Altered Esthetics

I believe that Altered Esthetics is in the company of only a handful of art spaces that put on incredibly alluring and provocative shows, Without their space, I would not have been able to show my work, my statements, my life. They make it possible for artists to share their creations with the world and their presence is as necessary as expression itself. My art sphere opened up when I came across AE and I hope that it never closes.

This non-profit is a great jumping off point for artists just starting out in the Twin Cities and elsewhere. Their shows are diverse and well promoted. Participating in shows at Altered Esthetics is a great way to build your exhibition experience, add to your resume, and network.

I show at galleries and art associations across the country and no one institution sticks out in my mind like Altered Esthetics. Why? Many galleries and art clubs take out contest advertisements in national websites and magazines to get as many entrants (ie entry fees) as possible. One gallery in Nashville got over three hundred and fifty respondents for five spots in a show. I refuse to believe that the gallery couldn't find five interesting artists in a city that size. Obviously the $30.00 entrance fee was a very important factor to that gallery. Many other art clubs repeat this practice. At Altered Esthetics they don't ask for a fee up front but request payment if you get in their show. They also advertise that if you don't have the money, they may be able to help with the application fee. To me, this demostrates that this wonderful organization has more interest in producing provacative shows for their lucky community than exalted revenues. Jamie Schumacher's positive spirit comes through with every correspondence. Whether it is the newsletter or emails her sincerity is genuine. Jamie makes me wish I lived in Minneapolis. I wish them continued success. David Hemmig Dover, Delaware

While I have not had the honor of visiting an Altered Esthetics show, I have gotten to see the advertisements and truly wish I could. Even through photographs, you can tell this group supports all kinds of art and artists and cares about each and every piece as well as the person exhibiting it. Each showing has a diverse theme to keep people coming. I see Altered Esthetics going far in a world that I believe is once again learning to appreciate art and I believe with the right support, this group could be a cornerstone of local art and possibly even more.

I am a struggling oil painter working in the San Francisco Bay Area. I haven't had the chance to visit Altered Esthetics, but was able to find out about their gallery and upcoming shows I could apply to participate in through their website. Being in one of their shows was an exciting and wonderful experience. It helped me build my resume, but did not help my visibility on the web. Only the people able to visit Altered Esthetics' mortar-and-brick location were able to see my work. It would have been tremendously helpful to me as an artist if Altered Esthetics had been able to post my work on their website. Working with Altered Esthetics and participating in one of their shows was an excellent experience and convinced me that this is one great non-profit - professional, organized, creative, filled with energy and ideas, truly excellent. When I heard about the F1 Challenge, I was excited to be able to write a testimonial for them. They're an excellent organization doing important work in the arts community, helping artists not only within Minneapolis but throughout the United States.

Why should , a non-profit organization that promotes: The Arts, be selected for this opportunity? Instead of using the word[s]-“The Arts” to descibe the purpose of this awarded selection, perhaps, the question could be rephrased as to read; Why should an organization[Altered Esthetics] that promotes Creative Thought, be funded in these rugged fical times? It’s common knowledge that within any national fiscal crisis situation, budget dollars are cut from programs, like The Arts to promote “more important” endeavors. This is observed in the nation’s public school systems where “The Arts” get the first cuts, while Math & Science circulums are enhanced by additional classes [“Labs”]. The irony is that national test scores reflect an average of a 50 point higher score in the core subjects[science/math, et] of those students who also took a sequence of classes in The Arts[visual, literture, music, theatre, dance]. Perhaps, Now, more than ever, an emphasis must be placed in those organizations that promote Creativity, Diversity, and are able to cross social/economic boundaries without prejudice. Perhaps, in promoting “Creative Thought”, the result will be, an enhanced ability to propose “Creative Solutions”? Why should alteredesthetics.org be funded? Altered Esthetics has promoted programs that would be defined as interdisciplinary. This means, that far from promoting “paintings hung on a wall”, AE has promoted The Arts in all different formats-[literature, dance, theatre, music, ET] to address a wide range of social groupings, age, and cultural concerns. Even, from the themes of the “Art Shows” it’s obvious that many social issues are targets for “creative thought”. The Success of an organization is dependant on its ability to financially, survive and grow. An enhanced website would have a positive, immediate, and definite Impact on this organization’s ability to survive and flourish. From a very self-centered perspective, as a professional artist, it’s important that exhibitions of my work are able to generate income via sales, exposure, and networking potential. The internet and web-site that is able to promote the artist’s ability to sell his/her work, will attract Artists who do Sell. The greater the revenue; the more Altered Esthetics will be able to expand on its programs that will generate, more interest and diversity. On a personal note, J-me [the power behind Altered Esthetics] is one of the most dedicated, hard working, young women that I’ve ever met. She’s a true “Visionary” with the drive, intellect, and talent to make dreams into reality and it’s for that reason that it’s an honor for me to write this endorsement. Most Sincerely, Melanie Reynolds

As an artist from way down South, in Texas, who has benefited directly from Altered Esthetics' vision of an art community I would love to see them get this website make over. As an artist in the digital age I would also love to see them get this make over because without the internet I would never have had the opportunity to exhibit in such a magnificent gallery!

Over the past 12 years i have been actively engaged in the art world, from art car competitions in Houston to drawing shows in New York, and have never had a more enjoyable experience than with working with the Altered Esthetics gallery. They are dedicated to art and the artist, friendly and enjoy working with the artist. With Altered Esthetics, the artist is engaged with the gallery, not distant or pushed aside. In having the opportunity to showcase the wonderful and exciting shows they host on the web, they will be able to share with the world there delightful gallery! Not only benefitting viewers but the artists that participate in their shows. A place where many a great artist will have a home. Sincerely jason jackson

What a huge opportunity for Altered Esthetics, but also for the company that is offering to help develop our online presence. Just yesterday I was dreaming of a website that would have a virtual gallery that would include a wireless video camera that would be walking along during the gallery opening and streaming the images to the website. Also doing some 360 points of view at various gallery showings that would allow viewers to get a feel for the work and space from the comforts of their computer. So being an artist and a creative type, I appreciate the opportunity that this gallery provides to the lively arts community. My artwork is not the kind that you find at many galleries, mine is of wildlife and grand scenic images. However, I had a piece that was juried into a unique show that was envisioned by this wonderful gallery. They continue to come up with very unique show ideas and it is always intriguing. So your help would be so greatly appreciated and you have plenty of willing artists to help you formulate the vision for our new website. Your kind consideration would be greatly appreciated. :) Best Regards, Jake Photographer and Artist www.frozenshutter.com

The gallery system too often can't afford to present works with a radical vision-- until that work has been made cannon. This has dire consequences for emerging artists and political art. Deprived of opportunity to be seen and considered, such work has little chance to mature beyond student level. Big budget nonprofits too often can't afford to present works with a radical vision-- because they depend on donors, boards and granting institutions who collectively serve to dampen and divert the spark of the the exhibitions. Enter Altered Esthetics. Note the sensitive, adept and empowered curatorial stance that its structure makes possible. AE gives artists an opportunity to approach the most compelling issues of our time, and to show that challenging work someplace other than our living rooms and blogs. I have been showing in the gallery system since 1995, and AE gave me the first opportunity to get my political work seen, in person and online, in the context of other artists also developing serious bodies of contemporary work.

I have been involved in many artist run/non-profit galleries since the mid 1980's. Not since those earlier years I have found the spark and compassion, which I seek out as an artist, until I became a patron and resident artist at Altered Esthetics Gallery.

I have been a volunteer; artist, and promoter of Altered Esthetics exhibits - just a few blocks from my art studio in NE Minneapolis - recently bringing in artists from Mexico, Iraq and MN to show and sell their work, as well as my own. I have also purchased work there, high-quality provocative art difficult to find anywhere else. AE's vision is much bigger than the gallery itself. Their intent is to be a high-profile web venue for art that other commercial galleries overlook, and to support the artists' creativity thru sales. Creating an attractive and functional online shop to bring the art and artists to a worldwide audience is a vital part of AE's longterm development plan. Sierra Bravo's support in making it happen will be a huge boost to the artists, the organization, and the growing local, regional, national and international community they serve.

While I love going to the Altered Esthetics gallery, visiting with their volunteers and artists, and attending their fabulous opening receptions, the fact of the matter is that more and more people are using the internet as a way to view and buy art. It will also be great for those of us who attend shows to revisit some of our favorite pieces. AE and the artists it supports would greatly benefit from an updated website, and it would reach a worldwide audience.

I have participated in a few of the shows at Altered Esthetics as a non-local artist. I was impressed with how welcoming and unpretentious this gallery is. The shows are interesting and worthwhile. An altered esthetics show is like an open forum discussion among artists using visuals instead of words. Altered Esthetics is one of the best places I have seen for new artists to participate in gallery shows. They have a show every month and the submission process is extremely simple. Jamie Schumacher is a wonderful personality to deal with and She is always trying to make the gallery even better. I think that she makes Altered Esthetics a special place and a place that will continue to grow. Please give Altered Esthetics a website makeover...It is going to help so many people. If a working artist needs anything it is exposure!! It would mean a lot to every participating artist to have the kind of website that Jamie is envisioning for us. It would make Altered Esthetics an even better and more exciting place to be a part of! Thank-you!!

I want to express my support for Altered Esthetics because it allows artists as myself with low income to participate in its exhibits with no submission fees and a very reasonable participation fee or volunteer option. The opportunities Altered Esthetics offers to artists is commendable. I wish Ms. Jamie Schumacher, her staff, volunteers and fellow artists much success!

A thriving art scene requires emerging artists. Emerging artists require galleries like Altered Esthetics. Altered Esthetics requires a new and improved website. THEREFORE, you should totally make a website for Altered Esthetics as you would be contributing to the continued life of art in the Twin Cities. Do It!

I'm an aritst working out of Fresno, California and it is very important and instrumental in the furthering of my art career that I have contacts with successful galleries outside of my area. I have been fortunate in this past year to have shown work at Altered Esthetics in two different shows and now am planning to exhibit again both in the gallery and online for the February 2008 show "Bitter Fruits". Working as an artist today, it is extremely important to have an effective web presence and to link with other art outlets in order to benefit from the most exposure. It is also important to choose wisely in those links so that my images are shared with the most valuable and worthwhile online sources. Therefore, it would be very helpful to all artists who are already and hope to be associated with Altered Esthetics for AE to recieve assistance with their website. This will help a large community of artists, art supporters and most importantly art consumers (the people who buy!)

Altered Esthetics is a great addition to our community and very helpful to those of us who may need a boost of encouragement in putting our work out there. I would love to see them get this help with a website--overcoming technophobia being one of my own personal struggles as well! I personally know lots of artists, but not one who makes too much money, so more exposure would be a blessing. Such a welcoming creative space, backed by Jaime and her awesome volunteer crew truly deserve some expert help with this, for the benefit of all of us.

Altered Esthetics was the first gallery show that I was a part of outside of my home state of California. I have never been to the gallery, but feel a part of the community of artists there just through the website. They are doing great work and helping artists of all levels and walks of life get their work out to the public! A website make-over would definitely be put to great use by them, helping hundreds of artists reach new audiences!

Altered Esthetics is a great place to show, in real space and via the internet. The support for this gallery is given through large attendance at shows, reviews in local papers and the participation of artists from all over the world. And Altered Esthetics is still relatively a baby, less than five years old! With its director, Jamie, spearheading its operation and all the wonderfully creative and energetic people involved in volunteering and sponsorship, Altered Esthetics propels the local art community forward in a grassroots approach. Given a new website, Altered Esthetics will enable artists and those who support art from national and international communities to become more involved with a Minneapolis gallery that is at the forefront of showing contemporary art.

Altered Esthetics is a driving force in the Twin Cities art community, giving support and forum to hundreds of up and coming artists per year. AE's amazing Executive Director, Jamie Schumacher, is a dynamic asset to the gallery - turning it from a small, grassroots art space into a recognizable and incredibly important non-profit arts organization. The website is constantly being updated with show information, artist bios, news, images and the like - but is also in desperate need of an overhaul to meet the needs of AE's quickly expanding artist network as well needing to become as interactive and dynamic as the gallery itself. I believe that Altered Esthetics would be a perfect choice as winner of Sierra Bravo's website challenge - not only would this help a budding non-profit that is operating on a very small budget, but as web developers, I believe creating an interactive site at this scale and level of creativity would be amazing for your brand visually - something everyone would be proud to be a part of.

As a creative person, the "art world" can seem like an impenetrable world of turtle neck sweaters and wine sipping. Altered Esthetics has been an incredible resource for me, as a way to show my work and gain exhibition experience. The staff at AE bends over backwards to help the artists... they have built a completely non-pretentious atmosphere that celebrates creativity and the artists voice. They also do an amazing job of serving the community by reaching out to a diverse selection of artists and art forms. AE has been an amazing service for the local art scene and to the many artists they have worked with. An improved website will be yet another way for them to help those artists, and a way to take their vision to the next level.

Instead of talking about how a professional website donation would benefit ME and AE (albeit significantly), I'd like to focus on how such a website would benefit the community at large. Since its inception, AE has been dedicated to topics and themes that enrich minds and spirits. Explorations of important ideas are at the core of AE's exhibits. This approach makes the gallery more like a salon-classroom-seminar than merely a room with art. Because of this, AE exhibits enlighten, provoke, and remind folks of the issues at stake in our common humanity. Wouldn't it be wonderful to expand that opportunity to the entire global community via the internet? I can't think of a more worthy goal for Sierra Bravo's kind offer.

Today’s cultural zeitgeist is rooted in the internet. An organizations web site has become an integral part of its survival. I am an artist from south Florida and my first encounter with Altered Esthetics was during a web search for accessible venues to exhibit my work. I found their online site provided an approachable exhibition space for under-represented artists. Jamie and her colleagues have created a vital art space in the twin cities but their efforts are also demanding worldwide attention through their website. By enhancing that site they would provide a vital accompaniment to the brick and mortar exhibition space. Altered Esthetics would be able to maintain a detailed archive of past exhibitions with increased public accessibility to the galleries accomplishments, exhibitions and artists. For the past several years I have been visiting the online site of Altered Esthetics and I feel that this organization seeks to stimulate artistic creation and facilitate development of critical thinking and public awareness, they are worthy of this generous support offered by Sierra Bravo.

Please select AE as one of your website makeovers. I am an artist and I live in Indiana. I have friends and family all over the world that follow my artwork. Altered Esthetics is a critically important gallery and showcase for cutting edge art. The current website allows for artists work to be displayed and viewed. However, a more interactive website would allow artists to interact with each other and the public. As a social advocate, I believe AE has given artists a space to express ideas and present images that challenge the public. An enhanced website would enable AE to reach and respond to global audiences. Jamie has been responsive and informative through traditional mail and e-mail requests. Imagine how much more the gallery and Jamie could do with a website that has online, interactive features?

I strongly support Altered Esthetics in their efforts to bring the work of developing artists to the attention of the public and wider art world. Through the devotion and hard work of Jamie Schumacher, many unusual exhibitions have been presented at the gallery in Minneapolis. But we all know that only a limited number of people can attend such exhibitions in person, so it is very important to develop an internet presence where pictures of exhibited artwork can reach the vastly wider audience on the internet. I am not trying to make a living from my attempts at sculpture, but I am able to present images of my work on the webpages available to me as a university professor. Those images show my students aspects of how mathematics and art are related, going beyond what I can say in the classroom. It would certainly be of personal value to me if I had the option of linking images of my work to the AE website, which would attract people from the art world and collectors. I was honored to be an invited exhibitor last year at the ``Arts for the Other Senses" show, the first public exhibition of my artwork at a gallery. I hope that AE will continue its success far into the future, which should include and expanded internet presence.

Being an artist is one of the scariest things I'm doing in my life, in the scale of fears I have, it's worst then flying and roller-coasters and even blind dating... The problem is that it's also what I want more then anything else in the world. I've been making art through my entire life, I've studied in art school and my body of work is morbidly obese. However, I'm really scared of putting it out there, Talking to galleries and curators is very hard for me, and sadly, I avoided it as much as possible. Altered Esthetics made it possible for me to make a huge break through in dealing with that fear. I've had pieces in 3 f their shows already, and it made me feel a lot more optimistic and secure in my way into the art world. I feel that unlike a lot of other galleries and art organization they are really passionate about art and artists and they are building such an amazing platform for people to see and show art. They are one of the main reason when I'm asked what do I do now, I say "I'm an artist".

I have been in the art business for a long time. It's one of the hardest fields to become successful in and the only reason an artist does make the grade is because a gallery somewhere sees something in that artist and their work. Galleries are notoriously ruthless in picking from the neverending plethura of new artists and their art. In this business, snobs and elitists have always been the norm... until now. The outsider and lowbrow art movements are rapidly becoming the new fine art and it's champions are galleries like Altered Esthetics and it's curator, Jamie Schumacher. It's the art movement of the of and for the common man. For the first time, in a long time, art can now mean something to more than the "enlightened" few. Galleries like Altered Esthetics are the vessels to bring this art to the rapidly expanding and voracious viewing public. Even moreso, Altered Esthetics, does it purely to give artists young and old, emerging and established, a chance to share their messages with that public. Not for personal gain, or to make the pages of high society rags. Just to make sure the common man and the new breed of artist have the ability to interact. The cherry on the sundae, is the gallery's curator Jamie Schumacher. One of the most down to earth and highly professional people I have ever worked with, She knows how to organize a cacophony of people, space and artists into amazing and well thought out exhibits. I can only imagine the incredible support she would be able to afford both the artist and the viewers if given the opportunity of a truly dynamic website, especially with the ever-expanding potential of Web 2.0. Jamie will no doubt bring Altered Esthetics very far in the coming years, with or without a new website. But if an organization or one single person ever deserved it, it's Jamie and Altered Esthetics.

What I like the best about Altered Esthetics is how they really involve the community. Jamie Schumacher is one of the reasons our whole street has a spot on the artist community map! Working next door to the gallery, I see how every show draws a different crowd, all types, all ages, even families. In fact, one of their upcoming shows features all kids art! I think good websites are key for a business today. I think it's especially important for a gallery to be able to display examples of work online, it not only helps them, but also all the artists. Did I mention Jamie is one of the hardest working people I've ever seen!?

as an older beginning artist, I have not found a gallery that is as engaging, excepting and open as Altered Esthetics. The diversity of the shows, and how well everything is organized,and advertised was the attraction for Me (along with the free submission of work, with a reasonable gallery fee, that can be covered through volunteering). Through A and E I've expanded My connection to the local art community. Four years ago an accident caused Me to change My life drastically. Art became an outlet, but without someplace to show Your art and to meet other artists, I don't believe a beginner like Myself could grow. Jamie is the greatest, when I recently met with Her to talk about volunteering at Altered, She let Me know that they would find something within My limitations, to allow Me the opportunity to be involved in this great organization. Please choose them for this web site upgrade,so Jamie, and all the great interns (did I mention the hands on experience Altered is affording art students) and old farts like Myself can increase the awareness of the public to the asset that is Altered Esthetics

The Altered Esthetics Gallery had inspired me to show and share my artwork. Especially J-me and the others at the gallery who have supported so many artists and me. They do amazing work with a group show each month with a new theme. That is very important to me. Last Jan. I went on line to the gallery’s open call for artists. I was working in the service industry and decided to enter my ‘Lunch Lady’series in the ‘Service Workers’ show in Feb. . . . My work was accepted. I was thrilled because it had been some 20 years since I had exhibited my artwork. Now I have exhibited in five group shows at A&E gallery. Next month I will also be in ‘Bitter Fruit ‘ show. I am so happy to be a part of the A&E gallery. Wow a new web program sounds so great because it is so needed. I have no money and few resources to make and share my art. A&E needs this web sight !

Altered Esthetics is the first place I have ever shown artwork before. I was amazed at how down to earth everyone involved was and how welcoming the gallery is to all different sorts of artists and personalities. The gallery has opened my eyes to the large community of artists and thier styles and mediums. I have been inspired by so many artists from around the world that are involved with Altered Esthetics and just as many that are local to Minneapolis and St. Paul. I now want to share that experience with others who may be insecure about showing art, or that may feel intimidated by other galleries. Being on the board has helped me do that, and helped me grow in other aspects of my life. The AE community is strong, honest and expiremental, and I am proud to be involved with a concept that supports invention and abstract originality.

AE has helped bring people to art and art to people. It was my first gallery showing and all my family and friends came. It opened their (and my eyes) to a great community of people who share their experiences, creations, and abilities in a nurturing enviornment. AE has helped the growth of new artists (like me) as well as more experienced. I am so thankful for AE and all the oppurtunites it has opened up.

As a contributor to AE I am drawn by the enthusiasm of the Executive Director and the mission. I am inspired by the art and thrilled that artists from all walks of life are included. AE is the voice of the community and needs to be heard. Having an online gallery ability with a new website would help the voice echo further among society.

Jamie Schumacher is the hardest working gallery director in town - she truly has a unique vision for AE. She has organized and presented excellent monthly themed shows and openings for almost 4 years now. While the AE website is a good starting place to connect with Jamie and the gallery shows, it would be a great resource if we could see work and profiles of all the artists who have exhibited, archives of the past shows and a bigger scope of the gallery's history and mission.

I do believe that Altered Esthetics is one of a dwindled number of galleries that accomplishes what it boasts; to provide a platform esteemed by its peers for emerging artists from the twin cities and beyond. So often it seems high standards for the caliber of new talent is sacrificed in venues such as this, but not at AE. I have had the privilege of showing my work in a group show of theirs and have been proud to hang my art amongst the other artists displayed. I think they do a fine job, I believe they can further their cause with a new website, and I hope Sierra Bravo will support their local non-commercial arts.

Altered Esthetics does so much more than a typical gallery. They give an opportunity to many artists and groups that would not receive typical representation. They are also an asset to their community. It's places like AE that help a burnt-out over-industrialized place like NE Minneapolis take back the city. It's always the artists who start re-vitalizing an area like this.

Altered Esthetics is one of the few galleries that consistently put on interesting and provocatively-themed exhibitions. Though I am too far away from Minneapolis to visit the gallery in person, I have been honored to have my work selected for exhibition in three different shows with the gallery. Jamie Schumacher's vision and dedication to the space is only limited by the physical constraints of the the brick and mortar gallery and the limitations of the current online hosting. By providing Altered Esthetics an improved online prescence with search and database functions it would allow the gallery to become an even greater resource for both artists and the interested public.

First and Foremost, Altered Esthetics is committed to fostering creative community. While aesthetics are a consideration, the goal in curating shows is to exhibit interpretations on a theme - the more diverse a response, the better as far as AE is conncerned. This approach is anathema to what the 'White Box' gallery has come to be as an institution, and an affront to Art as an elitist practice. My experience with them is one that strives to be accessable to everyone (one upcoming show will be of children's drawings in response to a question and framed at the gallery's expense), open-minded when it comes to considering what qualifies as Art, and lively as an axis of the creative community that thrives in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Corridor. Such a place should be fostered as it has fostered others. One of our primary ways of interacting with the public has been the internet, a new webpage would allow us to continue expanding our mission through continued outreach via this medium.

Altered Esthetics has a truly unique voice and vision, more-so than any other gallery I have visited. They are committed to exhibiting works in all mediums, by artists at all skill levels, and the thoughts and concepts for their shows are 100% original. Such a place provides immense opportunities for artists whose work might never be accepted at conventional galleries. Providing AE with a new web gallery would help to expand opportunities not only for the gallery, but all contributing artists. The diversity we have come to expect in the physical gallery could be shared with the world.

AE uses the internet as a main means of communication. As read in testimonials above, AE reaches out to the community and beyond - without the internet and a website, it would be far more difficult for AE to reach the variety of artists that it does. AE is so important to the community and to upcoming artists that it is vital for as many people to know about it as possible.

To reiterate everyone's points about AE: J-me and her growing team are welcoming dynamos; AE provides a truly rare opportunity for an amazing range of artists to get their work displayed in a gallery showing; intriguing, challenging and poignant show themes astoundingly change monthly; and perhaps most importantly, AE keeps everyone informed of what's happened, happening, and upcoming through its web presence. Without that web presence, showing work with other artists from around the world would not be possible. Expand AE's capabilities to help them further promote AE's participating artists? Yes, please. AE certainly deserves such a boon since that will benefit many.

Altered Esthetics is revered amongst Minneapolis artists as a gallery where their most out there, most imaginative, even absured artwork has a home. The tradition of AE is one of cooperation and relation with the artists it shows. Void of pretense, AE accepts submissions from anyone with an idea to share. Go to any AE show and you will witness work by an established artist hung proudly next to a novice rendering. AE is an indispensable part of the Minneapolis art scene. It well reflects the vibe of the arts community and the city itself. As a contributing artist I have every confidence that the addition of an online gallery will open up the right doors for this unique gallery to realize its full potential.

I just recently discovered Altered Esthetics and have already had work shown in two of their shows. This last time was one of the biggest opening nights the gallery has seen. I have recieved help and advice from the curators, volunteers and fellow artists. I am an emerging artist, just trying to get myself out there, and this last show my work was chosen as the featured artist, putting my painting on the advertisement postcards! I was thrilled. The gallery volunteers and interns and curators are very encouraging and helpful. I think having the online gallery would really help promote the artists in addition to the gallery shows. It would be just awesome to be able to tell my friends, family, clients to check out my or other artists work on the online gallery.

Altered Esthetics is unique among galleries in that it is actually welcoming and devoid of snobbery. Everyone is welcome, as are all varieties and mediums of art. Artists aren't turned away based on financial considerations, and the focus is always kept on the art rather than some perceived social networking pablum, unlike so many other places. Jamie has worked countless hours building the gallery up from nothing into a well respected non-profit, and this website redesign/online gallery would be hugely beneficial to both the organization and the artists that it serves so well.

Altered Esthetics is a wonderful place for emerging and established artists to show there work. AE are always presents interesting and creative shows which give room for many different voices and ideas. It is a very vital part of the minneapolis art scene.

It is great to see artwork done my our friends and neighbors, not just the shiniest new thing from New York. It's a place where emerging artists can get their work out there whereas other places aren't welcoming unless you're connected. A new website would help the gallery reach a broader audience and grow as a key part of the local art community. The gallery presents the talent and skill the cities contain.

I really appreciate the inclusive nature of Altered Esthetics. As an 'emerging Fine Art photographer I was taking some baby steps toward showing in a 'brick and mortar' venue.I was extremely pleased to be accepted into a show at the Gallery. It was a stepping stone to much more development for me as my resume and career are starting to gain traction. For an artist halfway acroos the country to gain acceptance in this way was invaluable to me. Can't say enough good about this wonderful gallery.

As an artist who has exhibited several times with Altered Esthetics, I can testify to the impact their website can have on an artist's visibility. I was fortunate enough to have my artwork featured on their website for the upcoming exhibition 'Bitter Fruit'. As a result I have seen a much greater impact on the interest in my own website and artwork than with any previous exhibitions I participated in with the gallery. I think it would be a great benefit to all artists who exhibit with Altered Esthetics to have the opportunity to have their artwork seen on their website and not just on their walls.

Altered Esthetics is a lovely gathering space for artists and non-artists alike. It seems only fair that the website should create an equally welcoming virtual space. While many of us living here in the Twin Cities can appreciate the thriving art community that exists, a website for AE would be a way to present that to the rest of the country and the world.

Currently I am enrolled in Altered Esthetics Curatorial Internship Program. To begin the internship I referred to AE’s website. Here I learned the mission of the gallery, about the artists, about the art, and learned that this is the type of place I would like to intern. AE is a unique organization that does much for the artist community. AE should have a website that reflects its inspired, forward-looking style of operation. Many artists are referred to our website for information on exhibiting. For local and non-local artists this is very helpful for the artists and those running the gallery. A complete website saves administrative time and is a direct source of information for all types of people looking, and should get people interested! An up-to-date and reflective website would help the gallery be more efficient and successful.

Altered Esthetics is a tremendous community asset serving both artists and the general public. It provides a strong venue for new, emerging, and low income artists to present their works to a broad audience of potential consumers of their works and supporters of the artistic community in general. This is particularly important for those artists who create high quality works which may not be currently commercially viable. As history teaches, it is most often the unappreciated and unconventional creative artist that who creates the movement of the future. These are the artists and works that need the exposure a quality website can provide. As a sponsor and supporter of AE, I assure you that any resources you provide will be a good investment and spent wisely.