grow and has attracted additional community support. A grant from The McKnight Foundation allows supplies resources for artist payment and artistic practice.

Additional sponsorship support is provided by Le Meridien Chambers Minneapolis.

Spirit: Made Here artists include: Mora Anderson, Kevin Beaudin, ELisa Berry Fonseca, Zamara Cuyun, ShaRon Day, Brian Dehler, Emily Eaton, Drevis Hager, Starri Hedges, Soozin Hirschmugl, Anna Karena, Dallas Johnson and Siama Matuzungidi, R.J. Kern, Lisha Kirpalani + Kali Voight, Steven Lang, Greg Lecker, Brittany Lynch, Karen McCall, Marlena and Amelia Myles, Jes Reyes, Jes Shimek, Amy Sinning, Brian Skalak, Jacob Stordahl + Tyler Jesse, Zachary Swenson, Kristi Ternes, Sarah White + Mike Bishop, Koua M. Yang + Oskar Ly, and Richard Yang.

Connect with Made Here online:

- Click to MadeHereMN.org

- Follow @MadeHereMN on Twitter and Instagram

- Like on Facebook at Facebook.com/MadeHereMN

- Follow MadeHereMN on Snapchat

- Search using hashtag #MadeHereMN

Hennepin Theatre Trust is a nonprofit organization that creates positive change through the arts by bringing together people, businesses and organizations in WeDo™, the West Downtown MPLS Cultural District, to create and enjoy cultural experiences

We want everyone who comes to WeDo to have a unique experience. Our historic theatres - the Orpheum, State and Pantages - light up Hennepin Avenue with a mix of modern acts and artists. Local talent fills our New Century Theatre. Our Spotlight Education program inspires high school students through musical theatre.

Beyond our theatre doors, we connect people to unexpected arts and cultural experiences like the iconic Bob Dylan mural and our art-in-underused spaces project, Made Here. Our collaborations with businesses, artists, local officials and other arts and culture organizations bring a wide range of quality activities and entertainment to WeDo.

Learn more at HennepinTheatreTrust.org and wedompls.org.

Andersen Corporation, headquartered in Bayport, Minnesota, is the largest window and door manufacturer in North America. Founded in 1903, Andersen is an international corporation employing more than 11,000 people in locations across North America, with sales worldwide. The company is committed to supporting the community, donating more than $56 million to nonprofit organizations through its foundation. Visit www.AndersenWindows.com for more information.

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