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September 15, 2006
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This Spring we had a rare opportunity to visit with residents of a building we designed last year in Northeast Minneapolis. The project, Clare Apartments, provides housing and support services for people with HIV/AIDS.
A few of the residents gather weekly for what they call "art therapy," which during our visit included card-making and jewelry art. The jewelry comes from a donation by one of the residents, Robert, who gave his extensive collection from 20 years as a drag queen. One resident was busy turning two green necklaces into a whale, which after a brief struggle, evolved into a frog.
In previous weeks they had made cards for Valentine's Day, and often they make 'get well' cards for neighbors who are in the hospital. During our visit they were making a card for Wesley to be delivered that evening by a few of the residents and Wesley's dog Cocoa.
They talked about the art group being like a little family. Jodie and Robert, whose apartments are adjacent to each other, were described as "Donna Reed and Ma Kettle" respectively for their vastly different personal styles. But Jodie immediately commented that despite their differences they are "Next door neighbors of the same heart."
Want some additional information?
CRA project page - Clare Apartments