My name is Crystal Sokuu. I am a self-taught visual artist and paint instructor residing in Minneapolis, MN.
I began branding myself in the art industry by selling my artwork, hosting a “one of a kind” exhibition, and instructing several heART therapy classes. I’ve always been a creative at heart.
We are grateful to the hundreds of Art 4 Shelter artists and supporters who donated and purchased art for the 11th annual virtual event on May 12, 2021.
Thank you to the community for engaging in this vital fundraiser that is truly a collaborative expression of healing and social justice in our community.
Four staff members share their perspectives.
“It has been an emotional journey,” says Early Childhood Program Manager Nedra Robinson. “What was interesting to me, is that white people finally understood their responsibility for all the racism from the past. After seeing George Floyd, an ordinary man,
Join us for the Art 4 Shelter Pop-Art Sale and Pickup Party!
Saturday, June 5, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Glass House: 145 Holden St., North Minneapolis, MN 55405
Please find parking information below.
Share in the spirit of Art 4 Shelter at this free community celebration.
Pete is an accomplished, self-taught artist. He paints stunning landscapes with colorful sunsets, birch trees, and serene blue waters. Watercolor is his favorite medium. His paintings adorn the lobby, community room, and hallways of his apartment building, providing warmth, color, and glimpses of natural beauty to these shared spaces. Pete has also showcased his admired paintings
at Simpson Housing Services’
The Art 4 Shelter virtual art sale & auction begins May 12 at noon and ends May 16 at 5:00 p.m. Over 1,600 pieces of original artwork, photography, and ceramics are available for purchase to support Simpson’s shelter and housing programs. Enjoy watching our new Art 4 Shelter video created by Maribeth Romslo. Visit www.art4shelter.org to begin shopping!
Simpson is excited to be moving forward with plans to create Simpson’s Community Shelter and Apartments, a national best practice low-barrier shelter model with 70 beds and 42 units of permanent housing, intentionally designed to meet the short-term housing needs of shelter guests. This modern and dignified low-barrier space will be developed at the site of Simpson’s current shelter.
Last week 14 parents and guardians in Simpson’s Family Housing Program participated in Mamas’ Day of Healing — a virtual retreat for self-care, learning, dreaming, and connection.
The two–and–half hour session was hosted by Simpson’s Early Childhood Team led by Nedra Robinson and the Children and Youth Services Team led by Manager Jocelyn Pickreign.
February is Black History Month, and as an agency, we are excited to CELEBRATE the diverse, beautiful, and valuable contributions of Black community members, history, and culture.
We invite everyone in the Simpson community to participate in the celebration of Black History Month by joining an agency-wide dialogue throughout the year.
For twenty years, volunteer Bill Jechorek has shared his compassionate heart, can-do attitude, and thousands of donated socks with the guests of Simpson’s shelter.
Bill’s connection with Simpson began when he and members of the St. Vincent de Paul group at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church toured Simpson’s shelter and four other Minneapolis shelters years ago.
