To the members, artists, and supporters of the Saint Paul Art Crawl –
It is with extreme sadness that we share the news of Brenda Brousseau’s death. She spent her last days in her own home, with loved ones close at hand.
Brenda’s leadership continued the growth of the Saint Paul Art Crawl beyond the traditional Lowertown boundaries. She and Alexzan Richmond were a dynamic team, and in the six seasons she co-led the Art Crawl, she guided the expansion with new venues and more districts, reaching a record-breaking number of artists, galleries, and businesses participating.
In addition, Brenda strove to bring a more diverse face to the Art Crawl and championed Special Exhibitions like the Fall 2018 “Check Other” highlighting Latino artists and “We are Still Here” telling the stories of regional Indigenous artists, which is currently on display in the Schmidt’s Landmark Gallery.
A highly skilled and award-winning artist in her own right, Brenda created complex beaded Mandalas, Headdresses, Sculptures, and Wall Art. She received the Juror’s Choice Award at the 35th Annual Contemporary Crafts Exhibit in Mesa, AZ as well as many Awards in exhibitions across the country. Moreover, she was awarded multiple Minnesota State Arts Board Grants and a Jerome Grant through the MN Textile Center.
Countless lives have been touched and impacted by Brenda in and out of the art world. Her favorite place to be was the North Shore and she dreamed of retiring along the banks, kayaking and canoeing in the BWCA. She also loved to bike – and just two summers ago biked 100 miles in a single day – participating in many biking events and raising funds for various individuals and charities.
Countless lives have been touched and impacted by Brenda in and out of the art world. Her favorite place to be was the North Shore and she dreamed of retiring along the banks, kayaking and canoeing in the BWCA. She also loved to bike – and just two summers ago biked 100 miles in a single day – participating in many biking events and raising funds for various individuals and charities. We will miss her ever-present upbeat attitude and the generosity of her spirit and energy.
Brenda would want you to celebrate her life and most recent work as the Art Crawl Director by having a wonderful time at the Art Crawl, either showing your artwork or supporting artists by taking home artwork that speaks to you.
And try to take a photo of your shoes – as a memory of where you go.
0 Comments