MacPhail Celebrates the Life and Music of Minnesota Music Legend Peter Ostroushko With a Tribute Concert June 5th

A Tribute to Peter Ostroushko: Mandolin & Guitar Concert

June 5 2:00-3:30pm

Antonello Hall, MacPhail Center for Music

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Carnegie Hall, MacPhail Center for Music, and the mandolin all have one thing in common: legendary mandolinist, Emmy award winner, composer, and international musician, Peter Ostroushko.

MacPhail Center for Music will celebrate Peter’s life and music with a free tribute concert on June 5th at 2 pm in Antonello Hall. The event is open to the public. All are welcome.

Peter Ostroushko spent more than 40 years as a frequent performer on A Prairie Home Companion and has performed with the Kremlin Chamber Orchestra, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and was featured on Austin City Limits, Late Night with David Letterman, and even Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. He was a beloved, long-time faculty member at MacPhail. Peter succumbed to heart failure in 2021 and Minnesota’s music community now welcomes the opportunity to pay tribute to this beloved talent.

Multi-instrumentalist Richard Kriehn is now carrying the torch of his beloved mentor and colleague as faculty at MacPhail Center for Music teaching mandolin, guitar, and fiddle. It was Peter’s wish that Richard continues sharing the mandolin, giving way to MacPhail’s new mandolin/fiddle program, started in Peter’s honor. Several of his mandolins are being donated (at Peter’s request) to MacPhail to continue his legacy. The instruments will be used by faculty and students wishing to study mandolin. They will be displayed at the concert.

The concert will feature well-known Peter Ostroushko songs performed by Kriehn and long-time Ostroushko collaborator, Dean Magraw. Tributes will be given by former students, colleagues, and family.

Kolman & Reeb Gallery Announce Julie Snidle: "Artistic Lichens" Opening June 11

 

Artistic Lichens runs June 11 - August 6

Artist Reception: June 11, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Artist Talk and Demonstration: July 7, 7:00 pm

Kolman & Reeb Gallery is pleased to present its next Project Space grantee exhibition: Artistic Lichens, composed of new work by encaustic artist, Julie Snidle. The exhibition opens June 11 with a reception from 7:00 - 9:00 pm, and closes August 6, 2022.

Orange Chocolate ChipSnidle will also give an artist talk and demonstrate her artistic process at 7:00 pm on July 7 during the Northrup King Building’s monthly First Thursday event.

The motivation for the exhibition came to Snidle while she was attending an encaustic conference on Cape Cod. “I’d walk out onto a nearby seawall, which was comprised of gray boulders encrusted with bright, yellow-orange lichens, Xanthoria parientina,” she recalls. “I couldn’t stop looking at them. I knew I had to create a new body of work inspired by those beautiful lichens.

FlameThe Kolman & Reeb Gallery Project Space Grant made it possible for Snidle to paint 51 abstract encaustic artworks of different sizes: “A whole gallery of paintings that celebrates these fascinating organisms,” she says. “Even though I’ve done a lot of research on lichens the paintings are not scientifically accurate. They’re not biological studies. They’re abstracted interpretations.” Encaustic, or beeswax, she adds, “has a wonderful malleability that adds multi-dimensionality to the paintings. The series has allowed me to explore new and unusual methods to achieve the colors, textures, and shapes I’ve appreciated for so long.”

Julie SnidleAnita Sue Kolman, gallery co-owner and partner is pleased that, “Our Project Space Grant initiative has allowed Julie to investigate a whole new array of techniques in the encaustic world that will surely engage our collectors and visitors." Jodi Reeb, gallery co-owner, partner, and curator of the show added, “I’m thrilled we could give Julie the time and support she desired to experiment with encaustic and generate new work through our Project Space Grant Program. As an encaustic artist and sculptor myself, I’m excited to see what she brings into the gallery for everyone to enjoy.” 

Snidle concludes the Project Space Grant has “opened a pathway for me to explore the idea of abstracting nature. I see something every day that catches my eye -  a color combination, a play of light and shadow, an unusual plant. Through this grant, and the making of this work, I’m now comfortable with the idea of abstracting those visual surprises. I hope visitors to the gallery delight in what I’ve achieved.”

LUSH Lounge & Theater Announces Pride Celebrations, June 22-26

LUSH Lounge & Theater is celebrating Pride with a fun week of programming, and tickets are on sale now. PLUSH: A LUSH Pride Experience is a fun-filled week of drag shows, concerts, DJ dance parties and more. PLUSH will run June 22-26 with events happening inside LUSH, outside on the patio, and in the parking lot. 

“Since this is our first Pride as owners, we wanted to create a fun atmosphere where everyone can celebrate and have a good time.”         Jared Lawrence, Co-owner, LUSH Lounge & Theater

While there will be events happening each day during Pride week from June 22-26, an outdoor Pride Party will take place in the parking lot on Saturday, June 25. Headlining the party will be a concert from Billy Gillman and Brooke Eden.

PLUSH Programming Schedule

Wednesday, June 22

   o   Drag Queen Bingo from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

   o   PLUSH & Play Gayme Show Hosted by Jason Matheson from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Thursday, June 23

   o   Erin Schwab & Friends Special Pride Show from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

   o   DJ Dance Party from 9:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.

Friday, June 24

   o   Pride Kick-off Happy Hour from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.

   o   RuPaul’s Drag Race Viewing Party from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

   o   DJ in the lounge from 9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

   o   Mirage: Drag After Dark in the theater at 10:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 25

   o   Outdoor Stage

      -  DJ LaKesha 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

      -  Billy Gilman & Brook Eden concert from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

      -  Mirage: Drag After Dark from 8:30 - 10:00 p.m.

   o   LUSH

      -  DJ on the patio from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

      -  DJ Dance Party in the theater from 8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Sunday, June 26

   o   Live stream the Twin Cities Pride Parade in the theater

   o   DJ on the patio from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

   o   Drag pop-up performances in the lounge and patio from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

   o   Drag Bingo in the theater from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

PLUSH passes are now available for purchase, including three options:

   · The PLUSH Pass $150: Access to all events during Pride week, plus a limited-edition t-shirt, and preferred reserved seating at events.

   · Weekend Pass $75: Access to all events at LUSH on Saturday and Sunday.

   · Saturday Pass $65: Access to all events at LUSH on Saturday.

To view a full lineup of entertainment and events and to purchase tickets, visit lushmpls.com and follow on social media @lushmpls.

A Boozy Mad Hatter's Tea Party Is Coming To Minneapolis!

The Alice: An Immersive Cocktail Experience

Climb down the rabbit hole to a topsy-turvy cocktail adventure!

Tickets are on now sale for a whimsical pop-up experience coming to Stilheart Distillery & Cocktail Lounge, 124 N 3rd Avenue, Suite 100. The Wonderland tea party experience will open July 20th and run until October 23rd, 2022.

Create your own liquid concoctions under the watchful eye of The Mad Hatter and expect things to get curious and curiouser. Dive through the looking glass and into a fantasy world where you will play croquet with flamingos, paint the roses red and devour 'Eat Me' cookies! Solve riddles and challenges just like Alice and unlock all the ingredients to create your own enchanted teapot cocktails. It's all fun and games until someone steals the Queen of Hearts' tarts!

Explore the magic and join the tea party to end all tea parties! This 90 minute alternate reality experience in Wonderland includes a welcome drink, two bespoke Wonderland cocktails and an 'Eat Me' cookie. $47 per person - Reservations.

The Alice is a production of Hidden Media Network. This event has been a huge hit, selling out Sydney and Melbourne before beginning a US tour and selling out multiple cities including New York, Los Angeles, Denver, San Francisco and Chicago.

Skillful Helicopter Maneuvers Demonstrated While Replacing HVAC Unit Atop The Carlyle

Submitted by Doug Verdier, Photos by Nancy and Doug Verdier

Downtown residents near The Carlyle at the intersection of First Street S and Third Avenue S on Sunday morning, May 22, had an opportunity to observe a very well-planned, coordinated and executed construction operation. Between 8 a.m. and 12 noon, the intersection was blocked off, as was West River Parkway below the West end of the Third Avenue Bridge. The operation consisted of removing an HVAC unit from the rooftop of The Carlyle and bringing it down to a truck on the Third Avenue Bridge, then lifting a replacement HVAC unit from the same truck and delivering it to the top of The Carlyle for installation.

At 9 a.m. a helicopter arrived on-site and landed on the Third Avenue Bridge near the intersection. After some preparation for what followed, the helicopter took off and went to the top of The Carlyle where it hovered while being attached to the HVAC unit that was being removed from the top of the building. That unit was then brought down and placed on a truck that had been positioned on the bridge. A replacement HVAC unit that was on the truck was then attached to the helicopter to be flown up to the top of The Carlyle and delivered there for installation. The helicopter then returned to the truck location and was again attached to the old HVAC and lifted it again to reposition it on the truck bed for transportation off-site.

The whole operation appeared to go very smoothly and was completed on schedule. Kudos to Horwitz, the organization that coordinated the helicopter, the Minneapolis Police Department and Park Police personnel who closed streets and provided traffic control throughout the operation, and Minnesota Department of Transportation. A special shout-out to the pilot who very skillfully managed the lifts and to all the support personnel who helped make this operation safe and successful.

The photos that follow show the sequence of the operation.

After some initial preparation on the ground, the helicopter prepares to take off.

Approaching the rooftop of The Carlyle.

With the old HVAC securely attached beneath the helicopter, the pilot maneuvers away from the building to begin bringing it down.

This image clearly shows the cable and other rigging used to safely transport the HVAC to the ground.

Once the old HVAC (the box-like object on the left in this image) is placed on the awaiting truck, the cables were attached to the new HVAC which was then lifted to the roof of The Carlyle.

Another lift underway.

The new HVAC on its way to the top of The Carlyle.

Schmickle Pickles and Sol Soils - New Vendors at the 2022 Mill City Farmers Market

As usual, our shopping basket from the May 21 Mill City Farmers Market is packed! New items include ready to bake buttermilk biscuits from Vikings and Goddesses Pie Company, Schmickles pickles, a potted cactus from Sol Soils and smoked country style sausages from Sweet Lou's.

Schmickles! Like so many tasty treats we enjoy today, this product came to be when friends told Nick and Felecia Schmidt their homemade pickles were so good they should be selling them. Those encouraging buddies even helped the Schmidts come up with a company name, which is a combination of their last name and pickles. Schmickles are produced in small batches using ingredients from local farmers markets.

Travis Thein and John Porter of Sol Soils offer a variety of high-quality soils, soil components and soil toppers designed for potted cacti, succulents and houseplants. For those of us who are not inclined to come up with our own creations, they had an array of potted cacti and succulents ready to take home.

I took this little guy home. Sol Soils provides care instructions with your purchase to eliminate any guesswork.

Be That Neighbor Announces the Return of Yoga in the Park

Saturdays, May 28 - September 3, 9:00-10:00am

After a pandemic-forced hiatus, Yoga in the Park returns next Saturday, May 28 in Gold Medal Park at 9 a.m. These sessions are sponsored by Be That Neighbor, and are free and open to all.

Bring you mat and water, and meet by the orange sculpture in the park. Please arrive a few minutes early to sign a Medical Liability Waiver.

Heart of the Beast Theatre Announces Family-friendly Puppet Show, The Impact Theory of Mass Extinction, June 16-26

The Impact Theory of Mass Extinction 

by Junauda Petrus-Nasah

The Avalon Theater, 1500 E Lake Street

June 16 - 26

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“Dinosaurs unfurl in their rhythmic wildness. These dinosaurs vogue and groove and take up space in their world, in harmony, with each other.”

The Impact Theory of Mass Extinction tells the story of two black, queer teens who discover dinosaur bones in their South Minneapolis neighborhood. The teens get sucked into a prehistoric portal where they are taken in by a nurturing “queendom” of dinosaurs. In this new world, our protagonists learn the ways of the dinosaurs as they prepare for their impending extinction.

Puppeteer Steve Ackerman has transformed the historic Avalon Theater into a lush, prehistoric landscape. Live music and sound effects will animate the teens’ Jurassic journey.

Photo: Uche Iroegbu

Impact Theory is born from the skills of local artists: shadow, table top, and large-scale puppet builders; mask makers; musicians; puppeteers; filmmakers; and actors. The creative brilliance of this team breathes life into this Minneapolis Dinosaur adventure premiering at the Avalon Theater this June.

Impact Theory is the brainchild of playwright, Junauda Petrus-Nasah and puppeteer, Steve Ackerman. They wanted to craft a piece based on Petrus-Nasah’s experience as a queer Black girl growing up in 1980s South Minneapolis. She was inspired by what is now the Greenway, but were once train tracks peppered with graffiti and debris. The site, she recalls, resembled a magic portal to another world.

Puppetry’s unique ability to embody the fantastic make it the perfect art form to tell this story. Petrus-Nasah has always felt a deep connection to puppetry and In the Heart of the Beast, explaining:

“Puppetry has chosen me so many times in life. As a person of Trinidadian and Cruzan descent where there is a carnival and sort of parade history and legacy, Heart of the Beast and MayDay was proximity to that…I never could have imagined that I would be writing things one day that would be in this theater that I would be passing by all the time as a teenager.”

Exploring the relationship between humans and puppets gives us “a hopeful and exciting way to exhume and discover new ways of being,” says Director Harry Waters, Jr.

Impact Theory will be Heart of the Beast’s first puppet and mask production since 2018.

Petrus-Nasah hopes that Impact Theory will give kids of color and Indigenous youth the chance to see themselves reflected in puppetry. She aims to inspire children in the neighborhood to explore the medium, “Puppetry is one of those art forms that is so immersive, magnetizing, and magical. I want young people to see that puppetry is a tool and a possibility for the future as an art form and as a form of healing.”

Performance Schedule:

Thursday, June 16 7:30p (Opening Night)

Friday, June 17 - 7:30p

Saturday, June 18 - 7:30p

Sunday, June 19 - 2:00p Free!*

Sunday, June 19 - 7:30p

Thursday, June 23 - 7:30p Free!*

Friday, June 24 - 7:30p

Saturday, June 25 - 7:30p

Sunday, June 26 - 2:00p Free! Access*

Sunday, June 26 - 7:30p

*The performance on Sunday, June 26 at 2pm will have ASL interpretation and audio description available. Heart of the Beast Theatre will offer a sensory touch tour on this date at 1 pm. There will be free ear plugs and fidgets for audience members as well. Additional accessibility infor. Please note - the three free performances (June 19 at 2pm, June 23 at 7:30pm, and June 26 at 2pm) are intended for children and families in the Phillips and Powderhorn neighborhoods. All other performances are pay-as-able. All audience members must wear face masks. Tickets and information.

Unlock Your Inner Artist! Registration is Open for Summer Classes at MCAD

Registration is now open for summer Continuing Education courses at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) for those looking to deepen their creative practice or learn a new skill. Topics include painting, graphic design, animation, printmaking, UX design, illustration, and more. A small sampling of classes are below, and the full list of offerings can be viewed at mcad.edu/ce.

The Women of Abstract Expressionism (in person)

Tuesdays, June 7–August 9, 6:30–9:30 p.m.

This class examines the lives and works, as well as the concepts and methods, of the great women painters of Abstract Expressionism. The women of Abstract Expressionism were a talented and brave group of painters that deserves a place in American art history. Acquire a rich understanding of the women of this art movement with short art history lessons, demonstrations and guided lessons, and painting techniques specific to the artists.

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Figure Drawing (in person)

Thursdays, June 9–Aug 11, 6:30–9:30 p.m.

Discover a personal means of depicting the figure with accuracy, sensitivity, and expression. Initial studio time is focused on a series of brief exercises devised to develop both observational skills and the ability to draw the figure proportionately in a limited amount of time. Successive sessions cover topics such as composition, perspective, anatomy, and the concept of the critique, as more in-depth processes are applied to longer poses.

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How to Build a Career That Will Change the World (online)

Wednesdays, June 15–August 10, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

This course is designed to help professionals at any stage of their career to either move into or deepen their career in social impact. Explore the full landscape of social change, from nonprofits to social businesses to corporate social impact, and learn how to apply key principles such as aligning your values with your career, becoming an innovator, networking authentically, and taking care of yourself over the long-haul.

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A Travel Sketchbook: Drawing on Location (in person)

Saturdays, July 9–30, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

This fun, on-location class offers students at all skill levels an opportunity to sketch together outdoors and at unique urban locales in Minneapolis, while learning the techniques to capture the people, environment, architecture, and nuances of the visual landscape. Open to students 16 and above.

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Designing Behavioral Change for Sustainability (online)

Monday, July 11–Friday, August 5

For societies to reach a sustainable future, individuals will need to adjust their behavior to meet the challenge. This course examines the leverage points that can be used to trigger desired changes in behavior. Using design thinking, behavior design, persuasive design, and tactics for effective communication, explore how to identify resistance factors and motivators for change in order to design inspiring experiences that truly trigger action.

Volunteer Opportunity: East Bank Mississippi River Care: Wild Sanctuary at Owamni, Father Hennepin Bluffs Park Lower Trail

East Bank Mississippi River Care: Wild Sanctuary at Owamni, Father Hennepin Bluffs Park Lower Trail

Saturday, June 4, 9 am - 12 pm. 

Join the Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association to care for the wild, natural sanctuary on the East Bank of the Mississippi River where bald eagles and great blue herons hunt and the Mississippi once tumbled over massive limestone to create Owamni, later named St. Anthony Falls.

Participants will restore and care for native habitat, planting native wildflowers and grasses and remove invasive perennials and woody vegetation. For more information, a list of all 2022 dates, and to register, go to https://www.marcy-holmes.org/father_hennepin_stewards.

Volunteers will meet at the Lower Trail, near the corner of Main Street SE and Third Avenue SE, across from Pillsbury A Mill.

4th Street Reconstruction Project Update - May 20

4th Street Reconstruction Project Overview

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

What's Happening Next Week?

Roadway reconstruction continues on 4th St. between 2nd Ave. N and Hennepin Ave. Fourth St. is currently closed to vehicle traffic between 1st Ave. N and Hennepin Ave. Local access is being maintained between 2nd Ave. N and 1st Ave. N.

• Crews have completed reconstruction of the north half of the roadway between 2nd Ave. N and 1st Ave. N. Local access will now be switched to the north side of the roadway as crews begin pavement removal and curb and gutter work on the south half of the road.
• Roadway paving between 1st Ave N. and Hennepin Ave. is being completed, with bike paths and sidewalk construction beginning at the end of the week.
• Crews are completing utility and hydrant work at the 1st Ave. N intersection.

*Please note that the construction schedules are subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

What to expect during construction?

• During roadway construction, 4th St. will be closed to through traffic between 2nd Ave. N and Hennepin Ave. Local access will be maintained from 2nd Ave. N and 1st Ave. N. 
• Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout construction. Be aware of your surroundings when walking on the sidewalk and biking in the roadway. 
• Expect additional noise, dust, and vibration as crews complete work.

Upcoming Events

4th Street weekly Stakeholder Meeting.

Weekly project newsletters and virtual stakeholder meetings are sent out weekly. Join us at the next stakeholder meeting to get project updates, talk with project staff and get your questions/concerns answered.

There will be no stakeholder meeting on Friday, May 27, 2022. Meetings will resume their weekly schedule Friday, June 3, 2022.

Next Meeting: June 3, 9-9:30 a.m.

Teams Meeting: Click here to join the meeting

Stay connected

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

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

Email the project team: info@4thstmpls.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-412-9774

Roadway reconstruction near the Hennepin Avenue intersection.

Roadway repaving at the 1st Avenue N intersection.

Peace in the World Music Event at Loring Park, May 21

1:00pm-5:00pm - Loring Park, 1382 Willow Street https://loringpark.org/

The Impact of War: Writing Workshops Hosted by Minnesota Humanities Center

Article by Becky Fillinger

Since 2013, drawing on the power of the humanities, Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) has honored and amplified the narrative of Veterans and their contributions to community by empowering Veterans to speak in their own voices through plays, discussions, literature, and awards. An upcoming event is a writing workshop facilitated by Warrior Writers, Twin Cities, focused on the many fronts of war that encompasses Veterans, family members of Veterans, refugees and citizens. Today, there are more than 50,965 veterans in Hennepin County, representing 16 percent of all Veterans in Minnesota. You can easily magnify that number when you include Minneapolis residents impacted by war. We spoke to Corey China, a Humanities Officer at the Minnesota Humanities Center, about the workshop’s genesis, goals and the exemplary Warrior Writers facilitators who will lead the workshops.

Corey ChinaQ:  Please tell us about The Impact of War Writing Workshops - how did it come about, who may participate, dates?

A:  From listening to community feedback, and in alignment with our vision of a just society that is connected, curious, and compassionate, MHC is collaborating with Warrior Writers, Twin Cities to host a series of writing workshops focused on connecting Veterans and all those who have borne the cost of war. Anyone who has a story and wishes to make meaning through reflection and writing are welcome to participate. No previous writing experience is necessary. 

Workshop Details: There will be a total of 4 writing and reflection sessions on the following dates: June 4, 11, 18 from 10-noon, and June 23 from 6-8pm. The workshop will be held at MHC Event Center located at 987 Ivy Avenue East, St. Paul. The total cost is $10, which includes all 4 sessions, workshop materials, refreshments for morning sessions, and dinner for the evening session. Veterans can attend the workshop for free, please contact corey@mnhum.org. Two established writers from Warrior Writers, Twin Cities will help participants put pen to paper. Warrior Writers is a national non-profit whose mission is to create a culture that articulates veterans’ experiences, build a collaborative community for artistic expression, and bear witness to war and the full range of military experiences.

For planning purposes, we kindly ask that you register by June 1st. To learn more about the workshops and to register, visit: https://www.mnhum.org/veterans-voices/.

The facilitators are with Warrior Writers, Twin Cities and are exemplary in the field of literature!

Chante WolfChante Wolf spent 12 years in the US Air Force and deployed to Saudi Arabia for the Persian Gulf War (Desert Storm) in 1991. Her first publication was with The Veterans Book Project: Objects for Deployment. Her articles, poetry, photography and her military story have been published in: Costs of Freedom: An American Anthology of Activism; the Compassionate Rebel Revolution: Ordinary People Changing the World; War Fever Syndrome; The New York Times; Star Tribune; Pioneer Press; The Pulse; Southside Press; Veterans Today Journal; Veterans For Peace; Meat for Tea; Main Street Rag; Minnesota Women’s Press; The Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance; Our Nobel Trees Blog and Pedestal Magazine. Chante is also a facilitator with Warrior Writers, Twin Cities.

Chante in the field

Stefan LovasikStefan Lovasik, Viet Nam combat veteran, has published three poetry collections. His most recent, The Latitude of a Mercy, was published by New York Quarterly Books and his work has appeared in national magazines such as American Literary Review, Consequence and New York Quarterly. He is a facilitator for Warrior Writers, Twin Cities and a staff editor for Pedestal Magazine.

Q:  What other programming focused on Veterans are planned for this year?

A:  This year the Minnesota Humanities Center celebrated its 50th anniversary! In addition to celebrating the past, we listened to the community to hear what is important going forward. Many great ideas are currently being explored across all our programs to include those focused on Veterans. Stay informed by visiting our event calendar at mnhum.org/calendar and signing up for our newsletter. If you have a great idea on how the humanities can spark change for Veterans, email me at corey@mnhum.org. 

Green Minneapolis Announces Peavey Plaza Performing Arts Series Summer Season 2022

Green Minneapolis recently announced a summer long series of free performing arts presentations at Peavey Plaza, the City of Minneapolis owned downtown architectural landmark.  

Green Minneapolis believes in the power of art to nurture human connection, and parks and public spaces are some of the best places in our community where people from all walks of life come together to relax, recreate and get to know one another.  

As part of the broader reanimation of downtown, every week from June thru September, Peavey Plaza will be the place to go downtown for free music, dance and theater performances. Performing partners include the Minnesota Orchestra, the Children’s Theatre Company, Cantus, MNspin, ARENA DANCES, Mirage Performing Arts, Joe Davis & The Poetic Diaspora and Westminster Presbyterian Church Music Program. Funding for this programming is made possible by charitable contributions to Green Minneapolis.

For a complete listing of performances, visit greenminneapolis.org/events.

June 12 Cochon555 Line Up Announced

Cochon555’s inaugural Heritage Fire Minneapolis - an all-inclusive tasting event featuring the Twin Cities’ top chefs, on-site cooking, and delicious bites - has announced the lineup of participating local chefs and farms (see full lists below.)

 

Less than a month away, the event will welcome guests to the Loews Hotel Minneapolis on Sunday, June 12 from 5:45 p.m.-8 p.m. (with early access at 5 p.m. for VIP ticket holders). Heritage Fire will also be working with a local Minneapolis, non-profit to support their mission. Charity partner to be announced.

 

Tickets - all-inclusive of food and drink - are $99 (GA) and $150 (VIP) and can be purchased here.

 

Chef Lineup*:

Tyler Johnson, Saint Dinette

Aaron Cave, Noyes & Cutler (Justin Sutherland’s brand-new concept)

Chris Ikeda, Pau Hana         

Tommy Begnaud, Mr. Paul's Supper Club   

Gustavo Romero, Nixta Tortilleria    

Mateo Mackbee, Krewe Restaurant 

Carrie McCabe-Johnston, Nightingale         

Michael Shaughnessy, Advellum Vegetable Eatery

Pedro Wolcott, Guacaya Bistreaux  

Jametta Raspberry, House of Gristle

Joe Ruhland, Herbie's on the Park  

Alex Theodoroff /Josh Tucker, Revival Smoked Meats       

Lachelle Cunningham, Chelles Kitchen

Cristian de Leon, El Sazon Tacos & More   

Jeff Rogers, Wrecktangle Pizza

Wang Vang, Fire Box Deli    

Beth Dooley, Beth Dooley’s Kitchen

Brian Ingram, Purpose Restaurants

*additional chef participants will be added in the coming weeks

 

Each chef will utilize ingredients from local Minneapolis farms, including but not limited to:

• Forty Acre Cooperative
• Untiedt
• Compart Family Farms
• Bolton Bees
• Peterson Craftsman Meats 

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project - May 19 Update

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project

Hennepin Ave. will be reconstructed between 12th Street and Washington Avenue. The City will reconstruct the pavement from building face to building face, including improvements to public and private utility infrastructure, and improved space for pedestrians, bicycles, transit, and vehicles.

Latest Project News

Concrete Paving is in full swing from 5th to 7th, including two thirds of the 7th Street Intersection. Traffic on 7th will reopen to two lanes crossing the Hennepin intersection starting Saturday morning.

On Phase 2 north of 5th Street, perennial and annual plantings were completed this week as well.

What's Coming Up

Next week will bring more lanes of concrete paving from 5th to 7th on Hennepin.  The remaining work on the third lane in the 7th St Intersection will begin next week as well.

Planter railings will start to be installed north of 5th next week followed by the railing lights.

5th Street will be closed west of Hennepin starting Monday next week.

For more information please see attached update.  Hennepin_Update_Vol92.pdf

More information.

Contact Us

For more information on this project contact: 

Project email: hennepinCM@minneapolismn.gov

Phone: 612-255-4049

Website: www.hennepindowntown.com 

Parkway Closures for May 21 Women Run the Cities

Please note the following Parkway closures for the May 21 Women Run the Cities 5K, 10K and 10 Mile races:

7:30am-12pm   View course map

Godfrey Parkway - West River Parkway (from Godfrey to 22nd Ave S)

Catholic Charities Opens Endeavors Residence in Elliot Park

New  $75 million Catholic Charities at Elliot Park campus offers 173 homes for single adults who have experienced homelessness, a recuperative care wing, and a storefront health clinic

On May 18, Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis marked the upcoming opening of Endeavors Residence and Catholic Charities at Elliot Park campus, a historic $75 million public-private partnership — located in Minneapolis’s Elliot Park neighborhood — supported by the State of Minnesota, Hennepin County, the City of Minneapolis, and several key partners and donors. Endeavors offers a unique model integrating housing and health care to ensure some of our community’s most vulnerable residents have a safe place to call home.

The new Catholic Charities at Elliot Park campus includes:

• Endeavors Residence, formerly known as Exodus Residence (located in downtown Minneapolis), will provide homes for more than 173 single adults who have experienced homelessness, veterans, and people with complex medical conditions. Veterans will receive priority, providing a big boost to the state’s goal of ending veteran homelessness.
• The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Recuperative Care Center — implemented in partnership with Hennepin County Public Health’s Health Care for the Homeless program — will provide short-term respite opportunities for up to 30 people a night who are experiencing homelessness and need additional time to recover after being released from a hospital.
• Hennepin County’s Health Care for the Homeless Clinic will offer health care to area residents who require medical support and qualify for services based on income.
• The Frey Center at Elliot Park will serve as the new Catholic Charities headquarters and provide workspace for more than 200 staff, including administrative and Aging and Disability Services teams.

Public and Private Investments

Many public and private partners have made critical investments to make the $75 million Endeavors project a reality. Hennepin County, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Public Housing Authority provided crucial financial support. Catholic Charities’ donors made significant private investments, including lead gifts from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation and Mary and Gene Frey, as well as the pro bono development services of Dominium and others. CSH (Corporation for Supportive Housing), Sunrise Banks, and U.S. Bank contributed new market tax credits. Hennepin County — under a revised policy to proactively provide leadership on projects that address its priorities--was the first public partner to commit to the project, which helped secure much-needed state and local funding. The project received $30 million in Housing Infrastructure Bonds (HIB) from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency — the largest award of HIBs given to date in state history.

These significant investments allowed Catholic Charities to purchase the former Augustana Health Care Center in December 2019 and conduct extensive renovation work to create the new Catholic Charities at Elliot Park facility — fully utilizing and preserving a building in a prime location that will offer 173 private, deeply affordable apartments to the region. The adaptive reuse preserves the original social purpose of the building while offering more resources and support to low-income adults in downtown Minneapolis.

The Endeavors Residence Program Model

The Endeavors program will offer a unique integrated model of care that promotes housing stability, health, and wellbeing. A total of 173 units of housing in Endeavors Residence will provide a safe place to call home to single adults (ages 18 and up) from diverse backgrounds who have experienced homelessness and utilize supportive services. Many residents will be veterans, elderly, and/or have complex medical needs. Current residents of Exodus Residence worked with staff to choose the new name “Endeavors,” which conveys the resilience and possibilities found through each individual’s journey. Staff will provide care 24/7, using trauma-informed best practices. The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Recuperative Care Center will provide short-term respite opportunities for 30 people experiencing homelessness who need additional time to recover after being released from a hospital. It will also offer 24/7 care, and staff will coordinate closely with local health care providers including neighboring Hennepin County Medical Center.  Hennepin County’s Health Care for the Homeless Clinic will be embedded in the community, serving as a public neighborhood storefront clinic for area residents who require medical support and qualify for services based on income. Six medical examination rooms and space for psychiatric care for those seeking mental health support will be available onsite.

Milestone Reached at a Critical Juncture

With the completion of the Elliot Park facility, Catholic Charities has realized a significant achievement in the organization’s history: 1,000 deeply affordable housing units available to the community. In addition, Catholic Charities at Elliot Park serves as a purposeful reimagining for the organization. For the first time, headquarters staff — in addition to Aging and Disability Services staff — will be located together in one space alongside residents of one of our programs, creating true mission in action.

The completion of Endeavors is timely, as our region faces a homelessness and affordable housing crisis while simultaneously addressing public health challenges presented by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. National and regional studies have consistently shown that the lack of affordable housing is a leading cause of homelessness, and there is a critical lack of affordable housing in the metro region. The pandemic has made it a challenge to know the exact numbers of people experiencing homelessness because most agencies suspended homeless “counts” in 2021, and data for 2022 is not yet available. Recent information from local providers (via Minnesota’s Homeless Management Information System) suggests that the number of people experiencing homelessness in the metro region is rising. In January 2020, around 5,000 individuals in the metro area stayed in emergency shelters or were served by local street outreach programs. In January 2022, that figure rose to 5,691 – an increase of almost 14 percent from pre-pandemic levels.  State projections indicate the number of unsheltered homeless will continue to increase dramatically in the coming year.

Mayor Frey at the May 18 grand opening celebration of the Endeavors Residence in Elliot Park.

“Housing is a right, and affordable housing is a top priority in our work to better serve the people of Minneapolis,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “We are committed to maintaining and growing our partnerships in these deeply-affordable housing projects to ensure all our residents have a place to call home. I’m grateful to Catholic Charities for stepping up to the challenge to create an innovative space that will support those in need and enrich our community.”

Catholic Charities at Elliot Park: Project History

The current Exodus Residence — located next to St. Olaf Church in downtown Minneapolis — provides housing and support to 95 people in a deteriorating building which Catholic Charities has leased from St. Olaf Catholic Church since 1995. In 2017, Catholic Charities and St. Olaf extended the lease until 2021 to allow time to secure a replacement. This was at the same time Catholic Charities was working with Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, Dominium, and many others to complete the second phase of Dorothy Day Place — the largest public-private partnership in housing and social services in state history — which was completed in fall 2019. Despite the challenges of advancing another major project so soon, Catholic Charities and its partners were compelled to act because of the housing and homelessness crisis affecting the state and region. In December 2019, Catholic Charities secured critical funding from Hennepin County, the City of Minneapolis, generous private donors, and the largest award of Housing Infrastructure Bonds given to date by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. This enabled Catholic Charities to purchase the Augustana Health Care Center, which will serve as the new home to Endeavors and Catholic Charities at Elliot Park. Extensive renovation work began in spring 2020. Endeavors residents will move into their new homes in June. Catholic Charities staff will begin transitioning onsite in July.

Zenon Dance School Announces Camp Zenon: Youth Dance Sampler Camps

Zenon Dance School Announces Camp Zenon: Youth Dance Sampler Camps

Discover dance with a week-long camp for young artists! Not sure if your dancer has a style they like best, or looking for a way to try out something new? A variety of dance styles and creative movements will be explored in this one week camp.

Informal showing on the last day. All abilities and levels of experience are welcome.

Session 1 (age 4-6) | July 18 - 22 from 9:00am - 12:00pm

Session 2 (age 7-10) | July 18 - 22 from 12:30pm - 3:30pm

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Zenon Dance School is located at 528 Hennepin  Ave, 4th Floor (within the Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts)

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The tuition is $195. No person will be refused because of inability to pay. Need-based scholarships are available for partial and full tuition upon inquiry.

Register online. Registration closes one week before each camp begins. Please contact info@zenondance.org or 612-338-1101 (if no answer please leave voice mail) with any questions.

The Northrup King Building May 17 Newsletter - Special Art-A-Whirl Edition

It's finally here! Make sure to stop on by the Northrup King Building during the 27th annual Art-a-Whirl® Open Studio Tour - Presented by the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association! This exciting annual event celebrates all that the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District has to offer, and no studio tour is complete without at stop at Minnesota's Largest Arts Complex - The Northrup King Building!

Interactive Art and Workshops

Bracelet Stamping + Mini-Plant Trellises Workshop Shape, forge and stamp a classic cuff from beginning to end or select a plant or bring your own and bend, swirl and shape a trellis to your heart’s content. With Alison Reitsma. To set up a time slot email: alisonwendydesigns@gmail.com. All weekend during Art-a-Whirl® hours. Friday 5-10pm | Saturday 12-8pm | Sunday 12-5pm Studio 428 | From $10-$42

MOON Factory: Custom Art on the Spot The MOON Factory is open for Art-A-Whirl: fill out a form with your personal details, pick your colors, and come back in a few hours to pick up your custom MOON designed by Anna: Stargirl Art! All weekend during Art-a-Whirl® hours. Friday 5-10pm | Saturday 12-8pm | Sunday 12-5pm Studio 371

Watercolor Batik Try your hand at watercolor batik, a modern twist on the ancient Javanese art of batik with artist Kim Gordon. Friday 7-9pm | Saturday 3-5pm | Sunday 3-5pm Studio 350 | Free

Zine + Riot: Community Conversations  Blood on the Pavement is a group show that pairs poetry and visual art to spark conversations about violence against Black bodies. In the spirit of collaboration, the exhibit includes a “Zine + Riot” station where visitors are encouraged to draw, collage, write a poem, and more. What starts as a blank book, will become a community conversation. Writing prompts and art materials available.  Friday 6-10pm | Saturday 12-8pm | Sunday 12-5pm Studio 332 | Free

Exhibitions and Special Events

Blood on the Pavement - Presented by Art to Change the World Blood on the Pavement aims to help Minnesota communities think, discuss, and disrupt. The group show combines poetry, written by Elizabeth Ash, with visual art responses created by local artists A. Drew Hammond, Azania Tripp, Briauna Williams, Lyle Ferguson, Sebastian Rivera Cintron, Aristóteles Carbajal, and Cory Favre. The intention is to spark conversations about violence against Black bodies, both verbally and physically, from microaggressions to police brutality; as well as violence against women’s bodies and other intersections of the Black identity. Studio 332 | Free

Project Practice: A Celebration of Creative Practice Project: Practice Is a projection-based installation by Public Functionary that celebrates the creative process of artists across multiple disciplines. This immersive installation shares glimpses at artists’ methods of developing narrative and technique within their practice. This is a ticketed event to raise funds for Public Functionary’s future programming in this new space. Proceeds will support future programming including artist collaborations, exhibitions, and events.  Studio 144 | $10 GA/$20 Flexible Time Slot | Purchase Tickets

STREET SIGNS MSP: Protests and the Aftermath 2016-2020  ICEBOX Gallery presents a photography exhibit consists of 25 color images made during several protests and the aftermath between 2016 through 2020. Friday 5-10pm | Saturday 12-8pm | Sunday 12-5pm Studio 443 | Free

Live Art and Demonstrations

Alcohol Ink Demo with Herland Art Studio Curious about using alcohol inks? Join Herland Art Studio for a live demonstration! All weekend during Art-a-Whirl® hours Friday 5-10pm | Saturday 12-8pm | Sunday 12-5pm Studio 390 | Free

Beauty, Philosophy, Art…and Painting with Mary Pettis  Join Mary Pettis in the studio painting and talking with guests about beauty, philosophy, and art. All weekend during Art-a-Whirl® hours. Friday 5-10pm | Saturday 12-8pm | Sunday 12-5pm Studio 366 | Free

Candle Pouring Demonstration Discover the art of candle-making and learn how to pour a candle with this demonstration from Excelsior Candle Co!  Sunday 12-5pm Studio 206 | Free

Circular Sock Knitting Machine Demo Add a bit of history to your open studio tour with this demonstration of a hand crank circular sock knitting machine by Nokomis Knitting Company. These machines were used originally to make socks for troops in WWI to prevent trench foot. Saturday 12-8pm Studio 240 | Free

Oil and Cold Wax Demonstration Artist Kate Singer will demonstrate the process of applying layers of cold wax medium to achieve rich texture and layering of color. Saturday 2pm | Sunday 2pm Studio 350 | Free

Oil Painting Demonstration with Rosemary & Co Brushes Studio Pintura presents an oil painting demonstration featuring Rosemary & Co brushes. Learn about the variety of brushes available for oil, watercolor, and acrylic – and tips for cleaning and care. A wide variety of brushes will be available to purchase throughout the weekend. Saturday 12:30-1:30pm | Sunday 12:30-1:30pm Studio 295 | Free

Oil Painting Demonstration: Flowers from Photo Reference  Watch artist Dyan Padgett create a floral oil painting from photo reference. All weekend during Art-a-Whirl® hours. Friday 5-10pm | Saturday 12-8pm | Sunday 12-5pm Studio 200 | Free

Plant Printing Demonstration  Linda Snouffer will demonstrate basic leaf printing onto blank greeting cards, which viewers may take home at no charge! This demo explains botanical printmaking, which is the foundation of her landscapes. Saturday 12:30-1:30pm | Sunday 12:30-1:30pm Studio 139 | Free

Torn Paper Collage  Artist Neysa Winterer will be demonstrating her torn paper collage techniques. Applying small bits of torn paper to panel, her work comes to life as landscapes, portraits and even replicas of Masterworks. Saturday 2-4pm  Studio 141 | Free

Watercolor Batik Demonstration Artist Kim Gordon will demonstrate the process of watercolor batik using watercolor and wax resist on rice paper. Saturday 1-2pm | Sunday 1-2pm Studio 350 | Free

Weaving Demonstration  Weaving demonstrations all weekend during Art-a-Whirl® hours by Custom Woven Interiors! Plus free yarn and cones for people to take.  Friday 5-10pm | Saturday 12-8pm | Sunday 12-5pm Studio 386 | Free