Unusual Sunday Morning Sight in Gold Medal Park

We've lived by Gold Medal Park for nearly 12 years  - and this is a first. Will be interesting to learn the story behind this one.

Minneapolis Craft Brewers Heading to Duluth for July 31 All Pints North Event

Via a recent e-announcement:

Festival to bring thousands of craft beer fans from around the region to Duluth on July 31

On Saturday, July 31, more than 100 MN craft breweries and brewpubs will gather at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth to share their best summer beers and a few surprises with craft beer fans from around the region. All Pints North is one of Minnesota’s biggest beer festivals, and it exclusively features Minnesota breweries and brewpubs.

Attending from Minneapolis: 612 Brew, Able Seedhouse and Brewery, Bauhaus Brew Labs, Boom Island Brewing Company, Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative, Dangerous Man Brewing Company, Fair State Brewing Co-op, FINNEGANS Brew Co, Fulton Brewing Company, Inbound BrewCo, Indeed Brewing Co, Insight Brewing, Lakes & Legends Brewing Company, Modist Brewing Co, Pryes Brewing Company, Sociable Cider Werks, Surly Brewing Co., The Freehouse, Town Hall Brewery and Utepils Brewing Co.

The festival is put on by the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild, a nonprofit association dedicated to supporting Minnesota’s craft breweries and brewpubs. “This festival celebrates summer with the best the craft beer industry has to offer. Attendees can explore the state's craft beer offerings in one afternoon, participate in various activities, and soak up the sun on the shore of Lake Superior,” said Guild Executive Director Lauren Bennett McGinty.

Attendees can sample unlimited locally-made craft beer, seltzer, cider, and non-alcoholic beverages from more than 100 MN breweries and brewpubs from across the state. The fest will also feature local small businesses, food trucks, and musical acts. Tickets and other event details can be found online at www.mncraftbrew.org/event/all-pints-north.

The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild is a not-for-profit organization that was founded in 2000 and is made up of more than 165 Minnesota brewery members. The Guild showcases the talent of Minnesota’s craft brewers and promotes Minnesota’s brewing industry by sponsoring festivals and special events, including Winterfest, the MN Brewers Cup, the State Fair’s Brewed in Minnesota exhibit, and Autumn Brew Review. The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild’s mission is to promote, protect, and grow a robust Minnesota craft brewing industry by building a healthy beer culture and community that allows for independent brewers, industry stakeholders, and craft beer fans to thrive.

Out of the Box Opera Announces July 23 & 24 Performances at the Canopy Hotel

Out of the Box Opera recently announced a new performance, Night at the Opera Night on the Town, taking place in and around the Canopy Hotel’s Umbra restaurant, lounge and lobby. Singers will move throughout these areas, making the audience feel like a part of the show. 

Performers will include singers soprano Siena Forest, tenor David Walton, and baritone Nicholas Davis with pianist Carson Rose Schneider.

To make a dinner reservation click here.

MSP Film Society to Screen the CatVideoFest 2021 at St. Anthony Main Theatre, July 25

CatVideoFest is a compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses. CatVideoFest is a joyous communal experience, only available in theaters, and raises money for cats in need through partnerships with local cat charities, animal welfare organizations, and shelters to best serve cats in the area.

St. Anthony Main Theatre, 115 SE Main Street, Sunday, July 25 at 1:00 PM

10% of the proceeds will benefit Feline Rescue.

Aquatennial to Set Sail July 21-24

The Official Civic Celebration of the City of Minneapolis Offers Traditional and New Events, Free and For All Ages

Aquatennial, the Official Civic Celebration of the City of Minneapolis, is getting ready to set sail with two dozen events taking place from Wednesday, July 21 through Saturday, July 24. This year’s schedule of events is filled with traditional Aquatennial favorites and an array of new activities with the majority located in and around downtown Minneapolis. All events are free and open to the public.

“We are excited to welcome everyone to Aquatennial this summer, as we are leading the way back to enjoying collective urban experiences together,” said Leah Wong, vice president of external relations, mpls downtown council. “Whether it is the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade, Target Fireworks (a top 5 annual display in the country), group fitness activities, shopping local makers, a Twin Cities River Rats show or listening to live music, we know there is something you and yours will love. We can’t wait to see you downtown.”

From the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden to Peavey Plaza, Midtown Global Market to the Mississippi Riverfront, Nicollet to Mill Ruins Park, the 82nd Aquatennial will provide fun opportunities for all ages including its flagship events the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade and Target Fireworks.

“Aquatennial is our Official Civic Celebration and a summer staple here in Minneapolis, and we are thrilled to return to celebrate together this year,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “From our world-class culinary scene to views along the river and so much more, we invite you to enjoy everything our city has to offer. Whether you make every Aquatennial or this is your first time joining, there’s always something new to try downtown, and we can’t wait to welcome you for this year’s events.”

The schedule and the proximity of the activities make Aquatennial a walkable and bikeable experience throughout the four days as many of the festivities take place throughout downtown and at or near the riverfront, the birthplace of our city.

“Aquatennial is an annual tradition in Minneapolis, a time that offers fun ways to gather and enjoy outdoor spaces together,” said Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Superintendent Al Bangoura. “We enjoy having Aquatennial events in our park system each year, and we’re excited to welcome everyone back to enjoy their favorite events again this July. Events will take you along the Mississippi Riverfront to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, and there is something for everyone at Aquatennial while enjoying some of our city’s beautiful outdoor spaces.”

Here are some of the highlights of the 2021 Minneapolis Aquatennial*. A full schedule of events can be found at aquatennial.com/events.

Flagship Events

CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade
Wednesday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Nicollet between 12th Street and 4th Street

The CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade will illuminate downtown Minneapolis along Nicollet with parade units, floats, displays, and marching bands through the heart of downtown. The parade will begin at 12th Street and run to 4th Street.

Target Fireworks
Saturday, July 24 at 10 p.m.
West River Parkway near Portland Avenue

The Target Fireworks are considered one of the Top 5 annual fireworks displays in the country. Come early for Aquatennial Pre-Fireworks Festivities along the riverfront on West River Parkway near the Stone Arch Bridge beginning at 6 p.m. Live musical entertainment will include the Command Steppers, Dred I Dread, and Annie Mack. The world-famous Zambelli Fireworks team spends approximately two to four hours per each minute of the display to ensure that the display and music are perfectly synced.  

The 2021 Minneapolis Aquatennial schedule is as follows*:  

Wednesday, July 21

Aquatennial Blood Drive at Peavey Plaza, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Lunchtime Lawn Games at Peavey Plaza, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Pianos on Parade Performance at Peavey Plaza, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade, Nicollet between 12th Street and 4th Street, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 22

Downtown Thursdays along Nicollet and throughout downtown, all day

Nicollet Farmers Market & Makers Market - Nicollet between 6th and 8th Streets, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Aquatennial Blood Drive at Peavey Plaza, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Lunchtime Lawn Games at Peavey Plaza, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Jam at Peavey Plaza, MNSpin live music performance featuring Twins of Franklin, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Pianos on Parade Performance Presented by PNC Bank featuring James “Cornbread” Harris at Peavey Plaza, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Concert at the Commons featuring Jessica Vines (425 Portland Ave. So.), 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Aquatennial Workout Party with YWCA of Minneapolis at Peavey Plaza, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Twin Cities River Rats Aquatennial Water Ski Show on the Mississippi River (West River Road between Plymouth and Broadway bridges), 7 p.m.

Minnesota Twins vs. Los Angeles Angels at Target Field, 7:10 p.m.

Friday, July 23

The Alley Project at Mixed Precipitation (between FAIR School & The Chambers Hotel), 4:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.

Alchemy 365 at Aquatennial at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden (726 Vineland Pl), 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Twin Cities River Rats Aquatennial Water Ski Show on the Mississippi River (West River Road between Plymouth and Broadway bridges), 7 p.m.

Minnesota Twins vs. Los Angeles Angels at Target Field, 7:10 p.m.

Saturday, July 24

Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam Open House (1 Portland Ave), 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Twin Cities Carifest on (West River Road between Plymouth and Broadway), 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Jonny Pops Pop In - Ice Cream Social at Midtown Global Market (920 E. Lake St), 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

City of Lakes Market (in partnership with The Black Market) at the Chicago Mall on West River Parkway between Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Pre-Fireworks Festivities -- live music at West River Parkway near Portland Ave., 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Minnesota Twins vs. Los Angeles Angels at Target Field, 6:10 p.m.

Target Fireworks, West River Parkway near Portland Ave., 10 p.m.

Volunteers Needed

The Aquatennial relies on dozens of volunteers to help make the festival a success. Sign up online to be part of the Aquatennial Volunteer Program and assist with such events as the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade and Target Fireworks. Perks included! aquatennial.com/volunteer/

June 2021 by the Numbers from Cynthia Froid Group

Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:

Upcoming West River Parkway Closures Related to Bridge Work

Via a June 29 e-announcement from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

Sections of West River Parkway have been impacted throughout the last two years due to numerous construction projects. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board appreciates the public's understanding and patience while these critical projects to repair and improve public infrastructure are performed. Please stay away from areas where work is taking place and follow all posted detours and signage.

10th Avenue SE Bridge and Bridge #9 Repairs

July 12-Sept. 1, 2021

The parkway will be closed to motor vehicle traffic between 13th Avenue S and 22nd Avenue S from July 12-September 1, 2021 for the rehabilitation of 10th Avenue SE Bridge by the City of Minneapolis and repairs to Bridge #9 (the bike/pedestrian bridge serving the Dinkytown Greenway) by the University of Minnesota. Trail traffic will be rerouted onto the parkway while bridge work continues above the trails. Paradise Charter Cruises will be accessible via 22nd Avenue S.

3rd Avenue Bridge Reconstruction

4th Avenue N-Portland Avenue; mid-late August

The parkway and adjacent trails are scheduled to close between 4th Avenue N and Portland Avenue in mid-late August. The closure is necessary for the reconstruction of the 3rd Avenue Bridge by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. More details about this closure will be shared later this summer as the bridge reconstruction project progresses. Please visit the Hwy 65/3rd Avenue Bridge Reconstruction website for more details.

DMNA Seeks Additional Vendors For August 3rd National Night Out in The Commons Park

The Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA) has a large National Night Out event planned for Tuesday, August 3rd, 5pm-9pm, at The Commons Park, located at 425 Portland Avenue (between 4th and 5th Avenues and Park and Portland Avenues). 

They've got a great start on securing vendors, music and food trucks, and are looking for additional vendors to provide giveaways, games, etc. Please pass along this information to any businesses or organization you think would be a good fit as a participating vendor for this much anticipated event.

EDITORS NOTE - updated info provided June 30th:

Free Fitness Classes Coming to the Minneapolis Convention Center Plaza

Via a June 24 e-announcement:

Every Saturday from July 17 through August 28, the newly redesigned MCC Plaza will host Summer Fitness on the Plaza

The Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) is introducing the public to its newly redesigned Plaza this summer by offering free outdoors fitness classes every Saturday from July 17 through August 28. A variety of local fitness businesses have been invited to take their classes outside and onto the Plaza – bringing seven weekends and 15 classes from which to choose.

Each Summer Fitness on the Plaza event is free to the public. There is no limit on the number of events that fitness enthusiasts may attend.  

• When: Every Saturday from July 17 through August 28
• Where: Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55403 (The Plaza is located across the street from the main entrance on 2nd Avenue.)
• Price: Free
• Registration: Click here
• More Information: Click here for the complete schedule and class details

“We’re excited to welcome the community to our beautiful new Plaza through these free fitness classes,” said Minneapolis Convention Center Executive Director Jeff Johnson. “We talk a lot about the Minneapolis Convention Center being a ‘relationship building,’ and Summer Fitness on the Plaza is one of the events that helps strengthen the bonds between the MCC and the surrounding community”

ABOUT THE MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER

The Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) is owned by the City of Minneapolis and marketed through Meet Minneapolis. The 1.6 million square foot facility features 475,000 square feet of exhibit space, a 3,400 fixed-seat auditorium, 87 meeting rooms and two ballrooms. The MCC is GBAC STAR, LEED and GMIC certified and works to serve its constituencies and stakeholders as the face of Minneapolis to visitors. Through its efforts, the MCC helps sustain more than 8,600 jobs in the community.

ABOUT THE MCC PLAZA

Located on the south side of downtown with beautiful skyline views, the 2.5-acre Minneapolis Convention Center Plaza is built on top of an underground parking deck and includes a sweeping manicured lawn perfect for picnics and lawn games, surrounded by a lush urban meadow planted with prairie grasses and wildflowers that is downtown’s largest pollinator refuge. Designed by Damon Farber Landscape Architects for environmental sustainability, the Plaza includes native tree and plant species, and irrigation utilizing the Convention Center’s stormwater capture system. The project is pursuing SITES certification as one of the first projects in the region. SITES is a sustainability-focused framework that ushers landscape architects, engineers and others toward practices that protect ecosystems and enhance the mosaic of benefits they continuously provide our communities, such as climate regulation, carbon storage and flood mitigation.

Recording of the June 23rd Third Avenue Bridge Project Update Webinar

MnDOT hosted a virtual construction update for the Third Avenue Bridge restoration project on June 23rd. The 35-minute recording of that webinar is below. Visit the project page for more information.

Public Art Installation at Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis Mill District up for a Prestigious CODAaward - Your Vote Can Help Them Win!

A public art installation in the Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis Mill District is among the top 100 finalists for a prestigious CODAaward; given to those who successfully integrate commissioned art into interior, architectural or public spaces. From June 18 - 30, public voting is open! The two artworks that receive the most votes will receive a People’s Choice CODAaward.

The centerpiece of this historic Minneapolis building’s lobby is the atrium art installation. It is a sculpture designed to evoke the image of flour falling from a sifter in homage to one of the local historic industries. This delicate installation consists of nearly 200 strands that are 100 feet in length with a series of bronzed and stainless metallic square elements within the Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis, a conversion of the historic Advance Thresher/Emerson-Newton building from office to hotel by DLR Group.

CODAworx is a creative online platform that connects artists, de­sign­ers, and fabricators with municipalities and developers who commission artwork. The organization continues an active presence in shaping public arts in the U.S. and around the world. Their annual CODAawards is an international competition given to those to excel in integrating commissioned artwork into interior, architecture, and/or public spaces. Design categories include Landscape, Residential, Healthcare, Commercial, Institutional, Liturgical, Public Spaces, Transportation, Hospitality, and Education. Cindy Allen (EIC, Interior Design), Malene Barnett (Founder, Black Artists + Designers Guild), and Frances Bronet (President, Pratt Institute in New York City), are among the eighteen jurors, who have spent weeks reviewing and scoring all 374 entries to narrow down the Top 100. They will agree on one winner in each category to create the 2021 CODAawards winners circle, in addition to the two People’s Choice CODAawardees that the general public will select.

Mill District Artist Kathleen Franzen Featured in Book Illustrating Minnesota's Threatened Boreal Forest

Mill District resident Kathleen Franzen is one of 10 Minnesota botanical artists featured in Art on the Edge of the Boreal Forest: Alternative Futures for the trees, birds and insects, a science and art book including articles by Lee Frelich, Ph.D., director of The Center of Forest Ecology at the University and Gerald J. Niemi, Ph.D. and Professor Emeritus in the Department of Biology, University of Minnesota-Duluth.

The book includes 83 renditions of original art. In addition to Kathleen, the Minnesota botanical artists include Vicki Barth, Wendy Brockman, Marj Davis, Nancy Gehrig, Debra Greenblatt, Julie Martinez, Mary Anne O'Malley, Kathy Reeves, and Bruce Wilson. Their work highlights specific aspects of 10 trees of the boreal forest identified by Lee Frelich that are undergoing slow and silent but significant change due to disturbances caused by fire, invasive insects and stressful climate conditions.

Threatened birds of the boreal forest were identified by Gerald J. Niemi. Insects associated with the trees of the boreal forest were identified by Jana Albers, DNR Forest Health Specialist. 

Art on the Edge of the Boreal Forest is available online from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target and BookBaby. Sales proceeds go to The Center of Forest Ecology and Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth.

SINGULA Exhibit at Gamut Gallery Opens July 16 Featuring Muralists from Mexico, Chicago and Mpls

Via a recent e-announcement from Gamut Gallery

Singula (adj.) derives from the Latin word, singulus, meaning single or separate; each one being individually unique and particular, possessing its own essence. As individuals experiencing and interpreting distinct realities– from our physical surroundings to our imaginations deep within the subconscious realm; Singula honors the distinguishable and rare elements that continuously shape our identity and understanding of the world.  

Singula is curated by Rodrigo Oñate and features muralists he has invited from Mexico, Chicago and Minneapolis, all whom incorporate whimsical characters and dream-like imagery to explore their cultural origins and storytelling practices that embolden critical connections across identities. Through a combination of colors, textures and intricate shapes and figures, this collection of muralists reveres the accessibility of public spaces to create vibrant and eclectic works that connect directly with the community. By highlighting everyday human experiences and marginalized narratives, this exhibition affirms street art is a powerful form of expression and solidarity among communities, stimulating the imagination and activism necessary for transformative change. 

We hope this work engages the viewer to reflect upon their own innermost identities and the dreams that we carry with us throughout our lifetime. This Summer, we invite you to enter the gallery filled with environments most commonly found in our flights of fantasy.

MEMBERS ONLY PREVIEW NIGHT:

Thursday, July 15 / 6-8pm
Meet & greet with Twin Cities with curator & artist Rodrigo Oñate 

Reserve your spot or become a member today!!
• Memberships required, book your FREE pre-sale today
• Members may purchase a guest pass to bring a friend for $7

PUBLIC OPENING NIGHT:

Friday, July 16 / 6-9pm • $7, FREE for members
Singula will feature muralists Los Calladitos, 2MIL, Lelo Zaa and Roco Drilo from Mexico, (sub)urban warrior, Liz Flores and Elloo from Chicago, Chuck U and Joy Spika from Minneapolis, all whom incorporate whimsical characters and dream-like imagery. Curated by Rodrigo Oñate aka Roco Drilo.
• Pre-sales available and recommended • Entry will be available at the door

Elliot Park Art Walk & Makers Market

Saturday, July 24 / 11am - 3pm • $6.50
Tour times at 11:30pm, 12:30 pm, 1:30pm & 2:30pm with Live painting in Gamut's Courtyard.
FREE pop-up makers market at Gamut featuring Twin Cities Makers and Icy Icy Baby shaved ice treat truck!

Experience historic Elliot Park neighborhood through a comedian-led tour from the Theater of Public Policy. Learn fun facts about the neighborhood, check out historic landmarks, and explore experiences in the Elliot Park Arts Quarter featuring Gamut Gallery, Fades Of Gray Inc. Bee Ink Tattoo, Rose Salon & Segue Coffee Shop.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

The creation of characters and fantastic worlds are the universe that defines the work of Rodrigo Oñate (Roco Drilo). Originally from the city of Queretaro, Mexico, Roco embarked on his career as a self-taught plastic and graphic artist, influenced by the pop culture of the 80s, comics, graffiti and various artists representing Mexican art. By extracting himself from his context and looking at it from the outside, he found a better appreciation and understanding of Latin American culture, thus conceiving a style with a contemporary and modern vision of Latino folklore, mixing techniques that since his career have gained great relevance as in graffiti or pop art. 

Los Calladitos (The Silent Ones) was founded in 2015 by Ariadna Galaz and Jorge Peralta. When Ari and Jorge began working together they gave themselves Los Calladitos as a nickname because they believed that the work is more valuable than words. Passionate about their work and improving the environment through art, Los Calladitos creates unique characters based on legends, myths or real people representing the communities they visit, encouraging the viewer to be a part of their own community. Currently, they are painting murals around Latin America and helping communities through art education, and hosting workshops. Their studio is located in the quiet colonial town of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

Creator and promoter of street art in Mexico, LELO is known for his colorful artwork, in small and large format, using spray, acrylic, latex paint and natural pigments. In his art, Juárez explores and recreates the worldview of native towns, with elements of his personal identity. He uses street art and graffiti as techniques of orality and image, aimed to build a universal language. His work continues to revolve around the worldview and cultural context of the native towns; articulated with the medical background he acquired at the veterinary school. In this way, he combines empirical and scientific knowledge.  

2MIL is a Mexican street artist, born in Morelia, Michoacán. He has dedicated his work to the appropriation of urban spaces with muralsl since 2015. With a varied and eclectic style, he represents through Mexican folklore an iconic character of his work, a personal reinterpretation of the torito de petate dance, one of the most traditional emblems of Morelia.

Elloo is a Chicago based artist who is known for her bright colored compositions. Her work is inspired by her love for sweets, subconscious memories and fairytales. Her bright colored characters are a blend of her imagination and dark dream-like scenes. Behind every piece she creates: Life is Sweet. Currently, she resides in Pilsen and continues to paint from her imagination bringing her characters to real life. Her main focus is to create a body of work that is unique and that allows the viewer to dig into their subconscious and develop their own interpretations of what they see.

Liz Flores is a painter and muralist based in Chicago. Her work experiments with how the human condition—with its interplay between emotion and memory—can be represented abstractly. She engages everyday human experience and the female body by using shape, color and the human form as a mode of visual storytelling.  Her mural work can be found throughout the Chicagoland Area and New York City. In addition to working with private and commercial clients, her work has been exhibited in galleries throughout Chicago and is driven by her interests in womanhood, belonging and inner life.

(sub)urban warrior is an artist from the suburbs of Chicago, who views each piece as an opportunity to share her passion with the surrounding communities, and to leave something behind that will be thought provoking, emotionally significant, and mentally stimulating to the viewer. Influenced greatly by nature, something that is very relatable to all walks of life, (sub)urban warrior combines multiple creatures and sometimes humans in a whimsical playful way that oftentimes exudes an ethereal feeling. Her original creations are called beasties, all knowing omnipotent beings that are eternal and roam the earth, bringing a message of love and strength and stability to those around them. While her characters are known for their sweet nature and strong presence, incorporating bright colors and vibrant tones communicate a joyful message that is uplifting and smile inducing.

Joy Spika is a black identifying artist with a mixed cultural background. She incorporates her personal stories into all of her work. She is a mixed media artist with a deep love for aerosol murals, painting, and textile art, who believes in the power of art to heal and connect people. From a young age she has used art as a fundamental form of expression and communication. Joy finds Inspiration through her intuitive understanding of the world around her and those things that aren’t always visible. Joy uses her art as a channel to retrieve messages from her ancestors and guides. Art has always been her primary spirituality. The characters she creates are often exaggerated or dream-like versions of her current emotions and still images of what her internal life looks like. In this show she is featuring paintings that have her deep truths hidden in them through symbols and the characters she creates. She wants to hold space for the complicated and non-monolithic nature of the lives of BIPOC, fat, femme and alternative humans. 

Chuck U is a painter, illustrator and muralist from Minneapolis, Minnesota, who specializes in whimsical yet intricate works that celebrate the unusual and unexpected. His pieces are populated with fanciful flora, fauna and unusual landscapes that are playful yet masterful and aim to spark imagination and joy in the viewer. Chuck’s prints utilize a combination of traditional pen and ink technique with digital coloring applications that are printed digitally or as limited edition screen prints. His paintings and murals are approached with a similar sensibility but take on a life of their own transporting the viewer with scale, color, and the skillful line work that has become his signature.

GALLERY & GIFT SHOP OPEN HOURS 

FREE open hours: Wednesday - Friday, 11am - 6pm; Saturday 11am - 4pm

Gamut Gallery is open without capacity restrictions for in-person viewing of the exhibition. We are available by appointment, please request an appointment 48 hours in advance. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for further details and information regarding the event.

Mill City Museum Welcomes Back Visitors with New Programs

Via a June 18 e-announcement from the Minnesota Historical Society:

Programs offered outdoors and in Mill Commons as museum gallery remains temporarily closed

“What Makes Minneapolis, Minneapolis?” is a series of programs designed to engage visitors in the historical and contemporary identity of the city. The programs will be offered during the summer and fall of 2021 while the museum gallery remains temporarily closed.

Held in outdoor spaces including the Ruin Courtyard and indoors in the Mill Commons lobby, the programs include a participatory exhibit, performances, walking tours, drop-in family programs and more:

• Open Courtyard Family Days, June 19-20, July 10-11, Aug. 14-15 and Sept. 11-12
  A drop-in family program with hands-on activities, take home craft projects, a participatory exhibit, puppet show and more. Free.

• “Minneapolis is…” Participatory Exhibit, July through September
  Share what Minneapolis means to you and be inspired by others with this participatory exhibit offered during the Open Courtyard Family Days and other select events. Free. 

• The Theater of Public Policy Performances, July 30 and Aug. 28
  Two performances, each with a different theme and featuring an expert who will share a Minneapolis history topic followed by improvisational comedy. $15.

• Guided Tours, weekends, July through September
  Each weekend a different tour (walking and bicycle) will be offered: Minneapolis Riverfront, Historic Main Street, Worker History, and Codswallop: Fact vs. Fiction. $14-20.

• Soul of the Cities Performance, Aug. 12
  The Avant Garde presents a concert featuring premiere talent from the Twin Cities rhythm and blues, and soul scenes. $15.

Tickets for events with a fee will be available beginning July 1. Visit www.millcitymuseum.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

In addition, Mill City Museum will play host for local theater companies in June, July and August including Collide Theatrical Dance Company, Rough Magic Performance Company and Off-Leash Area this summer. Visit their websites for show information and ticketing. 

The Mill City Museum gallery remains temporarily closed while MNHS works on reopening plans. 

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.

Feedback Requested for NIEBNA Placemaking Project - Deadline is July 1

UPDATE: Deadline extended! You can request a survey thru August 3, 2021. All feedback must be sent back to NIEBNA by midnight on August 8, 2021.

Via a June 17 e-announcement from Nicollet Island-East Bank Neighborhood Association

Your input matters!

The Nicollet Island-East Bank Neighborhood Association's (NIEBNA) Board of Directors invites all residents, business owners and property owners in the neighborhood to review 4 concepts to name the "East Bank" portion of our neighborhood. To learn more about this project, and to review the 4 design concepts, please visit: www.niebna.org/placemaking

All residents, business owners and property owners who live or operate in the NIEBNA neighborhood are automatic members of the association. After members review the concepts, they can confirm their membership and request an official survey by filling out this form.

Once completed and verified, you will receive an email (form) from NIEBNA within 2 business days that will allow you to submit comments.

You can request a survey from June 17 - June 24, 2021. All feedback must be sent back to NIEBNA by July 1, 2021.

If you have any questions or comments about this project, please contact NIEBNA Executive Director, Chris Lautenschlager, at chris@niebna.org.

Minneapolis Police Precinct 1 Update

E-announcment sent as a courtesy for Neighborhood and Community Relations (NCR) Department of the City of Minneapolis:

Crime prevention team transitioning to Neighborhood & Community Relations June 28

The Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) and Neighborhood and Community Relations (NCR) Department would like to announce that MPD’s Crime Prevention Specialists, who have been an integral part of the MPD for over thirty years, will officially transition to the City’s NCR Department on Monday, June 28, 2021. Crime Prevention Specialists are being transferred to NCR at the direction of the City Council.  

Since January 2021, NCR staff have worked closely with Chief Arradondo, Deputy Chief Waite and Deputy Chief Fors to ensure that the Crime Prevention Specialists will have access to the technology they need to perform their numerous responsibilities. This includes conducting premise surveys, offering block leader trainings, providing crime statistics, participating in weekly MSTAT meetings with law enforcement and participating in crime prevention strategies. In addition, stakeholders will continue to see Crime Prevention Specialists educating the community about public safety and at community and neighborhood association meetings and related events. 

The direct supervision of the Crime Prevention Specialists will transition to NCR Crime Prevention Team Manager Jose Velez. He can be reached at jose.velez@minneapolismn.gov.

West River Parkway Closures, June 18 - 20

Please note the following West River Parkway closures for this weekend:

US Paralympic Cycling Team Trials

Friday, June 18, 9am - 2pm

Saturday, June 19, 6am – 3pm

West River Parkway, Portland to 46th Avenue S

Stone Arch Bridge Festival

Friday, June 18, 9am to Sunday, June 20, 9pm

West River Parkway from 4th Avenue N to Portland Avenue

Tipton-Hammond Arts Celebrates Grand Opening in the Northrup King Building on June 19

Northup King Building welcomes it's newest gallery, Tipton-Hammond Arts

Opening celebration is Saturday, June 19, from 12-4pm, featuring live music by Brian Forehand

.

Local artists Beverly Tipton-Hammond and A. Drew Hammond are hosting a gallery opening of their artwork at Northrup King Building, #261, on Saturday, June 19th from 12-4pm.

Beverly and Drew were commissioned by the Minnesota African American Museum and Gallery in Minneapolis to participate in the creation of the Black Lives Matter mural. Additionally, this dynamic duo has artwork exhibited in The Absence of Justice exhibit at the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery.  Drew’s art was selected for Hennepin Theatre Trust’s Art Connects Us billboard initiative last year.

City Center Welcomes New Tenants

Via a June 15 Press Release fom Ryan Companies

As COVID-19 mandates ease up and workers start returning to their downtown offices, new storefronts are emerging. Ryan Companies US, Inc. is excited to announce several new tenants at City Center. 

“Just over a year ago, the vibrancy of downtown crowds and traffic came to a halt. We had no idea what to expect in the months that followed,” said Jim Durda, general manager at City Center. “Now, we’re ready to welcome people back, along with some exciting new businesses. This is just the beginning of more good news to come.” 

*  *  *  NOW OPEN  *  *  *

Bell Bank, Suite 265

Bell Bank opened its first full-service downtown Minneapolis location in City Center, and leaders of the company – one of the nation’s largest family-and-employee-owned banks – are eager to be part of the revitalization and continued development in the heart of Minneapolis. Offering a full range of banking and financial services and guidance, Bell is built on a unique “bottom line” focused not on dollars and cents, but on “happy employees. happy customers.” Bell’s team of experienced bankers anticipates welcoming downtown customers who want to connect with a bank they will love. And the team is gearing up to host appreciation and meet-and-greet events on its Nicollet-view terrace and in its unique Champions Club – which spotlights Bell Champions including Ben Leber, Lindsay Whalen, Chris Hawkey, Gavin Kaysen and Marney Gellner.

Chase Bank, Suite 242

One of Chase’s newest branch locations in the Twin Cities is now open at the corner of Nicollet Mall and Seventh Street South with convenient second floor skyway access. “Despite the challenges of the past year, we never wavered on our commitment to downtown Minneapolis,” said Branch Manager Emily Johnson. “We opened last November and have been open every day since, welcoming all customers, no appointment necessary.” Chase proudly serves nearly half of America’s households with a broad range of financial services including personal banking, credit cards, mortgages, auto financing, investment advice, small business loans and payment processing. Customers can choose how and where they want to bank: More than 4,700 branches in 39 states and the District of Columbia, 16,000 ATMs, mobile, online and by phone. For more information and to find other Twin Cities Chase branch and ATM locations, go to chase.com.

*  *  *  COMING SOON  *  *  *

Bad Axe Throwing, Suite 103

The world's largest axe throwing company Bad Axe Throwing is opening its second Minneapolis location at City Center. This will be the company’s third largest location in the country and will feature 24 targets and a full bar. Bad Axe Throwing will host competitive leagues, birthday parties, bachelor/ bachelorette parties, and corporate and team building events. Its mission is to bring the thrill of a traditional Canadian backyard pastime to urban communities. Expanding to over 35 locations in six years, the company has brought axe throwing to over a million people across Canada, U.S. and U.K. Opening fall 2021.

Tom’s Watch Bar, Suite 101

Tom’s Watch Bar is opening its first Minneapolis location at City Center. Founded in 2014, Toms Watch Bar defines the ultimate sports watching entertainment experience. Promising “All the Sports, All the Time”, Toms Watch Bar’s highly curated sports programming covers all sports, from collegiate to professional to international, big events and prize fights, even emerging obscure and outrageous sports. Toms Watch Bar’s central oversized “stadium” screen, surrounded by hundreds of screens provides 360-degree viewing, making every seat at Toms the best seat in the house. Sports fans have to option to enjoy premium sound or personalize their sound and listen to the play-by-play for their favorite game. Toms Watch Bar’s menu features high quality versions of traditional sports bar fare coupled with contemporary options to satisfy any and every hungry sports fan. Opening 2022.

City Center is a 51-story, 1.6 million square foot office and retail complex located in the heart of the Minneapolis 64-square-block skyway system. Last June 2020, the retail building revealed a $3 million façade renovation and in January 2021, was the largest property in Minnesota to earn the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum designation by the United States Green Building Council. Ryan’s Real Estate Management provides management and building services to City Center. The company now manages more than 16 million square feet of property across the country including 9 million square feet in Minnesota.

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About Ryan Companies US, Inc.

Founded in 1938, Ryan Companies offers comprehensive commercial real estate services as a national developer, architect, capital investment consultant, builder and real estate manager with a focus on bringing lasting value to its customers and the communities in which it works. Ryan market depth includes retail, industrial, healthcare and senior living. Ryan development and corporate build-to-suit work spans a wide range of product types including office, mixed-use, hospitality, multifamily housing and mission critical facilities. Ryan has nearly 1,600 employees in 15 offices and has completed projects in 39 states. For more information, visit ryancompanies.com.

Mill City Farmers Market Vendor, Lost Capital Foods, Wins Big at International Hot Sauce Competition ZestFest 2021

Via a June 12 Press Release

Minnesota shines at the nation’s longest running hot sauce competition ZestFest 2021 as Lost Capital Foods brings home 5 awards

The Fiery Food Challenge is the longest‑running, most prestigious competition of zesty products in the industry. Held at ZestFest in Irving, TX every year the challenge invites hot, spicy, and zesty foods to be submitted by businesses vying for the coveted Golden Chile Award – one of only two major “fiery” food awards in the United States.

Lost Capital Foods took home 5 awards at this year’s competition. Three of their hot sauces, (Another Bad Investment, Pyramid Scheme and Consider the Sauce) took ribbons in their respective categories as well as their spicy pub mustard (Economics Coarse) and recently released hot honey (Bear Market). Lost Capital was not the only company representing Minnesota at this year’s competition. Other local makers receiving awards in their separate categories this year were Singh’s Caribbean Heat, Facepunch Foods and Folly Coffee for the sauce featuring one of their signature roasts. Minnesota is certainly a formidable opponent on the national fiery food scene and has shown the field that “Minnesota Hot” has taken on new meaning as these four local companies took home a total of 14 awards from the competition this year.

When asked about his experience at ZestFest, DJ Bocchetti, cofounder of Lost Capital Foods, had this to say, “Honestly, it was just exciting to hear our name called out next to some of the leaders of the industry. There are a lot of great makers up in Minnesota and we couldn’t be happier to come down to Texas and represent them the way we did.”

Lost Capital Foods has made a name for themselves with their clean label fermented hot sauces and their luxurious flavor profiles. Formed in 2017 by a husband-and-wife team along with their longtime friend and business partner, their clean label fermented sauces can be found around the state at Lunds & Byerlys, select Hy-vees, local co-ops and soon at Jerry’s Foods stores. They are highly active at the area’s outdoor markets, most notably Mill City and East Isles Farmer’s Markets and can also be found showcasing their award-winning products at the Stone Arch Bridge Festival June 19-20 on the west bank of the Mississippi River. For a full calendar of Lost Capital’s upcoming events check out their website https://www.lostcapitalfoods.com.