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Showing in the Lynnhurst Gallery--January 6 through February 22, 2008:

KRISTIE BRETZKE, Artist

“Face to Face – Encountering Homelessness”

Thomas Jr.	Sharmae, 19 Years, and Skyla, Infant Daughter	Total Desperation

Exhibit Statement:

           A year and a half ago, I moved from my quiet south Minneapolis neighborhood to an apartment in the city, near Loring Park.  I suddenly found myself surrounded daily by the homeless. They had permission to use the cardboard from our recycling bins, so as I left for my studio in the morning, they were making signs on our front lawn.  As I came home they were still standing on the corners, anytime of the day or night.  One particular man stood out because he always held his sign just below his eyes.  He intrigued me and I wanted to paint a portrait of him.  But I was nervous and intimidated, and didn’t know how to approach him.  One morning I just grabbed my camera, walked up to him and started a conversation.  He was so friendly and open, eager to pose for me, that I knew this would be the beginning of a new series of paintings.  As time went by, I became more comfortable approaching the homeless on the streets.  When I saw someone I wanted to paint, I would start by giving him or her a donation and explaining that I was an artist working on a portrait project to benefit the homeless.  I showed them copies of paintings I had finished of other homeless people and explained that their photos would be used only as reference for the painting.  

            Eventually, Premier Gallery offered to host this show as a fundraiser and contacted Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota, whose primary focus is on homeless children and families.

           Today the exhibit includes paintings of a very diverse group of men, women and children.  They are simple and straightforward, with my intent being to portray the homeless in an honest, dignified and respectful manner.  I feel very fortunate to have met these interesting peoples and to be part of the movement to raise awareness of homelessness.

Biography:

           Kristie Bretzke is a figurative artist who works in bronze sculpture and oil painting.  She has a BFA and an Art History Minor from the University of Minnesota and also studied painting at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.  Kristie has shown in many group and solo exhibits and is in many collections in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Her work can be seen year around at Premier Gallery in Minneapolis or on her website at www.kristiebretzke.com.

Contact Information:

           The artist is donating all proceeds from the sale of the art to St. Stephen's Human Services.  Please contact the artist, Kristie Bretzke, if you are interested in purchasing art; or see a member of Lynnhurst's Music and Arts Board (will be wearing badges at special fundraiser event on February 9th).

Phone: 612-824-2990 or email: kb@kristiebretzke.com.

More info at: www.kristiebretzke.com

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