Arden Harrison-Bushnell

ARTIST: ARDEN HARRISON-BUSHNELL Creator of whimsical paintings and fabric/fiber art. In part; watercolor Everyday More Color for My Rainbow, displayed at “Children’s Hospitals and Clinics”. Prints of Dream Miracles and Believe in Miracles, contributed for display and auctions. Winner of 11 top honors since 2010: Winner of People’s Choice award (Kid’s Choice) and first place Minnesota Quilters, Inc award and third place ribbon in Fine Arts at the Minnesota State Fair (2010, 2013 and 2014 respectively); winner of four blue ribbon awards in Creative Activities for original art wall hangings at the Minnesota State Fair (2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014); winner of ‘Best Fiber or Batik award’ from Arts in Harmony 19th Annual International Juried Exhibit; winner of “Overall Merit” award from Arts in Harmony 20th Annual International Juried Exhibit; winner of "First Place Fiber" from Arts in Harmony 21st Annual International Juried Exhibit; and Mpls. St. Paul Magazine’s the Best of the Twin Cities – “Alternate State Fair Fine Arts Awards”. Contributed to “Ronald McDonald House” and “Children’s Hospitals” for display and/or auction. In 2001 a 4 ft by 5 ft framed fabric art (“the Ceiling Outside”) was installed in the lobby of the St. Paul Children’s Hospital ER/Same Day Surgery Wing. In 2004, a 3 ft x 4 ft fabric art (“What’s So Funny?”) was installed in the “Make-A-Wish” foundation lobby (Minneapolis). Arden is also a singer/songwriter. She plays piano and guitar and performed past concerts with husband, Bob Bushnell at the “Ordway Studio Theater” and “O’Shaughnessey Auditorium”; also creator of a 12 week course “Paintbox Theatre” at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts. “Aside from in-kind contributions, I didn’t exhibit my art or enter juried competitions until 2010. In that respect, I consider myself an emerging artist. Currently my husband is custom framing all of my art to protect my work and prepare for exhibits. “I am a wholehearted Minnesotan, currently living in Shorewood, MN.. My life has been one of always being involved in the arts; singing, dancing, painting, and even sewing since childhood. Aside from intermittent private lessons, I am self-taught. After graduating from the Academy of Holy Angels, my goals gravitated to visual art and music. The music: simply piano and guitar well enough to write songs. “My husband, Bob Bushnell is a music store co-owner, music instructor, composer, arranger, author and award winning children’s game creator. As a songwriting, performing duo, together we debuted at the Ordway Studio Theater in 1987. But, our promising careers were dashed by a car accident. With a lot of help, I have overcome physical disabilities and my art (and music) have been a therapeutic-journey. Creativity has helped me to heal and thrive. “The art I create today is symbolic of my efforts to ‘begin again’, in a positive way. At first starting with small panels decades ago to my largest piece, ‘Fabric of Life !’ which is approximately 5 feet by 6 feet in size. There is no question that music and art ‘in concert’ constitute some of the passion in my life. And my wish to want to ‘make something beautiful’, even during the most trying times, is a wish I hope can continue to come true.”