Juxtaposition Arts, 2007 Emerson, was created in 1995 by Deanna and Roger Cummings and Peyton Russell with the purpose of enriching the lives of youth. The late Ed Gearty, a lifelong Northsider, created his legacy by providing the site. The Cummings continue in leadership roles in the Northside community into which they are rooted. They are expanding JUXTA, an agency which has contributed to the lives of so many.
Juxtaposition Arts envisions the youth of North Minneapolis entering the creative work force as dynamic innovators and problem solvers with the confidence, skills and connections they need to accomplish their educational and professional goals, and to contribute to the revitalization of the communities where they live and work.
There are four studios at JUXTA: Environmental Design – designing larger areas such as in parks; Graphic Design – creating advertisements on computers; Contemporary Arts – painting, drawing, and other forms of creating art; and Screen and Fashion Printing – textile and screen printing.
The principal programs for youth:
Free Wall: Introduction to Aerosol Painting — Students age 12-21 learn about street art history and street art-inspired textiles with local aerosol artists. There is no cost to participate in this summer program.
Visual Arts Literacy Training (V.A.L.T.) — Young artists explore, refine and grow their skills in the arts alongside professional artists leading them into future paid positions.
JXTA Apprentice in JXTA Labs– JXTA Labs are the production arm of Juxtaposition Arts and an engine of economic and social development for the organization and for North Minneapolis. Once JXTA students reach a level of mastery in Visual Art Literacy Training, they may be employed in the studios as one of seventy apprentices producing: custom t-shirts and apparel items; logo, flyer and poster designs; original artwork for displaying or marketing ideas; and live art demos for events, and innovative environmental art installation
Find more info at juxtapositionarts.org or 612-588-1148.