Face to Face raises funds for ACC

An art show and silent auction at Face to Face for Wellness & Beauty raised nearly $370 for the Anne Carlsen Center.

Beginning in October, the salon invited people to submit their photographs, paintings, sculptures, and other artwork in the contest. The pieces were displayed at the salon, 607 13th St. N.E., and were voted on by community members, until Dec.10. That evening, Face to Face hosted a holiday party, during which attendees could participate in a silent auction and bid on their favorite works of art.

“We had heard about the center’s Accessing the Artist Within program,” said Lori Froemke, owner of Face to Face. “We appreciate what the center is doing to make art accessible to people of all abilities. We really recognize the importance of that. A child may not be able to talk … or see … but he or she can be a great artist, given the right tools.”

Accessing the Artist Within is an endeavor created by Mark Coppin, ACC’s assistive technology director. The idea behind the project is to showcase how assistive technologies and adaptive equipment empower individuals with disabilities to explore the artist within. Clients of ACC, along with individuals across the country, have shared their artistic talents through this project.

The works of art in the show, which were taken home by those with winning bids, included a colored pencil drawing by 13-year-old Mikka Prosser.

“I really wanted to help raise money for the Anne Carlsen Center,” said Prosser, who contributed a favorite drawing from her sketchbook.

The winner of the art contest was 23-year-old Brandi Kastet, formerly of Montpelier, N.D. The Jamestown College graduate, now living in Bismarck, had submitted horse-themed photo art on canvas.

Kastet, along with the second- and third-place artists, received prizes from the salon. Also announced on Dec. 10 were the winners, from amongst those who participated in the voting, of Face to Face’s “Day of Wellness and Beauty.”

“We are extremely grateful for the hard work, creativity and generosity of the Face to Face staff,” said Dan Kunzman, the executive director of the ACC Foundation. “Many people participated in this event and helped make it a success. Thank you for making a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals we have the pleasure of serving.”

Tags: in the area, face to face, anne carlsen, community, acc