First addition to the Permanent Collection of MCAD artwork through the POTR Donated Art Program
June 2013

Phoenix Art Overview

In 2011, the corridor walls at the Phoenix were woefully bare and in desperate need of artwork. Residents noticed and the Art Committee and a modest annual Art Fund were formed. They began with a mission statement framing the context of how the building would approach art acquisition. Excited to proceed, they focused their attention on two major challenges. 

• Insufficient funding to support any significant purchases

• Difficulty accommodating individual tastes with regard to art

After much hair-pulling and discussion, MCAD came to the rescue. They created a program that provides about 20-40 pieces on a semi-annual basis for a very nominal fee allowing the building to be adorned with vibrant artwork and the opportunity for permanent pieces to be added to the building's collection over time.

Today, Soo Visual Arts Center (SooVAC) selects artwork and determines where to locate them as well as rotating pieces from our Permanent Collection so that every floor has a fresh installation of artwork twice a year. The Art Committee acts as a curator to make sure that we stay true to our mission statement.

The Art Committee periodically makes small purchases for the Permanent Collection using what is remaining in the Art Fund. However, the primary method to build the collection is through donations.

The program has been very successful to date and provided a wealth of art for our building: they do this all for a nominal fee. In the spirit of support, we would encourage our residents to engage with SooVAC.

• You can support individual artists by purchasing their work for the building permanent collection or for your home.

• We would also encourage supporting SooVAC events and fundraisers (link opens in new window).

Art Committee Members

Nancy Hernke (chair), nlhernke@outlook.com
Karla Ekdahl
Bob Jordan
Paul Lucas
Jacki Paster 
Jennifer Schulz

As of November 2024

Soo Visual Arts Center

HISTORY

Soo Visual Arts Center has exhibited over 2500 under-represented artists since opening our doors in 2001. As a leader in discovering new talent and with a strong focus on emerging artists from the state of Minnesota, SooVAC offers year-round exhibition and community programming.

Founded by visual artist Suzy Greenberg in 2001, our non-profit 501 (c)3 art space is based on the founder’s relationship with art—one that views the artistic as vital to personal and community health and vision.

MISSION

Based in South Minneapolis, Soo Visual Arts Center (SooVAC) is a nonprofit art space that connects our community with fresh, under-represented and provocative art.

VISION

SooVAC offers year-round exhibition and community programming. We exhibit an average of 150 artists a year and our community programming includes our senior arts programming, workshops, artists talks, events and partnerships with other organizations. Soo Visual Arts Center envisions a dynamic community in which artists and audiences challenge each other in an environment where art is integral to everyday life.

Minneapolis College of Art and design

The Minneapolis College of Art and Design educates individuals to be professional artists and designers, pioneering thinkers, creative leaders, and engaged global citizens. Since 1886, MCAD has been the preeminent art and design educator in the region. Today we are a strong national leader in fine arts, design, entrepreneurial studies, and more. 

Artworks included in this exhibition are by current MCAD students and faculty, and graduated MCAD alumni. Most of the artwork presented in this exhibition is available for purchase.  Please contact the artists directly to arrange a purchase, by referring to the artist contact info section of the exhibition catalog at the Phoenix on the River reception desk. 

If you have questions about this exhibition, please contact MCAD | Academic Services at academic_services@mcad.edu or 612-874-3748. For more information about the College or its educational programs, please contact MCAD | Admissions at admissions@mcad.edu or 612-874-3760.

Phoenix on the river Permanent Collection

The Phoenix has a lot of wall space and MCAD can only provide so much at a time. The goal is to grow a Permanent Collection of artwork from Art Fund purchases and purchases made by residents (individually or collectively) that are donated. 

As of February 2016, there are 36 pieces in the Permanent Collection, most of which were donated. A special "Thank You" goes out to past donors for your participation in the program. Below you will find details on the Donated Art Policy and an online form to begin the process with the Art Committee. If you have questions, feel free to contact the Art Committee chair, Nancy Hernke, at nlhernke@outlook.com.

If you like one or more pieces on display and feel they would make a valuable addition to the building, please consider purchasing and donating.