Lumières Françaises: Contemporary French Cinema, presented by the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul, July 15-21

Lumières Françaises

Lumières Françaises is a new series of contemporary French cinema, presented by the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul at the St. Anthony Main Theatre. Launching right after Bastille Day, this weeklong festival will showcase a selection of today’s best independent French films and filmmakers. The program highlights an exciting new generation of rising talent on both sides of the camera, from rebellious comedies, to exquisite dramas and vivid documentaries.

Select titles in this series are part of the Young French Cinema program, which is made possible with the support of UniFrance and the Cultural Services of the French Embassy.  All films presented with English subtitles

 

April and the Extraordinary World

Sunday, 7/17, 1:00pm | Wednesday, 7/20, 7:15pm
From the producers of the Academy Award-nominated Persepolis and the mind of renowned graphic novelist Jacques Tardi comes a riveting sci-fi adventure following adventurous scientists’ daughter April and her dear cat Darwin… read more.

Astragal
Sunday, 7/17, 5:15pm | Wednesday, 7/20, 5:00pm
Brigitte Sy’s fiercely intelligent adaptation of the eponymous 1965 semi-autobiographical novel by Algerian-born Albertine Sarrazin-vividly brought to life by Leila Bekhti-depicts the life of a young woman defiantly on the margins… read more.

The Brand New Testament
Thursday, 7/21, 7:00pm
God exists, he lives in Brussels, and he’s a petty tyrant to his wife and daughter. When his daughter spies the right opportunity, she hacks into his computer and leaks to the entire world via text message their inevitable date of death. What follows is Jaco Van Dormael’s witty and eccentric answer to a loaded question: What would you do if you knew exactly how much time you had left to live… read more.

The Last Hammer Blow
Sunday, 7/17, 3:15pm | Tuesday, 7/19, 5:15pm
The eagerly-awaited second film from writer/director Alix Delaporte is a profoundly affecting drama about a young boy determined to change the course of his future. Intimate and emotionally satisfying, and featuring a mesmerizing breakout performance by newcomer Romain Paul, Delaporte’s film is a poetic, neo-realist jewel… read more.

Lolo
Friday, 7/15, 7:30pm | Sunday, 7/17, 7:30pm | Thursday, 7/21, 2:15pm
On holiday in the south of France, chic Parisian sophisticate Violette and life-loving IT geek Jean-René strike up an unlikely, but passionate romance. But there’s trouble in paradise when Lolo, Violette’s ultra-possessive 19-year-old son, swiftly appears to shatter the couple’s idyll… read more.

Neither Heaven Nor Earth
Saturday, 7/16, 5:15pm | Tuesday, 7/19, 7:15pm
Afghanistan 2014. Approaching the withdrawal of troops, Captain Antares Bonassieu and his section are assigned to a control and monitoring mission in a remote valley of the Wakhan, Pakistan border. Despite the determination of Antares and his men, control of this so-called calm sector will gradually crumble. On a September night, some soldiers start to mysteriously disappear in the valley… read more.

Reset
Saturday, 7/16, 3:00pm | Tuesday, 7/19, 3:00pm
Stunningly gorgeous and delicate in both subject and treatment, Reset depicts renowned choreographer and dancer Benjamin Millepied (best known for choreographing the dance sequences in Black Swan) as he attempts to rejuvenate the Paris Opera Ballet in his new position as director… read more.

Silvered Water, Syria Self-Portrait
Friday, 7/15, 3:00pm | Thursday, 7/21, 4:45pm
An extraordinary, at times excruciating documentary, Silvered Water, Syria Self-Portrait bears witness to the atrocities of the civil war that has raged in that country for nearly five years… read more.

Vincent
Saturday, 7/16, 7:30pm | Monday, 7/18, 5:00pm
Director and cowriter Thomas Salvador stars in the title role of this modest, extremely charming superhero movie. Tall, lean, slightly awkward, and unassuming, Vincent leads a quiet life as a construction worker. But whenever he comes into contact with water, this beanpole of a man transforms into a being with unsurpassed strength and speed… read more.

Young French Cinema Shorts
Saturday, 7/16, 1:00pm | Wednesday, 7/20, 3:00pm
A selection of shorts from UniFrance and the Cultural Services of the French Embassy’s Young French Cinema program. Featuring the work of Yulia Aronova, Hadrien Bichet, Maïmouna Doucouré, Paul Wenninger, and Just Philippot… read more.

MPRB Seeks Volunteer Coaches for Youth Football, Soccer and Volleyball for the 2016 Fall Season

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is seeking enthusiastic volunteer coaches for youth football, soccer and volleyball for the 2016 fall season.

• Practices and games start in August for football and soccer, October for volleyball
• Athletes range from 5–18 years old
• Teams practice 1–2 times per week
• Games are scheduled for a weeknight and/or Saturdays
• MPRB will provide orientation for all new coaches

Learn More

Contact
Phone: 612-230-6493
Email: recvolunteers@minneapolisparks.org 

Everything You Need to Know to Start Planning Your 2016 Minnesota Fringe Festival Experience!

It’s time to get adventurous!  Here's everything you need to know to start planning your 2016 Minnesota Fringe experience (August 4 - 14). The 2016 Minnesota Fringe website is live now, which means 1) you can start browsing all 169 shows and deciding how to cram them into your festival schedule and 2) your Friday just got that much less productive. You’re welcome. Also? There are a few major upgrades that we’ve made to the website to make exploring the Fringe easier and more enjoyable than ever. Schedule Grid Listen up, planning enthusiasts! We heard you and made you a schedule grid that is interactive and….drum roll, please…printable! To use the schedule to its full schedule-y potential, log into your account on fringefestival.org. You can then start favorite-ing and locking in shows to create your own customized itinerary. When you’re ready to head out to the festival, you can easily access your personalized schedule on your phone or print it out at home ahead of time. Either way, you’ll be prepared for whatever a day at the Fringe throws your way. Advance Ticket Sales With the switch to day passes, it’s super simple to save a seat at that show you’re just dying to see. There are two options: “Reserve” and “Reserve with a wristband.” For your first show of the day, we’d suggest the “Reserve with a wristband” option to save your seat and purchase your day pass all at once. It'll save you a trip to the box office at the festival, which is pretty snazzy. Then you can use plain old “Reserve” for everything else. Button Deals You don’t have to buy a 2016 Fringe button, but you might just want to. Your $4 button gets you awesome deals at a bunch of local bars and restaurants during the 11 days of the festival. You’ll be able to buy 2016 Fringe buttons at Fringe Preview events and at any Fringe venue during the festival. Donate Do you love our website? Do you love how it connects you to shows and artists you’ve never heard of before? Do you love that printable schedule grid? If you do, consider making a gift to the Fringe today. All of the improvements we’ve made to the website, in addition to all the services we provide for our artists, don’t happen without the support of Fringe fans like you. BONUS: Our Donate page has been beautifully re-designed to make it easier for you to make a gift to the Fringe. Take a gander while you give.

Scenes from the July 2 Mill City Farmers Market

July 2 was Bike to the Market day, and the boulevard was lined with Minneapolis bicycle groups providing shoppers with all the information needed to get the most out of enjoying our city on two wheels. Bicycle mechanics even on site to provide on the spot tune-ups, and Chef Heather Hartman even made her entrance to the Mill City Cooks demo on her bike.

The aromas wafting from the Northern Fires pizza oven aroused appetites from blocks away.

Real Foods has a new tent that affords them more room, plus protects their gorgeous produce from the sun.

Milly the goat!

July 9 Tour de Nice - Cyclists Compete to Raise Funds for Local Charities

The July 9 Tour de Nice kicks off in downtown Minneapolis, where a dozen cyclists representing local charities will ride in a challenge designed around the Nice Ride network. These nonprofit riders will start and finish at Gold Medal Park, competing to see who can visit the most Nice Ride stations between 9:00am and 11:00am.

Bikers around the world know that France has the Tour de France, and even Australia has the Tour Down Under. Well, now Minneapolis — one of the country’s top bike cities — has the #TourDeNice. The Minneapolis Foundation and Nice Ride Minnesota are challenging a small group of cyclists from local charities to ride around the city to see who can visit the most Nice Ride stations in just two hours.

On Saturday, July 9, people all over Minneapolis-St. Paul can raise money to support community needs simply by hopping on a Nice Ride bike. Riders 18 and up — from first-time Nice Ride users to seasoned cyclists — are all encouraged to participate in this community-wide event. During July 9, the Minneapolis Foundation will donate $1 — up to $5,000 — for every Nice Ride trip taken around the Twin Cities. Each dollar will go toward a pot to be donated to the nonprofits of the top three bikers.

I'm putting my money on our neighbor Max Erickson, riding for MacPhail Center for Music.

July 4 Parkway Closures for Red, White & Boom 5K, TC Half Marathon and Fireworks Celebration

Parkway Closures July 4 for Red, White & Boom 5K, TC Half Marathon and Fireworks Celebration

Red, White & Boom 5K, TC Half Marathon
Monday, July 4 - Closed 6:00am - Noon
- Main Street SE, West River Parkway, Victory Memorial Parkway, Webber Parkway, Stone Arch Bridge
More Info

Red, White & Boom Fireworks Celebration
Monday, July 4 - Closed 2:00pm - 10:30pm
- Main Street SE from Merriam Avenue to 6th Avenue SE - 2:00pm-11:00pm
- 3rd Avenue SE from Main Street SE to 2nd Street SE – 2:00pm-11:00pm
- West River Pkwy from N 4th Avenue to 11th Avenue S – 4:30pm-11:00pm
- 3rd Avenue S Bridge (Central Avenue SE): Closed to pedestrians - 9:15pm-10:30pm
- Closed to Vehicles - 9:15pm-10:30pm
- Stone Arch Bridge -  closed to cyclists from 9:30-10:30pm
More Info

Get in the Zone! July 10 Open Streets Downtown Programming Zones Announced

Make the most of your visit to Open Streets Downtown on July 10,  11:00am - 5:00pm. Be sure to hit the Zones that are of interest to you, your family and and friends.

Location: Washington Ave N from 8th Ave N to 1st Ave N & 1st Ave N from Washington Ave N to 8th St S

Kids Zone
Enjoy over two blocks of kids programming! The Minnesota Lynx & Timberwolves will have basketball activities for kids, there will be free facepainting and henna, bubbles and painting on the street with Free Arts Minnesota, and other fun activities provided by a number of different organizations!

Wellness Zone
Filled with local businesses and organizations dedicated to health care and fitness, there’s a little something for everyone. Stop by the North Memorial booth, enjoy a fitness class with the YMCA, get a health screening at the “Q Mobile”, or do some yoga on the street with Minnesota Power Yoga!
 
Sustainability Zone
Get tips on taking your bike on the bus from Metro Transit, see a bike polo demonstration by Chrome Industries, and visit the Nice Ride booth to learn more about joining the Twin Cities bike share!

All that fun will make you hungry, so it’s a good thing there’ll be plenty of food along the route! Stop for a snack at our food truck area, then swing by Red Cow for a burger and to take part in their bean bag toss competition! Finish your trip with a visit to First Avenue and a donut from Glam Doll Donuts. Then stick around to burn off some of that food thanks to free all day fitness classes hosted by Life Time Fitness including yoga and an afternoon boot camp (if you’re still hungry, they’ll even have smoothie samples!)!

Restaurant Week Summer 2016, July 17-22

It's July, and that means it's time for Restaurant Week! Celebrate the best of Twin Cities dining with a week's worth of great deals in the Twin Cities trendiest and best restaurants from July 17-22.

Participating restaurants will serve two course lunches for $10-$25 and three-course dinners for $15- $35 (beverage, tax and gratuity not included).

Mpls.St.Paul Magazine’s Restaurant Week started in 2007 in an effort to connect Twin Cities food enthusiasts with the best in Twin Cities dining. Since then, Restaurant Week has become a tradition embraced by Minnesotans.

In our neighborhood and near by, visit the following restaurants: Sanctuary, Ginger Hop, and Haute Dish.

Minnesota Reading Corps and Minnesota Math Corps are Seeking Tutors to Serve in Minneapolis for 2016-17

Our friends at ServeMinnesota asked us to spread the word on these Tutoring opportunities.

Looking for ways to get involved in the Riverfront? Support students at your local school!

Experience life-changing growth while supporting your local school. Become a Minnesota Reading Corps or Minnesota Math Corps tutor and be a hero to students who struggle with reading or math. Whether you want to explore a career in education, re-enter the workforce, or give back to your community, you can make a difference as a tutor. Last year, Minnesota Reading Corps and Minnesota Math Corps tutors helped more than 35,000 children in more than 900 schools across the state.

In the Riverfront Neighborhoods, literacy tutors are needed at the following schools for the 2016-17 school year:
• Northeast College Prep Charter School
• Downtown YMCA Early Childhood Learning Center PreK
• Downtown YWCA of Minneapolis PreK
• Marcy Open School
• Webster Elementary

As a tutor, you'll see a student's progress as they gain new skills and as they light up with confidence and the satisfaction of knowing they can do it. No child wants to stand out because they can’t learn as quickly as their classmates. We’re helping more kids catch up and soar on their own. And you can be part of it.

Tutors receive extensive training and support from onsite coaches. Tutors are paid a living allowance, given federal student loan forbearance, and are eligible for an education award of up to $5,775 at the end of their service. Tutors 55 or older may gift the award to their child or grandchild. Full- and part-time positions are available. 

Here’s what a few tutors love about serving:
• “I give the children in our community the individualized attention they need to thrive in school. This is awesome work that makes Minnesota mighty!” – Sarah W., children’s book author and former PreK teacher
• “I absolutely love what I do! I get to come to school each day and see the kiddos I work with succeed.” – Andrea M., stay-at-home parent

Learn how you can get involved by visiting MinnesotaReadingCorps.org or MinnesotaMathCorps.org. You can also help by telling a friend or family member about openings in our community and statewide! Positions start in August for the 2016-17 school year. Send questions to recruitment@servemnaction.org or call 866-859-2825.

2016 Women’s Art Institute Summer Studio Intensive exhibition includes work by Susan Schaefer

Congratulations to Mill City Times' own Susan Schaefer, whose work is part of the upcoming 2016 Women’s Art Institute Summer Studio Intensive exhibition.

What

Group exhibition of 13 artists completing the Women’s Art Institute Summer Studio Intensive

When

July 11 – 29, 2016

Summer gallery hours are 9:00 am - 5:00 pm | Monday – Friday | Free and open to the public

Public Reception

Friday, July 8 | 5:00 – 7:00 pm | Regis East Lobby | Free and open to the public

Where

Quarter Gallery | Regis Center for Art (East) | University of Minnesota

405 21st Avenue South | Minneapolis MN 55455

Accessibility, Cost, and Parking

Parking is available nearby on the street, at the 19th and 21st Avenue South ramps, and at the 5th Street South lot; hourly or event rates apply. These parking locations and the Regis Center for Art are wheelchair-accessible. Exhibitions and related events are free and open to the public.

About the Exhibition

The Quarter Gallery at the Regis Center for Art presents the work of the artists in the just-completed 2016 Women’s Art Institute Summer Studio Intensive session: Ashley Alex, Bre Atkinson, Nancy Beatty, Chris Cinque, Marjorie Fedyszyn, Carol Elle Hettinger, Jill Johnson, Kristi Kuder, Sarah Kusa, Susana del Rosario Canteneda Quinteros, Susan Schaefer, Josie Winship, and Rebecca Zenefski. Twelve are Minnesota artists and one is based in Mexico.

About the Women’s Art Institute

The Women’s Art Institute Summer Studio Intensive is a studio art course located at St. Catherine University, St. Paul for contemporary women artists of all ages and backgrounds interested in refining their artistic process and exploring questions around women and art. Creating a community that shares, reflects and produces art in the context of questions raised by the participants, the Institute is a rich experience that offers intensive studio work and one-on-one coaching from faculty. The four-week program includes sessions Monday through Friday with some field trips and evening presentations from guest artists, critics and art historians. Participants have all-day access to the large, sunlit studios and shop facilities of the Visual Arts Building on the St. Catherine University’s beautiful campus. This innovative and rigorous program is designed for artists from a variety of disciplines who have mastered basic skills and are now seeking deeper levels of understanding and expression in their work. Women’s Art Institute Summer Studio Intensive Instructors: Anna Garski and Patricia Olson; Teaching Assistants: Zulma Davila and Annie Hejny.

About Patricia Olson

Patricia Olson, Institute director and associate professor in the Department of Art and Art History at St. Catherine University, has practiced painting and design for more than 30 years and is a founding member of the Women’s Art Resources of Minnesota (WARM). She received an MFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.   

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Sponsorship

The exhibition is co-sponsored by the Department of Art and the Katherine E. Nash Gallery at the University of Minnesota. The Women’s Art Institute is co-sponsored by the Department of Art and Art History of St. Catherine University and Minneapolis College of Art and Design.   

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Katherine E. Nash Gallery Mission

The Katherine E. Nash Gallery is a research laboratory for the practice and interpretation of the visual arts. We believe the visual arts have the capacity to interpret, critique and expand on all of human experience. Our engagement with the visual arts helps us to discover who we are and understand our relationships to each other and society. The Katherine E. Nash Gallery will be a center of discourse on the practice of visual art and its relationship to culture and community -- a place where we examine our assumptions about the past and suggest possibilities for the future. The Nash Gallery will play an indispensable role in the educational development of students, faculty, staff and the community.

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Pictured above: Patricia Olson, Self-Portrait at 60 [after Beckmann] 2011, oil on panel, 55 x 37 in.

Scenes from the June 25 Mill City Farmers Market

June 25 was Brain Health Day at the Market.  In what has become an annual event, Market Sponsor American Academy of Neurology (AAN) gave away 1,000 bike helmets, along with other items. Look for a separate post about this event later this week on our Farmers Market blog.

New vendors debuting on June 25 were Dumpling & Strand and Shahiya Chitney. Look for separate posts later this week on our Farmers Market blog.

Chef Jenny Breen shops for ingredients for the Mill City Cooks demo.

Melanie Ebertz of ArtAndes shows a tapestry woven by Wilber Quispe's son.

The beautiful work of Joanna Buyert, Fringe and Fettle Ceramics.

Two businesses from the FOOD BUILDING, side by side at the Market: The Lone Grazer and Red Table Meat Co. 

The Meet Your Vegetables interns were back, demo'g a Citrus Beet Salad. Look for a separate post later this week on our Farmers Market blog.

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul was the June 25 Community Booth. Check out their programming and consider becoming a member!

The Wedge Community Co-op got into the spirit of Pride weekend. These cupcakes were popular!

Yes! Kids at the Market! :D

No silk purses for these pigs ears. They are doggie treats from Barkley's Bistro.

The goat!

Work at Washington Ave and 2nd Ave S begins Monday, June 27

Via a June 23 Hennepin County e-newsletter:

Starting Monday, June 27, utility crews will be working in the northeast corner of the intersection of Washington Avenue and Second Avenue South. As a result, there will be no right turns from westbound Washington Avenue onto northbound Second Avenue South. Motorists will be able to continue to turn left from westbound Washington Avenue onto southbound Second Avenue South.

Eastbound traffic will not be affected by this work.

This work is expected last approximately four weeks.

A Visit to the Riverplace Market

New to the Riverplace courtyard this year is the Riverplace Market, open 3p-7p Wednesdays thru September 28. It's a beautiful setting for an outdoor market - the cobblestone, the river, the water fountain. We wandered over there this past steamy Wednesday to check it out.  It's a good thing I brought a canvas bag with me.

There's a different food truck onsite each week. On June 22 it was Turbo Taco.

Musicians from McNally Smith provide background music each week.

We picked up a bag of Honeycrisp apple chips from Brand Farms out of Farmington. Great snack for the office.

Check out the cheeky names of these cheeses from The Lone Grazer Creamery.

I picked up some baby cukes from Untiedt's Vegetable Farm - the first of the season for me.  What a treat!

Creature Comfort Hot Sauce offers some fun flavors, including a sweet carrot-based version.

Roasted nuts from Isadore Nut Co. are a hit-the-spot snack or fun gift.

We were happy to see Dorothy of HeathGlen’s Farm and Kitchen. She's an award-winning master of jellies, jams, syrups and sauces. My favorite is Romesco - wow, just wow.  And, please, don't get me started on the Harissa!

Local artisans from the A-Mill Artist Lofts were selling natural sodas, designer cookies, sterling silver jewelry and sassy greeting cards (the best kind!).  I picked up some earrings by Lynn Soetebier of Wyrd Sisters Shop for Christmas, but they're so darn cute I don't think I can wait that long to give them as a gift.

We sampled oils, vinegars, and seasoned salts, peppers and sugars from Annona Gourmet. A jar of sweet onion flavored cane sugar came home with us.  I'm thinking it will work well with grilled veggies, or in a marinade or an Asian sauce.

Here's something you don't see every day (or ever, considering we're in the Midwest): Microgreens and pet grass grown with ocean water. According to Minnesota Microgreens owner Chad Martin, their GMO-free, organic greens are fertilized with pure ocean water - "Ocean Solution" - which contains every mineral in the periodic table. Chad's adorable son informed me that he likes basil. Love it!

Hard decision at the Curt’s Special Recipe booth - Salsa, BBQ Sauce or Bloody Mary Mix? BBQ Sauce won. Riverplace Market shoppers can take advantage of a Frequent Buyers Club card - get a stamp for each jar purchased, and once you hit six stamps you'll get the seventh jar free.

Sometimes you come across something you didn't know you couldn't live without. Dave fell in love with the Man Cave Craft Meats' "Buffalo Wing Style with Bleu Cheese" bratwurst.

Regrettably, we missed a few booths.  You'll just need to make a trip yourself - check out everything the Riverplace Market has to offer.  :)

Volunteers Needed for July 10 Open Streets Downtown

The Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition is looking for a few more volunteers for the July 10 Open Streets Downtown, including: Street Ambassadors, Planeteers, Breakdown Crew and Pop-up Protected Bikeway Ambassadors.

Volunteers are a crucial part of making Open Streets safe and fun, and it’s the perfect opportunity to get involved in the community, meet new people and support the Coalition’s work. Volunteers also get a FREE 2016 Open Streets Mpls T-shirt. Please sign up online for the position and shift you prefer.

Several Downtown Streets Closed for Pride Parade Sunday, June 26

On Sunday, June 26, the City will close several streets in downtown Minneapolis for the Ashley Rukes GLBT Pride Parade.

Beginning at 8:00am:
• Hennepin Avenue will close from Eighth Street to Ninth Street for the Pride Block Party. 
• Third Street South will close for staging of the parade from Hennepin Avenue to Portland Avenue. Cross traffic will be allowed at all times.
• Hennepin Avenue will close from Third Street to Spruce Place. Cross traffic will be allowed as normal until 10:30 a.m. 
• Some cross traffic will be restricted from crossing Hennepin Avenue. Traffic will be allowed to cross Hennepin at Fourth, Fifth, Seventh, 10th, and 11th streets.
• Spruce Place will close from Hennepin Avenue to Yale Place.
• Yale Place will close from Spruce Place to Loring Park.

All streets will reopen following the parade at about 3:00pm.

Road Closures Saturday, June 25, for Heartbeat 5000

The following roads will be closed from 8:30am-Noon on June 25 for the Heartbeat 5000:

Closed at SE Main Street to SE 6th Avenue to Stone Arch Bridge to West River Parkway - Portland Avenue N to Plymouth Avenue N to Sibley Street NE, East Island Avenue to Merriam Street, Merriam Street to SE Main Street.

Event Map

The Woonerf is Taking Shape!

The Woonerf is taking shape! When complete, we'll have a new option for walking and biking to the river.  Learn more about this project.  

One Block of 3rd Avenue in Downtown Closed this Weekend

Starting Friday, June 24, sections of Third Avenue South in downtown Minneapolis will close for construction. These sections are expected to reopen to traffic in time for Monday morning rush hour. All cross streets will remain open during the work. Drivers should follow the marked detours (see “detour routes map”).

From 7 a.m. Friday, June 24 to 6 a.m. Monday, June 27 crews will be removing the median on Third Avenue South between Sixth Street and Seventh Streets. During this time, one lane of northbound traffic will be open and all southbound traffic will be detoured at 6th street.

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Starting at 7 a.m., Monday, June 27, crews will begin restoring the pavement where the median was removed. Third Avenue South between Sixth Street and Seventh Street will have one lane of traffic in each direction. This work is scheduled to be completed by 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 28. For additional information, visit the project website.

ZeSa Fitness Now Open in the Mill District

There's a new fitness option in the neighborhood. ZeSa Fitness recently opened at 1024 Washington Avenue S, in the retail level of the Bridgewater Lofts.

Shanti Rainey, Creator of ZeSa, with Cindy Vavra, Partner and Studio Manager

Earlier this month ZeSa held an intimate Open House, and a Grand Opening celebration is being planned for later this summer.

My initial thought upon walking into the studio for the Open House was, "Are all those things hanging from the ceiling part of the decor, or part of the workout?"  I'm going to find out next week at a free intro class, which they offer Tuesdays at 5pm.

Products and services include (but are not limited to): 

- Interactive ZeSa Matrix and Planner for workout management

- Group Classes, including: ZeSa Yoga (incorporates unstable Activators),

- ZeSa Power (full body work out), and ZeSa Power Pro (advanced level)

- ZeSa-Rehab (for anyone in Rehab or wanting to avoid injury)

- ZeSa® Activator Training Platforms (pictured below)

ZeSa is different, and it's best to experience it first hand to understand how. You can try the free intro class (register online), peruse the website, or contact them with questions. Follow ZeSa on Facebook and Twitter.

Minnesota Center for Book Arts' Annual Unabashedly Bookish Bash is July 23

MCBA’s Unabashedly Bookish Bash, a benefit with a backyard barbeque twist! Saturday, July 23; 7-10pm General admission $25 Groove to live music from Cafe Accordian Trio, sip on retro drinks, enjoy delicious food from Pimento Jamaican Kitchen, shop the Art Mart (a one-night-only pop up gallery), and print your own commemorative letterpress postcard!    Get the VIP treatment $125 — includes an exclusive reception from 6-7pm, early access to the Art Mart, and a signature cocktail served in a commemorative glass. Come to one of our Art Mart creating sessions! We'll provide everything you need to create artfull altered book covers. Join us at our studios on Tuesday, June 28, and July 12; 6-9pm. Purchase tickets here or call The Shop at 612-215-2520! RSVP to our Facebook event to let us know you're coming!