April Events at Hennepin History Museum

Human Toll:  Unfinished Business

Tuesday, April 11, 7:00 – 8 p.m.

As a follow-up to their long-running exhibit, Human Toll: A Public History of 35W, Hennepin History Museum is hosting an online community-driven conversation to address the topic of the long-term effects of freeway construction, and how we can learn from our experience to imagine a better future for all. Panelists include Dr, Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas; Jose Antionio Zayas Caban, advocacy director of Our Streets Minneapolis, Dr. Ernest Lloyd, adjunct instructor at the University of Minnesota’s Heritage Studies and Public History (HSPH) program; and Dr Greg Donofrio, director of HSPH. Drs. Lloyd and Donofrio, leaders of the Human Toll exhibit development team, will reflect on the success of the exhibit and the future of the Public History of 35W project.

Location: Virtual Event. Preregistration required to receive link.

Cost:  Pay As You Can

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The Bond Between Us – Artist Talk  

Saturday, April 15, 11 am – 12:30 p.m.

Local artist Daren Hill and Hennepin History Museum Executive Director John Crippen will discuss Hill’s new exhibit, The Bond Between Us, which opens Thursday, April 13. Hill will share how he developed this exhibit to honor his grandfather and father, who were both photographers before him, as well as create art rooted in his Minneapolis childhood. The audience is invited to join the discussion.

Location: Hennepin History Museum. Space is limited - reservations required.  

Cost:  Pay As You Can

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Million Artist Movement (MAM) Quilting Project

Saturday, April 15, 1 – 3 p.m.

MAM is a global vision and movement that believes in the role of art in the campaign to dismantle oppressive racists systems. Local MAM members will host an event for the public to make a quilt square with your message to the community from a place of power, love, and support. Quilting materials will be provided free of charge. All ages welcome.

Location: Hennepin History Museum 

Cost: Pay As You Can 

For further information on all HHM events:  https://hennepinhistory.org/events/

Great River Coalition Shares Tips on How to Have a Positive Impact on Pollinators

Elevate Hennepin - A Discussion with Community and Economic Development Director Patricia Fitzgerald

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Were you aware that small businesses in Hennepin County can tap into a wealth of no-cost business support services? Elevate Hennepin, in its third year, has supported over 2300 businesses with consulting and other support services. We talked to Patricia Fitzgerald, Community and Economic Development Director for Hennepin County Housing and Economic Development, to learn more about this all-encompassing business support program. 2 Dope Chicks – a tasty gem of a downtown restaurant – told us what participating meant to their business. 

Patricia FitzgeraldQ:  What's the origin of Elevate Hennepin?

A:  The initiative started in 2020 as an emergency response to the pandemic but has grown to be an innovative model of long-term business support. 

During the pandemic, Hennepin County convened a diverse Business Advisory Council that represented the diversity of the business community to help maximize the impact of pandemic recovery funds. One of the biggest things we heard from them is that businesses needed technical support to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, but also to build for future success.

In response, Hennepin County contracted with a team of professional business advisors and consultants with a range of specialties to work with businesses to help them rebuild and position them for future success. These services were completely free to businesses. The impact and value were immediately evident, and Elevate Hennepin was born.To date, Hennepin County has invested more than $6 million in Elevate Hennepin, with additional investment of $2.5 million annually over the next two years. Over 90 percent of that funding goes directly to business advising costs. 

Elevate has quickly been embraced and will continue to improve and refine to meet the needs of the business community as we evolve.

Q:  Your website mentions that the program offers a business support ecosystem. Can you please talk to us about what that encompasses?

A:  Elevate Hennepin amplifies our region’s ecosystem of small business support. Hennepin County is fortunate to have a wide range of nonprofit, mission-driven organizations and community-based lenders serving entrepreneurs. Elevate Hennepin supports those organizations, and has added a diverse group of specialized consultants, and created a resource hub that facilitates access and networking. Our focus, and the focus of Elevate Hennepin’s advisor network, is on serving local businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs located in Hennepin County.

Through Elevate, businesses in Hennepin County can access free expert consulting and technical assistance from more than 20 professional business advisors who specialize in a full range of business services, including legal, accounting, financial planning, marketing, business planning and strategy, and much more. And, you can access up to 25 hours from each consultant. We are finding that many businesses are working with multiple advisors, and that advisors are connecting businesses to each other to address unique needs. For instance, one advisor might work on financial planning, then connect them to another advisor to work on marketing. So, there’s a new ecosystem of advisors and businesses and government agencies taking shape that is really exciting.

As one of our advisors, Henry Blake, said, “You can get just about every kind of service you need to establish and run a viable business.”

The other aspect is that elevatehennepin.org is a hub of curated events and resources from a variety of sources. In addition to events and resources from Elevate advisors and the county, there are also resources from numerous other trusted business-support sources like the Small Business Administration, the state of Minnesota, cities, and other partners. The idea was to create a central hub, curated for aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses to access a wide variety of business-support resources and assistance in one place.

Q:  How is the no-cost consulting structured? Does it cover multiple aspects of business ownership?  

A:  Consulting is one of the key aspects of the Elevate Hennepin initiative - more than 90 percent of the overall investment goes directly to one-on-one business consulting and cohort training programs. Hennepin County has intentionally selected more than 20 professional business advisors and organizations who represent the diversity of Hennepin County businesses and specialize in the full range of subjects and services a growing business might need.

We try to make it as simple of a process as possible for the businesses. A business owner can either connect to one of Hennepin County’s business navigators to discuss their needs or directly to an advisor through the Elevate website at ElevateHennepin.org.

Each business owner can access up to 25 hours of free consulting from each of more than 20 advisors. It covers a whole range of business needs, including:  

• Legal questions

• Marketing strategy

• Business planning and strategy

• Access to capital

• Accounting and finance

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So far, more than 1,400 businesses have tapped into Elevate Hennepin for more than 9,500 hours of this one-on-one technical assistance or back-office support. From there, the advisor just invoices the program and Hennepin County pays the advisor for their services. 

Q:  How many businesses have taken advantage of Elevate Hennepin?

A:  As of year-end 2022, more than 2,300 businesses have engaged with the online resource hub, accessed technical assistance, or participated in a cohort-learning program. Of those, 1,400 have utilized the one-on-one consulting and received more than 9,500 hours of advising. 

Businesses looking for guidance on where to start with Elevate Hennepin are encouraged to email Hennepin County Business Navigator Tashie George at economic.development@hennepin.us.

2 Dope Chicks cofounders Rhonda Caldwell-Heard (left) and Jamis Rodriguez

We also wanted to hear from a business that has benefited from Elevate Hennepin. 2 Dope Chicks is owned by Jamis Rodriguez and Rhonda Caldwell-Heard. The business is located at 300 S. 6th Street in the Hennepin County Government Center. We asked Rodriguez what it meant to participate in Elevate Hennepin. Here's what she had to say:

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"Hearing about the program was inspiring for me - it gave a boost in motivation when things were feeling stagnant due to financial roadblocks. Participation in the program has brought awareness to so many resources and other business beneficial programs. It has even earned 2 Dope Chicks a few new customers! Being a new business, partnering with Elevate made sense. It was an extremely useful step in setting our business up for better success - with support in all aspects, from business planning to marketing to bookkeeping - we are very grateful."

Q:  How may we stay up to date with the program's news and success stories? 

A:  So many ways to follow our news - sign up for our newsletter or follow our social media channels:

Newsletter signup link

Elevate Hennepin website

Elevate Hennepin Facebook

Elevate Hennepin Twitter

Hennepin County Economic Development website

Hennepin County Economic Development LinkedIn 

Summer at Peavey Plaza Corporate Sponsorship Opportunity 2023

Green Minneapolis is excited to announce their second year of presenting free performing arts events, Summer at Peavey Plaza! A five month series of over 100 diverse events, from live music to dance performances, including their new artist in residence, Kawai-endorsed touring pianist and vocalist Phil Thompson.

From May through September, Peavey Plaza will be the place to go Downtown for free music, dance and theater performances. Join them every Wednesday and Thursday lunch hour for performances by MNspin artists and every Saturday morning for Music in Motion with the Children’s Theatre Company, perfect for families with children. And don’t miss the Peavey Plaza Piano Bar brought to you by Phil Thompson every Tuesday afternoon, along with his Tribute Concerts every last Thursday of the month.

Call for Sponsors!

As a sponsor of this program your brand will be thanked prominently with the 10,000+ expected summer attendees for the 2023 season in addition to placements across print and social media campaigns. Promoting partners include mpls Downtown Council, Meet Minneapolis, City of Minneapolis and local tv, radio and print communications. 

Sponsorship Levels:

$1,000 Friend Sponsor

Includes:

● Company name listed on Green Minneapolis website and program

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$2,500 Partner Sponsor

Includes:

● Company name listed on Green Minneapolis website and program

● Recognition as partner at every event

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$5,000 Lead Sponsor

Includes:

● Company name listed on Green Minneapolis website and program

● Recognition as partner at every event

● Logo placement on event signage and press communications 

My Very Own Bed Announces the 3rd Annual Steps for Sleep Event, April 29

 Walk & Wellness Fundraising Event on April 29th

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For the third consecutive year, Minneapolis nonprofit My Very Own Bed will host its annual Steps for Sleep – a walk and wellness fundraising event highlighting the connection between physical activity and healthy sleep while raising awareness and funds for its work providing new beds and Dream Kits to kids.

Members of the public are invited to:

• Walk 1.5 miles around Boom Island on April 29th at 9:30 a.m., starting at DeLaSalle High School.

• Or walk anywhere, April 22–29.

• Explore the Wellness Fair whether walking in-person or anywhere. Learn about healthy sleep, fitness, healing, nutrition, and more!

• Donate to support 1600 kids in the community with new beds this year.

• Start their own fundraiser to support kids’ healthy sleep.

Since its founding in 2014, My Very Own Bed has had one goal: to provide new beds and Dream Kits (bedding, books, and stuffed animals) to children moving into stable housing.

While working in social services, founder Michael Allen saw beds as a great need as he helped families move out of shelters and into homes. What struck him most was seeing children sleeping on the floor because a bed was out of reach for many families.

With support from a broad base of sponsors, volunteers, donors, and referral partners (social service organizations that connect My Very Own Bed with families), My Very Own Bed has grown to impact more kids and their families each year. In 2022 alone, My Very Own Bed provided 1637 beds to kids in 684 families.

The impact of receiving a new bed is immediate for a child and their family. Improving where and how children sleep improves their overall health and well-being, performance in school, behavior at home, physical health, and much more.

Register or donate at https://runsignup.com/Race/MN/Minneapolis/StepsforSleep

Minneapolis Convention Center 2023 Q2 Event Calendar

It's wonderful to see Downtown continually coming back to life. One example is the growing list of events scheduled for the Minneapolis Convention Center. The facility hosts numerous meetings, conventions and trade shows, helping to support the hospitality industry in the Minneapolis community.

Highlights of the Q2 event calendar include several shows open to the public, including the Twin Cities Auto Show, GeekCraft Expo, the People of Color Career Fair, MagicCon Minneapolis, Oddities & Curiosities Expo, Minnesota Con and the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championships. Here's the current Q2 list:

APRIL

• Twin Cities Auto Show – March 31-April 8 – estimated attendance: 40,000
• Minnesota Craft Beer Festival – April 1 – estimated attendance: 6,000
• Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Expo – April 7 – estimated attendance: 6,500
• PEAK 2023, Midwest Poultry Federation – April 11-13 – estimated attendance: 2,500
• International Technology and Engineering Educators Association Conference – April 12-15 – estimated attendance: 1,200
• Kids Artistic Revue Regional Dance Competition – April 14-16 – estimated attendance: 1,500
• International Association of Operative Millers Annual Conference & Expo – April 17-21 – estimated attendance: 850
• Mantle Conference – April 19-22 – estimated attendance: 5,000
• Upper Midwest Electrical Expo – April 19-20 – estimated attendance: 4,000
• Region 4 Xcel Championships, Classic Gymnastics – April 21-23 – estimated attendance: 1,500
• GeekCraft Expo – April 22-23 – estimated attendance: 2,000
• Mobility Conference & International Bus Roadeo, American Public Transportation Association – April 23-26 – estimated attendance: 1,000
• Tax Executives Institute – MN Chapter Annual President’s Seminar – April 26-27 – estimated attendance: 550
• People of Color Career Fair – April 27 – estimated attendance: 500
• Starpower National Talent Competition – April 28-30 – estimated attendance: 3,000
• Twin Cities River Rumble, North Country Region Volleyball – April 29-30 – estimated attendance: 6,000

MAY

• Music Matters Luncheon, MacPhail Center for Music – May 4 – estimated attendance: 1,000
• Showbiz Regional Dance Competition – May 4-7 – estimated attendance: 2,700
• MagicCon Minneapolis – May 5-7 – estimated attendance: 8,500
• Humphrey-Mondale Dinner, Minnesota DFL– May 19 – estimated attendance: 1,800
• Metropolitan State University Commencement – May 6 – estimated attendance: 6,000
• North Hennepin Community College Commencement – May 11 – estimated attendance: 3,000
• Minneapolis Community & Technical College Commencement – May 12 – estimated attendance: 3,000
• Hennepin Technical College Commencement – May 17 – estimated attendance: 3,000
• Talent on Parade Dance Competition – May 19-21 – estimated attendance: 1,000
• Dunwoody College of Technology Commencement – May 20 – estimated attendance: 2,000
• Oddities & Curiosities Expo – May 20 – estimated attendance: 8,000
• Richfield High School Prom – May 20 – estimated attendance: 250
• University of St. Thomas School of Law Commencement – May 20 – estimated attendance: 1,500
• An Evening with Dr. Zahi Hawass – May 22 – estimated attendance: 2,000
• NAMICon 2023, National Alliance on Mental Illness – May 24-27 – estimated attendance: 2,000
• Bloomington Kennedy High School Graduation – May 30 – estimated attendance: 3,000
• Bloomington Jefferson High School Graduation – May 31 – estimated attendance: 3,000

JUNE

• Northern Lights Junior Volleyball Banquet – June 1 – estimated attendance: 1,500
• IASA Xchange and OnPOINT, Insurance Accounting and Systems Association – June 5-7 – estimated attendance: 2,000
• Minnesota Con, NerdinOut – June 2-4 – estimated attendance: 8,000
• Minnesota Music Teachers Association Honors Concert – June 3 – estimated attendance: 3,400
• Robbinsdale Area Schools Graduation – June 5 – estimated attendance: 6,000
• Community Connections Conference – June 10 – estimated attendance: 1,000
• Minnesota Connections Academy Graduation – June 10 – estimated attendance: 1,300
• Minnesota Virtual High School Graduation – June 10 – estimated attendance: 600
• Minneapolis Public Schools Graduation – June 10-12 – estimated attendance: 15,000
• Clinical Gait Analysis: A Focus on Interpretation, Gillette Children’s – June 12-14 – estimated attendance: 150
• USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championships (11-13) – June 14-17 – estimated attendance: 20,200
• His Holiness the Sakya Trichen, Minnesota Sakya Center – June 17-18 – estimated attendance: 1,000
• Kiwanis International Convention – June 21-24 – estimated attendance: 6,000
• Professional Learning Communities at Work Institute, Solution Tree – June 26-28 – estimated attendance: 2,500
• Best Buy Charity Classic – June 27 – estimated attendance: 2,000
• Bollywood Concert – June 30 – estimated attendance: 1,500

2023 MacPhail Spotlight Series Final Performance, April 22: The Space Where Words Fail

The Space Where Words Fail

The MacPhail Spotlight Series: Musical Explorations in Spectral Colors comes to a spell bounding, collaborative crescendo as Twin Cities photographer

Asha Belk creates a visual landscape to join the eclectic sounds of MacPhail’s EMRA (Electronic Music and Recording Arts) Faculty. With Belk’s highly narrative photographic style, she will curate a selection of relevant photographs from the Twin Cities and beyond, that speak to the essence of family, individuals, and her passion as a social worker.

MacPhail’s EMRA faculty, led by Grammy nominated pianist Michael Cain, and joined by Isaac Rohr, Kenichi ‘DJ Just Nine’ Thomas, and Barbara Cohen will feature a wide variety of musical pieces featuring voice, keys, and electronic music of all sorts.

Belk had this to say about bringing her work to the stage at MacPhail, “This a selection of work I’ve done over the past ten years and I’m excited to see it coexist with the power of music! This curation of photos is about celebrating and authentically capturing Black Culture and showcasing those beautiful spaces that we create. I want the audience to leave with a greater sense of humanity and to bring them into someone else’s world. The title of this performance is ‘The Space Where Words Fail’ because I want the art to speak for itself."

The Space Where Words Fail will take place on Saturday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. in MacPhail’s Antonello Hall. Tickets are available for purchase here.

Dushani Dye, 2022 CFO of the Year in the Government Category

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

A Discussion with Chief Financial Officer, City of Minneapolis, Dushani Dye

CFO Dushani Dye was recently awarded CFO of the Year in the Government Category by the Minneapolis-St Paul Business Journal. We talked to her about being recognized for her work and how it differs from the CFO role in private enterprises. Dye is also a committed community volunteer – learn about her approach to work and giving back below.  

Dushani DyeQ:  Congratulations on being named CFO of the Year in the Government category by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal. What did winning this award mean to you?

A:  It is a great honor to be recognized, especially as a CFO for the government sector. The last two years have definitely been a challenge for many CFOs, and City of Minneapolis was no exception. The entire finance team, including other leaders throughout the City, rose up to the challenges and was resilient through revenue losses and civil unrest the City experienced. I was recognized for the efforts made by the Finance Department, but there were many others who contributed to my successes. Our work is not complete, but this recognition means that we are on the right track.

Q:  You’ve worked in municipal finance for almost 30 years. Why does it appeal to you? 

A:  Early in my career, I have had the opportunity to work in multiple areas of local government including social services, property management, public works and the attorney’s office. I was able to see the direct correlation between finances and service delivery. Being able to have input into projects and programs and making budget decisions that affect the public we serve was extremely rewarding. As a county budget director, I had the opportunity to find solutions to budget challenges, and seeing the impact the decisions had in the community, was fulfilling for me. As the CFO, I enjoy working towards priorities of the City that affect all residents and visitors rather than making a profit for a company. Some say public service is a calling. That’s definitely true for me.  

Q:  You oversee departments that manage the City’s money – a daunting job that covers so many areas.  One of the tenets of your department, listed on the website, states that your department engages enterprise partners in decision-making to uphold the City’s lasting vibrancy and strength. Can you talk about this idea a little bit – which enterprise partners and how can your department contribute to Minneapolis’ vibrancy and strength? 

A:  It is extremely important to ensure the City can endure unexpected financial challenges. The pandemic is a good example of that, and the City was able to close the last two years with surpluses. This couldn’t have been accomplished by Finance Department alone. As the CFO, I can make recommendations or caution against making certain decisions, but ultimately all leaders of the organization, including elected officials, have to work together to make the best financial decisions for the City. It is also important for me to have the bond ratings agencies acknowledge the financial strength of the City. This evaluation affects the cost of borrowing for the City to complete capital projects and gives the investors’ confidence that the City is financially well managed.

Dye working with Michael Goenner, an Accounting Technician at City of Minneapolis

Q:  In my opinion, your job is so much more difficult than a CFO of a private corporation. How do you stay centered and focused on the tasks to be accomplished each day? 

A:  I start each day with a plan for the day. Most days, the plan is just a plan and I stay flexible to attend to situations as they arise. I have a great team that I get to work with every day, and everyone on it is willing to step in as needed. The decisions made by a City CFO is different than of a private company CFO. Financial decisions made by the City may impact every resident and visitor to the City, and that is a responsibility many private company CFOs don’t have.  

Q:  You’re on the board of Guild Services. Why is it important to you to support their mission? 

A:  Guild Services offers community-based mental health services and also helps individuals find safe housing and employment. Guild fulfills the unmet needs of the community and does amazing work. I see the intersection of my work with the community as the CFO for the City and the role Guild plays in social services. I find it rewarding to be able to offer my expertise as a financial professional and assist the organization to be successful. With mental health issues having been escalated since the pandemic, Guild Services’ dedicated staff has stepped up to find solutions. I am committed to playing a supporting role in the organization as I believe in supporting those struggling with mental health.  

Q:  How may we follow your department’s news?

A:  Finance Department news and all City news can be found at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/news/.

Be The Change MN to Present the Follow Your Dreams College & Career Fair at Orchestra Hall, April 26

Wednesday, April 26, 9AM - 3PM at Orchestra Hall 

Be The Change MN presents the Follow Your Dreams College & Career Fair (FYD), a day-long event with a mission of providing education and employment equity to 10th, 11th and 12th grade students in the Minneapolis Public School District. 

FYD offers a wide range of opportunities including exhibitor booths, aspirational speakers, job opportunities & internships, breakout sessions, career path guidance, financial aid assistance and great giveaways throughout the day. All students will be provided bus transportation and lunch at the event. 

Some of the highlights of FYD are: keynote speaker, Donyea Cooley-White (Senior VP at Mojang Studios Minecraft, previously Xbox Live), Dream Boarding with Jasmine Brett-Stringer (WCCO), Dress to Impress with Keith Dorsett (Heimie’s Haberdashery), Social Media Best Practices with Joelle Allen (Interaction Traction) and Simplify the Resume with Ellen Walthour (Cufflink).

Be The Change MN founder John Baker is excited to bring to life his vision of offering underserved, immigrant and first generation college students a welcoming, engaging and one-stop shop for post-secondary options. “When we talk about ‘being the change’ in our communities, it’s about community philanthropy; leveraging volunteers, young people, professionals and family donors, businesses and corporations to all connect to support real people who truly need it.”

The event offers a myriad of ways for Twin Cities corporations, educational institutions, local businesses & non-profit organizations to participate:

- Join as a booth sponsor and interact with enthusiastic students at the start of their career path

- Fund cool and fun essential event elements like the Dream Boarding creation station, Lunch & Learn Sessions, the Social Media Photo Booth or hourly giveaways (AirPods, Swag Bags, etc)

- Recruit students for summer jobs and internships

- Contribute to the Friends of Be The Change MN Scholarship Fund

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Launches "Our Parks, Our Stories" Initiative to Commemorate 140th year

New storytelling initiative will build community archive full of park stories over the next year

April 4th marked the 140th anniversary of the Minneapolis Park Board. To commemorate, they launched a new storytelling initiative and year-long project called 140 Years: Our Parks, Our Stories.

They are collecting personal stories of Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) staff, park users, and community members from across Minneapolis parks to build a community archive. Everyone is encouraged to share their story of a memory, person, place, event, or experience to help us shape the next chapter and legacy of the MPRB.

Share Your Story

• Submit your story using an online form
  • English
  • Español
  • Soomaali
  • Hmoob 
• Email a story and related photographs to ourstories@minneapolisparks.org. You can also email that account to ask for additional translation services. 
• Participate in upcoming storytelling programs this summer. More information coming soon on those events.

Submitted stories will be archived and may be featured on MPRB social media with your consent.

Featured Stories

The MPRB will periodically publish stories from its own staff and archives in addition to stories collected from community. The first two stories feature Reggie Jarrett, a MPRB parkkeeper for the last 30 years who has special connection to Farview Park; and Alice Dietz, an early recreation professional who oversaw a vast expansion in recreation opportunities in Minneapolis parks during her 40-year career spanning 1916-1957.

Expand Your Outlook: Queer Ecology Hanky Project at Quarter Gallery, Regis Center for Art thru April 22

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Queer Ecology Hanky Project (QEHP) is an ongoing traveling exhibition with over one hundred and twenty artists from across North America organized by V Adams and Mary Tremonte. The exhibit showcases a diverse array of artist responses to Queer Ecology—an emerging area of inquiry that unites the study of biology, environment, and sexuality with a framework of queer theory—and celebrates a wide spectrum of print mediums and methods.

I remember being in college at Virginia Tech in the 1970s and the original queer hanky code came into being – it was a means for gay men to subtly communicate sexual desires to include different bodies, identities, and activities.  The bandana was worn in a back pocket for the purposes of sexual signaling. The color of the bandana was associated with a specific sexual practice or fetish, and the wearer’s sexual role was indicated by which back pocket the bandana resided in (tops wore bandanas in their left pocket; bottoms wore bandanas in their right pocket). Any other people out there remember the hanky code which lasted into the 1980s?

But enough about my ancient history and back to the exhibit! It won’t be in town long – only until April 22. I spoke to Professor Corinne Teed of the U’s College of Liberal Arts, one of the artists whose work is displayed in the exhibition.

Q:  What inspired you to create a submission for the exhibit? Had you studied salamanders before?

A:  The hanky that I made is about spotted salamanders and their gay night life in vernal pools. Male salamanders gather together in summer puddles and masturbate each other, filling the pools with their sperm. Wildlife biologists have historically classified this activity as a necessary labor in a heterosexual reproductive system. In 2014, I made an experimental documentary called "Mounting Evidence" about the prevalence of queer sexuality and transgender individuals within non-human animals. During a Visiting Artist talk I gave at Bowdoin College, I shared clips of the video piece and a biologist spoke in the Q&A saying she had studied this behavior for decades and it had never occurred to her that the salamanders might be experiencing homoerotic pleasure. My hankie celebrates the queer pleasure of salamander bodies during their amphibious encounters of group sex.

The majority of my work is on concepts of queer ecology. I use a queer reframing of how we understand other species and nature-cultures to contradict the hetero-patriarchal and settler colonial concepts that underpinned the development of western colonial science.

Professor Teed is just one of the 120 artists who contributed to the show. Plan your visit to this special, fun and free of charge exhibit!

Location - Quarter Gallery, Regis Center for Art, 405 21st Avenue S

Days/Times -

Tuesday and Friday, 11 am to 5 pm

Wednesday and Thursday, 11 am to 7 pm

Saturday, 11 am to 3 pm

200 Films to be Presented at 42nd Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

The festival kicks off April 13 and runs until April 27 at The Main Cinema, 115 SE Main Street, with additional screenings at the Capri in North Minneapolis and the Landmark Center in St. Paul. The full schedule and movie descriptions are worth perusing. Parties, panels and other events fully round out the festival. Everyone who attends an opening night movie is invited to the MSPIFF42: Opening Night Party at Machine Shop, 300 2nd Street SE – great food, music and movie visionaries!

Festival organizers expect pre-pandemic audiences of about 40,000 people to attend. Attendees come from all over the world for the film festival, so let’s be sure to show local support for this major event. We asked MSPIFF staff for suggestions.

Jesse Bishop, Program Director, offers these three for your consideration:

A Compassionate Spy is the latest film from renowned documentarian Steve James, maker of Hoop Dreams, and brings to life an unlikely true story about the youngest physicist to work on the Manhattan Project who turned over secrets to the Russians. It's an incredible morality tale and love story wrapped into one.

Other People’s Children by Rebecca Zlotowski from France is one of two films in the festival that stars the amazing Belgian actress Virginie Efira (the other is REVOIR PARIS). It's a beautiful and engaging study of a woman's bond with her lover's child, and the longing to have a family of her own.

Mamacruz is a fun and irreverent Spanish dramedy about a devoted churchgoing grandmother who stumbles across an explicit website and finds herself exploring long buried desires. It's a fantastic story about retaking control of one's life, important at any age!

Kelly Nathe, Programmer & Publicity Manager, has one outstanding recommendation:

King Coal is a beautiful exploration of the many ways coal industry has been woven into the fabric of life in Appalachia, both positively and negatively. 

And here are my personal two top picks:

The Hamlet Syndrome. The Guthrie Theater is staging Hamlet in April, their 60th anniversary of the first production. I can’t resist seeing a movie also about Hamlet, just across the Mississippi River at the festival.  Plus, the heartbreak of the Ukrainian invasion needs to stay fresh in our minds. Movie Description: The Hamlet Syndrome is a powerful portrait of a vibrant young Ukrainian generation, the first one born after the collapse of the Soviet Union, shaped by the Maidan Revolution of 2013, empowered by political change and scarred by war. A few months prior to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, five young women and men participate in a unique stage production that attempts to relate their war experiences to Shakespeare’s Hamlet. For each of them, the stage is a platform to express their grief and trauma through the famous question, “to be or not to be,” a dilemma that applies to their own lives.

Gold Run. I’m a fan of historical movies, especially about World War II. If you enjoyed Atlantic Crossing on PBS or Narvik on Netflix, I think you’ll want to see this movie about the Nazi invasion of Norway. Movie Description: On April 9th, 1940 the Nazis invaded Norway. Based on true events, Gold Run tells the story of how a brigade of ragtag Norwegians, including a bank secretary, a famous poet and a female veteran of the Spanish Civil War, smuggled 40 tons of gold bullion out of the national bank vault in Oslo to safety with the Allies.

Get your tickets:

MSPIFF42 All-Access Festival Passes are $400 for Members/$500 for the General Public; individual tickets are $10 for Members/$15 for the General Public; and Six Packs are $50 for Members/$75 for General Public. Please visit mspfilm.org for more information.

We Shall Someday - World Premiere at Theater Latte Da

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

A Discussion with Harrison David Rivers, Book and Lyrics Writer

Harrison David RiversThe world premiere of We Shall Someday is in rehearsals now at Theater Latte Da. We spoke to Harrison David Rivers about his creative process, finding an inspired home in the Twin Cities and taking individual actions against injustice.

Performances run April 19 through May 14 at the Ritz Theater. Tickets are on sale now at Latteda.org or by calling 612-339-3003. 

Q: Your artistic statement includes this passage:

I write
[in my own words]
In hopes of ushering in a kinder,
gentler,
more equitable,
more accepting,
more courageous,
more compassionate,
more loving,
world. 

Your latest play, We Shall Someday, covers three generations of inequality, violence and oppression. Do you give us advice or guidance in the play about how to usher in a more equitable and loving world? Or how we might commit to creating real change?

A:  One of my favorite things about We Shall Someday is how each of the characters - Julius in 1961, Ruby in 1988 and Ben in 1992 - has a moment of realization about the significance of their role in the betterment of the world. Julius realizes that the most revolutionary thing he can do to “usher in a more equitable and loving world” is to be the best father to his daughters that he can be. Ruby realizes that she must be honest with her son about the realities of being Black and male. And Jay realizes that fear, both of physical harm and of distressing his mother, shouldn’t keep him from doing what he believes to be right - protesting injustice.

We Shall Someday cast members Roland Hawkins II, Ronnie Allen, and Erin Nicole Farsté. Photo by Lucas Wells.

The musical posits that real change starts on an individual level - it starts as a personal choice - and that the actions undertaken once one has made that choice, no matter the size or scale, are meaningful, significant, vital.

Q:  Your resume is impressive – we could spend an entire interview focusing on any one of the many aspects of your career, which includes teaching, publishing, honors, awards, residencies, fellowships, playwriting and more. You could live anywhere. Why are the Twin Cities home to you?  

A:  First, thank you. So often it feels like you’re running in place, that you’re working super hard, but nothing’s really happening. It’s nice to be reminded that that’s not true; nice to be reminded to be kinder to myself.

I moved to the Twin Cities in 2014 for a fellowship at the Playwrights’ Center and fell in love with the community here. I found artistic homes at Theater Latté Da, Penumbra and History Theatre, and incredible collaborators.

I’d been living in New York City for nine years and had gotten used to the frenzy – I’d sort of internalized it. I thought I needed the hustle and bustle and the pressure and the constant noise and motion, but it turned out that I was wrong. I realized very quickly upon arriving in the Twin Cities that I could have a robust creative life and do it on my terms — a little slower, a little quieter and less expensively.

Q:  We Shall Someday pays homage to the civil rights anthem, We Shall Overcome. Although I haven’t seen your play yet, I feel that the title reflects the sentiments expressed by Cheryl Bistani who wrote this for MLK Day 2023:  

There is a dance step called the tripudium. It is three steps forward and one step back. It matches the words, the rhythm, and the meaning of the song we sang as we touched the spot of spilled blood and marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, on the anniversary of Bloody Sunday. 

“We shall overcome, we shall overcome.
We shall overcome someday.
Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe,
We shall overcome someday.” 

Will we see your characters experiencing progress through a tripudium of three steps forward and one step back? 

A:  I’m not sure that We Shall Someday adheres to that exact math, but I do think that inherent in the idea of progress is failure — are setbacks and opposition — and, on the flip-side, reassessment and reactivation and perseverance.

I believe that all of these elements are present in the musical.

Q:  Music is very important to your creative process – you’ve said in earlier interviews that many lyrics and tunes of popular music are in our DNA. Did you structure We Shall Someday as a multimedia production, including music, as shortcuts to the audience to trigger a certain time and place?   

A:  Ted Shen (composer) was actually the first artist on the project. He had already created what was then called “Just One ‘Q’” with another writer. I was brought in later to write a follow up to Part 1, and then later to re-write the existing Part 1 and to add Part 3.

The piece was conceived as a musical so it has “sung” since the beginning. Any multi-media component at Theater Latte Da is owed to our brilliant director and design team.

Q:  Will you give talks or lectures in conjunction with We Shall Someday? Are there other ancillary events planned to accompany the play? 

A:  I imagine so! Honestly, we’re early days with the production so a lot of scheduling things are still being worked out. I’ll have to get back to you!

Q:  Please do keep us posted on events. How may we follow your news? 

A:  I’m on Instagram and my website is harrisondavidrivers.com – of course, now I’ll need to update it.

Apply for a City Boards and Commissions Opening - Advise City Leaders on Topics Important to You

The City of Minneapolis boards and commissions have openings for appointments this spring. The City seeks applicants with a diverse backgrounds and experiences representing the demographics of Minneapolis to strengthen the work of the City. City boards and commissions offer a direct way for residents to advise City leadership about topics important to them. Translation and interpreting is available so all residents can participate.

Applications will be accepted through April 30.

The following City boards and commissions seek applicants:

• Bicycle Advisory Committee
• Charter Commission
• Minneapolis Workforce Development Board
• Pedestrian Advisory Committee
• Southside Green Zone Council

The City has more than 50 volunteer-based boards, commissions and advisory committees that help shape key policy decisions, represent their community in the City’s administration of services and supply valuable insights. Appointments to boards and commissions are made twice a year, in the spring and fall.

Potential applicants can find more info on the website, call 612-673-2216 or email OpenAppointments@minneapolismn.gov.

MCAD Announces Artist List for 10th Annual Art Auction

Annual Art Auction Benefits Students Scholarships

As one of the creative pillars in the Twin Cities, Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) hosts an annual art auction to raise funds for students in need of financial support. Every year the event showcases established artists from across the country, who donate their artwork, and gives attendees the chance to add paintings, photographs, sculptures, or ceramics to their own personal art collection. Because of the generosity of past Auction attendees, hundreds of students have received scholarships, ensuring that young creatives, artists, and designers have access to a college education. With more than 97% of MCAD scholars receiving some form of aid, this event is critical to ensuring that students from all backgrounds are financially supported as they pursue their degrees.

Event Details:

Date: Friday, May 19, 2023
Location: MCAD Main Gallery, 2501 Stevens Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Time: (VIP Preview Reception 6:00pm) 7:00–9:30pm
Tickets start at $150
All proceeds go to the MCAD Scholarship Fund.

Starting prices for artwork range from $480 to $9,600.

More infor, artist list and tickets: mcad.edu/artauction.

Sample pieces:

Clarence Holbrook Carter: Mining,1952, Painting, 19” x 17”

Jenny Monick: Peregrine, 2020, Oil on linen, 14” x 11"

CL Martin: El, 2022, Charcoal, pencil, acrylic on paper, 21” x 27”

"In the Company of Grace: A Veterinarian's Memoir of Trauma and Healing" Book Launch, April 13 at Open Book

Launch of Jody Lulich's debut memoir, In the Company of Grace: A Veterinarian's Memoir of Trauma and Healing, Thursday, April 13, 7:00p, Open Book Performance Hall

In the Company of Grace is Jody Lulich’s moving memoir about finding courage in compassion and strength in healing—and power in finally confronting the darkness of his youth to become a world-renowned veterinarian. He explains his path to veterinary medicine and how caring for helpless, voiceless animals amidst his own shame and pain provided a lifeline, and a chance to heal himself as well.

Dr. Lulich will give a short presentation along with a reading from the book with fellow reader Rose Klass, followed by a moderated conversation with Dr. Lindsay Merkel.

Book signing will follow, and books will be available for purchase at the event through Magers & Quinn.

Minneapolis Invites Travelers to “See What All the Fuss Is About”

Meet Minneapolis launches a new tourism campaign to boldly (re)introduce the city and entice visitors by challenging existing perceptions

Perhaps you’ve heard or read somewhere that Minneapolis is “a ghost town” or that “it’s overrun.” Either way, there has been a lot of fussing about Minneapolis. Starting today, Meet Minneapolis invites travelers to “See What All the Fuss Is About” through its new tourism campaign.

Meet Minneapolis, in partnership with the Minneapolis-based agency Periscope, is setting out to address those misperceptions head-on with a tourism campaign to reclaim the city’s narrative through “See What All the Fuss Is About.” Minneapolis natives embrace the diverse variety of world-class experiences people can have in the state’s largest city. However, negative perceptions have overshadowed the abundance of positive experiences visitors can enjoy.

The result is a campaign designed to boldly and confidently tell the city’s story to people who used to travel to Minneapolis often – as well as those who are new to the destination – by highlighting the remarkable things that the city has to offer.

“People are talking about Minneapolis. Some of them have it wrong, but they are talking,” said Melvin Tennant, president and CEO of Meet Minneapolis. “This campaign will invite those people to re-experience Minneapolis by authentically telling the city’s story as a place that has evolved over the past several years and continues to be a buzzing hub of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. We’re excited to welcome new and returning visitors to come see what all the fuss is about in Minneapolis.”

The “See What All the Fuss Is About” tagline will be accompanied by print, broadcast and digital advertising, billboards along highways, a dedicated web presence, and a social media influencer program. The campaign will utilize a blend of highly visual and engaging tactics to reach various audiences and turn the dial on their perceptions of Minneapolis. This year’s media spend will be approximately $500,000.

“Minneapolis is a world-class destination at the forefront of creating change. People from all over the world have put down roots in Minneapolis, contributing to an active, dynamic, and diverse culture that has something for everyone,” said Courtney S. Ries, SVP of Destination Branding and Strategy at Meet Minneapolis.

“This campaign will highlight the city’s award-winning food and beverage scene, premier arts programming, world-class museums, elite performance venues, unique independent businesses, glorious park system, numerous options for sports fans and exciting public art,” said Ries. “We invite both new and returning visitors to celebrate and savor these offerings by exploring Minneapolis events, businesses, and attractions throughout the year.”

Learning from Place: Cedar-Riverside Immersive Experience, April 29 1-5p

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

The Minnesota Humanities Center has partnered with the Brian Coyle Center, Augsburg University and the West Bank Business Association to produce their latest Learning from Place Program. We spoke to Eden Bart, Program Officer and Amano Dube, Director, Brian Coyle Community Center/Pillsbury United Communities, to learn more about the innovative program and how to register. Don’t delay – there are only 40 spots available to tour the "Ellis Island of the Midwest."

Eden BartQ:  The Minnesota Humanities Center describes Learning from Place as an immersive experience that brings people to sites of great significance. 

A:  That’s right - our Learning from Place experiences bring participants into community and sacred spaces to hear the unfiltered stories that are often overlooked or unknown by the general public. These co-created experiences can be transformative in helping to close relationship gaps.

Q:  Why was Cedar-Riverside/West Bank selected for the program? 

A:  Cedar-Riverside/West Bank was selected for this program because of its incredible cultural diversity and history of settlement, activism, and the arts. We are excited to be partnering with Pillsbury United Communities/Brian Coyle Center, Augsburg University, and the West Bank Business Association.

Abdirizak BihiQ:  How will the 4-hour program be structured?   

A:  Participants will meet at Brian Coyle Center for introductions and a historical overview of the neighborhood. We will then go on a 50-minute walking tour led by Abdirizak Bihi (known as Bihi), host of KFAI’s Somali Link Radio. We will return to Brian Coyle Center for a sampling of food from local restaurants and story sharing from several community members who will share their personal stories and connection to the neighborhood.

Q:  What will be highlighted during the program?   

A:  Stories from diverse cultures; insight into the economic, arts, and cultural vibrancy of the area; and the deep history of being a place that welcomes newly arrived immigrants and refugees.

The Cedar Cultural Center, a West Bank mainstay for decades.

Samiya Clothing Store, Riverside Plaza

Q:  Who will benefit from attending the program?   

A:  This is open to anyone who would like to build their cultural understanding of the neighborhood. All are welcome.   

Q:  Will it be accessible for those with mobility concerns? 

A:  There will be about 50 minutes of walking. Email registrations@mnhum.org with questions.

Q:  How do we register for the program? 

A: Visit https://www.mnhum.org/event/lfp-cedar-riverside/. 

We have other Learning from Place experiences that include: Bdote, Hmong St. Paul, St. Paul’s Little Africa, LGBTQ+ History in Downtown Minneapolis, and North Minneapolis. For more information about Learning from Place experiences, visit https://www.mnhum.org/events/category/immersive-experiences/learning-from-place/ .

One of the leaders of the program is Amano Dube – we had a few questions for him as well: 

Amano DubeQ:  We spoke to you last fall about the annual Cedar Riverside Multicultural Dinner. You’ve now partnered with Augsburg University, the West Bank Business Association, and the Minnesota Humanities Center on a Learning from Place program. What do you want attendees to learn and remember from the program?  

A:  We want attendees to learn about the rich history of the West Bank, including its vibrancy as a business corridor with lots of restaurants, cafés, music, theater and arts, but also its diversity and immigration history as a welcoming landing place for generations of immigrants. We also want attendees to hear firsthand information from each speaker about their real-life experiences in this neighborhood/country including what it means to be an immigrant who came very young or was born and grew up here, raised families, own a business and/or spent most of their adulthood lives in this community.  

Q:  At one time you were the Executive Director of the Oromo Community of Minnesota. Please tell our readers more about the Oromo people. 

A:  The Oromo are a Cushitic ethnic group native to the Oromia region of Ethiopia and parts of Northern Kenya, who speak the Oromo language, which is part of the Cushitic branch of the Afroasiatic language family. They are the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia constituting more than 40 million of about 110 million Ethiopian population.  

Outside of their home country, Oromos live in many parts of the world, including in the United Sates, Canada, Europe, Australia, Middle East, other African countries and some in Asia. In the U.S., Oromos live in most of the states although the number varies. But the largest concentration outside of their home country is here in Minnesota, roughly estimated at more than 60 thousand.  

The arrival of Oromos in United States and Minnesota might date as far back as 50 plus years, primarily as students and their families. The largest influx as refugees occurred over the last 20-30 years. Today, in Minnesota and elsewhere, Oromos have established number of institutions including the Oromo Communities, many Churches, Mosques, varieties of small to mid-size businesses and more becoming part of the American dreams.  

Q:  How may we stay up to date with Cedar Riverside/West Bank news? 

To stay up to date with the West Bank neighborhood, please access the West Bank Business Association (WBBA) website, and follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Doors Open Minneapolis Returns May 13-14, Volunteers Needed

Doors Open Minneapolis provides a unique chance to explore the buildings that tell a city’s story. From theaters to business hubs, sacred spaces to private clubs, sports complexes to engineering wonders, historical gems to not-even-open-yet buildings, Doors Open Minneapolis offers participants a FREE behind-the-scenes look at over 100 exciting venues. Building owners and caretakers will provide unique perspectives that illustrate why these venues, people, and businesses, are central to Minneapolis’ identity.

Venues will include The Dayton’s Project, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, Peavey Plaza, Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam, Xcel Energy Nicollet Island Power Plant, and so many more special places.

Doors Open Minneapolis invites the public to explore venues that show off the historical, architectural, and cultural elements that make up our amazing city. Sign up to volunteer and receive a VIP pass to skip the lines and get a behind-the-scenes look at buildings you’ve been dying to explore! You can view and register for volunteer opportunities at this link. 

• Volunteer shifts are four hours long (9:30 – 1:30 & 1:30 – 5:30). You are allowed to sign up for more than one shift, and you’re encouraged to sign up with a friend!
• You will receive a free Doors Open t-shirt and a “first priority” sticker that allows you to skip lines to visit other venues during the event!
• You will be required to attend a 90-minute training to prep you for volunteering at Doors Open Minneapolis. There will be five different opportunities to attend this training.

You can sign up now at this Hands-On Twin Cities link. Once you’ve signed up for a volunteer slot, please register for one volunteer training at this Rethos link.

For a list and description of some available venues to volunteer at, check out the Venues 2023 webpage on the Doors Open Minneapolis website. Rethos is still rounding up venues, so more will join this list soon! Some venues have limited accessibility, so be sure to check the volunteer description on the HandsOn Twin Cities website for the venue you’re interested in.

If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Fischer at kelly@rethos.org.

Theatre in the Round Players Presents Sam Shepard’s Masterwork, True West, April 21 - May 14

Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) continues its 71st season with Sam Shepard’s masterwork, True West, running weekends April 21 to May 14 with a Monday Pay-What-You-Can performance on May 1.

Skirting the line between violently tragic and darkly funny, this classic American play tells the story of brothers clashing over a chance to leave a legacy with a Hollywood movie. Austin, the sensitive screenwriter, is working on a script he has sold to producer Sal Kimmer when his brother, Lee drops in. He pitches his own idea for a movie to Kimmer, who then wants Austin to junk his bleak, modern love story and write Lee’s trashy Western tale. Duck Washington directs the four-member cast with sets designed by Michael Haas, costumes by Colleen O’Dell, lighting by Shannon Elliott, props by Terri Ristow, and sound by Anita Kelling.

True West runs April 21 to May 14. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm.

Tickets are $25. For information, call the theatre’s box office at 612-333-3010 or visit the website.