Let's Caucus!

If you want to be part of the process, gather with your neighbors Tuesday night, March 1, and caucus! Not sure where to participate?  Use this handy locater by simply entering your zip code and street number: http://caucusfinder.sos.state.mn.us/. It gives both the Republican and Democratic location associated with your home address.

A caucus is a local gathering where voters decide which candidate in their party to support for the ticket (Hillary or Bernie; Trump or Cruz, for example). The caucus format favors candidates who have a dedicated and organized following because those devoted volunteers can exert influence in the open setting of a caucus.

MinnPost helps us understand the process in this recent article: The 5 things you'll want to know if you're thinking about caucusing in Minnesota.

Now Showing & Coming Soon to the Film Society’s St. Anthony Main Theatre

Here's what's on tap from The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul:

 

February 26 thru March 10 - SON OF SAUL (New Releases, #OscarWatch)

 

February 27 at 1PM - LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES (Stage on Screen, National Theatre Live)

**March 3 at 7PM - WE ROCK LONG DISTANCE (First Thursday Films @ the Capri, $5 Tickets)

 

March 4-6 at 4PM - RABIN THE LAST DAY (Special Screenings, New Releases)

 

March 11-17 - MOUNTAINS MAY DEPART (New Releases)

March 14 at 7PM + March 19 at 1PM - AS YOU LIKE IT (Stage on Screen, National Theatre Live) 

March 22 at 7PM - THE BIRDS (Science on Screen) Featuring an introductory presentation by F. Keith Barker, PhD. on the topic of “Bird Brains”!

March 25-31 - REMEMBER (New Releases)

March 28 at 7PM + April 2 at 1PM - HANGMEN (Stage on Screen, National Theatre Live) 

April 7-23 - 35th Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival

**Screening at the Capri Theater - 2027 West Broadway, Minneapolis, MN 55411

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: mspfilm.org or at the box office before each show.

There's a National Park in Our Backyard - Use the River Trip Planner to Take Advantage of it!

The National Park Service - Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is very excited to announce their long awaited "River Trip Planner" is now availalble.

Use www.rivertripplanner.org to help you plan a route anywhere in the park, identify bus, rail lines and the best points of access popular river destinations. It's an easy-to-use Google-based map with embedded park destination and alternative transportation (bus, rail, bike, boat, and walking) information that builds on existing regional transit, recreational trails and river access.

Have fun, stay fit and reduce environmental impacts while exploring your national park!

Annual North Loop Candy Grab Scheduled for March 26

Time: 10:00 am - 10:30 am

Annual North Loop Candy Grab

It’s time for the wildly successful annual North Loop Candy Grab!  There will be age specific hunts, prize eggs, parent eggs, pre-hunt games along with cookies and hot chocolate!

Those wishing to donate candy can leave individually wrapped candy at Corner Coffee.  Anyone looking to help stuff eggs can come to Corner Coffee on March 19th at noon.

Detour of Westbound Washington Avenue Starting March 1

Via a February 24 Hennepin County e-newsletter:

Starting Tuesday, March 1, westbound lanes of Washington Avenue (County Road 152) in downtown Minneapolis will be closed from Second Avenue South to Hennepin Avenue to begin upfront utility relocation work associated with Hennepin County’s road reconstruction project.

Utility crews will be working in this area with a detour in place until later this summer, when they will move further east on Washington Avenue to complete their work. This utility relocation work is to be completed in 2016.

Following immediately behind the utility crews, Hennepin County will be reconstructing Washington Avenue between Hennepin Avenue and Fifth Avenue South.

This detour for motorists and bicyclists will follow Second Avenue South, Third Street South, Hennepin Avenue and then return to Washington Avenue. There is no detour for pedestrians or eastbound Washington Avenue. A map of the detour is available on the Washington Avenue reconstruction project webpage, www.hennepin.us/washingtonavenue.

Hennepin County, the City of Minneapolis and Xcel Energy developed a traffic plan to mitigate impacts and maximize traffic flow around the closure. Signs to direct road users will be posted and traffic control agents will assist at key intersections during peak traffic hours.

Upcoming reconstruction project overview

The county is reconstructing Washington Avenue between Hennepin Avenue and Fifth Avenue South. The reconstruction will improve the driving surface, but also improve safety and better accommodate those who travel through the area. When complete, the project will:

• Add dedicated turn lanes at key intersections
• Provide more space for pedestrians and shorten crossing distances at intersections
• Provide one-way cycle tracks, or protected bike lanes

Additional background and the project layout are available for download on the project webpage, www.hennepin.us/washingtonavenue.
The county currently anticipates its active construction will begin later this summer. The project is slated to be complete in 2017.

More information:

Visit the project webpage: http://www.hennepin.us/washingtonavenue

Contact:
Nathan Ellingson, project engineer
nathan.ellingson@hennepin.us
612-596-0375

East River Parkway closure February 29 - March 2

Via a February 24 email from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:

East River Parkway closure February 29 - March 2

Crane work at U of M Medical Center closes section of East River Parkway for three days East River Parkway will be closed to vehicle traffic near the University of Minnesota Medical Center at 500 SE Harvard St. beginning Monday, Feb. 29 at 7 am and continuing until work is completed Wednesday, March 2.

The closure is necessary to hoist three new cooling towers onto the roof of the University of Minnesota Medical Center. This project has been delayed several times this winter due to high winds.

Southbound traffic will be detoured beginning at Arlington Street and northbound traffic at Harvard Street. Please follow all posted detour signage. The bike and pedestrian trails on the west side of the parkway will remain open.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board appreciates the public's patience while the project is completed.

North Loop Neighborhood Association Feb 24 Board Meeting Agenda

Time: 7:00pm

Location: Heritage Landing, 415 1st Steet N

The North Loop Neighborhood Association welcomes you to the February 24 Board Meeting.

AGENDA
I.    CALL TO ORDER AND INTRODUCTIONS
II.   APPROVAL OF AGENDA
III.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES
IV.   COUNCIL MEMBER PRESENTATION Jacob Frey
V.    FINANCE REPORT
VI.   NEIGHBOR COMMENTS
      - 1 Mississippi campaign update Maria Lee
      - Voting precincts update Tim Schwarz
VII.  COMMITTEE REPORTS
      - Marketing and Promotions Scott Woller
      - North Loop Businesses Scott Woller
          Warehouse District Business Association update
      - Website Diane Merrifield
      - Planning & Zoning DJ Heinle
          Pedestrian and Bicycle update – DJ
      - Livability Fritz Kroll
          Greening & lighting update
          NL park update – Katie
      - Safety & Livability Phil Ailiff
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
      - Sustainability / community garden – Bryan
      - NRP funding update - J.R.
      - Farmers Market Advisory Group update
      - 2020 Partners update
      - DNG update - DJ
IX.   NEW BUSINESS
      - Bylaws review – DJ and Bryan
      - Board officer election and committee chair selection - David
X.    ADJOURNMENT

In the News - News from Downtown & the Riverfront Neighborhoods

The top stories from last week:

SoFa, East Town, Nordic Village among options for Downtown East district name

Vikings line up zones for tailgating expansion but now must hit up City Hall

Closing Time: Peter Duc on What Makes Nye's Unique

Can you tell the difference between the new and old Nicollet Mall redesigns?

Pavers or concrete? Making streets lively is arguably more important than what's underfoot

Council gives municipal consent for Blue Line Extension

Vikings scramble for tailgating space around new stadium

Downtown East light-rail station to be renamed U.S. Bank Stadium Station

Meet the architect of the Twin Cities’ park systems: Horace W. S. Cleveland

'Guthrie Liner Parcel' hotel project moves forward

What's cooking: Cooks of Crocus Hill comes to Minneapolis North Loop

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 15, 2016

150 Years of General Mills: A Look Back

10 Facts You Might Not Know About Pillsbury

Shamrock Condo Plan Near River Gets First Review

Meet The Man Who’s Betting Big on The Minneapolis Armory

Downtown East Park's Architect is Designing Under Bankruptcy Protection

Local D'lish Closes After 8 Years

Cooks Of Crocus Hill Heads to North Loop

Leblanc House: A Stawno-Style Bed And Breakfast

MSP International Film Festival is Expanding

Revamped Design for Nicollet Mall Swaps Pavers For Concrete

North Loop's Martin Patrick 3 sets standard for shopping experience

Downtown's recent growth driven by less-than-household-name companies

Profile of Architect Damaris Hollingsworth: Hothouse transplant

Photo credit: Susan Schaefer

The soaring atrium at the heart of architectural firm DLR Group’s downtown Minneapolis office is the perfect setting for the firm’s newest addition – architect and client leader, Damaris Hollingsworth, AIA, LEED AP, who exudes the energy and warmth of her native Brazil. But in spite of her tropical background, Hollingsworth is no shrinking violet.

She proudly tells how she has made a demanding journey as a black girl growing up in the inner city of Sao Paulo, with limited educational opportunities, through the rigors and ranks to become an accomplished architect in the United States. In a field predominantly populated with white male leaders, this is no small feat.

Anyone familiar with the architecture field understands its exacting academics and strict industry licensing requirements, with countless professional exams required to advance. And there’s the infamous tempered (itals mine) glass ceiling. More than many professions, architecture has been a traditionally boys game. Nevertheless, Hollingsworth has her sharp eye firmly on the prize of earning leadership status.

As co-chair for the AIA (American Institute of Architects) MN Women in Architecture Committee, she has plenty of opportunity not only to discuss the gender leadership gap, but also to lead the charge to close it. “In my profession women and men enter at about the same rate – men at 52% and women at 48%,” she explains. “But as the path toward leadership and the C-suite progresses, the rate for women drops drastically.” Many of the biases entail “lots of after hour’s events and old boy style networking.” Yet, even with an active and engaged two-year-old, she is not going to let those obstacles stand in the way to her path to the top.

After nearly ten years at a previous firm, she is pleased with the flexibility and opportunities presented by DLR. Her direct supervisor is a female senior associate and she notes that many female managers surround her. But Hollingsworth believes in co-equity. “I know this isn’t an either or game,” she states. “For women to rise in the ranks of any field, men have to support them. For people of color to thrive, white people have to support them. I believe in making allies.”

She has made quite a few already. Not only is she co-chairing the Women in Architecture Committee, she is an active member of its Diversity Task Force, and co-author of that group’s 2015 Diversity Task Force Report. Most recently, she has been asked to join the Strategic Resource Team for AIA MN, and she is competing to be named one of the top 40 under 40 in Building Design + Construction’sprestigious industry magazine. Damaris Hollingsworth is a tour de force.

What is most striking is the pure joy she exudes for her work. She loves the gamut of what it takes to be a great architect – not wanting to be narrow cast as a project manager or designer, she revels in the field’s entire lifecycle. “Master architects did it all – listened to the clients, responded to their needs, designed the right solutions, and oversaw the process. This is what I love to do.” And she’s thrilled to ply her trade in Downtown Minneapolis.

Having joined DLR’s Nicollet Mall location in January, Hollingsworth is exploring the downtown via what she calls, the veins of city – the skyway.  “I come from a vibrant metropolis where everyone walks and takes public transportation everywhere. At first, I wondered, ‘Where is everyone?’ and then I discovered the thriving skyway society. I love it. Everyone walking with purpose and determination!” She’s eager to see the cityscape come alive as well, once warm weather brings people to the streets. “I want to take the trains, explore the library, all that this city has to offer.”

Be sure to watch for this vibrant young professional as she lights up our downtown with the pure power of her personality.

Susan Schaefer can be reached at susan@millcitymedia.org.

Let the People Decide on the Future of Minneapolis Parks

I am asking the Mill City community for your support on an issue that is important both to me personally and to our city.  Our neighborhood parks are a big part of what makes Minneapolis a special place to live.  Unfortunately, they currently face a $15 million per year budget shortfall and, if we do not take action, Minneapolis residents will see a major decline in our beloved park infrastructure and our quality of life. Read more...

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board launches park dedication mapping tool

New tool provides monthly updates on park dedication fee collections, allocations and expenditures

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is proud to announce the successful launch of a new mapping tool that tracks park dedication fee collections, allocations and expenditures.

The park dedication map will be updated monthly. Blue dots represent fees collected, red dots indicate fees have been allocated toward a park project and green dots show where fees have been spent and the project is completed. Click within any of Minneapolis’ 81 neighborhoods for an overview of total fees collected, allocated and spent in a specific neighborhood.

The park dedication fee assesses all new developments in Minneapolis to help pay for park expansion or enhancement, akin to other development fees that support increased strain on infrastructure like sewer, water and roads. Park dedication fees are used by cities across Minnesota and the United States to enhance park systems for new residents or employees moving into the city.

The MPRB, City of Minneapolis and Minnesota Legislature approved the park dedication ordinance. It went into effect in Minneapolis on Jan. 1, 2014. Additional park dedication facts:

- Fees must be spent in the same neighborhood as the development assessed.

- Available funds vary widely across the city and are dependent on new development.

- Fees must be spent on park system expansions or enhancements. This includes land acquisition, new recreation facilities or expanded amenities—not rehabilitation or maintenance.

- Fund expenditures must be approved through the MPRB’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

- Affordable housing units are the only type of development exempt from fees. This was determined by the state legislature.

- The MPRB may consider receiving land in lieu of fees. Land-in-lieu must meet the plans and goals of the MPRB and be approved by the Board of Commissioners. This has happened once so far, for a public connection between Second Street and the Mississippi River, also known as a “woonerf.”

- The first allocations were made during the 2016-2021 CIP process in four neighborhoods: Near North, Folwell, Seward and Bryant. The former three will expand playground facilities; the latter will enhance a wading pool.

For more information visit the Park Dedication page on minneapolisparks.org.

People Serving People Annual Gala is Scheduled for April 16

The People Serving People Annual Gala is scheduled for April 16 at the Hyatt Regency. This year's theme is Unmasking Homelessness, and attendees are encouraged to don a festive mask for the party.

There are 85 volunteer positions available for this Gala. Please click on this link to learn more. 

The Soap Factory and Northern Lights Present: Art(ists) on the Verge 7, Exhibition Opening Reception is March 12

The Soap Factory and Northern Lights Present: Art(ists) on the Verge 7, Exhibition Opening Reception

An exhibition opening reception in celebration of Art(ists) on the Verge 7 will take place March 12 at the The Soap Factory, 514 2nd Street SE.  The exhibition runs March 12 - April 17.

This exhibition features new work from four Minnesota-based artists. AOV7 is an intensive, year-long, mentor-based fellowship program for emerging artists working experimentally at the intersection of art, technology, and digital culture.

Visit Northern.Lights.mn to learn more about their organization, AOV, and their other programs.

Restaurant Week Winter 2016: Feb 21-26

Celebrate the best of Twin Cities dining with a week's worth of great deals in the Twin Cities trendiest and best restaurants from February 21-26. Participating restaurants will serve two course lunches for $10-$25 and three-course dinners for $15- $35 (beverage, tax and gratuity not included).

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

Visit restaurants such as Sanctuary, Ginger Hop and Haute Dish. View full list at: http://mspmag.com/Contests-And-Promotions/Restaurant-Week/.

In the News - News from Downtown & the Riverfront Neighborhoods

150 Years of General Mills: A Look Back

10 Facts You Might Not Know About Pillsbury

Shamrock Condo Plan Near River Gets First Review

Meet The Man Who’s Betting Big on The Minneapolis Armory

Downtown East Park's Architect is Designing Under Bankruptcy Protection

Local D'lish Closes After 8 Years

Cooks Of Crocus Hill Heads to North Loop

Leblanc House: A Stawno-Style Bed And Breakfast

MSP International Film Festival is Expanding

Revamped Design for Nicollet Mall Swaps Pavers For Concrete

North Loop's Martin Patrick 3 sets standard for shopping experience

Downtown's recent growth driven by less-than-household-name companies

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 8, 2016

Minneapolis’ downtown population rose 25 percent in 10 years

Building on downtown's successes

In downtown Minneapolis, growth comes with roadblocks

Hodges vetoes $15M park tax plan, urges rewrite

Beer-and-fitness building on Washington Avenue sells for $6.1M

Minneapolis' Grain Belt sign to be re-lit in 2017

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 1, 2016

Why is the Downtown East Commons park such a tough sell?

Nicollet Mall redo won't include any brick-like pavers

Where can we go with 1st Avenue?

Inside Mill City Museum: A Review

Minnesota legacies: Remembering Stuart MacPhail

Who Is Ned Abdul? And how did he buy one of the best redevelopment spots in town?

Wells Fargo wins first round against Vikings in U.S. Bank Stadium photo-bomb fight

Minnesota DNR tags cost of refilling White Bear Lake at $100 million plus

Enterprising homeowners start lining up renters for Super Bowl and Ryder Cup

3 base jumpers leap from River Towers in Minneapolis

Coming soon: City Works in Mayo Clinic Square

Northeast Farmers Market Update

Mill City Valentine: A Greeting

By Susan Schaefer, Reporter

I’m delighted to join Mill City Times as a veteran contributor to the Minneapolis Riverfront. Coming onboard this week is a fitting valentine.

Twenty years ago today, on February 14, 1996, I scored triple hearts when I married my heartthrob, the Dutch philosopher and gentleman, Martijn Hermse, on Valentine’s Day in the then-Whitney Hotel in what is now known as Mill City, the heart of the Central Riverfront.

                                     Our iconic honeymoon shot shows us gazing lovingly at St. Anthony Falls                      from our penthouse balcony of the Whitney Hotel.

The Minneapolis Riverfront has been central to my life, love and work. Twenty years ago marks another anniversary, when as an independent consultant I developed the concept for The Minneapolis Riverfront: Vision and Implementation project and book for my architectural client, Cuningham Group, whose office is still located on St. Anthony Main’s East Bank. This public affairs and urban planning project won local, regional, national and international acclaim with many local leaders heralding it as the inspiration for what has become today’s successful riverfront revitalization. Our work brought welcome attention to the then neglected central riverfront.

For this project, I toured multiple Dutch riverfront developments considered by the Urban Land Institute as some of the most successful in the world. While consulting with Dutch officials and architects on behalf of our project, I met my husband. Not only were we wed on the Minneapolis Riverfront, we later moved blocks from it to the Seward Neighborhood, where Martijn served on the Seward Coop’s Board of Directors while I served on the Neighborhood’s Executive Board. Everyday we walked, ran, biked or drove the river’s riparian paths in a state of constant enchantment.

Seven years ago, while on an educational sabbatical in my husband’s hometown of Maastricht, living alongside another mythical river, the Meuse, Martijn died from cancer. Gradually, I made my way back to my adopted city and the river that flows in my veins.

Now I live directly atop historic Bohemian Flats with an enthralling view of the Mississippi and the Minneapolis Riverfront I cherish. On favorable days you’ll find me loping north, past the Whitney, glancing lovingly at the balcony where our gaze on river reflected our united dreams.

So, I am very pleased to join Kim and David in their united dream to provide comprehensive coverage to the central riverfront as a reporter and photographer for Mill City Times. I have city reporting in my blood as a long time journalist and former publisher and editor of center city Philadelphia’s South Street Star newspaper. I plan to bring thoughtful, original writing, commentary and images to our readers. If you want to know more about me please click here.

I welcome emails: susan@millcitymedia.org.  Thank you. And remember, be well, be wise and laugh a lot.

Open Window Theatre Presents Everyman in Urban Jungle

Open Window Theatre Presents Everyman in Urban Jungle

The newest production at Open Window Theatre brings a classic piece of theatre literature to the stage with an urban setting, live music and a diverse cast.  In his contemporary take on Everyman, director Jeremy Stanbary (Artistic Director, Open Window Theatre) pulls from his own roots of Catholicism to bring out the universality of this medieval morality play as well as the rich symbolism within.  “The play mixes poetry with no-holds-barred imagery,” Stanbary says, “and deals with problems of wealth, power and self-indulgence which can be destructive to humans and the common good.”

The set design, with its multi-level metal piping, provides an urban jungle playground for the cast in a prison-like structure, giving a sense of Everyman’s entrapment to his/her material world.  The costumes supply a “high impact look,” according to designer Josette Elstad, which plays out with various textures and layers, echoing both Greek chorus and gothic-inspirations.  Original music performed live during the show will blend medieval with modern influences, intermixing digital music and sounds.  Guest artists SPARK Theater + Dance (Corey and Betsy Mills) will add stunning visual imagery to the story through movement and choreography.

The cast features an eight-person ensemble, with five diverse actors (including women) rotating into the role of Everyman for a portion of the performance.  With each actor rotation, a prop piece of what Everyman has acquired will be removed except for a common shroud that symbolically defines the spiritual element of the fateful journey.  According to Stanbary, the play is “not afraid to pull punches,” even calling out corrupt members of the clergy.

The cast of Everyman includes Corey Mills (Everyman #1 & #6/Confession), Nicole Goeden (Everyman #2/Beauty/Angel), Kiara Jackson (Everyman #3/Strength), Elohim Pena (Everyman #4/Fellowship/Five Wits), Joann Oudekerk (Everyman #5/Kindred), Sharayah Bunce (Death/Good-Deeds), Siddeqah Shabazz (Messenger/Knowledge) and Nathan Gebhard (Cousin/Goods/Discretion).

FEBRUARY 19-MARCH 20
Thursdays-Saturdays @ 7:45pm
Sundays @ 1:30pm
Special matinees:  Wednesdays, March 2 & 9 @ 10:30am, and Saturday, March 19 @ 1:30pm

TICKETS:  $16-30.  Box Office:  612/615-1515, or website.
Thursdays are “Pay-As-You’re-Able” for a $1 minimum at the door for any unsold tickets.

LOCATION:
Open Window Theatre
(Metropolis Minneapolis Building)
1313 Chestnut Avenue, Ste #102 - Free Parking
Minneapolis MN  55403

The Second Sex // Guerrilla Girls Takeover Event at Gamut Gallery

 

THE SECOND SEX // GUERRILLA GIRLS TAKEOVER EVENT

The first invitational of Gamut Gallery's 2016 programming, The Second Sex is a group exhibition curated by Genie Castro, Juleana Enright and Jade Patrick which explores the imbalance imposed by the secondary designation that patriarchy places on women. Through paintings, photography, printmaking, video, performance and sculpture, artists will examine the injustices brought on by patriarchy and visualize how to manifest balance in society.

Opening Reception: Saturday, March 5th, 3-7pm
Exhibition runs Tuesday, March 1st - Saturday, March 19th

Featured Artists: Judy Chicago, Shanna Allyn, Jennifer Bong, Genie Castro, Perci Chester, Sue Cranston, Justine Di Fiore, Juleana Enright, Caila Darling, Nadia Honary, Nicole Houff, Allison Johnson, Allea Lovely, Kate Renee, Amy Sands, Heidi Sime, Carla Alexandra Rodriguez

For The Second Sex, the curators sought pieces which had active synergy and were representative of the diversity amongst the ever-evolving feminist movement. With intersectionality in mind, the exhibition seeks to unite the social identities of an oppressed gender and act as a safe place to explore individual struggles and demand attention. Made up solely of women artists from different walks of life, a variety ages, sexual orientations and mediums, The Second Sex creates respect and equality for a gender historically overlooked and underrepresented in the art world. In addition to bringing visibility to local and locally-bred female artists, the exhibit makes a statement and seeks a continual discussion on how to balance the distribution of art produced by artists whose gender and sexual designations have rendered them “lesser” by patriarchal standards.

Judy Chicago’s, “Birth Tear/Tear” serigraph circa 1985 was chosen as a cornerstone of the show. A pioneer of the Feminist Artist Movement, Chicago addresses the power and importance of the women who participated in earlier feminist movements and who have sought change and fought for recognition. Her career, which spans over five decades, endeavors to “reflect on women’s lives, call attention to their roles as artists and alter the conditions under which contemporary art was produced and received.” A co-founder of CalArts Feminist Art Program, Chicago has articulated her vision through, not just her art, but her work as an educator and organizer. Her vision of change was an inspiration for The Second Sex initial concept.
 
Though separate artists, Heidi Sime and Amy Sands share a similar mindset by visually exploring the conventional feminine roles at the dinner table. Sime’s “Dinner Party” is a two-dimensional, patinaed steel-cut table in metallic blue. While employing a medium traditionally thought of as masculine, Sime reclaims it as a tool to define her interpretation of the feminine mystique. Sands’ “Gathering at the Dinner Table” is a mixed media piece highlighting the artist’s mastery of printmaking and drawing. Using the lace tablecloth as symbolism, Sands’ work provides the perfect delicate juxtaposition to Sime’s andric piece.

Photographer Shanna Allyn’s work examines women’s personas through portraits that are awkwardly edgy and surreally provocative, while Carla Alexandra Rodriguez explores analog photography with black and white portraits. Intimate and emotional, Rodriguez expels a peaceful drama such as the one displayed in her piece, “A Metaphor,” which embodies the curator’s emphasis on manifesting balance with a feminine form embracing darkness.

As part of the Guerrilla Girls Twin Cities Takeover, this exhibit exists to challenge the negative designations patriarchy has placed on women with emphasis on the female artist. Through their artwork and through the show’s curative process, The Second Sex sets out to refine the contemporary Feminist Art Movement, its goals and the role art can have in restoring the equality.

Follow Gamut on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for sneak peeks and special announcements leading up to these events.

THE SECOND SEX OPEN HOURS
Special hours opening week:
3-7pm / Tuesday, March 1st - Saturday, March 5th

Regular hours resume through end of exhibit March 19th:
3-7pm / Thursdays & Fridays
1-7pm / Saturdays

http://www.gamutgallerympls.com/
612-293-6497 

Register Now for Free Open Data Code-a-thon Event, Geo:Code 2.0

Via a February 10 e-newsletter from Hennepin County:

Register Now for Free Open Data Code-a-thon Event, Geo:Code 2.0

Geo:Code 2.0 will connect civic-minded community members with geographers and technologists to create solutions that improve public services, give residents better access to government data and make a difference in Twin Cities communities. The event is free and open to people with all backgrounds, skills and ideas.

Event details: 

• Saturday and Sunday, March 5 and 6
• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• University of Minnesota Robert H. Bruininks Hall, Room 412
• 222 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis

“Geo:Code 2.0 will provide community members with the opportunity to collaborate on existing projects or jumpstart new ideas that improve the places we live, work and play,” said Hennepin County District 3 Commissioner Marion Greene. “We are excited to partner with organizations from all over the metro.” 

Event organizers want to generate a cross section of coders, cartographers, data visualizers, designers, developers, dreamers, makers, mappers, students and technologists.

“You never know where a project will take you or what skills will be needed,” said event organizer Kelly Clausen. “It does not matter what you do, you have something vital to contribute.”

Come for a few hours or the entire event 

Participants may stop in for a single workshop or stay for the entire two-day event. Space is limited, so organizers ask all attendees to register in advance.

At the end of the event, teams will present their projects. Possible projects include:

• Code an open source project
• Design visuals for public data sets
• Help out with research
• Test a website or solution

At the first code-a-thon event in 2015, participants worked on eight projects, including:

• Guidelines for creating accessible maps online
• App for bikers based on Open Street maps
• Tool to identify vacant lots that would be good candidates for urban farming

Learn more and register for Geo:Code 2.0 at www.hennepin.us/geocode.

This year’s event is hosted by Open Twin Cities, Anoka County, Carver County, the Citizen’s League, city of Minneapolis, city of St. Paul, Center for Urban and Regional Affairs—University of Minnesota, Dakota County, Hennepin County, Metro GIS, MnGeo, Ramsey County, Scott County and Washington County. 

Take Advantage of Free Access to Magna's Gym February 15-20

Here's the perfect opportunity to check out what Magna, 616 S 3rd Street, has to offer. During the week of February 15-20 they are offering free access to their gym, featuring:

• 1200 square feet of open, clean space
• Squat racks
• Battle ropes
• Dumbbells up to 100 lbs.
• Tires
• Plyo boxes
• Bumper plates
• TRX straps
• Rowers, treadmills, ellipticals
• Prowler sled, and more!

To sign up, contact Ali Palm at apalm@magnausa.com or 612-424-6840, or drop in.  They're open Monday-Friday 5am-8pm and Saturdays 8am-1pm.