Abby Wyckoff’s Rooster
Food stylist Abby Wyckoff and photo stylist Juli Hanssen share a talent for design and a love of art. Creative professionals in the community, the duo also leverages their strengths as volunteer committee members for Simpson’s annual Art 4 Shelter fundraiser.
Five years ago, Abby cooked and served a meal at Simpson’s shelter and enjoyed getting to know the guests. Looking to do more to support Simpson’s mission, she connected with Art 4 Shelter cofounder Megan Rye and volunteered at the 2018 event at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. When she attended the art sale, Abby invited her good friend Juli to join her.
“I love the mission of the event,” says Abby. “Everyone can contribute a little something by donating a piece of artwork or making a purchase — and 100% of the proceeds go to Simpson. It’s an inclusive and accessible experience,” says Abby. “And as I’ve cooked and served meals at Simpson’s shelter, the event has become even more meaningful for me. I can see the direct impact of giving through Art 4 Shelter and providing someone with a night of shelter. With Simpson’s shelter running 24/7 since COVID, it is even more important to raise funds.”
Juli Hanssen’s Blood Oranges
Energized by the spirit of the event, Juli joined Abby on the Art 4 Shelter committee in 2019, and ever since, both women have been actively engaged in planning the event.
“This is just the right recipe for a fun and successful fundraiser,” says Juli. “You give $35 for a piece of original art. You know it is going to help someone have shelter. It’s a great experience.”
Abby and Juli are pleased to serve on the Art 4 Shelter committee, and they encourage others to get involved.
“It’s a flexible and concentrated volunteer commitment as we build up to the event,” says Juli. “It’s been great to meet the committee members and connect for such a good cause, especially during COVID.”
“I love being on the Art 4 Shelter committee. It is a welcoming place, and everyone is appreciated,”says Abby. “It is such a positive and uplifting event. You can put in as much time and energy as you like. I feel compelled to make an extra phone call or send an extra email knowing that it could result in safe shelter for a guest of Simpson.”
Both artists have made the event a family tradition. Abby’s two sons are involved with art inventory, and her older son Johan is serving his first year on the Art 4 Shelter committee. Juli’s children have helped with the distribution of art following the event.
Anticipating the launch of the Art 4 Shelter virtual store, Abby and Juli are excited to contribute their original artwork. Juli creates in watercolors and pastels. Recently she started working with hot wax. Abby enjoys drawing and painting in watercolors.
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Abby studied fashion design and started her career in New York, assisting in fashion styling, before transitioning to her current profession as a food stylist. She currently resides in Minneapolis.
Growing up in Northern Minnesota, Juli combined her studies in studio art and interior design to establish her career as a photo stylist. She studied in New York, London, and Italy before moving to St. Louis Park, Minnesota.
View Juli Hanssen’s creativity on her website.
View Abby Wyckoff’s artwork on her website.
To learn more about the Art 4 Shelter committee, contact Elisabeth at eloeffler@simpsonhousing.org