Hello! So much appreciation to all interested in my work! I’m facilitating a panel tonight via Springboard for the Arts. This email also highlights an equity focused leadership panel I’ll be on, an exhibition currently highlighting my work in Minneapolis (and that of other disabled artists), an opportunity to buy prints and artistically modified prints, and a few more online readings. I also have a few notes on future directions, with a few thoughts and asks on ways to support this work.
Tech Snafu
But first, I had a recent technology snafu with the platform settings for a recent Zoom reading. It took me a minute to figure out what I did wrong in the settings, but I now am aware, and all affected will get free admission to either the 5/22 or 6/11 self-hosted readings. I’m also mailing those signed up something small too. I so appreciate that folks are supportive of my work, and want to engage. I was definitely bummed to miss you too, and I’m hopeful that whatever tech problems any of us have in the future it won’t be this one.
Upcoming Public Events
With Us: Artists with Disabilities on Adapting Technology for Us
This is an online discussion that will focus on how disabled artists use technology. I’m facilitating and Belo Cipriani, Bryan Thao Worra, and Nicole Thomas will share their experience.
Self Hosted Readings
5/22 Reading from my MNopedia Article on the Commitment and Guardianship of Lydia B. Angier, 1896-1907
On Wednesday May 22, 2024 at 7pm CDT I will be reading from an article on the Commitment and Guardianship of Lydia B. Angier, 1896-1907. Tickets here, including accessible options If tickets are out of reach for you still, please send an email to me. I have a limited number of tickets available at no cost. I just need to know that you wouldn’t be able to attend otherwise. Also, please email me, (alison@alisonbergblomjohnson.com), if you’d like to sponsor tickets for people with access needs.
6/11 Rescheduled Reading from What Are the Accommodations of your Dreams?
Tickets will be on sale soon, please visit my online shop. Also, if you were impacted by my recent technical difficulties you’re eligible for free admission to either this reading or the one on 5/22.
Upcoming Trainings
Leadership St. Paul
I’ll have the opportunity with other theater artists to speak to the importance equity in theater, and how collaborations between business and theater can be powerful drivers of equity. I’m very much looking forward to participating in this discussion facilitated by Suchi Sairam, with Maia Maiden and Wesley Mouri.
Fireweed Community Woodshop
I will be facilitating a training with Fireweed Community Woodshop instructors on definitions of disability and strategies for radical inclusion in their teaching. I am very excited about the commitment Fireweed has to accessibility and equity. If you are interested in speeches or training on access, ableism, accommodation or inclusion please reach out to me via email at alison@alisonbergblomjohnson.com
Exhibition! (and Prints for Sale)
The Art of Disability Justice Now: A community feedback preview exhibition. Wilson Library, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN. April 19-June 26.
My art, (and Ocean C. Poet's and others) is on display towards the front of Wilson Library on the UMN Twin Cities campus. Please check it out anytime when the library is open.
Prints for Sale
The prints from the exhibition are for sale here. I love the accessibility of being able to offer high quality artwork for sale at an affordable price point. In addition, I’ll have some original one of a kind works riffing on this series soon.
Opportunities
Twin Cities Collage Collective (I’m a member!)
North Star Collage 3
Twin Cities Collage Collective is pleased to announce an open call for collage artists residing in Minnesota — submit your work to be considered for NORTH STAR COLLAGE issue 3, a publication featuring work by Minnesota-based collage artists! Submit your collage by May 31st, 2024
Collage Materials Scholarship
In an ongoing effort to support new and emerging collage artists, Twin Cities Collage Collective is offering a tenth round of the Collage Materials Scholarship! Applications open through May 31, 2024.
Social Media
Recent Instagram
To see the space at Wilson Library where my collage is installed see this recent Insta post
Semi-Recent LinkedIn
On LinkedIn, I highlighted some of the things I’ve been up to lately, in the context of things I might be more known for.
On my Facebook page I highlight other’s work and share details of what I’m up to.
Further Ways to Help Out
I’m working on some new zines and collage, thinking about how to connect the research I’ve done about psychiatric patients guardianship and commitment, and working on some essays. I’m also experimenting with the beginnings of a podcast idea that will bring a disability justice first-person lens to true crime and other news coverage. A few ways you, my community, might support this work now:
- if you know anyone who is interested in carceral systems particularly criminal justice systems I would very much like to connect. One of the most stunning aspects of my 1890s research is realizing that at that time one of the state government overseeing bodies, the State Board of Corrections and Charities, supervised the prisons, jails, poor-houses and state hospitals. To connect please email me at alison@alisonbergblomjohnson.com.
- Please consider a monthly donation via my subscription. I often hear that my work means a lot to people, especially others with disabilities. I am a bit healthier, have a bit more capacity, and hope to have a few more consistent paid offerings. If a monthly amount is possible for you, it does help even out my cash flow, making me more able to put this increased cash flow into offerings for all of you.
Recent Newsletters
If you want to check out some of my recent newsletters, please see: - April 9, 2024 Walter, the Emotional Support Balloon, Live, Tomorrow, in Minneapolis! - April 2, 2024 Walter, my emotional support balloon, has an Outing!
As always, thank you for showing up, for caring about me and other disabled artists, and for all you make.
In appreciation,
Alison