Minneapolis Property Values: Alarm Bells Should Be Going Off

"the City is worth about $2 billion dollars less than a year ago."

By Carol Becker

The Minneapolis City Assessor presented the 2025 property value estimates to the City Council and alarm bells should be going off for anyone who cares about this city. The value of property represents our belief in our collective future and the numbers say that belief is declining.

The Assessor estimates the overall value of the City declined about $2.1 billion dollars from 2023 to 2024 or about 3.1% in one year. In 2023, all the property in the City was estimated to be worth $67.5 billion dollars.  In 2024, all the property in the City was estimated to be worth only $65.4 billion dollars. To put it in simply, the City is worth about $2 billion dollars less than a year ago.

Unsurprisingly, downtown saw the largest decline, a 13% loss in commercial property value. Valuations of commercial property is based on the rent that property can generate, and foot traffic is only 55% of its pre-pandemic levels.  (https://downtownrecovery.com/charts/rankings) Offices are empty and retail has fled so rents have declined, leading to declines in commercial property values. Employment in Finance, the City’s largest private sector employer, declined 6.8% compared to prior to the pandemic. (DEED QCEW)

Rental property lost 9.5% of its value from 2023 to 2024. All rental property was valued at $14.3 billion in 2023 and only $13.7 billion in 2024, for a loss of over half a billion dollars for property owners in one year.  The most obvious reason is that Minneapolis voters authorized the City Council to enact rent control, which will stifle the rental market. Also, the City has made it harder for landlords to screen out or deal with problem tenants. Many rental property owners are now paying for security due to the lack of police.  Taxes and other costs continue to increase faster than inflation. It makes sense that rental property is less valuable. Minneapolis reduced zoning regulations with its 2040 Plan in an attempt to attract more rental property, but it is hard to see investments continuing when the value of those investments decline.  

Single family homes collectively lost 1.2% of their value.  This isn’t surprising as the population declined 1.1%, the last two years, from 429,985 in 2020, to 425,096 in 2022. (U.S. Census) Many homeowners will most see double digit tax increases next year, even if the City, School Board and County do not increase their levies, due to the decline in commercial and rental property.

The decline in ownership housing is the most disturbing, as it represents a real loss of wealth for regular people. Residents lost about $100 million in wealth in one year. And it is simply a reflection of the belief in the viability and attractiveness of our city. The causes seem obvious. Crime increased compared to prior to the pandemic. Travel in the City is being stifled to accommodate bike lanes, making it harder for both residents and non-residents to access jobs and businesses. Retail employment declined 12.6% since 2019, (DEED QCEW) with Target’s leaving Uptown being the most obvious loss. Homeless encampments make whole neighborhoods crime magnets.

One would think our newly elected City Council would be laser-focused on these issues given billions of dollars and the future of the City is at stake. Coming up with new ways to recruit and retain police. Finding ways to make it easier for people to get to jobs and businesses. Meeting with business owners to understand why they may consider leaving the City. Bringing in new tools to strengthen small businesses. Accelerating the conversion of commercial spaces to housing in downtown. Meeting with landlords about what can be done to reduce their costs. Strategizing now on how to reduce property tax levies, as the City has a growing housing affordability problem and property taxes make housing less affordable. 

Instead, the priorities of our new City Council, so far, have been a divisive vote on Gaza, and driving Uber and Lyft from the region.  But they have a year and a half in this term, plenty of time to change their agenda to focus on the real issues of the City. And I hope they do. The lives of hundreds of thousands of people depend on it.

Uber/Lyft: Driver Compensation

“one of my questions was could you help us understand why you felt the state's consideration of financing costs is inadequate, and I think you in part just said so, but for example um the state accounts for $870 a month for financing a vehicle which seems pretty generous to me, um, but we're contemplating compensation for someone to pick up a $1,200 a month car payment, with this as a job that's being calculated on minimum wage, and that just seems like a lot.” Watch the entire statement...(1 min 28 sec)

Shopping Basket from the May 4 Mill City Farmers Market

I hope you didn't let the morning rain keep you from attending opening day at the Mill City Farmers Market 2024 outdoor season on May 4. We met four of this year's new vendors, and I must say they are a fantastic addition to the Market! From Mom’s Garden I picked up bok choy, and an incredibly delicious sourdough olive bread and brown butter chocolate chip cookie from Zeytoon Bread & Co. Chocolate San Jose had a beautiful array of chocolate items made from Ecuadorian cacao. My first purchase was Inkakaw Brewing Cacao, which can be prepared as a cold or hot brew. I also tried the Kunafa and Basbousa Middle Eastern desserts from Menoush Bakery - both equally lovely, and not too sweet.

Minneapolis Institute of Art Announces “Meet at Mia” Summer Series

Experience the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) like never before with the Meet at Mia summer event series, occurring most Thursday evenings beginning May 16 through September 19 in Mia’s Target Park. The series is free to the public. Community members can enjoy live music, unique food and drinks available for purchase, gallery tours and the chance to make art while participating in bike nights, movies in the park and courtyard concert events.

“Meet at Mia provides an opportunity for the community to join us and connect, create and kick back as we celebrate summer in the Twin Cities. With thoughtful and varied programming taking place nearly every week, there is a Meet at Mia event suited for everyone. We can’t wait to welcome both new and returning guests to Mia to experience the museum in a whole new way.”                                                                      Lynn Farmer, chief audience and engagement officer at Mia

Meet at Mia kicks off on May 16 with Bike Night, including art activities with Wóokiye Wín, a poetry reading with Gwen Westerman, a screening and panel discussion of the film Blackwaters, and food and libations from Pizza Karma, Trickster Tacos and more.

Highlights of this year’s Meet at Mia events include:

Bike Night (May 16, June 6, July 11, August 1, September 5) – Pedal to the party right through Mia’s doors from 5-9 p.m.! Learn more about the Twin Cities biking community and make experience art while enjoying music from DJ TaliaKnight. Show off your best bike pose in Mia’s photo booth and indulge in tasty food truck offerings.

Movie in the Park (May 23, June 13, July 18, August 8, September 12) – Enjoy movies on the big (inflatable) screen in Mia’s Target Park while encountering art and imbibing in local food trucks. Festivities will run from 5-10 p.m. with movies starting at 8 p.m.

Courtyard Concerts (May 30, June 20, June 27, July 25, August 15, September 19) – Join Mia in Target Park for a sampling of Twin Cities talent while engaging with local music expert Diane Miller as she spins tunes before and after each live performance. Local food trucks, gallery tours and experiential art will be available throughout each event, running from 5-9 p.m.

For more information on Meet at Mia, as well as other featured events, visit ArtsMia.org. 

Sing Play Learn with MacPhail® presents Kidsfest at Water Works, June 8

Attention everyone with kids in your life!

Mark your calendar for Sing, Play, Learn with MacPhail®'s Kidsfest at Water Works Park happening Saturday, June 8 from 10am–12pm.

This fun-filled morning includes two concerts at 10:15am and 11:15am. Before, during, and after performances, kids can decorate a ribbon wand to dance along with, explore instruments, and have a snack!

This event is free and open to the public.

Free Personal Safety Workshop June 22 at Target Field Station Plaza

The Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA) and North Loop Neighborhood Association are hosting a Personal Safety Workshop on Saturday, June 22, at 10am, at the Target Field Station Plaza, located at the corner of 5th Street N and 5th Avenue N.

Guest presenters include MPD 1st Precinct Crime Prevention Specialist Renee Allen, who will talk about personal safety awareness; and Gail Boxrud and Dante Pastrano from Krav Maga, who will conduct the self-defense training.

This is a FREE event, but please RSVP via Eventbrite so the organizers know how many people to expect.

Please wear appropriate fitness clothing and bring a water bottle.

Local Brewpub's Doppelbock Wins Gold Medal in World Beer Cup Competition

Article by Becky Fillinger, Photos courtesy of Fretless Marketing LLC

Jamie RobinsonSix Minnesota breweries took home medals from the recently concluded World Beer Cup, the largest and most prestigious beer competition in the world. The World Beer Cup is held annually during the Craft Brewers Conference, and with over 9000 entries from over 2000 breweries worldwide, to have six winners from Minnesota is very impressive. Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub took the Gold Medal for their Doppelbock in the German-Style Doppelbock or Eisbock category. We spoke with Northbound's Owner and Brewer, Jamie Robinson, about what it meant to win the Gold Medal and what sets his Doppelbock apart from the rest.

Q:  Congratulations on winning the gold medal for your Doppelbock! Please tell us what it felt like to be recognized as one of the best among so many talented brewers. 

A:  It’s a great honor to have won a World Beer Cup gold medal for our Doppelbock. We’re particularly proud of winning this category because not only is this competition the most competitive in the world, but we likely competed against German breweries that have been perfecting this style over a few hundred years.

Q:  Please tell us more about the Doppelbock – what inspired its creation and what do you believe sets it apart from other beers? 

A:  Doppelbock is one of our favorite styles. It’s a dark, rich, and strong lager. It’s 8.8% ABV. A sipper for sure. We decided to brew it for the first time in 2013. We’ve made adjustments to the recipe and process every year since to improve it so that it could compete with the best versions of the style.

Q:  Taste is subjective, but winning a competition suggests broad appeal. What do you think resonated with the judges and drinkers about your beer?

A:  While we don’t immediately see the judges’ feedback, we believe the adjustments to the recipe over the years is what resonated with them. A couple of years ago we changed the recipe to use premium Weyermann Barke malt. This made a noticeable difference in the richness and body of the beer that Doppelbocks are known for, and resulted in a more authentic version than past batches.

Q:  When we visit Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub, what food should we order to complement the Doppelbock? 

A:  Well, it will be several months before it will be available at our brewpub again. Doppelbock is one of our winter seasonal beers. It’s released in December and normally is gone by mid-March. I believe Doppelbock is best on its own, but it pairs well with much of our menu. Try it with the wild rice burger, or porketta sandwich.

Q:  We’ll wait patiently and try your other fabulous brews and food items in the meantime. How may we follow your news? 

A:  We post on Facebook and Instagram almost daily.

Inviting patio at Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub, 2716 E 38th Street

Minneapolis Water Meets New Federal Standards for PFAS

Excerpt from the May 2 City of Minneapolis e-newsletter

The City of Minneapolis is proud to provide city residents and businesses with safe, high-quality drinking water. You can look at monthly water quality reports on the City’s website or watch a video about how the City’s water is brought from the river to the tap.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the federal agency responsible for regulating drinking water, issued new standards for several per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, are a large group of human-made chemicals.

PFAS are used in many products, including:

• Nonstick cookware
• Food packaging
• Stain-resistant carpets
• Fire-suppressing foam

Unfortunately, research suggests that exposure to PFAS may result in adverse health impacts. The good news for Minneapolis residents is these regulated compounds have not been detected in the Mississippi River, which is our water source, or in the finished water that we send out to your tap.

The City of Minneapolis has been monitoring for PFAS for nearly 10 years. Minneapolis tap water has always met and continues to meet the new federal standards.

For continued information about Minneapolis drinking water, watch for our annual Consumer Confidence Report. This report has data and information about various water quality metrics we provide to customers and state and federal regulators. The new Consumer Confidence Report will be posted by the end of May on the City website.

Entertainment Spotlight: Berlin

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Rich Henriksen, owner, seated at the bar in front of the stained glass entryway. Photo credit Northstar Imagery

Rich Henriksen recently opened Berlin in the North Loop – and aren’t we lucky? This intimate music club, located at 204 N 1st Street, provides first rate entertainment with tasty food and drink menus. We talked to Henriksen about his inspiration for Berlin and what we can expect when we visit. Check out the amazing talent on the team! Berlin is open six days a week from 4PM to 12AM, (1AM closing time on Friday and Saturday), closed on Tuesday.

Q:  Congratulations on opening Berlin in the North Loop. What inspired you to open a jazz club? We would love to hear your vision for the club. 

A:  I have always been captivated by the spontaneity of live music and its ability to connect people around the world. Minneapolis has a rich musical history and culture - our aim is to make a meaningful contribution to the city and its artists. We created Berlin to be a cozy space designed for genuine connection, great conversation, as a way to immerse yourself in the energy of live music. We hope people will discover new artists experimenting with sound. It’s good for the soul to listen to live music together.

Q:  How do you go about selecting the individual artists and bands to perform at Berlin?

A:  Music Supervisor Alex Proctor selects artists to feature a wide variety of experimental music from jazz, ambient, and electronic programming while leaning on mostly instrumental music. The calendar will balance between live bands and DJ’s that span across musical genres with an expanding cast of local, national, and international artists.

Photo of the main room, view from the desirable counter-height seating. Photo credit Northstar Imagery

Q:  How did you design the Berlin interior? What elements of the décor or ambiance are you most proud of?

A:  Built in 1888, this historic building will maintain much of its time-honored charm, though with a fresh, cocktail-forward perspective. Designer Aaron Wittkamper, of Wittkamper Studio, brings together decadent velvety textiles, a stunning marble bar top and layered moments of colored glass, to evoke a truly jazz-minded environment, both contemporary and classic in its presentation. Vintage brass fixtures, tasseled pendants and soft curves in the millwork offer a subtle nod to all things art nouveau, while a stained glass entryway, hand crafted using a thousand year old technique, by Janelle Wilson of Archon Glassworks utilizes antique glass acquired from Germany. Berlin honors the past, while hosting a 21st century party.

We are most proud of how you can't quite place where Berlin exists in time. It is both old and new.

Q:  Are there community events or collaborations in the works that you may share with us? I’m thinking of a MacPhail School of Music/Berlin collab on jazz performances by emerging artists!

A:  There definitely will be in the future! This year we were brand new, but we still collaborated with The Great Northern for some of their programming. We hope to partner with other organizations once we get into a groove with our team.

Tinned fish is a hidden delight of the food menu. Photo credit Isabel Subtil

An old fashioned highlights the beauty in simplicity of the classic cocktail program. Photo credit Isabel Subtil

A spread of warm olives with orange and chili, a sourdough baguette with caramelized bacon butter, and a soft pretzel with cervelat cheese sauce. Photo credit Isabel Subtil

Q:  How did you decide on the menu for Berlin? Are there signature drinks or dishes?   

A:  Culinary Director Jamie Malone of Paris Dining Club offers shareable snacks, a few large plates, and delightful desserts. The beverage program is overseen by Ruby Langworthy, previously of Young Joni back bar and Little Tijuana. Cocktails are classic, simple, and unfussy. Both food and drink are designed to complement the heartbeat of the experience, which is music. You can enjoy a full dinner that adds to the show, without being too distracting and taking away from it. There is also an amazing happy hour from 4-6pm Monday-Friday.

Q:  How may we stay current with the performance schedule and other events at Berlin?

A:  We keep our calendar up to date on our website, but the best way to hear the news first is to subscribe to our newsletter here.

Mill City Farmers Market Opens May 4, Welcomes 10 New Vendors for the 2024 Season

A treat in May - the scent of lilacs and lilies of the valley wafting from Goldfinch Flowers

Mill City Farmers Market (MCFM) returns to the Chicago Mall and historic Train Shed with fresh local produce, sustainable groceries and handmade goods on Saturday, May 4 from 8am to 1pm. 

This year, an additional 10 new vendors joined the MCFM roster for a total of 115 vendors. MCFM is a primary storefront for many of the farms and local businesses showcased each Saturday. Customers can find a wide variety of local businesses including fruit and vegetable farmers, food makers with staple pantry items, textile and ceramic artists, jewelers, bakers, skin and body care, ready-to-eat food and more.

What you can expect this season:

Thanks to the Market’s Charitable Fund (MCFM-CF), educational programming will be back at the Market, including live cooking lessons with Market Chefs, veggie sampling for kids, Storytime and more.

Alongside food education, the Market and its Charitable Fund will continue their mission to give everyone in our community access to fresh, nutritious food through their food access programming. SNAP and EBT users can get their purchase tripled up to $10 each Market day (spend $10, get $30). In addition, beginning in July, MCFM’s Greens for Good food rescue program will return in partnership with Augsburg University’s Campus Kitchen, purchasing excess produce from farmers and distributing it weekly to low-income seniors in the Cedar Riverside neighborhood.

MCFM welcomes 10 new vendors for the 2024 season, with initial appearances scheduled as following:

May 4:

• Mom’s Garden Hmong woman-owned farm using organic practices to grow fresh produce.
• Zeytoon Bread & Co. Woman-owned bakery crafting sourdough with Mediterranean flavors.
• Chocolate San Jose Latino woman-owned business providing ethically sourced chocolate.
• Menoush Bakery Family owned company making and selling home baked Middle Eastern desserts.

May 11:

• Feather Thief Fly Fishing Custom curated, one of a kind hand-tied flies for fly fishing.
• Janna’s Gluten Free Bakery Woman-owned bakery offering gluten-free baked goods.

May 25:

• Suki's Chateau Gems and bracelets (formerly with Mhonpaj's Garden).
• Dervish Mazza Middle Eastern flavors showcased in a variety of spreads and dips.

June 15:

• Stone Fruit Creative Handmade crochet granny-square totes and produce bags.

July 13:

• Mi Sota Essence Latino Woman-owned cannabis company (formerly part of Primitiva Collective).

MCFM runs every Saturday, May through October, from 8am to 1pm (October markets open at 9am).

MCFM has long been a champion for the local food movement and has put farmers first since its founding in 2006 by farm-to-table pioneer and James Beard nominated restauranteur Brenda Langton. All vendors meet a high standard for local sourcing and are committed to market’s sustainability statement, which ensures the use of farming practices aligned with building healthy soils, sustainable water use, humane treatment of livestock, honorable workplace practices, and rejects synthetic inputs, pesticides and GMO seed. MCFM vendors are not required to be USDA Certified Organic, as the time and costs associated with certification are a barrier to many BIPOC, immigrant and emerging farmers. Customers at the Mill City Farmers Market can feel confident they will find high-quality, naturally grown and made products no matter which vendor they support.

New for the 2024 Art-A-Whirl: Art Passports on Parade, a Chance to Win $500 Worth of Art

Collecte 10 or more stamps to be entered into a drawing for $500 worth of art from a participating Art Passports on Parade artist of your choice.

Every year Art-A-Whirl draws over 40K visitors to the NE Arts District, which has ranked as the best, or one of the 10 best, art districts for a number of years by the US Today Readers Choice Awards. For 2024, non-profit Art to Change the World (ACW) is introducing Art Passports on Parade - an opportunity to visit artists who belong to ACW in their studios during Art-A-Whirl, May 17-19.

How Art Passports on Parade works:

Pick up a free Art Passport at the new ACW office and meeting space at 699 Lowry Ave NE (follow the ACW signs to the upper level), or from one of the participating artists. There will only be 100 Art Passports so be sure to get yours early!

Next, you will visit at least 10 of the participating ACW artists in Solar Arts, The Casket Building, The Carriage House, The California Building, The Northrup King Building and Flux Arts to see their work, interact with the artist, scope out what work you might choose if you win and have them stamp your Art Passport. Most artists will also host activities in their studios.

Participating Artists: Anna Karena, Frances Bates, Josh Blanc, Madeline (Lin) Boemer, Barbara Bridges, Rose Cooper, Rebecca David, Marko Fields, Kelly Frankenberg, Sara Hanson, Paul Kellett, Candy Kuehn, Layl McDill, Natalie McGuire, Catherine A. Palmer, Debra Ripp, Lucienne "Lucy" Schroepfer, and Sadie Ward.

Finally, Passports must be dropped off at the Flux Arts/ACW World Headquarters to be entered in the drawing. The winner will be notified by May 26, 2024.

Getting Around:

If you're driving, find parking on Monroe Street. Be aware that construction will be happening in the area. 

Not driving? A free shuttle driven by Eric Boyum of Boyum Enlightening Art Services will loop around from Lowry/Monroe to Solar Arts and the Carriage House at Casket Arts Building all three days. Once you are at Casket Arts, it will plug you into the Art-A-Whirl trolly route. Click here for map. 

2024 Art-A-Whirl Schedule:

May 17, Friday: 5pm – 10pm

May 18, Saturday: Noon – 8pm

May 19, Sunday: Noon – 5pm

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2024 Art Passports on Parade sponsors include East Side Food Coop, Central Ave Liquor and MPLSART.

Full Moon With A River View by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

Full Moon With A River View

On April 23rd the moonrise in the East was around 8:15pm coming over the natural horizon. It was 8:27pm when it rose over a tall building. Even though it was past sunset, the sky was not too dark so I was able to capture the entire scene with one image. At other times of the year, from the location where this image was taken, the moon rises in locations now blocked by structures in the foreground. A different place from which to have shot this image is the Stone Arch Bridge, but of course half of that bridge is now closed for repairs.

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Art-A-Whirl, A NEMAA sponsored event, is only weeks away! Visit us at Price Krishnan Gallery in Studio 171-173 of the Northrup King Building. The Gallery is open Fridays 12-4pm and Saturdays 12-5pm.

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During Art-A-Whirl, the hours are:
Friday, May 19, 5 - 10 pm
Saturday, May 20, Noon - 8pm
Sunday, May 21, Noon - 5pm 

Theatre in the Round Players' 72nd Season Continues with Men on Boats by Jacklyn Backhaus May 10 - June 2

An audience discussion with the cast and director will be held immediately after the performance on Sunday, May 26.

Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) continues their 72nd Season with Men on Boats by Jaclyn Backhaus, the true(ish) story of John Wesley Powell’s 1869 expedition down the Colorado River, running weekends May 10 to June 2 with a Monday Pay-What-You-Can performance on May 20. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm. 

This rollicking adventure offers a fresh perspective on the American West and the nature of adventure itself, telling the story of the all-male explorers with a cast women and gender-expansive performers. With humor, heart, and a thrilling narrative, Men on Boats uses unconventional storytelling to create a thrilling theatrical experience.

Sophie Peyton directs the ten-member cast with movement direction by Kelly Nelson, sets designed by MJ Leffler, costumes by Claire Looker, lighting by Bill Larsen, props by Vicky Erikson, and sound design by Christy Johnson.

Sign Up for City of Minneapolis Emergency Text Alerts via Smart911

Excerpt from the April 25 City of Minneapolis e-news

Sign up for the City of Minneapolis’ new alert system. You can get text alerts, create a full profile if you’d like alerts on specific subjects, and even download the mobile app to your phone.

Alert topics

The City of Minneapolis will use the new system, Smart911, to send alerts on many topics including:

• Snow emergencies
• Severe weather
• Public safety incidents
• Major infrastructure issues
• Major special event impacts

Smart911 replaces the City’s former alert system, Swiftreach. If you were subscribed to Swiftreach, you'll get alerts in the new system. You are encouraged to create a Smart911 profile for more precise alerts.

Sign up for alerts

To subscribe, text MPLSAlerts to 77295 or create a full Smart911 profile online.

Read more about the new alert system on the City website.

Don’t Miss Mia’s Art in Bloom Festival, April 25 - 28

Article and photos by Becky Fillinger

The 40th anniversary of Mia’s Art in Bloom (AiB) Festival opens today, April 25, and runs through the 28th.  Admission is free and open to everyone. As you wander from gallery to gallery, you’ll be delighted to see how over 100 local floral artists interpret artworks chosen by a Mia curator.

Perry McGowan with his floral arrangement to accompany Portrait of a Girl by Georg Pencz

We spoke with Perry McGowan, and greatly admired his interpretation of Portrait of a Girl by Georg Pencz in Gallery 342. McGowan has been a participating floral artist at AiB for 6 years but was quick to explain that he is a CPA, not a florist or artist by training. “It’s a huge honor to be chosen to participate and to be able to see your sculpture in a public place, especially at Mia. It’s an absolute joy to see people respond and connect to my, and my co-artist Zuzana Menzlova’s, sculpture.”

Mia welcomed over 60,000 visitors last year to AiB and this year should also see record crowds. Prepare for crowds and give yourself time to appreciate the wonderful pairings of Mia’s artworks alongside gorgeous floral interpretations. The museum’s restaurant will be open daily during the festival, and food trucks will be onsite as well. Full event information can be found here.

Billboard by Grace Hartigan

The Intrigue by James Ensor

Nanbozhoo and Toad Woman by Rabbett Strickland

The Smoker by Édouard Manet

Although admission to AiB is free and open to everyone, it’s important to realize that it is the Friends of the Institute’s most essential annual fundraiser. Funds raised enable Friends to sponsor events like AiB and to continue Mia’s mission of sustaining and enhancing Mia’s collections, exhibitions and programs. Please donate generously to support Art in Bloom!

Lidia Bastianich to Feature Sean Sherman in an Upcoming Episode of Lidia Celebrates American: Changemakers

Lidia and Sean by Water Works Pavilion with the 3rd Avenue Bridge in the background. Photo credit Owamni

Italian-American cooking icon Lidia Bastianich was recently in town interviewing Sean Sherman for her special Lidia Celebrates America: Changemakers. Sean talked to Lidia about indigenous food knowledge, how his nonprofit, North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NĀTIFS), is uncovering, collecting, and disseminating that knowledge, and how understanding these very different ways of gathering food and eating can benefit everyone in our society.

Mark you calendar with a reminder to look for the episode this December on Twin Cities PBS!

Lidia samples dishes, ingredients and drinks with Sean at Owamni. Photo credit Owamni

A Year With Frog and Toad returns to Children’s Theater Company

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

A Discussion with Jay Goede, returning as of Frog

A Year with Frog and Toad returns to Children’s Theatre Company, April 23 - June 16. We spoke to Jay Goede, our Frog, a role which he originated in CTC’s 2003 world premiere and the subsequent Broadway production. He describes the joy in collaborating with fellow actor Reed Sigmund and in delighting audiences with the characters’ friendship played out against the changing seasons of the year. Get your tickets here because this one is a delight and a favorite for all ages.

Q:  What draws you to the character of Frog who you portray in A Year With Frog and Toad? Are there aspects of the character that resonate with you personally?

Jay GoedeA:  I think Frog is very much a person who likes to have a balance between social, personal, and spiritual worlds. There's a beautiful song in the show called “Alone” where - in distress – Toad pedals out to a little island, where Frog is sitting alone in nature, and Toad is convinced that poor Frog must be angry or sad or some negative emotion because he's isolated himself alone on this island. And, quite the contrary, Frog tells Toad that he's happy to be alone because it makes him feel at one with nature, enjoy his surroundings, and remembering how wonderful it has been to be who he is in nature. He "loves being a frog in the warm sunny summer," his beautiful phrase from the song. That really resonates with me. You need to be alone to be in touch with your spiritual and physical surroundings. The joy of taking in nature and all be magic that goes on within it.

Q:  How has your perspective or approach to the character of Frog evolved since your previous involvement with the show in 2003?

Frog and Toad go sledding. Photo by Glen Stubbe PhotographyA:  Well, it is very much informed by who I am today as Jay, versus who I was in 2003 as Jay. I guess what I mean by that is: I stepped away for many years from the business of "show." The acting business. I found much serenity and peace in that decision. I began painting again, as I was trained as an artist originally many years ago. Most importantly, I have found a spiritual center that was much needed, and not quite in place in 2003. But I have missed the art of acting. I have not missed all the shenanigans that are "show business." But I do enjoy acting when I get the chance. "Frog" in 2024 will probably be my last time on stage for quite a while. It has been a lovely chance to get to know Frog again, and to work with the incredible talent of Reed Sigmund, who is - without question - one of our country's finest and most brilliant actors. This has been the greatest gift for me this time playing Frog. I feel extremely fortunate to be sharing the stage with such a fine talent, just as I felt the first time acting with Mark Linn-Baker who originated the role of Toad. Both are genius talents that don't come around very often. So if that makes any sense, those are the big differences this time around. I also don't jump as high as Frog used to do in 2003! Sigh.

Q:  The show explores themes of friendship and the changing seasons. How do you think the themes resonate with audiences?

A:  For me, as a child growing up, the most magical part of each year was the change of seasons. I loved the change of seasons, and most of all I loved fall and spring. Winter was a wonderful challenge because we got to go outside and sled down the hill, as Frog and Toad do, but spring is the most magical time of year for me. I think everyone sits in the audience and brings their own personal relationship with all the seasons to the show. Fall, for me as a young person and of course still as an adult, is when my two favorite holidays take place: Halloween and my birthday, which is November 2nd. So I guess I have romantic and nostalgic feelings associated with every season. As we age, we bring more of our history to living through those seasons each year, but without a doubt I think we all have our favorite seasons. It is fun to see the audience, especially the children, respond to each new scene, and enjoy watching Frog and Toad experience all the wonderful seasons onstage.

Regarding friendships: in the changing seasons, I have beautiful memories of sledding with my friends, and going Halloween trick-or-treating with my friends. I think about Christmas gift exchanges with my friends. Every one of us has special memories that we cherish from our childhoods, and even in adulthood our friends mean so much to us, especially during the holidays. We love and look forward to sharing our time, our gifts, and our memories with them. The friendships that last over many years, like Frog’s and Toad’s, are the ones that anchor us in our reality, in our happiness, in our struggles and in our victories. The friendships that last through the years are the ones we hold most dear in our hearts. And, certainly, the seasons give us indicators of how many years we've known our special friends.

Reed Sigmund (Toad), rehearses with Jay. 

Q:  Are there any particular scenes or songs in the production that hold special significance for you?

A:  Yes, as I mentioned, I will always feel fortunate to sing “Alone” every day that the show runs. This beautiful song, in the middle of this gorgeous show, talks about one's need to be not isolated but with oneself in nature. It is one of the most beautiful ideas in the show. Frog explains to Toad that he doesn't mind being alone, and he actually needs it sometimes. It is a beautiful spot in the show, where you see the depth of the friendship between the two characters. Toad has made this beautiful lunch of sandwiches and iced tea for Frog, to comfort him and cheer him up. The lunch gets ruined in Toad’s efforts to get out to the island. Just as he falls off his log, Frog reassures him that it is enough to just be with him and sit in the wonders of nature. In essence, Frog is letting Toad know that just his friendship and his presence are enough. Even without the iced tea and sandwiches. It is such a beautiful part of the show for me. 

Q:  How do you prepare for the emotional aspects of your character, and how do you find a balance between the comedic and more serious moments in the show?

A:  I guess the key to good comedy is that the character doesn’t know the situation is funny. I don't look differently at comedy than I do at more serious moments. If you think about the truth of the situation, that takes care of it. In other words, I think comedy and seriousness can layer on top of each other, the more we get to know the characters, their behaviors, and the situations in which they find themselves. Behavior comes out of truth, and the more truthful we can make the situations, the more truthful the behavior is. And the audience discovers joy and sadness while watching the character experience all these moments.

Q:  As someone returning to a familiar role, how do you keep the performance fresh and exciting for yourself, as well as for the audience?

A:  At my age, I just try to keep it simple, and the rest takes care of itself as far as the joy of performing. I take the advice of that great actor Spencer Tracy who said, "Just learn your lines and don't bump into the furniture."

Q:  Lastly, you mention that you might not be on the stage again for a while. What’s on the horizon for you after Frog and Toad wraps up in June? 

A:  After this wraps up, Frog/Jay is going on vacation to an island far away, all alone by himself, to sit and be one with the spiritual self and the joy of nature.

Q:  How may we follow you?

A:  I'm very elusive and like to stay that way. You might find me on Facebook and Instagram, but you might not."Maybe yes and maybe no!" as Frog says.

Eagle Watches Over the Stone Arch Bridge Project

Submitted by Ric Rosow

The tug boats are doing yeoman work on the Stone Arch Bridge repair project. Above, a tug boat is pushing and guiding a new barge, the third, into place. Note the eagle perched atop a tree branch in the bottom center of the second image watching over the project. Below, a tug boat returns from one of the barges.

Clay Squared Gallery Announces Grand Opening, May 10

Image: ReUse On the Range, mixed media sculpture by Layl McDill, 55"x100"x9", 2023

Grand Opening May 10, 6:00 - 8:00pm

Mixed media sculptor Layl McDill is expanding her gallery and studio. The newly renovated storefront space at Lowry and Monroe will showcase Layl’s sculptures of all sizes and shapes. The Grand Opening is May 10 from 6:00 to 8:00pm. There will be door prizes and snacks, and an opportunity to play with some clay, too! 

Check out her latest teapots that have transformed into birds and whimsical worlds. Take your time searching the bead collection to find just the perfect grouping for a personalized bracelet. You'll also find a life-size bison made of found objects and polymer clay! 

The new gallery space (above) will be open Monday-Saturday from 12:00 to 5:00p, or by appointment or chance. Direct entrance is located at Monroe and Lowry, or enter at the main entrance of the Flux Arts Building, 2505 Howard Street NE (below).

Also open in the Flux Arts Building will be: Clay Squared to Infinity tile showroom and studio, Art to Change the World and Potek Glass.

Clay Squared Gallery will also be offering classes, parties and workshops in this new space. With several newly trained instructors, classes will be offered regularly. You will learn amazing magical techniques and then create a finished project such as a vase, frame or switchplate cover. Take it home and bake it in your own oven or let Clay Squared bake it for you. 

Public is Invited to the Annual MPD 1st Precinct Open House, May 14

Inspector Billy Peterson and the entire MPD 1st Precinct staff cordially invite you to the 1st Precinct Open House, taking place Tuesday, May 14, 11a-2p at 19 N 4th Street.