Out of the Box Opera Presents Holiday Tenor Extravaganza at Canopy, Dec.16-18

Out of the Box Opera will present Holiday Tenor Extravaganza on December 16, 17 and 18 (performances at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30) as the final installment in its 2021 series at the Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis. The evening will offer a mix of opera, pop and traditional holiday music sung by a trio of tenors moving in and around the hotel’s restaurant and lounge.

Out of the Box Artistic Director David Lefkowich stated, “We think of what we do not as shows in the conventional sense but as musical adventures that include the audience as part of the performance.” In the case of the Holiday Tenor Extravaganza, individual singers will stop and engage with hotel diners and guests sitting at their tables or mingling in the lounge. The cast will also perform together as a group of strolling carolers. The repertoire will be equal parts traditional carols, popular holiday songs and opera arias in keeping with the spirit of the season. Lefkowich says that in putting together the program, he asked the singers to choose some of their own favorite pieces. “We think this will give the evening a sense of authenticity and intimacy, knowing that these men are singing music that recalls their own holiday memories.”

Musical Director and accompanist Carson Rose Schneider added, “We have chosen three dynamic singers to fill out our version of The Three Tenors. They have broad and varied backgrounds which fit perfectly with the range of music we are featuring in this event.” David Walton performed in the first Canopy show, A Night at The Opera/A Night on The Town, and with Out of The Box in 2019’s Acis and Galatea The Wonder Nymph. Walton has appeared locally with Minnesota Opera and Minnesota Bach Ensemble and nationally with Virginia Opera, Opera Carolina and Glimmerglass Festival. Brian Wallin performed earlier this year in Hello Italy at the Canopy and was in the cast of Out of The Box’s very first show, Love Lost/Love Found at the Weisman Art Museum in 2017. Walin has also performed with Minnesota Opera, Glimmerglass Festival, Atlanta Opera, and Opera National de Bordeaux. This is Eric Morris’ first performance with Out of The Box, but he has appeared locally as a performer with the Guthrie Theater, Theatre Latte Da, Mill City Summer Opera and Chanhassen Dinner Theatre and has directed shows at the Old Log Theater. Outside the Twin Cities, Morris has directed and performed with Dayton Opera and Michigan’s Barn Theater.

Umbra’s award-winning Executive Chef, Kevin Aho, has crafted a special menu offering exclusively for the three nights of Holiday Tenor Extravaganza performances. This Winter Feast includes a salad, 16oz Prime Rib, truffle mashed potatoes, seasoned vegetables and hazelnut tart. Visit their website to see the most up-to-date menu and reserve your table.

The show is a non-ticketed event. A dinner reservation at Canopy’s restaurant, Umbra, will guarantee reserved seating, but the show can also be seen and heard from the hotel’s lounge and lobby (and even from balconies in the hotel’s atrium if you have a room).

Thanksgiving Stock Up at the Nov. 20 Mill City Farmers Market

Vikings & Goddesses pumpkin pie

This Saturday, November 20, be sure to visit the Mill City Farmers Market inside the Mill City Museum to stock up on Thanksgiving staples! Here's the list of vendors who look forward to seeing you. (Pre-orders aren't required, but will save you time.) Masks required.

Looking for a traditional pumpkin pie? You can pre-order one from Vikings & Goddesses, or you can make your own using one of their pre-made frozen crusts. Want to make your own crust? Check out this instructional video. They use flour from Baker’s Field Flour & Bread, who you'll also find at the MCFM.

Stock up on: 

• Root veggies (potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, shallots, garlic, carrots)
• Winter squash, lettuces, spinach, arugula, celery, herbs, mushrooms and more local vegetables
• Fresh rolls and Thanksgiving pies
• High quality meat, cheeses and eggs
• Maple syrup, fermented foods, artisan sauces
• Beeswax candles, dried floral wreaths
• Handmade wooden utensils, tea towels and soaps

Don't forget to check out the Mill City Museum's gift shop while you're there! 

The Mill Yard at Stonebridge Lofts Art Exhibit Announces Winter Show

 Forms of Engagement

Opening Reception Sunday, December 5, 4:00 - 6:00PM

Stonebridge Lofts, 1120 S 2nd Street

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

The new show runs from December 5, 2021 – March 10, 2022

COVID Safety: Masks are not required for those fully vaccinated. Please mask up if you are not fully vaccinated.

Artists featured at this show:

             Deb Lee Carson, photography

             Joseph Gallup, painting

             Brad Menninga, pottery

             Amy Sabatier, jewelry

             Sue Wipf, painting

Deb Lee Carson Her passion for the world behind the lens began decades ago while working in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. A native of Minnesota, she was instilled with a love of the wilderness, respect for the land, a fierce independence, and an attachment to horses. “My work explores the vastness of that natural landscape, capturing the poetic, raw intensity the horse offers and investigating their elements of beauty, strength and social structure. On a formal level these images are about light, space, form, movement and scale. On an informal level my work is about seeing the everyday beauty in their natural surroundings, about exploring time, place, memory and change”. Conact: deb@debleecarson.com

Winter Rumble

Joseph Gallup Joseph Gallup has “A passion for romantic expression told through bold color and brush strokes combined with unique inspirations drawn from cinema, rock and roll and my daily personal surroundings, including the people and animals I love.” His body of work in oil includes still life images, landscapes, portraits and abstracts always with fearless use of color and application. A native of Minnesota, Joseph studied art at Mankato State University and the University of Minnesota. His paintings “invite you to deconstruct the familiar, while maintaining relatability and inclusion.” Conact: Joseph.gallup@gmail.com

Mary

Brad Menninga Brad Menninga received his MFA from the California College of the Arts in San Francisco. He is originally from the Pacific Northwest where he worked as a studio potter and facilitated giant puppet making workshops through the Portland, Oregon chapters of Jobs with Justice and Art & Revolution. His unique, decorative and detailed imagery on surfaces aligns with the long history in ceramics to document and communicate current events, hopes and concerns.  Menninga has created solo installations at the Mall of America and at the 2019 NCECA Conference (St. Paul, MN). He is the recipient of a 2020 Minnesota Artist Initiative Grant and the 2020 McKnight Artist Fellowship for Ceramic Artists. Contact: bradmenningaart@gmail.com

Bicycle bowl

Amy Sabatier Excelsior based artist and metalsmith, Amy Sabatier, has always enjoyed working with her hands in various mediums. She is inspired by nature and the outdoors, and from experiences and travel. The tools, supplies and high quality, unique stones she uses are mindfully chosen with effort to support other artists. Amy practices traditional metalsmithing using her hands, a torch and limited tools. Her pieces are meant to reflect these handmade intentions and are therefore one of a kind treasures. Contact: amysabatier@gmail.com

Waiwai Medicine Necklace

Sue Wipf Sue Wipf’s experience growing up on her family’s Minnesota farm profoundly influenced her perspective of the world around her and her love of nature. Both are apparent in her plein air and studio paintings. Though her paintings are executed in a realistic technique, “I look for the wondrous abstract patterns in nature and still life and strive for the ‘less is more’ philosophy.  Painting outdoors brings excitement in capturing the emotion of that moment through color and light”. Sue has studied at the Schroeder Studio and is a member of Outdoor Painters of Minnesota, Women Artists of the West, Oil Painters of America, Plein Air Artists Colorado and the American Impressionist Society. Contact: sbjwipf@hotmail.com

Temperance River in Winter

The Mill Yard at Stonebridge Lofts

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.  Contact TheMillYard.Stonebridge@gmail.com, Facebook

1850's Holiday Party at the Ard Godfrey House, Dec. 5

Longing for a simpler time? Slow down for a few hours and enjoy the 1850's Holiday Party at the Ard Godfrey House on December 5th. Thank you to The Woman's Club of Minneapolis for continueing this tradition.

Share Your Feedback on Proposed 2022 City Budget at Upcoming Online Public Hearings

Three upcoming online public hearings are available for people to speak publicly to the City Council regarding Mayor Jacob Frey’s recommended 2022 City Budget. Comments can also be submitted online at the City’s website.

Online public hearings

• 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16
• 6:05 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1
• 6:05 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8

Comments submitted online will be entered into the public record and shared with the mayor and council members. The City Council is scheduled to vote on adopting the budget on Wednesday, Dec. 8. 

Learn how to participate in online public hearings.

The proposed 2022 $1.599 billion City budget includes a 5.45% levy increase. 

Visit the City’s website to learn more about the mayor’s recommended budget, key dates in the approval process, FAQs and more. You can also watch a series of videos on the City’s budget process.

10th Avenue Bridge Reopening Ceremony Scheduled for November 16

Join Minneapolis Public Works in celebrating the reopening of the 10th Avenue Bridge on Tuesday, November 16. A ribbon cutting event is scheduled from 11:30a to 12:15p on the downtown side of the bridge, including remarks from elected officials and project staff.

Project website: https://www.10thavebridge.com/

The Dayton’s Project to Celebrate the Past and the Future in Grand Opening

Curated retail experiences will meet a favorite holiday tradition at Dayton’s

Today, The Dayton’s Project announced the final round of vendors in their inaugural maker’s market: The Departments at Dayton’s. The building will open to the public on November 18th with all 33 local makers installed at the project just in time for the holiday season.

“Dayton’s has always been emmeshed in the community,” said Mich Berthiaume, curator of The Departments at Dayton’s. “It was important to bring that focus back to the building and celebrate the remarkable diversity of the local makers across Minnesota. The phenomenal list of vendors we have at this project are reigniting the vibrancy of downtown Minneapolis.”

Native Roots Radio, local community radio merchandise; Teton Trade Cloth, beads, blankets, supplies, and other gear; Great Grandmother Mary Lyons, Minnesota-made ribbon skirts; Iron Cloud Art Designs, striking printed art from Arizona; Winona LaDuke, local CBD and hemp products; Eagle Thunder Family, Lakota beadwork, gear, and native language clocks; Nancy Beaulieu, Minnesota-made handicrafts; William Harjo, handmade wooden flutes from Oklahoma and Texas; Star Quilts, Northern Cheyenne-designed apparel; Marion Martinez, artisan rings and silver jewelry; Joseph Wrider, handmade silver jewelry; White Buffalo Prints, local wildlife photography; American Indian Movement, official AIM-branded merchandise.

In addition, The Dayton’s Project has announced two additional vendors who have joined the market:

Rocky Robinson – a self-care brand created to empower Black and Brown girls and tell them that they matter

Joel Kaplan – a watercolor artist and art instructor who was a former Divisional Director at the Dayton’s Department Store

The developers also announced the recreation of a beloved tradition at Dayton’s: the Holiday windows display. Beginning on opening day, November 18th, The Dayton’s Project will unveil its Christmas window decorations on both the skyway level and the first floor. The corner of 8th and Nicollet will feature a display of Santa Bears, another favorite Dayton’s tradition.

“It was important to us to bring the Holiday windows back,” said Don Kohlenberger, President of Hightower Initiatives and the owner’s representative for The Dayton’s Project. “This was a tradition we brought back in 2019 and had to pause in 2020 due to the pandemic. This year, we’re bringing it back to celebrate the holiday season and create new cherished memories for the shoppers who visit The Dayton’s Project.”

The Departments at Dayton’s is the newest addition to The Dayton’s Project, a landmark historic restoration development in downtown Minneapolis. At 1.2 million square feet, The Dayton’s Project redevelopment marks one of the largest historic renovations in the country. The building will eventually host 250,000 SF in retail space from the lower level up to the skyway and will host 750,000 SF of office space in the rest of the building. Office tenants will enjoy a private tenant lounge and rooftop deck, quiet heads down working space, and a 10,000 SF fitness center, in addition to their modern office space. Ernst & Young Global Limited is the project’s headlining office tenant and will also take occupancy on November 18th.

FINNEGANS Announces ‘Drink Like You Care’ Campaign

Via a November 8 e-announcement from FINNEGANS:

FINNEGANS has launched their annual ‘Drink Like You Care’ campaign, where beer distributor partners match donations for all beer sales from Nov-Dec and support feeding those in need in our community. They are asking friends and supporters to step up and help to make this campaign a huge success, and are offering fun ways to make a difference!

Sign-up to be a FINNEGANS Sampling Saint
In an effort to sell as much FINNEGANS as possible and to engage liquor store customers in helping to feed those in need, they are scheduling liquor store tastings at their top selling accounts (this is a paid position!).
Please Click here to sign-up. They have a bunch of open sampling opportunities now through December.

Throw a ‘Drink Like You Care’ Happy Hour with your friends, family, colleagues and everyone you know Don’t forget to share the joy! Post your photos and tag FINNEGANS, #DLYC. They can’t wait to see your barstool philanthropy in action.

• Click here to see a list of all of our supporting bars and restaurants carrying FINNEGANS. Some retailers are going above and beyond to support this campaign. Promotions are happening November-December:
  • The Craft and Crew restaurant group (Stanley’s, The Howe, The Bloch, Pub 819 and Dukes on 7th) is donating 50 cents per pint for every FINNEGANS.
  • The Local West End is running FINNEGANS on Happy hour every day all day.
  • The Gnome is doing a FINNEGANS 10 tap takeover, and FINNEGANS will be a part of their Battle of the Breweries on December 9. A portion of the ticket price will go to the ‘Drink Like You Care’ Campaign. More details coming soon on the Reverse Food Truck food drives too!

Entertain Like You Care
Invite your friends, neighbors, colleagues, family and everyone you know over to your home for a party – stock your fridge with FINNEGANS and you have a fundraiser rolling to feed those in need in your community. Invite everyone to a virtual gathering; share the link for all to find FINNEGANS near them. Look for FINNEGAN variety fan packs and make it an at-home beer tasting! Click here to find cans of FINNEGANS near you.

Unveiling the New DMNA Historic Signage Project

Via a November 8 Press Release from the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA):

During the first few weeks in November, residents and visitors to the Mill District will start noticing some new signage on 16 different properties, along 2nd Street, 3rd Avenue, and Washington Avenue.

The purpose of the DMNA Historic Signage Project is to create and install signage that highlights the history behind buildings, and potentially other architecture in the downtown community. We believe the signage will enhance the pedestrian experience for residents and visitors, increase the sense of community in our neighborhoods, honor our past, and create a legacy for the future.

The DMNA modeled its project after a similar project in the North Loop neighborhood. The DMNA Historic Signage Committee received guidance on our project from volunteers from the North Loop Neighborhood Association. We appreciate and want to recognize their help!

The DMNA is starting with 16 buildings in the Mill District but will expand to other areas in the Downtown East and Downtown West neighborhoods in the future. Each of the historic signs includes a QR code that when scanned will take you to a page on the DMNA website with more history about the building. (On or around November 8, after the historic signage has been installed on all of the buildings, we will activate the building history webpages on the DMNA website.)

A video created by Peter Zenner from ZenMation showcases each of the properties the DMNA Historic Signage Committee produced signage for this year.

(You can also view the video via this link: https://youtu.be/iUbIvZanJkw)

A BIG THANK YOU to committee members Dianne Walsh, Randy Manthey, Christine Anderson, Rana Geving, and Lisa Olson. They have been working very hard on this project over the last six months. For more information about the project and an interactive map with all of the buildings on it, please visit: https://www.thedmna.org/historic-signage.

Minneapolis Restaurants Provide Delicious Options for Thanksgiving Feasts and Pies to Enjoy at Home

Try something new this Thanksgiving - whether it's dessert, or the entire feast!

Photo: The Restaurant ProjectHark! Cafe is serving up scrumptious, scratch-made Thanksgiving pies. These decadent holiday favorites are filled with real Minnesota apples, pumpkins and winter squash - and are 100% plant-based, gluten-free and celiac-safe. Hark! Cafe is located in the Warehouse District at 430 1st Avenue.

• Full-size pies (9”) serves 10-12 -Pecan: $50, Apple-Cranberry: $40,Pumpkin: $40- or all 3 pies for $120
• Preorder now through November 20 for pick up November 24 or 25.
•  https://www.harkcafe.com/order-thanksgiving-pies

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Ono Hawaiian Plates offers a ready-to-eat dinner for four for $149. Choose your pick up time on Thanksgiving Day: 3pm, 4pm or 5pm (not a take n’ bake, it comes hot!) Ono Hawaiian Plates is in the North Loop Galley, 729 Washington Avenue N. Online pre-orders only. Your feast includes:

•  Sea Salt Roasted Turkey Breast
•  Garlic Mashed Potatoes 
•  Turkey Gravy
•  Portuguese Sausage Stuffing
•  Coconut Creamed Spinach 
•  Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
•  Cranberry & Pineapple Compote 
•  Pineapple Upside Down Cake

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Photo: Union Hmong KitchenUnion Hmong Kitchen invites you to experience their Vinai Thanksgiving Feast. $220 per order, ready to reheat at home. This meal serves 3-4 people (if you’re feeding 6-8 people, you would place an order for two meals, etc.).

Meal package includes:

3 Mains:

• Whole Smoked Fish in banana leaf
• Turkey Leg + Thigh, confit with ginger + lemongrass marinade
• Hmong Sausages

Sides:

• Purple Sticky Rice
• Khao Sen Chilled Rice Noodles
• Roasted Seasonal Veggies - brussels sprouts, parsnips, and purple radish
• 4 Sauces
• Pickled Veggies
• Fermented Mustard Greens
• Chopped Herbs, Fried Onion + Garlic, and Colorful Doodads for Garnish

Plus: Vinai-branded reheating and serving instructions, banana leaves for tabletop setting, plus a link to fun table and meal assembly video by Yia Vang and a curated Thanksgiving Spotify Playlist.

Also available (on its own, not part of the above packaged): 10" Gochujang French Silk Pie $30, feeds 6-8. Made with real MN-raised lard, topped with whipped cream, dark chocolate curls; flavored with gochujang Korean chili.

Order by Friday November 19 at unionkitchenmn.com. Meals and pies available for pick up between 10am to 5pm at Vinai, 1717 NE 2nd Street, in NE Minneapolis on Wednesday, November 24. Home delivery available for $25.

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Patisserie 46 / Rose Street Patisserie is offering an 8” Classic Kentucky Derby Pecan Pie with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, 70% dark chocolate and Georgia pecans.  Topped with a rich chocolate Chantilly. Other seasonal/Thanksgiving items include savory breads, a pumpkin cheesecake, and stuffing mix. Order for either location at https://patisserie46.com.

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Here is a more expansive list from WCCO.

October 2021 by the Numbers from Cynthia Froid Group

Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:

Mill City Farmers Market Winter Schedule Begins November 13

The Mill City Farmers Market is dedicated to providing a safe and reliable year-round marketplace for small farmers, makers and shoppers. Their winter farmers markets return to the Mill City Museum lobby (no ticket required) with 30-40 farmers and makers two Saturdays per month, November through April. Face coverings are required and safety protocols in the building will be followed.

Two Saturdays per Month, 10am – 1pm:

November 13 and 20

December 4 and 18

January 8 and 22

February 12 and 26

March 12 and 26

April 9 and 23

Minnesota to Begin Vaccinating 5- to 11-year-olds

Via an excerpt from the November 5 City of Minneapolis e-newsletter:

Following an extensive clinical trial and final recommendations from CDC for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for 5- to 11-year-olds, Gov. Tim Walz announced that Minnesota will begin vaccinating children this week.

There are over 500,000 children across Minnesota that are now eligible for the vaccine. Ninety-four percent of Minnesota’s population is now eligible to be vaccinated. To find vaccine locations and learn more, go to mn.gov/vaxforkids. 

In addition to the webpage, two new videos were created featuring Minnesota pediatricians sharing information about the COVID-19 vaccine for children and why it is important to get kids vaccinated:

• COVID-19 Vaccines and Kids: What Parents Should Know
• COVID-19 Vaccines and Kids: What Pediatricians Are Saying

4th Street Reconstruction and Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Updates

Via November 5 e-announcements from the City of Minneapolis:

1) 4th Street Reconstruction Project Update

The City of Minneapolis will reconstruct 4th St. between 2nd Ave. N and 4th Ave. S in downtown Minneapolis. The reconstruction will include wider sidewalks, improved crossings, a new bi-directional off-street bike path on the north side of the street, lighting, trees and planting beds. Utility work and roadway construction are underway and are expected to be complete by the end of 2022.

Rendering of the future 4th St. design between Marquette Ave. and 2nd St.

Latest Project News

• Phase 1 work, between Hennepin and 4th Ave S, is substantially complete. 4th Street is now open to through traffic and the Washington Ave detour is no longer in effect.  
• Joint sealing along buildings will continue through November 12 and light pole installation will continue through the week of 11/22. 
• Xcel Energy will continue work between 2nd Ave N and Hennepin through the winter.
• One lane along 4th Street between Hennepin and 3rd Ave S will remain closed through November to facilitate final signal, lighting and cleanup work.
• Additional intermittent lane closures may occur as the contractor finishes cleanup work along the Phase 1 area.
• Northbound and southbound trac lanes on 4th St and Hennepin Ave have reopened to local traffic.
• Project newsletters and stakeholder update meetings are coming to an end for the season. Gov delivery update emails and stakeholder meetings will occur on 11/5 and 11/19 before going on hiatus until construction resumes in the spring.

View the 4th St. Reconstruction Newsletter and the interactive map for weekly construction updates.

What To Expect

• During roadway construction, 4th St. will be closed to through traffic between 2nd
  Ave. N. and 4th Ave. S. Local access to driveways will be maintained during road work.
• During construction work, pedestrian access will be maintained. Be aware of your surroundings when walking on the sidewalk.
• Expect additional noise, dust, and vibration as crews complete work.

Stay Connected

There are multiple ways to get information including email updates and ongoing stakeholder meetings. Visit the project website and sign-up for updates: www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/fourth-st-n-and-s/

Provide questions, comments or concerns on the interactive map: https://zan.mysocialpinpoint.com/4thstreetreconstruction

Email the project team: info@4thstmpls.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-412-9774

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2) Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update

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. This project is anticipated to be completed summer 2023.

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. 

Latest project news

• Crews will soon begin installing a dewatering well near the southeast corner of the Nicollet Mall and Washington Ave intersection. Crews will begin setting up equipment and materials mid-November and start drilling the well soon after. 
  • This work will require the eastern sidewalk along Nicollet Mall between Washington Ave and 3rd St N to be temporarily closed.
  • Pedestrians will still be able to use the sidewalk on the west side of Nicollet Mall.
  • The crosswalk at the Washington Ave intersection will remain open.
• Crews will soon begin installing the new tunnel access shaft in the southbound lanes of 2nd Ave S just north of the Washington Ave intersection. Next week equipment and materials will be delivered to the work site and excavation will begin the week of November 15.
  • The sidewalks will remain open on both sides of the road. 
  • The crosswalk at the Washington Ave and 2nd Ave S intersection remains open.
  • 2nd Ave S remains a single lane in each direction using the northbound lanes between Washington Avenue and 1st St S. 
  • Access to driveways off 2nd Ave S remain open. There may be short-term access delays while crews move equipment and materials around.
• The east lane of 4th Ave S between 3rd St S and Washington Ave remains closed near the Washington Ave intersection. This is necessary to complete setting up the dewatering well and pumps. This work is anticipated to be completed in approximately three weeks.
  • The sidewalk on the east side of 4th Ave S remains temporarily closed until the dewatering well is setup. Pedestrians will be able to 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 remain open.
• The right lane of Portland remains temporarily closed to install a dewatering well on the southwest corner of the intersection.
  • During this closure, bicyclists will share the open traffic lane and pedestrians should use the eastern sidewalk.
  • This closure is anticipated to remain in place for two weeks, or until crews finish installing the dewatering well. 
• Work continues at the Mississippi River portal site. Crews are excavating soils above the storm sewer tunnel.
  • The parking lot off Portland Ave east of the Stone Arch Bridge, near Mill Ruins Park, remains temporarily closed for the winter and will reopen spring 2022. This closure is necessary to complete the work in this area safely and efficiently.
  • The parking lot near Portland Ave and W River Pkwy remains open.
• Expect additional noise, dust, and vibration as crews complete work.
• Schedule is tentative and subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

Long-term closures/restrictions

• The north sidewalk along Washington Ave remains closed between Hennepin Ave and Nicollet Mall through spring 2022. The contractor will be utilizing an existing shaft to perform work for connecting the existing tunnel to the new tunnel.
  • During this closure, pedestrians will share the bike lane on Washington Ave.
  • The crosswalks at the Washington Ave intersections of Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Ave remain open.

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:

https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/central-city-tunnel/

Email the project team: info@mplscentralcitytunnel.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-888-9418

Help Cut and Bag Buckthorn at BF Nelson Park, November 13

 Cut and bag buckthorn at BF Nelson Park

Join Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) for a morning of buckthorn removal at BF Nelson Park. This park, across the river from Nicollet Island, offers scenic walkways and views of the Mississippi River that will be much improved after dense buckthorn is removed from the shoreline.

In partnership with the Minnesota Opera, FMR has made a significant dent in the buckthorn at this site. But, the work isn't done. On November 13 from 9a to 11a they will continue to clear the way for native plants to return to the shoreline of this park, and to make room for future volunteers to plant shrubs and wildflowers to help diversify this ecosystem.

Seeking Volunteers

All are welcome and no experience is necessary. Tools, gloves and training will be provided, and volunteers are encouraged to work at their own pace. Work includes cutting back buckthorn, stacking the brush and bagging stems - all to prevent the same plants from resprouting next year. The bags serve to block light and "cook" the stems, providing a herbicide-free buckthorn control solution. The bags will be removed as the restoration process continues at this site.

Ready to Register?

To sign up and receive directions to the meeting spot, contact FMR Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Sophie Downey at sdowney@fmr.org, 651-222-2193 x27. Please include the name of the event, your name, address, phone number and the number in your party.

To receive notices of future events, contact FMR Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Sophie Downey at sdowney@fmr.org. Or, visit our Events Calendar for our most up-to-date listing of upcoming events. To receive a twice-a-month e-newsletter including all FMR activities and news, sign up for Mississippi Messages.

Local Artists Showcase Their Work in Digital Hennepin Gallery Exhibit

"Make Space" will feature artwork from Kprecia Ambers, Philipo Dyauli and Connor Rice 

Forecast Public Art and Hennepin County will host an online gallery exhibit highlighting the work of Twin Cities artists Kprecia Ambers, Philipo Dyauli and Connor Rice. 

Visit the online gallery starting November 1. (Due to COVID-19 closings, gallery exhibitions at the Hennepin County Government Center have shifted to a digital format.) 

The three artists previously participated in a Hennepin Theatre Trust project with Clear Channel Outdoor. Art Connects Us featured their artwork on 60 digital billboards across the region. The project shared messages of hope and gratitude to people working on the front lines of COVID-19.  

While their work was seen in highly visible public spaces across the city, “Make Space” gets closer to the details. The artists share what they’ve been working on and how the pandemic has impacted their artistic practice.

About the Artists

Kprecia Ambers is a full-time digital illustrator and owner of Kp Inspires. Illustration is her voice and tool to support and celebrate others. Her biggest inspiration is people. Her dream as an illustrator is to reach and fill homes around the world with art, products and designs that aim to encourage self-love.

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Connor Rice is a multi-media artist from Southside Minneapolis. His work is heavily inspired by hip-hop, street art and ancient propaganda. He uses art to document the issues and motifs of pan-Africanist realities throughout time and space. Connor is a recent recipient of the Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative Grant and the Jerome Fellowship at the Highpoint Center for Printmaking. Connor was commissioned to direct and execute murals for the City of Minneapolis Public Service Building and in 2019 for Make on Lake, a public art initiative on Lake Street.

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Philipo Dyauli is a self-taught painter, illustrator and draftsman from Tanzania. His work primarily consists of acrylic paintings on canvas inspired by favorite painters, music, films and the natural world. His childhood consisted of road trips, family reunions and visiting National Parks in Tanzania. Dyauli incorporates his Tanzanian roots and personal experiences to create artwork that reflects life in the United States and East Africa. This often involves depictions of favorite family traditions, friends and personal heroes.

Project partners 

Hennepin County Multicultural Arts Committee (MAC) Created by the county board in 1995 as part of the organization’s response to the Minneapolis Initiative Against Racism. MAC sponsors art displays, performances, discussions and exhibits representing Hennepin County’s diverse cultural canvas.

Forecast Public Art A non-profit arts organization that activates, inspires, and advocates for public art that advances justice, health, and human dignity. 

Van Gogh Hot Air Balloon

Photo: FOX 9

Did you happen to see the Vincent van Gogh hot air balloon Saturday, October 30? It was launched from Boom Island to celebrate the extension of the Immersive Van Gogh Minneapolis exhibit (now running to February 2022).

The Van Gogh hot air balloon is a reproduction of Van Gogh’s 1887 painting Self Portrait with Grey Felt Hat. The balloon was created by a European specialty hot air balloon company with brush strokes depicting a precise copy of the artist’s iconic piece. It has been launched in numerous cities.

You can view 100's of photos from the event here. They are spectacular!

Art Attack! is Back - November 5 - 7

Art Attack returns to the Northrup King Building November 5, 6 and 7. Enjoy live music by Mwago Kuria and Ben Abrahamson; treats and refreshments will be available for purchase from Potter's Pasties, Sandy's Grill & Italian Ice, and Thirsty Dragon Drinks. Look for special gallery openings, receptions and exhibitions. Click here for the list of artists.

Friday, November 5, 5 - 10pm
Saturday, November 6, Noon - 8pm
Sunday, November 7, Noon - 5pm

Halloween Moon by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Mill District resident Ric Rosow

Are you ready for Halloween? This eerie looking image is a combination of seven images of the moon rising over Lake Superior in the evening, which were combined and blended back into the first moon image. I then blended that combined moon image into two photos of Minneapolis, one of downtown and the other of the river. Finally I blended in a photo of Puerto Vallarta. The blending process selects portions of each image based on lightness, darkness, hue, saturation or luminosity in the images being blended together. Sometimes the blending process produces very subtle effects, and other times much more dramatic, as with this image.

You can see more of my photography @ricrosowphotography, @treslechesartgallery and @nemaa.

Mill District History Video from the DMNA

This video is part of the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA) Historic Signage Project.