Exciting developments on the horizon!

We are thrilled to launch our new brand for the art program- Fresh Eye Arts! MSS has been engaging artists with developmental and intellectual disabilities since 1999. Over time our program has grown from one staff member who worked with individuals at each location, to a team of eight with dedicated art facilitators at every center.

These days, artists who work in our studios can be found painting, weaving, drawing, printing, creating digital art and more. Artists are participating in individual and group settings both virtually and in-center. The growth I’ve seen in the program since I started with MSS back in 2009 is astounding! Art has been our avenue to genuine community connection. Partnering with arts organizations from around the Twin Cities has enriched our programming and our spirits. Our partnership at The Show Gallery Lowertown (2015-2020) changed everything for us- demonstrating that art truly is the great equalizer and the work that these artists create needs to be shared with our local arts community and beyond.

We are excited to share this new chapter with you. In addition to rebranding, we are launching Fresh Eye Gallery at 4238 Nicollet Ave S in South Minneapolis. Launching these initiatives has been a ray of light and positivity in an otherwise dark year. We hope you’ll join us at the gallery soon. We cannot wait to be together again and share the latest creations of the Fresh Eye Artists with you all.

I am truly heartened by how far we’ve come, and am elated to see where this new path takes us.

Lauren Hughes, Director of Arts Development MSS/Fresh Eye Arts