Artists Heather Barber and H. (Heather) Leigh were the proud recipients of the Bill Murray Choice Award in the CoLab project at The Show Gallery Lowertown. The award was presented at the exhibit’s opening reception in downtown St. Paul on December 9. Each year, photos of pieces in the CoLab exhibition are sent to Comedian/Actor Bill Murray to view and select his favorite.

Heather Barber works as a data entry clerk in Rise’s Data Ability program and enjoys Rise’s Art Speaks program; H. Leigh is a professional artist. They collaborated on their piece over three months.

Their untitled piece is a fully sensory experience, encouraging people to touch the different elements, including a phrase in Braille that reads, “Seeing is believing.” An audio speaker projects the sounds of ocean waves; there is sand to touch, and a diffuser with essential oils emits sea breeze aromas to evoke a “beachy” experience.

Both Heathers addressed the reception guests and explained their collaborative art process. Heather Barber exclaimed enthusiastically, “Art is for everybody!” Their piece sold that night, with all proceeds from art sales benefitting The Show Gallery.

The Show Gallery Lowertown is a nonprofit art space which seeks to create accessibility in the arts and unite artists of all abilities.

Check out the news feature which ran on WCCO-TV news December 7 for more information about this special show: http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2017/12/07/unique-art-exhibit-in-st-paul-pairs-emerging-artists-with-professionals/.

The St. Paul Almanac, a nonprofit literary-centered arts organization, held their annual Winter Party Launch on December 6, and Deb Socha was thrilled to have art piece she co-created among the six “Impressions” featured.

Deb worked with artist Cami Applequist to illustrate a poem written by Margaret Hasse. The art and poem pieces were posted on Twin Cities metro-area buses, light-rail trains, and bus shelters.

Deb is served in Rise’s Adult Day Program at the Fridley Community Center and also enjoys participating in Rise’s Art Speaks.