[Reader Pic] Guthrie & Gold Medal

From reader Eric Rach at www.facebook.com/ericrachphotography

[Video] Minneapolis After the Lock - Unlocking New Opportunities

More than 200 people packed the Mill City Museum to learn about the future of the Minneapolis Riverfront after the closing of the Upper Lock at St. Anthony Falls, which will be no later than June 10 of this year.  The Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership convened an expert panel to explore the possibilities.  We've broken the event video into sections, followed by the entire event with a running time 1:29:02.

Whitney Clark, Executive Director, Friends of the Mississippi River

Whitney delivers an impassioned plea to faithfully implement the Above the Falls Master Plan, protecting it from being eroded by private interests to the detriment of the common good:

John Anfinson, Superintendent of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, National Park Service

John explains how the St. Anthony Falls Locks failed to live up to hopes for economic viability, and the invasive carp threat were just the final trigger for closure:

Thomas Meyer, Principal, MSR Architecture

Tom recaps key moments in recent history of the Central Riverfront, culminating in the lock closure:

Nan Bischoff, Project Manager/FERC Coordinator, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Nan details the logistics of the lock closure, shares possibilities for the future, and gives an update on hydro projects at St. Anthony Falls:

Janna King, President, Economic Development Services Inc.

Janna King shares details of economic impact of the lock closure:

Public Comments & Questions

The public forum portion of the event:

Jacob Frey, Minneapolis City Council Member, Ward 3

Jacob highlights the future potential of the Minneapolis Riverfront in opening remarks:

The Full Event - 1hr 29mins Running Time

Event Description

Hosted by the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership - When barge traffic ends, river management practices such as dredging will change. The closure will also have an environmental and economic impact on the entire river in the city of Minneapolis. What are the opportunities that the lock closure will bring to the river and riverfront in terms of recreation and development? How does this closure fit into the Central Riverfront Master Plan?

These questions and others were addressed. Panel speakers were:

- John Anfinson, Superintendent, Mississippi National River & Recreation Area, National Park Service

- Nanette Bischoff, Project Manager/FERC Coordinator, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers

- Thomas Meyer, Principal, MSR Architecture, Interiors and Urban Design

- Janna King, President, Economic Development Services, Inc.

- Moderator: Kathleen Boe, Executive Director of the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership

According to Federal law, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will close St. Anthony Falls Upper Lock no later than June 2015 primarily to stop the spread of invasive carp into the Upper River. Such a spread has the potential to inflict destruction on lakes and rivers throughout Minnesota, effectively destroying water recreation throughout the state.

This Weekend: TwinsFest 2015

This weekend's TwinsFest 2015 at Target Field promises to be bigger and better than ever. 

Hours are:

Friday, January 23 4:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 24 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 25 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Check out today's StarTrib article.

Tonight: Minneapolis After the Locks - Unlocking Opportunities at Mill City Museum

Minneapolis After the Locks - Unlocking Opportunities

Join your neighbors tonight at the Mill City Museum from 6:00pm-7:30pm!

The lock is scheduled to be closed in June 2015.  Its closure will change river management practices and have an environmental and an economic impact far beyond the Falls and the local area.  The Forum is designed to help us better understand both the immediate and longer-term consequences of the closure and to hear ideas about how the site and the river can be used in new and different ways.

Hosted by the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership

Tonight - Downtown 2015 - Project & Priorities for the Year Ahead at Mill City Museum

Schedule:
 - 5:45pm DMNA Board Meeting
 - 7:00pm Public Forum: Downtown 2015 - Project & Priorities for the Year Ahead

Location: Mill City Museum, 704 South 2nd Street

Joint Event of the Mill District Neighborhood Association & the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association 

DMNA Board Meeting Agenda:

5:45 pm
  Call to order and introductions
5:50 pm
  Consideration of agenda
5:52 pm
  Consent Agenda
   Consideration of December 4, 2014 Board meeting minutes
   Consideration of December Neighborhood Coordinator Report
5:55 pm
  Financial Update
6:00 pm
  Guest Presentations / Speakers
   Presentation by Webster School Principal Ginger Kranz (15 min)
   Introduction of NCEC 5th District Commissioner Kenya McKnight (10 min)
   Introduction of Toni Newborn, Assistant Director of the Minneapolis Civil Rights   Department (10min)
6:35 pm
  Old business / new business / other business
   Consideration of sending DMNA representation to the Minneapolis Downtown Council Annual Meeting on Tuesday, February 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Hilton Minneapolis (cost $50)
   Continued discussion regarding the Minneapolis Downtown Council’s Greening Minneapolis Task Force
   Update on outreach and collaboration with other downtown organizations
6:40 pm
  Strategic Thinking / Planning Discussion
  Future Meeting Topics - Board or Community Forum
   Consideration of continued sponsorship of the Mill City Farmers Market
   Presentation by Tom Hoch, President and CEO of the Hennepin Theatre Trust and incoming Chair of the Minneapolis Downtown Council regarding the Hennepin Cultural District Branding Campaign
   Presentation by Zan Associates regarding the Nicollet Avenue Streetcar Study
   Hoodstarter.com presentation by Justin Ley
   Introduction of Jack Goldenberg, new owner at Sorella Wine & Spirits
6:45 pm
Adjournment - Community Forum starts at 7 p.m.

A Public Forum: Downtown 2015 - Project & Priorities for the Year Ahead

Following the board meeting, at 6:45 p.m., there will be a joint neighborhood forum hosted by the DMNA and the Mill District Neighborhood Association. The title of the forum is “Downtown 2015 Projects & Priorities.”  This will be the first of a series of forums hosted by the neighborhood groups in 2015.

Guest speakers include the following:
◾Jacob Frey, 3rd Ward City Council Member, Co-Host / General overview of downtown, projects, priorities
◾Tom Evers, Exec. Director Minneapolis Parks Foundation / Downtown Riverfront, Water Works Park
◾Tony Barranco or Mike Ryan, Ryan Co. / Downtown Development look ahead, “The Commons”
◾David Wilson, Accenture / Downtown Public Realm projects, Nicollet Mall Redesign
◾Kjersti Monson, Director of Long Range Planning CPED / Downtown Development and the Downtown Public Realm Steering Committee

Each panelist will give a 5 minute presentation, which will be followed by a panel discussion & audience Q&A session. Please invite your neighbors and friends to attend this great event.

The next DMNA Board Meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 16, 2015, at 5:30 p.m., at the Mill City Museum.

Should the Minnesota Vikings install bird safe glass at their new stadium? Mill City Times Reader Poll

The danger to birds posed by the new Vikings stadium has turned into one of the most passionate debates of the new year.  What do you think - is this an important ecological issue or sour grapes by Vikings haters?

Share your views on the Mill City Times reader poll...

In the News - January 12, 2015

Riverfront neighborhoods in the news last week:

OLDEST BAR ON OLDEST STREET CLOSES, WILL REOPEN

http://www.journalmpls.com/news-feed/the-oldest-bar-on-the-oldest-street-closes-will-reopen

DID YOU KNOW HENRY FONDA ATTENDED U OF M?

http://www.minnpost.com/stroll/2015/01/microsotan-henry-fonda-wore-himself-out-while-u-m-student-20s

DEVELOPER EXPLAINS 80 STORY TOWER

http://www.startribune.com/business/288099651.html

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT TABBED FOR DOWNTOWN EAST PARK

http://www.startribune.com/business/288102541.html

A NEW LIFE FOR FADED NICOLLET MALL

http://www.startribune.com/opinion/editorials/287382431.html

ENSURING THAT THE "COMMONS" LIVES UP TO IT"S NEW NAME

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/287354931.html

NEW CHIEF HAS BIG IDEAS FOR TWIN CITIES' ONLY NATIONAL PARK

http://www.startribune.com/local/east/287393341.html

MINNEAPOLIS HIT $2 BILLION IN 2014 CONSTRUCTION

http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/287379801.html

W. RIVER PARKWAY MAY REOPEN NEXT FALL

http://www.startribune.com/local/blogs/288083921.html

Superior Plating Task Group Meeting 5:30pm on Wednesday January 21, 2015 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church

From NIEBNA:

Lennar Multifamily is ready to show us the design for the redevelopment of the former Superior Plating site. Therefore, the 3^rd meeting of the Fifth Superior Plating Task Group (SPTG5) is called as follows:

5:30pm – 7:00pm

January 21, 2015  (Wednesday)

Lourdes Church  (Note change of venue from Ginger Hop!!)

Agenda is attached; as always, details will also be available at the NIEBNA web site (www.niebna.com).

The conceptual design package for the project is available at https://lennar.box.com/s/hgm62wnahtntf3fouw6ehjmjfrhmuvbj – this is what we will be talking about.

Also, I expect that the Task Group will consider a formal resolution regarding support for the proposed design at this meeting.

Please contact me with any questions and/or comments.

Regards,

Victor

__________________________

P. Victor Grambsch

President

Nicollet Island – East Bank Neighborhood Association (NIEBNA)

George Henry Hotel Project - 300 Washington Avenue North / From January 6 HPC Meeting

Download Staff Report, including site plan (20MB)

Alex Haecker, on behalf of 300 Washington Ave LLC, has applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness to rehabilitate the existing building, convert it into a hotel with associated retail and restaurant space, and construct a one-story rooftop addition. The building at 300 Washington Avenue North is a contributing property in the Warehouse Historic District.

Staff recommendation: The Department of Community Planning and Economic Development recommends that the Heritage Preservation Commission adopt staff findings and approve the Certificate of Appropriateness to allow the rehabilitation of the existing building located at 300 Washington Avenue North, conversion into a hotel with associated retail and restaurant uses, and the construction of a rooftop addition in the Warehouse Historic District, subject to the following conditions:

1. By ordinance, approvals are valid for a period of two years from the date of the decision unless required permits are obtained and the action approved is substantially begun and proceeds in a continuous basis toward completion. Upon written request and for good cause, the planning director may grant up to a one year extension if the request is made in writing no later than January 6, 2017.
2. By ordinance, all approvals granted in this Certificate of Appropriateness shall remain in effect as long as all of the conditions and guarantees of such approvals are observed. Failure to comply with such conditions and guarantees shall constitute a violation of this Certificate of Appropriateness and may result in termination of the approval.
3. Any cleaning methods, masonry repair, or other alterations shall not harm the ghost signs on the west elevation of the building.
4. A more detailed masonry plan, signed by an engineer, shall be submitted to CPED for approval prior to issuance of a building permit.
5. Facade cleaning methods that are considered to be gentle, non‐abrasive methods such as a low pressure (100 psi or less) water wash shall be used.
6. Mortar joints shall only be repointed where there is evidence of a moisture problem or when a substantial amount of the mortar is missing.
7. Mortar joints shall be cleared with hand tools. The use of electric saws and hammers to remove mortar can seriously damage the adjacent brick and are inappropriate.
8. Replacement mortar shall duplicate the original mortar’s composition, color, texture, joint width, and joint profile.
9. When patching an area of historic brick wall, the new brick and mortar shall match the original brick and mortar in material, color, profile, dimension, and texture.
10. Any use of chemical treatments to remove paint or tar staining requires an agreement with CPED to test a small area, review the results, and develop an agreed upon process to complete the cleaning.
11. A material sample or specification sheet for replacement glazing for the rehabilitated windows and the glazing of the replacement windows shall be submitted to CPED for approval prior to the issuance of a building permit.
12. Original wooden loading doors on the 3^rd Avenue North façade and the north vacated alley façade shall be retained in place and preserved.
13. The guardrail for the rooftop deck shall be set back at least 15 feet from the building edge of the Washington Avenue façade.
14. The proposed rooftop patio canopy is not approved. No canopies or similar structures of significant height shall be constructed between the rooftop addition and the building edge.
15. The height of the rooftop addition shall be limited to one story and shall not exceed 14 feet in height measured from the structural roof deck of the existing building. The height includes stair and elevator penthouses and rooftop mechanical equipment proposed on top of the addition.
16. Only one primary exterior material and one color shall be utilized on the proposed rooftop addition.

******************

Article in The Journal

ERIC BEST : The Journal : January 9

North Loop is one step closer to seeing a new hotel development in the vacant Jackson Building.

The Heritage Preservation Commission approved plans Jan. 6 for a 126-room hotel, dubbed The George Henry Hotel project, which includes space for a roughly 6,000-square-foot restaurant and bar for the historic building at 300 Washington Ave N.

The Journal reported in August 2014 that Tim Dixon of Milwaukee-based Fe Equus Development is planning a boutique hotel concept for the 5-story, 117-year-old building since closing on it in July.

The city’s staff report shows updated plans for the project submitted by Alex Haecker of AWH Architects, which include a one-story rooftop addition for hotel amenities, a 3,150-square-foot rooftop deck and an outdoor pool. The building would also include space for retail on the first floor, meeting rooms and an atrium through its core.

The plan focuses on restoring historical elements of the building, which was designated on the National Register of Historic Places within the Minneapolis Warehouse Historic District in 1989. This historic rehabilitation includes replacing dozens of missing and broken windows, repairing the building’s crumbling masonry and other elements. Haecker, who is on the HPC and was recused from voting, specializes in historic building rehabilitation and adaptive reuse, according to his website. 

CPED staff recommend a number of conditions to the plan, mainly guiding masonry repair and the rooftop addition.

Dixon told the Journal he expects to break ground early this year and that construction will take 12 to 14 months. Plans indicate that developers will pursue federal and state historic tax credits for the project. 

“Hands of Time” Stop on Iconic Minneapolis City Hall Clock

Via a January 16 Hennepin County e-newsletter:

“Hands of time” stop on iconic Minneapolis City Hall clock — time for a check-up

WHAT
Minneapolis City Hall’s iconic clock will stop ticking so engineers can assess its condition for any needed repairs or parts replacements. Rising to 345 feet, the clocktower is a landmark feature of the building, a late-nineteenth century treasure listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Each of the tower’s four clockfaces measures approximately 23.5 feet in diameter, rivaling London’s Big Ben in size. The job is expected to take several days and the clock should start telling time again by Friday.      

WHEN
Monday, January 19
6:30 a.m  clock stops
9:00 a.m. (approximately) engineering crew rappels down the clock tower     

WHERE
Minneapolis City Hall
350 South 5th Street, Minneapolis

BUILDING  FACTS
City Hall, also known as the Municipal Building, is overseen by a commission of Minneapolis and Hennepin County elected officials. Find more information about the building and its history. 

Opinion / Endorse the St. Anthony Falls Regional Park Master Plan

By Laurie Zenner and Michael Bleck

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) recently published a Master Plan for the St. Anthony Falls Regional Park, which includes both the east and west Mississippi river fronts from Plymouth Avenue to the 35W Bridge. We wholeheartedly endorse the plan and urge it to be adopted and implemented.

Read more:

This Saturday - Mill City Farmers Market at Mill City Museum

The next indoor Mill City Farmers Market is this Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm inside the Mill City Museum, 704 South 2nd Street.

Find your favorite vendors on our vendor map!

Produce Planner: Beets, beans (dried), carrots, garlic,onions, pac choi, potatoes, radishes (black Spanish and watermelon varieties), salad greens, shallots, squash, and more! 

Other farm-fresh goods: grass-fed beef, lamb, and bison | pastured pork | aquaculture trout | free-range eggs | sheep, goat and cow’s milk cheese | single-source honey | wild-harvested wild rice | MN maple syrup.

Live Music, 11 am – 1 pm: MCFM welcomes back local harpist  Reuben Correa today! Reuben’s harp music is a surround sound experience of beautiful original music, arrangements of popular melodies, classics, show tunes, light jazz, and Celtic stylings.

Will Steger Foundation: WSF will have a table featuring climate change games for kids and other activities, and Will Steger himself will be available to sign books from 10-12!

Right to Know MN: Stop by their table to learn more about our upcoming Label Day at the State Capitol, write a quick note to your State/Federal Elected officials to share why you care about GMO labeling, and sample some of The Birchwood Cafe's delicious and non-gmo verified granola.

Cocktail sampling with the The Bachelor Farmer, all day: Adults, stop by our craft cocktail booth and try a sample of one of The Bachelor Farmers' seasonal brunch specialties!

Art Market: Featuring Aprilierre, Art Andes, Barn Swallow Garden, Crankosaurus Press, Crookedwood,Fresh Mud Pottery, Larissa Loden, Matthew Krousey Ceramics, Old World Cabinet, Sally Fritz Clothing, Sassy Knitwear, and The Abbey.

January 10 Market Member Specials: 

Prairie Hollow Farm: $1 off any 3 cheeses; 

Northern Lakes Wild Rice: $1 off 1 lb of wild rice;   

Triple Crown BBQ Sauce: $1 off every bottle! 

Kiss My Cabbage: $1 off Lemon Coriander Leek Kraut;

Singing Hills Goat Dairy: $1 off on any 2 chevre or any 2 feta!

French Nugget Chocolate: 6 Lavender Sachets for $20!

Olsen Naturals: $ 1 off Magnesium Bath Flakes;

Martha's Joy: $1 off pickled beets!

MPRB Selects Officers, Committees, Representatives for 2015

Via a January 2 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) held its annual meeting Friday, January 2, and elected its officers for 2015. Commissioners re-elected Liz Wielinski as President and Scott Vreeland as Vice President.

The Board also elected Deputy Superintendent Jennifer Ringold to serve as Secretary to the Board and Attorney Brian Rice and firm Rice, Michels, and Walthers LLP as General Counsel.

President Wielinski appointed the following Commissioners to serve on Standing Committees of the Board (one-year terms):
•Administration and Finance Committee – Chair Anita Tabb, Vice Chair Scott Vreeland, Meg Forney, Jon Olson, Annie Young
•Recreation Committee – Chair John Erwin, Vice Chair Jon Olson, Steffanie Musich, Anita Tabb, Scott Vreeland
•Planning Committee – Chair Annie Young, Vice Chair John Erwin, Meg Forney, Steffanie Musich, Anita Tabb
•Operations and Environment Committee – Chair Scott Vreeland, Vice Chair Steffanie Musich, John Erwin, Jon Olson, Annie Young
•Legislation and Intergovernmental Committee – Chair Jon Olson, Vice Chair Anita Tabb, Brad Bourn, John Erwin, Meg Forney
•Standards and Conduct Committee – Chair Meg Forney, Vice Chair Annie Young, Brad Bourn, Jon Olson, Scott Vreeland

Park Board Commissioners, ten citizens and Superintendent Jayne Miller were appointed to serve on the following external boards, commissions and panels. All terms are one year unless otherwise noted.
•Planning Commission – Meg Forney
•Board of Estimate and Taxation – Anita Tabb
•Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission – Maleta Kimmons (citizen appointment)
•St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board – Scott Vreeland, Meg Forney, Ted Tucker (citizen appointment), Liz Wielinski, Jayne Miller
•Youth Coordinating Board – John Erwin
•Minneapolis Institute of Arts Board – Anita Tabb
•Mississippi Watershed Management Organization – Scott Vreeland, Meg Forney (alternate)
•John H. Stevens House Organization – Steffanie Musich
•Minneapolis Parks Foundation – Liz Wielinski
•Minneapolis Tree Advisory Committee – Scott Vreeland, Charley Underwood (citizen appointment – at large), Peggy Booth (citizen appointment – district 1), Robert Buck (citizen appointment – district 2), Jeanne LaBore (citizen appointment – district 3 and 5), Don Willeke (citizen appointment – district 4 and 6)
•Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership – Scott Vreeland, Meg Forney, John Erwin
•Minneapolis DID Greening Design & Infrastructure Committee – Liz Wielinski
•Minneapolis DID Gate Committee – Liz Wielinski
•Minneapolis Bicycle Advisory Committee (two-year term) – Janice Gepner (citizen appointment), Joshua Houdek (citizen appointment), Lindsey Wallace (citizen appointment)
•Southwest LRT Community Works Steering Committee – Anita Tabb, Meg Forney (alternate)
•Bottineau Transitway Policy Advisory Committee –Meg Forney, Jon Olson (alternate)
•Neighborhood Revitalization Program Board – Annie Young

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board typically meets at 5 p.m. every first and third Wednesday of each month for regular meetings. Board meetings are broadcast live from 5 to 9 p.m. on the Minneapolis Government Meeting Channel 79 on Comcast cable and online on the Channel 79 webpage.

Meeting agendas and related information are typically posted on http://www.minneapolisparks.org/ two business days prior to each meeting.

Attention Teens: Deadline is January 9 to Register for January 23 Open Mic Night at MacPhail

Teen Open Mic Night Hosted by the MacPhail Teen Advisory Council

Open mic night is a casual, fun and social night presented by teens for teens in a variety of styles and instruments—everything from Bach to Rock! You are welcome to perform individually or in a group. Or just come and enjoy the music of other performers. All teens are welcome!

It will take place Friday, January 23, from 7:00pm - 9:00pm, in Room 126 at MacPhail Center for Music, Room 126, 501 S 2nd Street.

Email macphail.tac@gmail.com to sign up or if questions. Deadline: Friday, January 9.

Please include your name, song title and song length (under 6 minutes, please) and if you have any set up needs. An accompanist will be provided if you sign up in advance. The accompanist needs 2 weeks of lead time. Please include piano part to accompanist with form (will be emailed to you at time of sign up).

Happy New Year!

Wishing our neighbors all the best in 2015!   :D

Ride Metro Transit Free on New Year's Eve!

Celebrate New Year’s Eve responsibly and get a free ride!

On Dec. 31, customers can ride free from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. on all Metro Transit routes – buses, METRO lines and Northstar. No fare, no coupons – simply hop on and take a seat for free.

Whether you’ll be out celebrating or you’re not interested in driving alongside those who are, riding Metro Transit is an easy, safe alternative.

Miller Free Rides is a community service program in partnership with Metro Transit, J.J. Taylor Distributing Company and Miller Lite.

Learn more at 1-800-FREE-RIDES or visit MillerLiteFreeRides.com.

3 Days Remain to Make a 2014 Tax-Deductible Donation for Northern Spark 2015

Only 3 days left to support Northern Spark 2015. Here's a sampling of our contributor perks below. To see them all visit our Indiegogo page. Supporting Northern Spark, helps artists realize big ideas and bring a night of wonder to the city!

Give today and claim one of the following perks for yourself or someone you love (or, if you chose not to claim a perk, your gift is 100% tax-deductible):

$10 / Sparking Toy to #Spark5 - All gift levels $10 and up. (Pickup only.)

$25 / 2015 T-shirt - Design is forthcoming. (Please add $5 for shipping.)

$30 / Tincture Workshop - Learn how to make your own medicine with foraged herbs and your own vodka or brandy with Powderhorn Kitchen artists Jess Hirsch and Ginny Sims. (Only 11 spots left!)

$55 / "Wonder" Limited Edition Print by Robin Schwartzman (NS 2012 artist). Archival print of artwork inspired by NS 2012. Print approximately 26x12 inches. Edition of 50.

$75 / Floating World In White (2014) by Kate Casanova (NS 2014 artist) Archival Pigment Print of Original Paper Collage. Dimensions approximately 25x21 inches. Edition of 50.

$100 / Project Yourself onto the Gold Medal Silos with Luke Savisky and 4 friends. Meet Luke. Enjoy a test run of his project. Includes digital file of group photo. Limit 5. Test run photo of 2014 staff pictured above. (Only 1 left!)

$100 / EXTENDED PLAY Spark Pack - Launch Party, Breakfast, + T-shirt.

$500 / SPARK VIP Pack for 2 - All of the following for one dynamic duo: 2015 T-shirt x2 2015 Art Print x1 Launch Party x2 Curated Bus Tour x2 Pancake Breakfast x2 Jump the Line for 2.

$500 Robin Schwartzman (NS Artist, 2012) Original sign art - CNC routed foam with lights and hand-painted text. New art created exclusively for this campaign and inspired by NS 2012. (Only 1 available!)

AND MORE!

We hope you will HELP FUND 5 NEW ARTIST COMMISSIONS by Dec. 31st by contributing at any amount to our Indiegogo campaign. Your support directly contributes to making new artists projects a reality and gives artists an opportunity to dream big and present on a large scale. Help us continue to energize our creative community and vibrant city! Please give today!
 
Northern Lights.mn is a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization whose mission is to transform our sense of what’s possible in public space. Northern Spark is one night, but Northern Lights.mn shines throughout the year with projects such as Creative City Challenge for the Minneapolis Convention Center, Art(ists) on the Verge, the Giant Sing-A-Long at the Minnesota State Fair, and permanent, interactive public art for Saint Paul’s Union Depot.

Save the date: Northern Spark 2015 returns on Saturday, June 13th!

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Mark Your Calendars / January 19 & 22

January 19 at the Mill City Museum

Downtown 2015 - Project & Priorities for the Year Ahead

Joint Mill District & Downtown Neighborhood Associations Event

A Public Forum

3rd Ward Council Member Jacob Frey leads an expert panel in taking a look ahead at 2015.  Bring your questions and opinions on Downtown priorities and projects.  The event starts at 7:00PM and includes audience Q&A.

**************************

January 22 at the Mill City Museum / 6:00PM - 7:30PM

Minneapolis After the Locks - Unlocking Opportunities

Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership

The lock is scheduled to be closed in June 2015.  Its closure will change river management practices and have an environmental and an economic impact far beyond the Falls and the local area.  The Forum is designed to help us better understand both the immediate and longer-term consequences of the closure and to hear ideas about how the site and the river can be used in new and different ways.

MPRB Winter Park Highlights Brochure Available Online Now - Coming Soon via Mail

From a December 28 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board e-newsletter:

Looking for some fun-filled activities for you and your family this winter? Check out the newest edition of our park highlights inside the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) Community Education catalog, which will arrive in almost 200,000 Minneapolis households between December 29 and January 9!

Our four-page insert is loaded with fun facts and activity ideas that we hope will inspire you to explore the parks and discover all the great events and activities offered at our parks and recreation centers through April 30.

For those residing outside of Minneapolis – or for a sneak peak – you can check out an electronic version of the park highlights brochure online! Copies will also be available at 47 Minneapolis recreation centers and 15 Minneapolis libraries.

On this Christmas Day: Imagine

Playing for Change unites people across continents through music.  Let this video continue running after "Imagine" to enjoy more inspirational songs. 

I don't want to imagine a world without music!