Today We Honor Those Who Selflessly Gave Their Lives

Remembering and honoring all military members who have died while serving in United States armed forces.

Meet American Hazelnut Co, Jabà Noodles and PaChia Blooms - New Vendors at the 2022 Mill City Farmers Market

Our shopping basket from the May 28 Mill City Farmers Market.

American Hazelnut Company, Jabà Noodles and PaChia Blooms made their debut at the May 28 Mill City Farmers Market. Three very welcome additions!

American Hazelnut Company is a collaborative of hazelnut growers in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. You'll find hazelnut oil, roasted hazelnuts, flour and seasoned hazelnuts in convenient snack packs. They're next Market date is June 11th.

Jabà Noodles is a Taiwanese street food company. Their cold noodle dishes are composed of authentic Taiwanese noodles (wheat or gluten free) with fresh local julienned veggies and your choice of tofu, chicken or pork, plus other toppings. They also sell jars of chili oil and fried shallots (oh so crispy and sweet!). Jabà Noodles will be back at the Market on July 2nd.

PaChia Blooms offers a variety of beautiful, ethical and minimalistic handmade products including bath bombs, bath salts and candles. Of the many scents offers, we chose Dreamy Sea and Twilight Forest candles with wood wicks. Their next Market date is August 6th.

The Power of Produce program has returned after a 2-year pandemic hiatus. On the final Saturday of each month, kids can receive $2 to shop the market when they sample the veggie of the month.

Happy to see Maazah return to the Market. All three versions are terrific, but I'm addicted to the aioli!

Burning River Farm is back, so fresh arugula is officially back in my diet.

See Fred Golchin of French Nugget Company for all things lavender.

There's no resisting the lush display of flowers and plants from Green Earth Growers!

West River Parkway Closes Between 4th Ave N and Portland on June 1

Parkway updates from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

West River Parkway is scheduled to close between 4th Avenue N and Portland Avenue on Wednesday, June 1 for a project that will bring power to the plaza in front of Water Works for food trucks and other vendors. Trails and the Stone Arch Bridge parking lot will remain open.

REMINDER: West River Parkway is scheduled to close between 4th Avenue N and Portland Avenue from Tuesday, July 5 to Tuesday, July 17 for work related to the reconstruction of the 3rd Avenue Bridge by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. During this closure, the Stone Arch Bridge parking lot will remain open and trails will close during the week and reopen on weekends. Visit Hwy 65/3rd Avenue Bridge Reconstruction website for details on that project.

4th Street Reconstruction Project Update - May 27

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 is now switched to the north side of the roadway as crews complete concrete street paving along the south half of the roadway.
• Construction at the 1st Ave. N intersection continues as crews pave the roadway.
• Crews will be completing roadway and sidewalk construction between 1st Ave. N and Hennepin Ave.

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

Upcoming Stakeholder Meetings:

June 3rd: 9-9:30 a.m.

June 17th: 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

Concrete pouring between 1st Avenue N and Hennepin Avenue

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project - May 26 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 Pavement continues to be poured this past week between 5th and 7th Streets.  Additional lanes are being reconstructed in the 7th Street intersection as well.

Lane and partial intersection closures will continue

On Phase II north of 5th St, the planter rail installation has begun. 

What's Coming Up

The last portion of the 7th Street intersection will get poured next week to allow an additional lane of traffic through the intersection. Preparations are being made for the LRT shutdown at 5th St with pavement removals and conduit work in anticipation for the weekend concrete paving work.

Local access to the 5th-6th driveways will change next week with entrance and exit to 6th St.

Single lane traffic will remain at 7th through next week as well.

For more information see attached update. Hennepin_Update_Vol93.pdf

Contact Info

For more information on this project contact: 

Project email: hennepinCM@minneapolismn.gov

Phone: 612-255-4049

Website: www.hennepindowntown.com 

Help Plant Vegetation at BF Nelson Park with Friends of the Mississippi, June 9

Plant along the shoreline at BF Nelson Park

Thursday, June 9 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm

BF Nelson Park, 434 NE Main Street

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Join Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) for an evening planting along the shoreline at BF Nelson Park. This park, across the river from Nicollet Island in Minneapolis, offers scenic walkways and views of the Mississippi River.

Last fall, volunteers began removing buckthorn from the shoreline. Now, there are gaps in the woods at this park that are ready to be filled with native grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs. Planting native species along the shoreline will not only add diversity to this ecosystem, but stabilize the banks and help prevent erosion. By planting a variety of grasses and flowering plants, you'll help beautify this park and protect its future!

All are welcome and no experience is necessary. All volunteers are encouraged to work at their own pace, and all tools, gloves and training will be provided. This event is part of FMR's Above the Falls Stewards program, engaging North and Northeast Minneapolis residents to protect and restore their riverfront parks.

More Information

What’s Your Expertise? For Jeff Burrows, it's Wine!

Article by Becky Fillinger

Jeff Burrows

The North Loop, Mill District and Northeast are filled with wonderful restaurants, small businesses, architecture and parks. But the most amazing resource are the interesting people who live in our communities. I’ve met people who, in addition to their careers, pursue interests and develop skills that take them to the expert level. Meet Jeff Burrows – medical device engineer and executive prior to retirement.  The North Loop resident recently acquired his Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) certification – and is a bona fide wine expert! We talked to Jeff about the certification and his interest in the program.

Q:  You recently received your WSET certification - congratulations! Please tell us about the certification.   

A:  The Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) is a worldwide wine certification based in London. It's similar to the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS), but WSET is more wine production and wine business related vs restaurant service. There are 4 levels starting with the basics, concluding with the WSET Diploma for level 4. The diploma requires about 2 years of study, including 5 major exams and an in-depth research paper. When you're done, you know quite a bit about wines of the entire world, from France to Australia to China! In level 4, the exams are all long form written exams with additional blind tasting of wines. I recently completed my WSET Diploma, concluding with graduation at the Guildhall in London!

Q:  Why did this level of knowledge about wine interest you?

A:  The goal of WSET is to allow the student to connect what happens in the vineyard and winery to the style, quality and price of the wine in the glass. Through these studies, I have become more interested and knowledgeable about weather, geography, biology, farming, chemistry, history and business. Being a life-long learner, I have a subject with endless variety and depth.

Q:  These certifications can open doors for many future callings - wine writing, academics, retail, distribution, restaurants and bars, consulting, and more. Do you have plans at this point on how you'll use your knowledge?

A:  I have been writing a food and wine blog for 10 years, that's probably the reason I started on the certification path to begin with. The WSET diploma does lend a bit of credibility in the wine industry and sometimes grants me access I wouldn't have as a typical visitor. I plan to continue my wine writing and will be adding a teaching element in our local Minneapolis/St. Paul WSET school, the Vine Lab Wine & Spirits Academy.

Q:  I imagine you’ll be in demand for wine tastings/educational events. Is that something you’re interested in? 

A:  I only do tastings and events for friends at this point. I'll continue to be pretty busy with my writing, traveling and instructing at Vine Lab Wine & Spirits Academy.

Q:  How may we follow your news/contact you for booking?

A:  I'm always happy to have new followers on my blog or other social media outlets. I blog at https://foodwineclick.com/ and I post on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @foodwineclick. Wine enthusiasts at all levels from beginner to expert may find a WSET certification of interest at https://www.vinelabwine.com/.

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.