Covering life, work, and play in the Historic Mill District and Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront neighborhoods. Have an opinion, local news or events to share? Contact us.
If you enjoy viewing vintage advertising murals on old buildings, Fading Ads of the Twin Cities by Jay Grammond is the perfect book for you! This is the first published book for Mr. Grammond, a photographer and self-proclaimed history nerd. It will be available for purchase starting January 24th. This book is published by Arcadia Publishing, home to an extensive list of books on American history.
Via an e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:
The State’s Minneapolis Convention Center Community Testing Site will be closed Jan. 17-21. Testing will temporarily move to U.S. Bank Stadium during that time. The U.S. Bank Stadium Community Testing Site will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 17-21 offering saliva PCR and nasal swab rapid antigen testing for both walk-ins and appointments. Appointments for this site will open on a rolling basis.
Testing will return to the Minneapolis Convention Center on Jan. 24.
Parking and directions
Once inside U.S. Bank Stadium, staff and signs will direct you to the testing site.
Minnesotans can also order a test through the State’s free at-home COVID-19 testing program or visit other testing locations.
Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:
Also, check out the properties Cindy and her team handled on 2021 in this beautifully compiled 2021 Collection presentation.
The MSP Film Society took over operations of the theater formerly known as St. Anthony Main earlier this month, and the facelift is already in progress. The carpet has been torn out, the bathrooms are being gutted, and the talented designers at Knock, Inc. are working closely with architect Marcelo Valdes on transforming the theater into a neighborhood showpiece, both inside and out.
Continue to watch this space and visit MSPfilm.org for all the updates. Your questions and comments are always welcome via info@MSPfilm.org. To help ensure the success of this monumental new venture, donations and Memberships will be critical. Support the future of Minnesota cinematic arts by donating or becoming a Member.
Creative Leadership (online) Jan 18–May 10
Economic, environmental, and ethical crises present leaders with new and complex challenges. Effective, resilient, and agile leaders employ a diversity of skills, experience, and resources to respond to humanity's greatest challenges with creative, innovative, and humane solutions.
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Botanical Drawing Feb 4–25
Develop and refine an observational drawing practice through close examination and drawing of a variety of plant specimens. During four visits to the University of Minnesota's College of Biological Sciences Conservatory, engage in the opportunity to create studies varying from timed observational contour drawings to fully formed experimentations. This course provides an excellent opportunity for students to develop and enhance their ability to observe and study the details of a given object. In addition to observational drawing techniques, learn and engage with a variety of experimental drawing and painting techniques.
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Illustrating a Children's Book Manuscript (online) Feb 10–March 31
This class focuses on the process of how to work on a full 32 page children's picture book manuscript. Learn skills such as character design, storyboarding, developing concept, sequencing, storytelling, pacing the visual story and creating a complete dummy book. Learn about the publishing industry and how to enter this competitive field and navigate the business practices of working as a children's book illustrator.
The Point-in-Time (PIT) count is a Federally required count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. Each year, communities across the country conduct a PIT count to better understand the depth and breadth of homelessness in their community. This year, the PIT Count will occur on the night of January 26, 2022 and the 7 days following.
Volunteers are essential to ensure that our community conducts a comprehensive and thorough count. Volunteers will conduct a short survey with people who are experiencing homelessness at community based and non-profit settings.
Volunteers can expect to:
If you are interested in volunteering, please visit Hennepin County: 2022 Hennepin County Point In Time Count (signupgenius.com)
There will be a required, 1.5-hour training for anyone who will be participating in the survey as a volunteer on January 19, 12-1:30pm, via Microsoft Teams:
Join on your computer or mobile app Click here to join the meeting Or call in (audio only) +1 612-263-6117,,506312336# Phone Conference ID: 506 312 336# Find a local number | Reset PIN | Learn More | Meeting options
If you have any questions, please take a look at https://www.hennepin.us/pit-2022 for more information, or reach out to Erin Wixsten, Principal Planning Analyst, Housing Stability – Office to End Homelessness, at 612-596-1789 or Erin.Wixsten@hennepin.us.
Via an e-announcement from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:
A bird's eye view of the concept plan for Graco Park.
Learn more and ask question about plan for new Northeast riverfront park!
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is developing a new park along the Northeast Minneapolis riverfront called Graco Park! It's located just north of the Plymouth Avenue Bridge and Boom Island Park.
Last month a concept plan for the park was shared for public feedback. If you haven't had a chance to look at the plan in detail, or have questions about the new park, there's a virtual community open house on Tuesday, January 11, 4:30-6 pm on Zoom.
Use the link below to join the event online, where you can view an in-depth presentation of the concept, ask project staff questions and give feedback.
To join via phone dial (312) 626-6799 and enter Meeting ID: 837 1774 1549
Use the link below to learn more about Graco Park, including:
The online survey will be open through Friday, January 21, 2022. Feedback on the preferred concept will be used to refine the plan further, then there will be a public hearing on the final concept, which will be subject to approval by Park Commissioners. Visit the Graco Park project page and sign up for email updates to stay informed as the process continues.
Illustration of the Graco Park entrance from Sibley Street NE and Plymouth/8th Avenue NE.
The preferred Graco Park concept features:
A phased construction approach is planned for Graco Park. Work is tentatively planned to start in 2022, with the park opening in 2024. Future phases would include additional park elements as funding becomes available:
Please visit the Graco Park concept page for more information and take a short survey to weigh in on the plan. The survey is open through Friday, January 21, 2022.
Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:
This newsletter provides updates on important news and information from the City of Minneapolis and partners. Find more at minneapolismn.gov/news.
A new emergency regulation takes effect today that allows Minneapolis businesses to add temporary expansions for more socially distanced customer spaces during the pandemic.
Businesses can install temporary structures on their property for no fee during the remainder of the City’s public health emergency plus 45 days to allow for the proper removal of the structures. The structures cannot be placed in the public right of way, such as on a sidewalk or in the street.
Winter patio dining supports Minneapolis restaurants’ ability to keep moving while keeping patrons and employees safe and healthy.
Businesses should contact Fire Inspections Services to obtain a permit.
Read the emergency regulation.
Because of the surging, highly contagious omicron variant, everyone in Minneapolis businesses and areas of public accommodation must wear a mask. Mayor Jacob Frey has signed emergency regulation No. 2022-1 reinstating the citywide mask policy, which requires patrons, employees and visitors to wear a mask in businesses and places of public accommodation. The policy took effect Jan. 6. Masks reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection for unvaccinated and vaccinated people. They’re an important way to help keep our businesses and schools open. Areas of public accommodation include any indoor locations where members of the public may gather, visit or patronize including bars, restaurants, museums, theaters, schools, recreational facilities, retail locations and service offices. Business owners are encouraged to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s guiding principles for:
The City of Minneapolis has a limited supply of masks for public distribution, particularly for vulnerable populations. Businesses that would like to request personal protective equipment (PPE) should send a request to the Minneapolis Health Department. The full text of Mayor Frey’s emergency regulation can be found on the City website. Find more information about the regulation on the City website. |
The City of Minneapolis inaugural ceremony for Mayor Jacob Frey and all City Council members will be livestreamed Monday, Jan. 10 from the Minneapolis Convention Center. Elected officials will take the oath of office and Mayor Frey will give an inaugural address.
Due to COVID protocols, this event is only open to City officials and their guests.
Michael A. Goze, CEO of the American Indian Community Development Corporation (AICDC), will serve as the master of ceremonies. The invocation will be offered by Bishop Richard D. Howell Jr. of Shiloh Temple International Ministries. The oath of office will be administered to the mayor and City Council members by City Clerk Casey Joe Carl, after which Mayor Frey will deliver his inaugural address.
Following the ceremony, the City Council will hold its organizational meeting online. Council members will elect a president and vice president, make committee assignments, and set a schedule of regular meetings.
Mayor and City Council inaugural ceremony
9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 10
Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. S.
Watch the ceremony on the City YouTube channel.
Mayor Jacob Frey will nominate Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher to serve as the City’s next Public Works director.
Anderson Kelliher brings deep expertise in transportation policy and finance, climate action, and organizational leadership. As MnDOT commissioner, Anderson Kelliher leads a team of more than 5,000 State employees. During her time as commissioner, she also created a new Office of Tribal Affairs to expand the agency’s work consulting with tribal nations, established the Sustainable Transportation Advisory Council to help reduce carbon pollution from transportation, and has worked to deepen relationships with community leaders and local governments across the state and city.
Anderson Kelliher is a Minneapolis resident who previously served as the speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives and president and CEO of the Minnesota High Tech Association.
The mayor’s nomination will be transmitted to the Minneapolis City Council at its organizational meeting on Monday, Jan. 10, their first official meeting of the new year. Under the new government structure, the length of charter department head terms is four years.
To provide families with more options to help keep their kids safe, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has secured an additional 1.8 million at-home rapid tests for Minnesota schools, on top of the initial 1 million announced last month. In addition to the State’s free rapid and PCR community testing sites and no-cost at-home testing program, the State’s free school testing options allow each educational institution to determine the best testing strategy for them. In partnership with local public health, tribal health, food banks, and MDH COVID-19 Community Coordinators, the State of Minnesota will distribute 150,000 at-home rapid antigen test kits. Each test kit contains two tests. Providing free at-home rapid testing will reduce barriers and expand access to Minnesotans who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. How Minnesotans can get a COVID-19 test:
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Due to a rise in COVID-19 cases, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is temporarily discontinuing public drop-in hours at recreation centers and returning to buildings open only for pre-registered and ActivePass programs until Feb. 14. Existing recreation center room rentals will be honored, but no new rentals will be accepted through Feb. 14. Due to staffing shortages, warming room hours will be reduced beginning today through the end of the skating season. New hours are 4-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Lights will continue to remain on until 9 p.m. and outdoor rink-side benches and picnic tables will be added. Masks are required for all park building visitors, including instructors and sport spectators. |
You could make many resolutions this year. Resolving to become prepared for emergencies is one that could save your life. Resolve to be ready in 2022 with small steps that could make a big difference in your ability to be resilient. Schedule it. Use a tool like the calendar on www.Do1Thing.com to make it easy on yourself. Or build your own calendar and focus on what makes sense for your household. |
The eighth cohort of the City of Minneapolis Office of Violence Prevention’s “Blueprint Approved Institute” (BPAI) is now open and accepting applications. The Blueprint Approved Institute is designed for individuals and smaller grassroots community organizations doing violence prevention work. Through BPAI, individuals receive funding to provide summer youth violence prevention programming, learn skills and build capacity for further development of their organizations and get hands on support and technical assistance.
As part of BPAI, participating agencies will receive $3,000 to support their organization’s capacity, as well as a $3,000 micro-award to implement a violence prevention project, for a total award amount of $6,000. Selected agencies will be eligible to send up to two individuals to participate in the cohort.
A pre-application virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11. A dial-in option will be available. The link for the meeting can be found in the application materials at the link below. The completed application is due by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25.
Find more information and the application.
You can now take a guided tour of the City of Minneapolis Public Service Building and its beautiful artworks – virtually. The Public Service Building is a welcoming, sustainable, accessible public amenity. Close to City Hall, the office building is a central place to get services and information. It offers a higher quality of service to the public, reduces the City's real estate footprint, and provides effective space for the diverse needs of employees. Take a virtual tour or book an appointment online to get help with a permit, license or utility bill. You can also see and learn about the artworks on this virtual map. |
The City is hosting a virtual open house Jan. 13 to share the recommended design for the Hennepin Avenue South Reconstruction Project. The City plans to reconstruct Hennepin Avenue between West Lake Street and Douglas Avenue. Public Works has recommended a design that best meets the City’s Transportation Action Plan and aligns with the Vision Zero Action Plan, the Complete Streets Policy and the Climate Action Plan. The recommended design features:
City staff plan to advance the recommended design to the City Council for approval in the spring. Construction is expected to begin in 2024. Watch a prerecorded presentation on the recommended design. Online open house |
Winter road and sidewalk de-icing salt is a major – and permanent – polluter of local freshwater lakes and streams. Seventy-eight percent of salt applied in the metro area ends up in groundwater or local lakes and rivers. If de-icer is needed, people should use as little as possible. It’s easy to use too much, but more salt does not mean more melting. Removing snow and ice early and often is the best approach. Shoveling instead of using chemicals will protect our waters. Pledge to salt wisely Any residents and businesses can take a pledge on the City of Minneapolis website to salt wisely. A 30-minute course with self-guided readings and videos will teach anyone about the consequences of using too much salt and about how to protect beloved Minnesota waters from this permanent pollution. |
Save the date: The 2022 Community Connections Conference will now be held Saturday, May 21.
The conference was rescheduled from a February date in light of high transmission rates of COVID-19 and uncertainty surrounding the omicron variant.
The location has also moved up to Hall B on the first floor of the Minneapolis Convention Center.
To stay up to date on this year's conference, visit the Community Connections Conference webpage.
The METRO Blue Line Extension project team has released the Draft Route Modification Report. This report describes the overall process, public input, and technical evaluation that will inform the recommendation of a community supported route. The METRO Blue Line Extension Light Rail Transit project will extend the existing Blue Line from Target Field Station northwest to Brooklyn Park and connect communities along the way. This comment period is an opportunity for Minneapolis residents to weigh in on whether they prefer a route along West Broadway or Lowry avenues for the extension. The Draft Route Modification Report is available for public review at www.BlueLineExt.org. Comments on the report will be accepted through Jan. 25 and will inform the final evaluation and route recommendation in the spring. You can share your input through any of the following ways:
The Metropolitan Council and Hennepin County will review the input received along with the findings from the technical analysis completed to date. Staff will recommend a community-supported route for further evaluation in spring 2022. Following that recommendation, design and technical evaluation of the recommended route will advance to an environmental review and further engineering. Find information about upcoming meetings about the Draft Route Modification Report. |
Under a new City of Minneapolis rule, property owners must provide building energy cost reports to potential renters for apartment buildings with five or more units that are smaller than 50,000 square feet. These reports can help renters learn which buildings have been more energy efficient and less costly so they can compare different housing options against each other and their budget.
Sample energy report
Cost and comfort
A more energy efficient apartment allows people to pay less in monthly bills and is more comfortable: warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. When the heat and electricity cost more, the renter pays more either directly in utility bills or indirectly through higher rent.
Renters can find information by going to the City of Minneapolis website and searching for “rental energy costs” or by calling 311.
In need of food? Or are you looking for ways to support hunger relief in your community? Check out the updated Minneapolis food security resources on the City website. You can find locations, hours, contact information, and volunteer/donation needs of local food shelves and food distributions. To see food shelves by location, explore our map. Find winter market schedules and locations. Nearly all accept SNAP-EBT benefits. |
Join the teams that keep Minneapolis running, and help spread the word about these opportunities with friends, family and community. Minneapolis Public Works is hiring and training for several job openings:
Applications are accepted through Jan. 16. Read more information online and attend one of several upcoming virtual and in-person information sessions throughout the application period. |
Minneapolis Public Works wants your input on a proposed process to address traffic safety concerns and traffic calming requests on neighborhood streets. The process provides a way for community members to request traffic calming and for Public Works to review those requests fairly, transparently and equitably.
Find more information about the proposed traffic calming process and share feedback. Comments on the draft will be accepted through Jan. 31.
After reviewing feedback, Public Works will finalize the process early in 2022 and share details in the spring about how to request traffic calming measures.
Vaccination is the strongest defense against COVID and its variants. Get a free COVID-19 vaccine at a Minneapolis Health Department clinic. Walk-ins are welcome, and the vaccinations are free. You don’t need insurance, you don’t need an appointment and you don’t need an ID. Questions about the vaccines? Watch and share this video for 11 things you should know about COVID-19 vaccines.
Find more information, updates and new free community vaccinations on the City website.
Hennepin County vaccination events
Hennepin County offers free COVID-19 vaccinations including boosters. Get a $50 Visa gift card when you get vaccinated (while supplies last).
Find more information and register at hennepin.us/vaccineregistration or call 612-348-8900.
Other ways to get a vaccine
Being fully vaccinated and boosted remains the highest protection against serious complications from COVID. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, get a free vaccine as soon as you can. About nine out of 10 Americans live within 5 miles of a COVID-19 vaccination site.
Sick and safe time covers vaccine appointments
Accrued sick and safe time hours can be used to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and recover from any side effects. Learn more about the City's Sick and Safe Time ordinance.
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Tune into the City's cultural radio programs for COVID-19 updates and other City news. The City has programs on KMOJ 89.9 FM (English); La Raza 95.7 FM (Spanish); KALY 101.7 FM (Somali); and WIXK AM 1590 (Hmong.) Radio shows schedule and audio files of past programs
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Click here to sign up for the weekly email updates from the City of Minneapolis.
Via a January 4 e-announcement from the Minnesota Historical Society:
The Minnesota Historical Society Announces Reaccreditation by the American Alliance of Museums
The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) is pleased to announce it has been reaccredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the only organization representing the entire scope of the museum community. According to AAM, accreditation demonstrates the Minnesota Historical Society’s quality and credibility to the entire museum community, to governments and outside agencies and to the museum-going public.
“Reaccreditation upholds that our organization continues to meet national standards and best practices for museums in the United States, and that we remain a community of institutions that have chosen to hold ourselves publicly accountable to excellence,” said Kent Whitworth, director and chief executive officer of the Minnesota Historical Society. “The Minnesota Historical Society has proven through this comprehensive process of self-assessment and peer review to be a responsible steward of our resources, one which is deeply committed to institutional excellence.”
In the AAM reaccreditation report, the visiting committee expresses that in all areas of museum practice—research, collections care, exhibitions, education, publications, public programs and administration—MNHS relies on skilled, knowledgeable and committed staff to carry out its mission, remain relevant to the changing needs and interests of the communities it serves, while making important advances and structural changes to promote the principles of diversity, equity, access and inclusion.
MNHS a Model Institution
“The Minnesota Historical Society continues to be a model institution in many ways,” wrote Evans Richardson, accreditation commission chair of the American Alliance of Museums. “We commend the Society for its commitment to actively exploring ways to better serve a broad, diverse, and broadening stakeholder base as evidenced in the museum's excellent Institutional Plan.”
The reaccreditation report also states, that while the environment in which all museums operate has changed dramatically in the past 15 years since MNHS’ last reaccreditation—heightened more recently by the pandemic, economic uncertainty, environmental stress, and ideological polarization—MNHS has adapted appropriately and thoughtfully to these pressures and changing circumstances. Most notable in this regard is the adoption of a new strategic plan (2021-2026) that includes updated and poignant mission and vision statements, clear goals and objectives, and the installation of a culture of inclusion and accountability along with measurable outcomes at all levels of the organization and for all functions.
Accreditation Program and Comments
The Accreditation Program helps to ensure the integrity and accessibility of museum collections, reinforce the educational and public service roles of museums, and promote good governance practices and ethical behavior. To earn accreditation or reaccreditation, a museum submits a self-study questionnaire and key operational documents for evaluation, then undergoes a site visit by a team of peer reviewers which produces a report for the Accreditation Commission. The Commission uses these materials and its collective expertise to determine whether to grant accreditation or reaccreditation. Comments from the reaccreditation report include:
“The organization has completed an inclusive and all-encompassing strategic planning process that sets a bold, purposeful, and sustainable course for the future. The Visiting Committee was very impressed with the width and breath of staff and community engagement and the very purposeful way resources are being aligned with intended outcomes.”
“The strategic plan is of the highest quality, is concise and clear, appears to have garnered significant support and is a signature guiding document to help the organization transition into its inspiring future.”
“Exhibitions, programs, and services are informed by a high degree of scholarship and audience knowledge. The Leadership Team is well credentialed, committed, and demonstrates the hallmarks of a true team. The new strategic plan is outstanding. Clearly, the organization is committed to listening to its staff and external partners and has built trust through a thorough process that resulted in a clear forward path and high levels of energy and enthusiasm. The structure is in place to operationalize the strategic plan.”
About the American Alliance of Museums
The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) is the only organization representing the entire museum field, from art and history museums to science centers and zoos. Since 1906, AAM has been championing museums through advocacy and providing museum professionals with the resources, knowledge, inspiration, and connections they need to move the field forward.
AAM’s Alliance of 35,000 museums and museum professionals seeks to better our communities, and our world, through collaborative human-centered experiences, education, and connection to histories, cultures, the natural world, and one another. AAM’s members spark curiosity and wonder, widen horizons and understanding, and create community connection through a shared commitment to equity and learning. For more information, visit www.aam-us.org.
About the Minnesota Historical Society
The Minnesota Historical Society is a nonprofit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs and publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories and connects people with history. Visit us at mnhs.org.
Via a recent e-announcement from Gamut Gallery:
With the new year in full swing, the transformative power of winter in the Twin Cities sets the stage for Gamut Gallery’s first show of 2022: Earth’s Alchemy. We are thrilled to host Minnesota State Arts Board recipient, Rock Johnsen, who shares his passion for chemistry and geology in his first solo gallery exhibition.
Through his experimental glazing methods, the distinctive and delicate crystal structure highlighted in Rock’s body of work evokes the familiarity of ice cracking under the weight of heavy-soled snow boots this February. From everyday objects like plates, mugs and bowls to his larger-than-life periodic table installation, Rock explores the intersection of art and science by way of the earth’s rare elements and his pottery wheel. In doing so, he shows us that elements can interact with one another within the confines of solid and functional objects.
Just like no two snowflakes are alike, each piece featured in this exhibit is one of a kind, inspiring us to remember science in everyday life and its inherent influence on societal progress and inclusivity. Rock’s work represents the certainty of constant evolution at an atomic level, the diversity that stems from these atomic interactions, and their eventual influence on our collective appreciation and interest in expressing ourselves through art.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Rock Johnsen is a scientist and potter living in Minneapolis, who grew up in Kansas and Missouri. He obtained a Bachelor degree from Pittsburgh University in studio arts with a focus on ceramics and chemistry. Rock’s work explores concepts of duality that he has been perpetually confronted with growing up as a queer person of mixed race in the United States. He uses human anatomy and creatures to examine our comfort level with functional items and also explores the links between chemistry and geology in ceramic glaze.
His unique crystal growing process is really the recreation of an environment. Rock uses a kiln to simulate the earth’s mantle. Over several hours, between 1800-2200 degrees Fahrenheit, the mixture of basic elements transition to a liquid state. While the vessel’s surface is still fluid, zinc and silica atoms attract one another due to their natural polarities, migrating through the liquid to form larger molecules. With each new piece, Rock mimics environmental conditions by making slight adjustments to the temperature and holding times of the ceramic media; the chemical properties of each element emerge from the crystal solution as the final size, shape, and reflection of each piece becomes an individual representation of material science.
Rock Johnsen is a fiscal year 2021 recipient of an Artist Initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
MEMBERS ONLY PREVIEW NIGHT:
February 3, 2022, 6-9pm Meet & Greet with Rock Johnsen
This event is for Gamut Gallery Members, become a Member today!
PUBLIC OPENING & ARTIST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION:
February 4, 2022, 6-9pm Meet & Greet with Rock Johnsen
This event is FREE in thanks to Artist Initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board
ARTIST TALK:
February 19, 2022, 10AM
Moderated by Cassie Garner
This event is FREE in thanks to Artist Initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board
Coffee provided by Segue Coffee
GALLERY & GIFT SHOP OPEN HOURS RETURN FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2022
Gamut Gallery’s brick and mortar is currently closed for holiday break. We will open without capacity restrictions for in-person viewing of the exhibition. We are also available by appointment; please request an appointment 48 hours in advance. Masks required indoors.
FREE open hours starting February 5, 2022: Wednesday - Friday, 11am - 6pm; Saturday 11am - 4pm. We are inviting members of the education community who wish to schedule field trips to the gallery during this exhibit. Please email: Cassie@gamutgallerympls.com to schedule a class trip. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for further details and information regarding the event.
Via a December 31 e-announcement from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is pleased to announce Water Works was named a winner in the 2021 USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice travel award contest for Best New Attraction. After a panel of USA Today travel experts chose 20 top new attractions, USA Today readers voted Water Works into the top 10 to win the award.
Water Works was created in Mill Ruins Park, overlooking the Mississippi River, St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge. Water Works brings significant new historic, cultural and recreational amenities to one of the most visited and iconic areas in Minneapolis. The new park amenities were made possible due to the Minneapolis Parks Foundation’s $18.1 million RiverFirst Capital Campaign and its partnership with the MPRB.
“Water Works has been a wonderful success so far and I’m pleased to see so many people out enjoying the new riverfront space,” says Al Bangoura, Superintendent of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. “I’d like to thank the Minneapolis Park Foundation and its supporters, who appreciate the shared benefit of thoughtfully designed riverfront parks.”
"Water Works is located at one of the most culturally and spiritually significant locations on the Mississippi River and the design honors our region's history and our promise,” adds Tom Evers, Executive Director of the Minneapolis Parks Foundation.” This recognition is shared with countless people who helped bring the site into reality. I hope everyone who visits Minneapolis has a chance to visit and connect to the stories Water Works has to offer and gains a deeper connection to the people who live here."
Water Works Pavilion is two-story park pavilion and visitor center is located at 425 West River Parkway. The second floor of the building hosts Owamni by The Sioux Chef, a new all-season restaurant from partners Sean Sherman and Dana Thompson offering dine-in and take-out Indigenous cuisine. Owamni was recently named Restaurant of the Year by the Star Tribune.
Via a recent e-announcment:
Photo credit: Canaan MattsonAlanna Morris returns to The Cowles Center February 4-6, 2022 with Black Light a re:Search performance, a collaborative solo project that doubles as a personal archive and research project. A copresentation with The Great Northern and Northrop, Black Light is available in-person and via livestream. Tickets are $20-$35, fees included. Live music will accompany the work. This show contains mature content and frontal nudity. Learn more at thecowlescenter.org/black-light.
“Many life transitions inspired this piece, and awakenings to new information that brought down old ways of performing ‘Alanna’ and relating to the cosmos and to the source of life,” shared the artist when describing the inspiration for Black Light. “This pandemic afforded me the life crisis of going into the quiet, the stillness, and the darkness. From there I am discovering vast information that I was not conscious of in my former life practice.”
Morris achieves this reflection in the work through researching the nobility of Black-ness; the divinity of feminine creative energy; and the harnessing of sensual expression.
Additionally, they are working with a team of esteemed collaborators—artists and cultural practitioners—who informed all aspects of Black Light a re:Search performance from research and development, to dance and design. Morris’ collaborators include Gabrielle Abram, Andréa Potter, Demetrius McClendon (Imagine Joy), Afoutayi Haitian Dance, and Music and Arts Co. Costume design by Trevor Bowen. Lighting design by Beaudau Banks.
Morris performed an earlier iteration of this project called Black Light re:Search during a virtual MERGES IN MARCH performance streamed in March 2021. This project builds on its earlier iteration and features live music. Cowles Co-director Jessi Fett reflects: “It is really special to be able to present Black Light a re:Search performance, and to have this wonderful privilege of presenting multiple works in this series by Alanna on our Goodale Stage.”
Black Light a re:Search performance is an expression of season and interwoven local and global identities. The work falls between contemporary, modern, and Afro-Diasporic dance genres. This is the first co-presentation between the Cowles and the Great Northern. Learn more at thecowlescenter.org/black-light.
Via a December 28 e-announcement from Northrup King Building:
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Submitted by Ric Rosow
On Christmas evening the roof of U.S. Bank Stadium flowed like a river with large bands of red, blue and green. I edited the image twice, once for a realistic look and a second time with a fun "starlight" filter. Christmas comes but once a year, but a photo allows you to enjoy the scenes of Christmas celebration year round.
See more of my work @ricrosowphotography, @treslechesartgallery @nemaa.
EaTo, 305 Washington Avenue S, is hosting a Pre-New Year's Eve Party for family and friends on Friday, December 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. It's a great way for parents to share a portion of New Year's with their kids before heading out for their adults-only party.
Make two different kinds of noisemakers, join indoor snowball throwing games, toast with non alcoholic fizzy drinks and top-your-own hot chocolate with both familiar and novel toppings. There will also be passed appetizers (just like at a fancy cocktail party) and EaTo's full drink and food menu will be available for purchase.
Stop by and join your downtown neighbors to celebrate a new year! Contact nancywmoroe@gmail.com for more information.
Via a December 21 e-announcement the MSP Film Society:
MSP FILM SOCIETY CELEBRATES OUR 60th YEAR IN 2022 BY EXPANDING OUR YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMMING TO ALL FIVE SCREENS OF ST. ANTHONY MAIN!
MSP Film Society is thrilled to share the news that we will be taking over operations at the St. Anthony Main Theatre and programming all five screens beginning in 2022! Regular screenings will continue through the holidays. Then, on January 3, 2022, the doors close as work begins on refreshing and relaunching the theater as MSP Film at The Main —just in time for the 2022 MSP International Film Festival, slated for March 31 – April 14, 2022.
For the past 60 years, the MSP Film Society has been the regional go-to for international and independent cinema. From our humble but groundbreaking beginnings in 1962 as the U Film Society, armed with the mission of bringing Arthouse film and New Wave masters to the Twin Cities, MSP Film Society has grown into the Upper Midwest’s leading nonprofit exhibitor of bold and exciting films by established and emerging filmmakers from around the globe and here at home. Now, we are poised to expand those offerings.
“For so long, we have dreamed of becoming even more of a cultural magnet by creating a year-round community cinema space where we can experience the expansive, inspiring, and entertaining world of international and independent film together,” said Susan Smoluchowski, Executive Director of MSP Film Society. “We are eager to launch MSP Film at The Main and to invite our film loving and filmmaking community to join us as we continue to provide a unique window on the world for the next 60 years.”
MSP Film Society looks forward to bringing more of the bounty of MSPIFF’s inclusive, extensive, and groundbreaking programming to the Twin Cities and expanding our year-round programs, including hosting more insightful guests and inspiring filmmakers. Operating all five screens also allows us to expand our MN-Made program, providing opportunities for our homegrown talent to screen their films for local audiences, and for our community partners to share the theater for special screenings and events.
“Connecting independent storytellers with audiences is what we’re all about, and this exciting new venture will create untold opportunities for that cinematic intersection to grow,” said Jesse Bishop, MSP Film Society’s Program Director. “Daily programming on all five screens at The Main is a big step forward for us, and we are excited to begin crafting a destination where you are certain to be surprised, entertained, comforted, informed, seen and heard, through the movies.”
In 2008, MSP Film Society expanded the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF) by moving to the St. Anthony Main Theatre, which proved to be the perfect venue for our festival headquarters. It allowed us to program on all five screens for the run of MSPIFF and create a true festival experience, where audiences could easily go from one screening to the next and mingle with other film lovers and filmmakers in between. In 2010, we began year-round programming in SAM’s Theatre 3, with the intent that one day we might take over operations of the entire theater and carry over the experience of MSPIFF into year-round programming on all five screens.
“As the longtime owner of the Stone Arch Cinema (aka St. Anthony Main Theatre), I look forward to working with the MSP Film Society to create the neighborhood theater we have always wanted here at St. Anthony Main,” said John Rimarcik. “There couldn’t be a better entity to make this happen than the Film Society.”
MSP Film Society has been making plans to refresh the entire theater complex for an upgraded experience, from the moment you approach our building along the Mississippi riverfront, to moving through the ticketing and concessions stand in the lobby, to the screenings rooms themselves.
Changes will include:
● Renaming and rebranding the St. Anthony Main theater as: MSP Film at The Main.
● A rich and varied mix of film programming on all 5 screens all year long.
● New theater marquee incorporating the current historic lightbulb sign: The Main.
● Updated and modernized theater - to be completed in phases.
● Upgraded projection equipment and closed caption options in each screening room.
● New concession selections –but we are sticking with the famed “best popcorn in the Twin Cities!”
● Expansion of our community programming partnerships.
● New screening opportunities for Minnesota filmmakers and MN-Made films.
● Year-round film festivals, including MSPIFF and CINE LATINO, on all 5 screens.
● Expanding our COVID-19 policies to the entire MSP Film at The Main building.
As we transition into this exciting new cinematic era, MSP Film encourages the entire film loving community to help ensure a vibrant future for cinematic arts in Minnesota by donating, becoming members, or renewing memberships. These will become all the more valuable in 2022!
The MSP Film Society is a dynamic 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to fostering a knowledgeable and vibrant appreciation of the art of film and its power to inform and transform individuals and communities. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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Via a December 15 e-announcement from the Mill City Farmers Market:
Coffee Toast to Singing Hills Farm
Saturday, December 18, is Singing Hills’ last day at our market until the business is sold and someone else picks up the hard work of Lynne, Nancy and everyone who built Singing Hills Goat Dairy.
To celebrate the contributions Singing Hills has made to our market for the past 12 years and Lynne and Nancy’s retirement from markets, we will be hosting a coffee, bread and cheese hour at the market on Saturday morning. Find us outside the front doors of the Mill City Museum at 10 a.m to thank, send love, say goodbye and stock up on cheese with Lynne and Nancy.
Singing Hills is working with Renewing the Countryside and American Farmland Trust to facilitate the farm’s transition to an emerging farmer. For more information and to support this work, visit: https://tinyurl.com/2p9xx8ty.
Via a December 14 e-announcement from Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:
A view of Hall's Island, Plymouth Avenue Bridge and East Bank Trail running through the future Graco Park. Image courtesy of Mississippi Watershed Management Organization.
Let MPRB know what you think about refined concept for new Northeast riverfront park!
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is developing a new park along the Northeast Minneapolis riverfront called Graco Park! Last summer MPRB staff collected initial feedback from the community and researched opportunities and constraints at the site, which is located just north of the Plymouth Avenue Bridge with a gravel beach and Mississippi East Bank Trail running through it.
In the fall, three distinct design concepts for Graco Park were published for public feedback. After considering that feedback, a new single, preferred concept debuted today. Use the link below to learn more about Graco Park, including:
The online survey will be open through Friday, Jan. 21, 2022. Feedback on the preferred concept will be used to refine the concept further, then there will be a public hearing on the final concept, which will be subject to approval by Park Commissioners. Visit the Graco Park project page and sign up for email updates to stay informed as the process continues.
Illustration of the Graco Park entrance from Sibley St NE and Plymouth/8th Ave NE
Graco Park Concept
The preferred Graco Park concept features:
A phased construction approach is planned for Graco Park. Work is tentatively planned to start in 2022, with the park opening in 2024. Future phases would include additional park elements as funding becomes available:
Please visit the Graco Park concept page for more information and take a short survey to weigh in on the plan. The survey is open through Friday, Jan. 21, 2022.
A bird's eye view of the concept plan for Graco Park. Click or tap the image to open a larger file in an internet browser.
Get Involved
In addition to the online survey, there's a virtual community open house on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, 4:30-6 pm on Zoom. Use the link below to join the event online, where you can view an in-depth presentation of the concept, ask project staff questions and give feedback.
Meeting ID: 837 1774 1549
You can also invite MPRB staff to present the Graco Park concept to your group or organization in December 2021 or January 2022! Please email cchristensen@minneapolisparks.org for more information.
To learn more about this project and others, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/planning.
Submitted by Ric Rosow
I was editing a sunrise photo of the cityscape and had to redo it several times. In the process I came up with the idea of flipping and mirroring the photo. This involved some thought and lots of trial and error. The image could be, but is not, a statement on the current state of the city, state and nation. Or it could be, and maybe is, a science fiction depiction of an alternative world. I had no "artistic statement" in mind while creating this. I was simply exploring what I could do with my art and having fun doing it.
See more of my work @ricrosowphotography @treslechesartgallery @nemaa.
Mill City Times | 35W Bridge Memorial | Mill District Block Party | Mill City Media
Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 3:33PM
