Local Non-profits Would Love Your Support on Give to the Max Day, November 16

Launched in November 2009, GiveMN helps nonprofit organizations of all sizes reach new donors, increases giving through fun and engaging campaigns and significantly reduces overall fundraising costs. It is an independent 501(c) (3) supporting organization of the Minnesota Community Foundation. Donations through the GiveMN.org site to nonprofit organizations are tax deductible and irrevocable.

There are a number of local nonprofits participating in Give to the Max Day on November 16. The system is easy to use, and receipts formatted for tax filing purposes are promptly emailed.

Examples of local organizations to consider supporting:

People Serving People / Minnesota Center for Book Arts / MPS Film Society / Minneapolis Parks Foundation / The Great River Coalition / Friends of the Hennepin County Library / MacPhail Center for Music / Be That Neighbor / Mill City Farmers Market / Firefighters for Healing / Open Book / Project for Pride in Living / Ten Thousand Things Theater / Hennepin History Museum / Minnesota Historical Society (funds the Mill City Museum)

New Art Exhibit, Visions Unveiled, Opens at The Mill Yard December 10

 

Visions Unveiled

Opening Reception Sunday, December 10, 4:00 - 6:00PM

Stonebridge Lofts, 1120 S 2nd Street

Join the The Mill Yard opening reception to meet the featured artists and engage with beautiful art. Wine, beverages and snacks are served.

The Mill City. Residents celebrate our area’s industrial heritage of the mighty Mississippi River and the mills. Today, what we see are the most recognizable Minneapolis landmarks. However, this is only part of the story. Rail lines were key to Minneapolis’ growth, and were particularly integral to the Mill District, bringing in wheat and timber and shipping out flour and lumber. We also honor the history of the mills, the reason for the rail yard’s existence. The Mill Yard aims to be both a gathering place for art and artists and a conduit by which art can be shared with and disseminated into the wider community. 

Artists featured at this show:

Maggie Anderson – ceramics

Maggie Anderson’s primary clay body is porcelain. She creates functional pieces that present visual interest beyond their functionality. Most of these pieces will be carved, pierced, slipped or in other ways altered to balance beauty and function. Her sculptural pieces are fired using the Raku method, a Japanese technique of quick firing that exposes the clay to violent temperature extremes. Raku always produces a one of a kind piece.

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April Barnhart – jeweler

Aprilierre Jewelry, led by the creative visionary April Barnhart, embodies the essence of "Re-Birth" and draws inspiration from nature. The metals used undergo a transformative journey as they are recycled, melted, and forged into new works boasting rich organic textures. The jewelry created by Aprilierre is a seamless blend of delicacy and chic sophistication, with a touch of boldness that effortlessly complements individual styles.

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Eric Cornett – painter

Eric left his job as a scenic artist and manager for commercial art production, and in 1998 he established Faux Pas, painting custom murals and decorative wall finishes. In 2006 he began painting commissioned and un-commissioned oils on both canvas and linen. His realistic depictions of nature and landscapes draw the viewer into a space of beauty and repose. “I have only recently realized that the majority of my paintings are capturing quiet moments, peaceful and tranquil, as if to preserve a moment of beauty and calm in a world of too much background noise.”

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Anna Karena – painter

Anna Karena is an intuitive, abstract artist working in a variety of mediums including paint, mixed media, ink, and beadwork. Her pieces frequently evolve from layering that builds upon a spontaneous direction without a preset outcome. This keeps her work vibrant, lively, and authentic. Anna shows her work in various locations around the Twin Cities and viewers are drawn into the bright and inviting nature of her pieces.  Anna works in her studio located in the Carriage House in the NE Minneapolis Arts District.

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Laura Stamper – jeweler

Laura Stamper’s background is in illustration, painting, and sculpture. She brings these skills to her figurative jewelry pieces. For years, Laura incorporated porcelain sculpture with metal work. Her progression into enamel work seemed inevitable. Her current body of work is a marriage of elegance and the unexpected. The contemporary movement of the metalwork is in sharp contrast to the primitive elements of rough stones and the elegance of enamels.

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Mary Welke – painter

Mary Welke’s art represents nature and natural things. In her birch tree series she considers the markings and design of the peeling birch bark as a metaphor for the human life experience, one of renewal and hope. Mary has an MFA from Pratt Institute in New York and a BFA from Minneapolis College of Art & Design. Her birch paintings are in U.S. Bank Corporate Art Collection and other collections.

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Lena Osman – painter, Art for All

Lena Osman is a visual artist who discovered her passion for painting years ago while growing up in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. Living with cerebral palsy, she faces unique challenges daily but her indomitable spirit finds expression through art. Lena’s collection, which now boasts more than 200 original works, encompasses a diverse range of subjects, from vibrant flowers to captivating portraits, animals, and thought-provoking abstract designs. Her artwork has been featured in shows both in the Twin Cities and Abu Dhabi.

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Hannah Rousar – photographer, Art for All

Hannah Rousar grew up with three siblings, one of them her twin.  Hannah has Down Syndrome. When she was in high school, she learned to use a camera and take photographs. Following that graphic arts class she learned the joys of photographing with an iPhone! Many of her photographs reflect her experiences while traveling with family. “Being able to take pictures of what I see and what I do makes me so happy!” Hannah also has a love of dance and has participated in the Special Olympics.

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TheMillYard.Stonebridge@gmail.com / Facebook / Website / Instagram

Farmers Markets in Minneapolis Remain Open Through Winter Months with Local Groceries and Handmade Gifts

Markets Offer Locally Grown Produce, Foods and Beverages, Artisan Craft Goods and More with Many Great Holiday Gift Options

With summer seeming like a distant memory, the snow beginning to fly, and the next growing season many months away, Minnesota shoppers can still enjoy locally grown and produced foods all winter long. By shopping Winter Markets, you will find root veggies, winter squash, microgreens, mushrooms, eggs, meats and cheeses, baked goods, confections, beverages, sauces, pickled foods, locally roasted coffee, jams, and many other foods, as well as apothecary items and artisan-made crafts and other goods. The Winter Markets also offer great options for holiday gift-giving including jewelry, bath and body care, sustainable home goods, local flavors and more.

Farmers markets in Minneapolis foster community engagement and make it easy for families and individuals to eat healthful, seasonal meals. Many markets in the Farmers Markets of MPLS collaborative host free community events and feature recipes on their websites to highlight easy, healthy, affordable meals using what’s in season at any given time of the year. The markets are listed here, where shoppers can learn about each market’s community events, offerings, and recipes: Find a Market - Farmers Markets of Minneapolis.org

Winter Market Locations and Schedules:

Mill City Farmers Market: 10:00a-1:00p Mill City Museum, 704 S 2nd Street

November 18

December 2, 16

January 6, 20

February 3, 17

March 2, 16

April 6, 20 

Minneapolis Farmers Market: 9:00am-Noon 312 East Lyndale Ave N

November 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26

December 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23, 30

January 6, 20

February 3, 17

March 2, 16

April 6, 13, 20, 27

Neighborhood Roots at Bachman’s on Lyndale: 10:00am-1:00pm (Kingfield, Fulton, and Nokomis) 6010 Lyndale Avenue S 

November 11

January 13

February 17

March 9 

Northeast Farmers Market (in Quincy Hall): 10:00a-2:00p 1325 Quincy Street NE

December 3

January 7

February 4

March 3

April 14

The Farmers Markets of Minneapolis collaborative officially formed in early 2017 to build a more connected, accessible, and effective market system, and there are nearly 20 farmers markets operating in Minneapolis. Many of the markets accept EBT and Market Bucks. Current activities include collaborative metrics collection, marketing, technical assistance, and other collaborative opportunities, in partnership with the City of Minneapolis, University of Minnesota, Homegrown Minneapolis, Minnesota Department of Agriculture and other market champions. The collaborative welcomes and encourages all markets in Minneapolis to participate. The mission of the Farmers Markets of Minneapolis Collaborative is to foster the vitality of the City’s farmers markets through strategic and informed innovation, advocacy, education, and cohesive partnerships. The organization provides services to all member markets in Minneapolis.

Minnesota State Flag And Seal Designs Available for Public Viewing

Photo: CBS News

More than 2,600 design submissions now available to view online

The public is invited to see what Minnesotans think the next state flag and seal should look like.  More than 2,600 designs were submitted to the State Emblems Redesign Commission during a one-month period, and the qualifying submissions are now available online.

Minnesota state flag designs make up about 85% of the submissions. Those are available to view at https://serc.mnhs.org/flags.

Minnesota state seal designs make up approximately 15% of submissions. Those are available to view at https://serc.mnhs.org/seals.

Both links have also been added to the State Emblems Redesign Commission website (www.mnhs.org/serc)

Later this month, the Commission will select five submissions each for the new state seal and state flag. The Commission will select one design (or a modified version) to be utilized as the basis for each emblem.

The State Emblems Redesign Commission was established in the 2023 legislative session to develop and adopt a new design for the official state seal and a new design for the official state flag no later than January 1, 2024.

As outlined in state legislation, the Minnesota Historical Society is providing administrative support to the State Emblems Redesign Commission.

November 2023 Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update

Via a November 6 e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:

Project Overview

The City of Minneapolis Public Works Department is constructing a new parallel storm tunnel, enlarging a portion of the existing storm tunnel, and constructing a new tunnel access in Downtown Minneapolis.

The new tunnel is being constructed parallel to the existing tunnel located under Washington Ave S between Nicollet Mall and Chicago Ave. The existing tunnel under Chicago Ave between Washington Ave S and the Mississippi River is being expanded to handle the increased stormwater capacity. The purpose of this project is to reduce pressure in the existing tunnel, provide more room for future growth, and to reduce the need for future repairs and tunnel failures.

Project Map

Latest Project News

Mississippi River Portal

• Crews continue lining the existing storm tunnel at the Mississippi River with concrete and plan to resume excavation activities in the coming weeks.

2nd Ave

• Crews continue lining the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave from the new tunnel access shaft in the southbound lanes of 2nd Ave S, just north of the Washington Ave intersection.

Portland Ave

• Crews continue lining the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave from the existing tunnel access shaft at the northeast corner of the Washington Ave and Portland Ave intersection.

Lining progress

In October, crews continued to work on the concrete tunnel lining, pouring about 1,600 cubic yards of concrete. To date 11,300 cubic yards of concrete have been poured. As noted in the infographic above, this is just under three and a half times the volume of an Olympic swimming pool. This process is approximately 80% complete.

Long-term closures/restrictions

• The north westbound lane, bike lane, and parking lane remains closed on Washington Ave between Portland Ave and Park Ave. These closures will remain in place until the project is completed.
  • During this closure, pedestrians can still use the sidewalks along Washington Ave.
  • Crosswalks across Washington Ave and Portland Ave will remain open.
  • Bicyclists will share the traffic lane.
  • The existing left turn lane on Washington Ave at the Portland Ave intersection will temporarily become a left turn and through lane.

• Northbound lane of Portland Ave will be periodically closed between Washington Ave and 2nd Closures will happen during the workday only.
  • Closure is for the placement of concrete into the tunnel.
  • East crosswalk across Washington and north crosswalk across Portland will be closed.
  • Sidewalks will remain open to businesses and residences.

• The north sidewalk along Washington Ave remains restricted between Hennepin Ave and Nicollet Mall.
  • During these restrictions, pedestrians share the bike lane on Washington Ave.
  • The crosswalks at the Washington Ave intersections of Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Ave remains open.

• The sidewalk on the east side of 4th Ave S remains restricted through the end of the project. The dewatering well and pumps are installed in this area.
  • Pedestrians can use the sidewalk on the west side of 4th Ave S.
  • The crosswalk at the Washington Ave and 4th Ave intersection remains open.
  • Access to driveways off 4th Ave S remains open.

• The west sidewalk of Portland Ave south of Washington Ave will remain restricted to pedestrians around the dewatering well and pumps until the project is completed.

• The parking lot and trail near Mill Runs Park is closed for the winter.

• 2nd Ave S remains a single lane in each direction using the northbound lanes between Washington Ave and 1st St S. Access will be restricted until the project is completed.
  • Access to driveways off 2nd Ave S remain open. There may be short-term access delays while crews move equipment and materials around.

What to expect

• Expect additional noise, dust, and vibration as crews complete work.
• Schedule is tentative and subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

Stay Connected

There are multiple ways to get information including email updates and ongoing stakeholder meetings. Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for project updates.

Email the project team: info@mplscentralcitytunnel.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-888-9418

Artist Reception for Contemplations In Patterns & Textures by Kelly Jean Ohl is November 11 at Kolman & Reeb Gallery

Contemplations In Patterns & Textures by Kelly Jean Ohl

A Kolman & Reeb Gallery Project Space Exhibition

October 28, 2023 – January 6, 2024

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Artist Reception Saturday, November 11, 6:00pm – 8:00pm during the Northrup King Building's highly anticipated fall open studio event, Art Attack.

As we lose ourselves in lives constructed of distractions and uncertainty, master ceramist, Kelly Jean Ohl, dares us to set down the glass we interact with daily and experience the ancient, prehistoric, and most fundamental substance this planet has to offer. By challenging our minds with unique textures and patterns, Ohl believes interacting with her art will ignite within us emotions of cosmic and instinctual origins.

Using haptics and non-language communication, with her show, Contemplations in Patterns and Textures, Ohl exhibits large intricately carved ceramic pieces sure to provide a unique sensory experience. These new pieces were designed specifically for the Kolman & Reeb Gallery using resources provided to her by her Project Space Grant.

The large, abstract clay forms are inspired by and reference the patterns and textures of our living planet. The earth tone colors reflect the most basic origin from which the clay is sourced. Intrigued and inspired by the similarities between microscopic single-cell organisms and macroscopic land formations, these visuals are an endless source of inspiration for Ohl’s work.

"Kelly Jean has been a Kolman & Reeb Gallery artist since we opened," says Anita Sue Kolman, Kolman & Reeb Gallery co-founder and co-partner. "In all those years, we’ve admired the interest and excitement gallery visitors have displayed as they touch and feel Kelly Jean’s highly textured ceramic pieces. With her Project Space Grant show, Kelly Jean has created large-scale pieces that I know viewers will really enjoy seeing and feeling.” 

Jodi Reeb, gallery curator, and co-partner, comments, "So many gallery visitors stop and pick up one of Kelly Jean’s hand carved clay rattles and bowls. I’m so excited to see what people think of her large-scale wall sculptures. Kelly Jean has really outdone herself with this show. It is sure to impress!"

Kelly Jean Ohl received a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Theatre and Art, as well as a Master of Arts degree with an emphasis in ceramics from Minnesota State University at Mankato (advanced education). She also earned a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan. Her work has been featured and sold in over 70 galleries across 25 states. It is also in private collections in all 50 states and internationally. Kelly Jean’s ceramic work can also be found in public and corporate collections in the US and around the world.

Kolman & Reeb Gallery is in Studio 395, Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson Street NE. For more information, please visit kolmanreebgallery.com or call 612-385-4239. 

Get Winter 2023-24 Snow Emergency Info in the Mail and Online

Watch your mail for information on what to do when the City of Minneapolis declares a Snow Emergency. The City has sent out about 182,000 Snow Emergency mailers, one to each household in the city. The mailer has graphics and text showing the parking rules during the three phases of a Snow Emergency.

Avoid a ticket and tow, and help crews do a complete job by moving your car when a Snow Emergency is declared.

Hold on to your mailer throughout the snow season and have it handy whenever a Snow Emergency is declared. It explains the Snow Emergency parking rules and ways to stay informed during the snow season. It’s also important to help neighbors and visitors know the rules.

Snow Emergencies are declared when there’s enough snowfall to warrant a complete plowing of our streets. Moving parked vehicles allows crews to plow the full width of the street.

When the snow flies, City Public Works crews have enormous jobs to do, with more than 1,400 miles of streets, parkways and alleys to clear. Vehicles parked on the street in violation of Snow Emergency rules can be ticketed or towed.

Sign up for alerts

There are several ways to know when the City has declared a Snow Emergency, and it's suggested that you get your information in more ways than one so it’s less likely your car will be towed.

Read more about how to stay informed, and sign up for alerts on the City website.

New Exhibit Coming to Mill City Museum November 15 - Spirits Dancing: Photographs of the Night Sky by Travis Novitsky

Spirits Dancing: Photographs of the Night Sky by Travis Novitsky

November 15, 2023 - April 7, 2024 / Mill City Museum

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The night sky has enchanted humans for millennia. We marvel at the wonder of the aurora, the glory of the Milky Way, and the peace that comes from stargazing. Travis Novitsky captures these marvels in this exhibit of 15 photographs featured in the new book from the Minnesota Historical Society Press. In Spirits Dancing: The Night Sky, Indigenous Knowledge, and Living Connections to the Cosmos, Novitsky’s photos are paired with insights from astrophysicist Annette S. Lee. The book reveals how the union of Western science and Indigenous knowledge enriches understanding of our place in the universe.

In Spirits Dancing, Travis Novitsky’s photographs portray night time marvels, while astrophysicist Annette S. Lee discusses how Western science and Indigenous knowledge can work together to provide a deeper understanding of our place in the universe. Both authors write of the wonders of starbathing: sitting quietly under the stars, knowing that humans have always done this, knowing that we literally come from the stars. Working together in this remarkable book, they bring the aurora to readers.

The exhibit will be located in the Mill City Museum’s central Mill Commons, and is free and open to the public during regular museum hours through April 7, 2024.

mpls downtown council Announces Holidays on Nicollet

Shops will be open November 24 - January 5, Tuesdays - Saturdays, 11a - 6p

Holidays on Nicollet will feature festive decorative storefront windows and shopping supporting local small businesses to enjoy as you take in the holiday experience downtown. 

Ten storefront windows lining Nicollet will be transformed into holiday celebrations that feature figures from Dayton’s Eighth Floor scenes reimagined by a variety of local artists. 

The storefront window displays will add to the Nicollet holiday shopping experience, as four pop-up holiday shops will also be opening along Nicollet at 50 S 6th Street, City Center, IDS Center and U.S. Bancorp Center. The four shops will feature roughly 70 total vendors offering a variety of products including clothing, jewelry, gift shopping and much more. 

The pop-up shops complement eight existing Chameleon Shoppes locations downtown featuring local BIPOC small businesses—part of roughly 450 restaurant and retail shops in downtown’s five distinct neighborhoods. 

“We are excited to unveil a collection of unique holiday experiences you can only enjoy downtown,” said Steve Cramer, President and CEO of the mpls downtown council. “Holidays on Nicollet activities are not only unique to downtown, they help support local small businesses and artists. It includes great locations to visit, browse and shop, and add to the experiences of dining, shows, games and performances you are enjoying downtown this holiday season.” 

Locations for Holidays on Nicollet storefront window displays include:

• 60 South 6th 
• City Center (two locations) 
• Gaviidae Common 
• IDS Center 
• Meet Minneapolis Visitor Information Center 
• The Dayton’s Project 
• U.S. Bancorp Center
• Young Quinlan (Strive Bookstore) 

Each storefront holiday window display will be created by Minneapolis-based artists and designers, featuring more than 10 historic figurines once displayed during the Dayton’s Eighth Floor holiday displays throughout the course of 26 years. They are starting to build their scenes now, and the storefront windows will be unveiled on Saturday, November 25. 

Hennepin Theatre Trust, Minnesota’s nationally recognized performing arts center in the heart of downtown, holds 34 of the vintage figurines that once graced the annual Holiday Show events on the eighth floor of Dayton’s in downtown Minneapolis. Ten of the figurines will be refurbished and on view during Holidays on Nicollet.

“This holiday season, there’s no place more magical than downtown Minneapolis,” said Todd Duesing, President and CEO of Hennepin Theatre Trust. “We’re proud to lend these classic figurines and partner with the mpls downtown council and local businesses to bring the quintessential memories of Dayton’s Holiday Show back downtown in a new format, while advancing the vibrancy of our city.”

The initiative, part of the Vibrant Storefront work through the City of Minneapolis, is being produced by the mpls downtown council in partnership with Hennepin Theatre Trust and the City Arts & Cultural Affairs Department, and support from Meet Minneapolis, the Minnesota Orchestra, Dayton’s, and Ryan Companies.

“We are thrilled to be supporting this project that is re-animating historic Nicollet Mall during the holiday season,” said Ben Johnson, Director of the Department of Arts & Cultural Affairs for the City of Minneapolis. “So many people have treasured memories about coming to Downtown, and we want to capture this energy again. I am also excited to see the unique work of the Minneapolis-based artists that are providing their talents in creating these special holiday windows for everyone to enjoy.” 

Holidays on Nicollet artists include Alexandra Beaumont, Jerry and Cyrus Carlson, Heather Cole, Rachel Coyne, Dusty Dembley, Betsey Giles, Kada Goalen, Modern Day Me team of Jared Hanks and Simone Alexa, Stacie Kammerling, and Wil Natzel.

Roughly 485 total events and activities are taking place downtown between Thanksgiving and the New Year, including 310+ weekend events. These holiday stops are great additions to your downtown experience.

For more information on ways to maximize your downtown holiday experience as a whole, look for shopping, performances, caroling schedules and more on the mpls downtown holiday page.

For more information on holiday experiences in mpls downtown, visit www.mplsdowntown.com/events and follow @mplsdowntown and on Instagram.

Take a Minneapolis Skyway Tour!

Highlights: Foshay Tower, IDS Building, Rand Tower, Capella Tower, Government Plaza, Minneapolis Public Service Building, Target Field, Target Center, Mayo Clinic, Dayton's, Medical Arts Building, and Young-Quinlan Building

Tour offered year-round - ​Mon / Tue / Thu / Fri
Start time: 10:00am, Duration: 2 to 2-1/2 hours
Tour starts & ends at Foshay Tower (W Hotel), 821 Marquette Ave S

Minneapolis is home to the largest, contiguous skyway system in the world. Originally designed to counter the 1950s post war suburban boom by revitalizing the city's retail core, today the second story walkways connect 80 city blocks and meander more than 9 miles. There are so many treasures within downtown's unique architectural landscape, and the skyway system is sometimes the only way to see them.

Check out the Minneapolis Skyway Tour (and other Tour options) from Mpls City & Skyway Tours here: https://www.minneapoliscitytours.com/walking-tours.html.

The Dayton’s Project Announces Third Annual Winter Maker’s Market

The Dayton’s Project recently announced the launch of its third annual Winter Maker’s Market, a curated retail experience highlighting legacy — and soon-to-be legacy — Minnesota brands. The market will feature 78 independent vendors and will include the return of The Dayton’s Santa Bear. 

The 2023 Winter Maker’s Market will open on November 16 and remain open through December 30. The market hours are 10:00am to 6:00pm on Mondays through Saturdays, and 11:00am to 5:00pm with Sundays.

"The Dayton's Project has always been an integral part of our community," said Kristin Longhenry, General Manager of The Dayton's Project. "We are proud to welcome The Departments at Dayton's Winter Market to showcase so many incredible artists, makers, and local businesses that make our community strong." 

This year’s market will feature 48 returning brands and 30 new vendors, including Art By Aleshia, Austin Fowler, Brooke and Lou, Coccinella, Deano’s Parkas, Evla Pottery, Faxon Farms, Field and Foliage, Fit Butters, Giftywrap, Hagan and Oats, Hammermade, HEPP’S Salt, Joel Kaplan Water Colors, Junita’s Cookies, Leather Works of Minnesota, Mable Concessions, Northmallow, O Grace C, The Olive Branch, Shop in the City, Sota Clothing and Urban Undercover. The total of 78 vendors for the market will also feature 25 giftable gourmet foods located in a designated gourmet foods market along with a flower market.  

Santa Bear is back!

The 2023 limited edition Santa Bear will be available through Shop in the City within the market for $49.95, which features a festive hat containing a silhouette of Minnesota and a matching tote bag.  

"We have an exceptional set of local, Minnesotan vendors at this year's Departments at Dayton's!" said Mich Berthiaume, the market curator. "We’re so excited to bring the Santa Bear back and continue to celebrate the holiday season by highlighting our incredible local makers. Whether you're shopping for a friend, a loved one, or even just yourself, there's something for everyone at The Departments at Dayton's!" 

The Departments at Dayton's will pop-up on the first floor of The Dayton's Project, at 700 Nicollet Mall, accessible from both 8th Street and Nicollet. The Dayton's Project, a landmark historic redevelopment in downtown Minneapolis is a 1.2 million square foot building that impressive tenants like Ernst & Young, Unilver, Sezzle, Prudential Financial, and others call home. The building has recently seen increased leasing activity because of its strong amenity set that allows employers to bring employees back to the office as a magnet, not a mandate.

Celebrating 15 Years of Generosity This Give to the Max Day

A message from Jenna Ray, Deputy Executive Director, GiveMN

Every November, Minnesotans come together to support the causes that make our state a great place to call home. Give to the Max Day, Minnesota’s annual giving holiday is celebrating 15 years on Thursday, November 16. We can’t wait to share it with you.

And while Give to the Max raises millions of dollars for nonprofits and schools each year, it’s much more than a fundraising campaign: it’s a reminder that when we come together to support the causes we love, we can do millions of dollars worth of good together—$10, $50, and $100 at a time. Donors have given more than $290 million to more than 10,000 organizations since the first Give to the Max Day in 2009. And those dollars translate to impact beyond our wildest dreams.

You may have participated in Give to the Max before, and for that, we thank you! This year might be the beginning of your giving story. Either way, we hope you’ll celebrate 15 years of generosity, Minnesota, as we work together to ignite generosity and grow giving this November. Here are a few ways to join in the festivities:

1. Search for favorite causes and discover new ones.

Give to the Max is quick, easy, and fun! Simply visit GiveMN.org from November 1-16 to search for nonprofits and schools by name, category, location, and more. With thousands of organizations to choose from, you can find a variety of causes and make multiple donations with one, easy checkout!

2. Maximize the power of your gift.

When you donate any amount on GiveMN.org November 1-16, you could see your generosity boosted! GiveMN is awarding more than $100,000 to participating nonprofits and schools by drawing random gifts and granting a “Golden Ticket,” with prizes ranging from $500 to $10,000!

3. Support organizations making big impacts in your community.

In every community across our state, nonprofits and schools help our friends, neighbors and loved ones meet basic needs, find homes for four-legged friends, and improve our lives through education, art, sports, and parks. For many small and medium organizations, Give to the Max Day might be their biggest or only fundraiser. Your gifts help to power their work and impact all year long.

Give to the Max is a testament to what can happen when tens of thousands of generous people like you and me share whatever we’re able with causes we love. On behalf of the thousands of nonprofits and schools working to make Minnesota brighter, we are so grateful for your support.

Visit GiveMN.org as your partner in giving and follow along throughout November for updates as we celebrate 15 years of generosity.

2023 Twin Cities Con Happens Nov 3-5 at the Minneapolis Convention Center

The Pop Culture Festival Brings in Dozens of Celebrities, including Kevin Smith, Jason Lee, Danny Trejo, Rachael Leigh Cook, and Steve Burns

The third annual Twin Cities Con returns to the Minneapolis Convention Center, Friday, November 3 through Sunday, November 5, 2023. Twin Cities Con is a three-day celebration of comics and pop culture, including TV, film, cosplay, gaming, and anime.

Fans of all ages are invited to join the fun and meet dozens of internationally known TV and movie actors, wrestlers, anime voice actors, comic creators, and other entertainers. This year will be bigger and better than ever with the largest guest list Nerd Street has ever put together.

Attendees will have the chance to meet actors from the “Clerks” and the made-in-Eden-Prairie film, “Mallrats,” movies including Kevin Smith and Jason Lee; Minnesota-born stars like Rachael Leigh Cook and Sean Waltman aka professional wrestler X-Pac; Danny Trejo; Steve Burns, the original host of “Blues Clues;” David McCormack, the voice of Bandit for the popular children’s series, “Bluey;” “Star Wars” writers and voice actors; and so many more.

Celebrity guests scheduled to appear include*

Kevin Smith (“Clerks,” “Mallrats”)

Jason Lee (“Mallrats,” “My Name is Earl”)

Jason Mewes (“Clerks,” “Mallrats”)

Jeremy London (“Mallrats,” “Party of Five,” “7th Heaven”)

Danny Trejo (“Machete,” “Desperado,” “Spy Kids”)

Rachael Leigh Cook (“She’s All That,” “Josie & The Pussycats”)

Ross Marquand (“The Walking Dead,” “Avengers: Infinity War & Endgame”)

Steve Burns (“Blue’s Clues,” Musician)

David McCormack (Voice of Bandit on “Bluey”)

Tony Todd (“Final Destination,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “Spider-Man” video games)

David Yost (“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers”)

Steve Cardenas (“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers”)

Dante Basco (“Hook,” “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” “American Dragon Jake Long”)

Zach Tyler Eisen (“Avatar: The Last Airbender”)

Jack De Sena (“Avatar: The Last Airbender”)

Sean Waltman aka X-Pac (WWE Hall of Famer)

Trish Status (WWE Hall of Famer)

Amy Dumas aka Lita (WWE Hall of Famer)

Ashley Eckstein (“Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “Star Wars Rebels”)

Matt Lanter (“Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “90210,” “Ultimate Spider-Man”)

James Arnold Taylor (“Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “Batman: Brave and the Bold”)

Yuri Lowenthal (“Ben 10,” “Spider-Man” video games, “Prince of Persia” video games)

*For a complete list, please visit twincitiescon.com.

Tickets: Adult tickets range in price from $35 for a one-day ticket to $70 for a weekend pass. (Advance online discounts are available through Monday, October 30). Admission for children 13 & under is only $10 for the entire weekend.

 *  *  *  *  2023 VIP Passes  *  *  *  * 

The Twin Cities Con Weekend VIP Pass - $149. Includes three-day admission, early entry, priority lines, a t-shirt, and an art print

The Kevin Smith VIP Pass - $350. Includes everything included in VIP admission plus one in-person autograph, one photo opp, priority panel access, a special badge, and priority lines

For more information and to order online, visit https://www.nerdstreetusa.com/twincitiestix/

For the most up-to-date information, please follow Twin Cities Con @TwinCitiesCon on Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter.

The DMNA 2023 Annual Meeting is Monday, November 6, at the Mill City Museum

The DMNA 2023 Annual Meeting is Monday, November 6, at the Mill City Museum, from 6pm to 8pm. The evening will include entertainment, a cash bar, and free appetizers catered by D’Amico. The meeting is open to all Downtown East and Downtown West residents and is free to attend, but please RSVP via Eventbrite so they can plan accordingly for food and refreshments.

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Elections to the Board of Directors will take place at this meeting. There are four seats up for election this year; three with three-year terms; and one with a two-year term. You must live, work, or own property in the Downtown East or Downtown West neighborhoods to be eligible for a seat on the board. If you have an interest in running for a seat on the DMNA Board, please submit your application: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/dmna2023boardapplication.

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The DMNA Board will also be giving out the 2023 Volunteer of the Year Award during this Annual Meeting. The Volunteer of the Year Award is the highest honor offered by DMNA. It began to honor an individual who has advanced the mission of the DMNA to promote the common good and general welfare of the residents, businesses, and employees of Downtown Minneapolis. Any individual who lives, works, or owns property in Downtown East or Downtown West and advances the mission of the DMNA through their volunteerism or advocacy is eligible. Generally, current board members and current employees are not eligible. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the staff and board of directors. Recipients are chosen by a small group comprised of the DMNA board and committee leadership.

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If you have any questions, please email DMNA Executive Director Christie Hantge at christie@thedmna.org 

Preserve Minneapolis' 2023-2024 Lecture Series Kicks Off November 17 at the Mill City Museum

Preserve Minneapolis has announced four new historic preservation lectures for 2023-2024, with options for virtual and in-person lectures. Join scholars for an in-depth look at topics in Minneapolis history. These in-person and virtually hosted lectures last approximately one hour and require registration. Lectures are free, with suggested donation to Preserve Minneapolis.

Dr. John AnfinsonThe first lecture takes place November 17, 7pm, at the Mill City Museum, featuring John Anfinson, Ph.D., on the topic of saving St. Anthony Falls.

Dr. Anfinson has been researching, writing, and speaking about the upper Mississippi River for over 35 years, first as district historian and cultural resources program manager of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and later in roles including superintendent for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a unit of the National Park Service. Since 2022, he has been a guest speaker on American Cruise Lines boats on the Mississippi River. His lecture will focus on the history of and problems with the massive “Cutoff Wall” that literally holds up St. Anthony Falls and which has not been seen or inspected since 1876.

Cost: Pay as you can at the door. Registration

Information on all four lectures.

Fall Adult Education Classes at the Guthrie Begin in November

The Guthrie Theater has announced their schedule of Fall Adult Classes, all starting in November. One of note is Play Reading: Through the Lens of an Actor with Jack Reuler (former Artistic Director of Mixed Blood), taking place Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm, with the first session on November 7th.

During this 6-week class, readings will tackle plays ranging from comedies to dramas by playwrights spanning the continuum of age, race and gender. There will also be discussions on the content and literary artistry of the plays, as well as the complexities of choosing and producing these masterpieces.

All experience levels welcome!

World Premiere of The Secret of Chimney Manor opens at Theatre in the Round, November 17

The Secret of Chimney Manor runs November 17 to December 17 - Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm

Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) continues their 15th annual Agatha Christie mystery tradition with the world premiere of The Secret of Chimney Manor by Todd Olson, a new adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novel The Secret of Chimneys, running weekends November 17 to December 17, with a Monday Pay-What-You-Can performance on December 4.

Anthony Cade is hired to deliver a manuscript to a London publisher, but after being mistaken for a British agent, he becomes embroiled in a web of international intrigue involving blackmail, stolen letters, and a missing prince. Full of twists and turns and eccentric characters, The Secret of Chimney Manor is a fresh, funny, and rollicking version for the stage.

L. Robert Westeen directs the twelve-member cast with sets designed by Madeline Achen, costumes by Deb Murphy, lighting by Andrew Vance, props by Bobbie Smith, and sound design by Abe Gabor.

Tickets are $25. For information, call the theatre’s box office at 612-333-3010 or visit www.TheatreintheRound.org.

October 21 Trip to the Mill City Farmers Market

The Mill City Farmers Market 2023 season is winding down (October 28 is the final outdoor market, and then they switch to November-April winter dates inside the Mill City Museum). The above photo is our haul from the October 21 market. I would have picked up more produce, but the freezer is already full! :D

POSTERS for PARKS Virtual Shop Open Until October 21

Minneapolis Parks Foundation would like to remind you that your purchase supports local artists and community parks - but this online opportunity is only available through Saturday, October 21st!

Now's the time to collect or give stunning works of original art featuring Minneapolis parks - and the people, plants, and animals that share them. Nearly all 44 designs are still in stock at PostersForParks.org - but some are very close to selling out. Gallery goers snapped up nearly 600 posters the October 14 in-person show. 

Virtual sale details:

• Dates: Now through Saturday, October 21, while supplies last
• Cost: $50/poster, plus flat $12 packaging/postage rate for your entire order
• Good-to-Know: No shipping fees if you pick up your online order the Longfellow House, in Minneapolis, on Wednesday, October 25, from 2pm-6pm. See details at checkout.

RAWR! It's Art Attack 2023!

Image by Barret Lee

During Art Attack, the Northrup King Building showcases four floors of amazing art and gifts that will attack all your senses – in a good way!

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Come and meet the talented artists, witness captivating demonstrations, uncover one-of-a-kind treasures, kick start your holiday shopping, and let your creativity loose with interactive art activities - all featured in this beautiful and historic art building.

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With over 400 artists under one roof, and nourishment provided by KCM Eggrolls, Potter’s Pasties and P.F. Café, the Northrup King Building is a fantastic place to spend a delightful autumn day, or to be honest, maybe even a few days given the sheer size of the iconic structure and the abundance of art it holds.

And this is just the beginning! This event is part of NEMAA’s Fall Open Studios, with three glorious days to immerse yourself in a world of fun, vibrant colors, and boundless inspiration – take time to explore all the sister buildings and see the exciting creativity that the Northeast Arts District has to offer.

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Art Attack Dates and Times:

Friday, November 10, 5-9pm
Saturday, November 11, 12-8pm
Sunday, November 12, 12-5pm

Free Parking, Passenger Elevator, ADA Parking and 4 Floors of Wow!