2023 RECEPIENT - CREATIVE SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS - MINNESOTA STATE ARTS BOARD
Creative practiceMy artwork is rooted in play, vulnerability, experimentation, collaboration, and the blending of disciplines.
I see my art as emotional landscapes and portraits using color, different patterns, and mixed media techniques to explore nature, uncertainty, loss, growth, and vibrancy. Visually the art fluctuates between dark and bright with contour lines, uneven shapes, and collaged materials or images. My artistic approach is intuitive and introspective, often using poetry and free-form writing to spark new ideas and themes for my visual artwork. |
UPDATED ART PORTFOLIO AND SHOP COMING SOON!
ART FACILITATION, Projet coordiantion, AND PRESENTATION
I believe the heart of my creativity is socially engaged. I like to facilitate art experiences, engage artists in community building, and share artwork with others. I do this work independently, through partnerships, and with organizations I work for.
community work
Moonplay cinema I am the founder of Moonplay Cinema, a support system and community for women, nonbinary, trans, and other artists and filmmakers marginalized due to gender. I currently facilitate our quarterly artist meetings and host our podcast Where to from Here.
|
fresh eye artsAs Art Supervisor at Fresh Eye Arts, I co-manage a progressive art studio program supporting artists with disabilities and Fresh Eye Gallery, a community art space in Minneapolis with Lauren Hughes. In this role, I am also the coordinator of Eye to Eye, an exhibition project that pairs 2 artists together who have never met before to collaborate and create new artwork.
|
artstartI currently serve on the Board of Directors of ArtStart as the Board Secretary. ArtStart actively supports artists, builds arts access, models sustainable practices, and practices an innovative nonprofit business structure. ArtStart is known for their ArtScraps Reuse Center, a retail shop that pairs waste management with art-making.
|
Artist career support
Since 2017, I have been providing Artist Career Consultations through Springboard for the Arts. In a consultation, I get to know you and your work, help you set goals, and develop realistic strategies to help you reach those goals. I use Springboard's Work of Art Toolkit as a resource during these meetings. I also bring my own experience as a self-employed artist and the knowledge I have gained as an arts administrator and supporting other artists over the last 10 years.
I help artists with career planning, pricing, marketing, time management, grantwriting, portfolio development, project coordination, exhibition planning, community organizing, and more. I can meet with you once, weekly, monthly, once a year. It's up to you as long as our schedules align. I am also great at supportive counseling so if you are looking for someone to listen and hear you, I can be that person. In addition, I have a background in supporting artists with disabilities. My approach is person-centered, patient, resourceful, and non-judging. Springboard for the Arts offers free or low-cost artist career consultations to artists, artist entrepreneurs, and creative small business owners. Meetings can be held over Zoom, the phone, or in person depending on the situation. MN-based artists can start with one free 1-hour consultation. |
News & Updates
Where Art & Grief MeetPodcast interview with Sophia Cosmas on creative living, grief, and artistic process.
|
In RotationAugsburg University's year-long project engages artists in exploring movement through building a regular sketchbook habit. Each month each participating artist posts a new sketch. The project culminates in an exhibition opening September 2023. Jes is one of 21 participating artists.
|
Voyage Minnesota interviewOnline magazine interview with Voyage Minnesota, a new media-based platform featuring independent, creative, local entrepreneurs, small businesses, and artists based in Minnesota.
|
Stay connected. Receive updates by email.
FIND ME ON:
upcoming events
Weaving the North
North Suburban Center for the Arts
Exhibition Dates: March 17 - April 23
Opening reception: March 17, 6 - 8 PM
Artist Panel Discussion: April 15, 6 PM
exhibition highlighting various weaving techniques of Minnesota-based fiber artists
Spring Open Studios
2010 Artblock
April 1
Visit me in Studio 210, Building #2
2023 Red Wing Arts 22nd Poet Artist Collaboration Exhibition
Depot Gallery
Exhibition Dates: April 14 - June 18
Celebration Event: April 30, 1:30 - 4:30 PM
Get details here.
In Rotation Group Exhibition
Augsburg University
Christiansen Gallery
September 21–December 8
more details coming soon!
Intuitive Weaving Workshop with Jes Reyes
Fresh Eye Gallery
October 2023
more details coming soon!
North Suburban Center for the Arts
Exhibition Dates: March 17 - April 23
Opening reception: March 17, 6 - 8 PM
Artist Panel Discussion: April 15, 6 PM
exhibition highlighting various weaving techniques of Minnesota-based fiber artists
Spring Open Studios
2010 Artblock
April 1
Visit me in Studio 210, Building #2
2023 Red Wing Arts 22nd Poet Artist Collaboration Exhibition
Depot Gallery
Exhibition Dates: April 14 - June 18
Celebration Event: April 30, 1:30 - 4:30 PM
Get details here.
In Rotation Group Exhibition
Augsburg University
Christiansen Gallery
September 21–December 8
more details coming soon!
Intuitive Weaving Workshop with Jes Reyes
Fresh Eye Gallery
October 2023
more details coming soon!
Recent exibition
Momentary certainties
Eagan Art House
September - October 2022
Jes Reyes
Hug it Out
Acrylic yarn, embroidery thread, recycled cotton potholder loops
This site-specific fiber art installation, woven and knitted, acts as a warm embrace and explores the changes of seasons.
Eagan Art House’s annual exhibition Momentary Certainties is installed along walking paths and throughout the lawns, meadows, and native grasses. Exhibiting visual art grapples with themes of ephemerality, permanence, nature and change in the landscape.
Hug it Out
Acrylic yarn, embroidery thread, recycled cotton potholder loops
This site-specific fiber art installation, woven and knitted, acts as a warm embrace and explores the changes of seasons.
Eagan Art House’s annual exhibition Momentary Certainties is installed along walking paths and throughout the lawns, meadows, and native grasses. Exhibiting visual art grapples with themes of ephemerality, permanence, nature and change in the landscape.
have a question?
If you have questions, please reach out to me.
I am open to press inquiries, commissions, collaborations, speaking engagements, curating, teaching, commissions, or writing opportunities.
I am open to press inquiries, commissions, collaborations, speaking engagements, curating, teaching, commissions, or writing opportunities.
Jes Reyes is a fiscal year 2023 recipient of a Creative Support for Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Copyright Jes Reyes Art 2023