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Minneapolis singer/songwriter Taylor Johnson, aka 

, gives a shoutout to an illustrator whose work is both prolific and diverse. Ocean Jurney, aka 

, draws, paints, makes collages and writes comics. 

“One thing I love about [Chanci] is their vulnerability,” said Johnson. “It’s really a journal of how they’re experiencing life,” with poetry and sayings incorporated within colorful line drawings. Chanci, who identifies as a queer white artist, often uses their art to call for racial equity and social justice issues.

Johnson describes how he first experienced Chanci’s ability as a sketch artist.

Several years ago, they were together at a brunch when a fire broke out across the street.

Johnson and several others rushed to help.

Situation resolved, they returned to find that Chanci had sketched and written about the scene, in all of its intensity.

Ashley Hanson, executive director of the 

, an artist-led organization based in Granite Falls, Minn., recommends a performance by New London, Minn., artist 

It’s an interactive, COVID-19-safe arts experience for an audience of one or two that’s part of Lacktorin’s “Art by Appointment” series, which encourages people to make an appointment for art the same way they would for other self-care.

“There’s a lot of special magic in arriving and experiencing it,” Hanson said. She described the 45-minute performance as a form of call-and-response. The performer and audience communicate through objects and create a story.

The show is touring rural Minnesota towns. Hanson’s organization hosted the show at the Yes! House last week. It next travels to the 

Tickets are limited. While you’re in Hutchinson, Hanson also recommends checking out the exhibit by Thomas Pultzier, “

Paul Melchert is a pediatric hospitalist from Stillwater, Minn., who loves art. 

Recently, he enjoyed the “No Holds Barred” show at the 

The show features 85 local and regional artists with a variety of styles.

Work by familiar names hangs near pieces by emerging artists.

“It’s kind of a rebirth in letting people know that they’re still here,” says Melchert, who admires how the gallery has adapted to COVID-19. To replicate the feeling of a traditional opening, he reports that “each individual artist has been given a voucher to host five of their friends or family, kind of one household, for a one hour event with beverages and snacks to make them feel special and supported.”

Emily Bright

Author

This week’s Hounds also recommend a traveling performance for audiences of one or two, and the “No-Holds Barred” exhibit featuring dozens of Minnesota artists.

Art Hounds: An artist sketches commentaries on quarantine, and other subjects

Courtesy of Chanci 

A drawing with words by local musician Tufawon.

Art Hounds: An artist sketches on quarantines and social justice

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