Memorial Day – Resources

MEMORIAL DAY REMINDER:

Today in history – Tulsa Day Massacre – from the Library of Congress

Things to Remember about Memorial Day – from Mental Floss

LOCAL RESOURCES:

Open Book – 1011 South Washington, Minneapolis or on Facebook

Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival – August 12-14, 2021. Press Release

VIRTUAL  RESOURCES

PBS – American Masters

Films that are streaming right now.

Minnesota Digital Library  

Photographs, maps, documents and more contributed to MDL by cultural heritage organizations across the state.

DPLA – Digital Public Library of America 

Online collection of four 40 million free digital materials from libraries, archives and museums.  Digital exhibitions and primary sources cover “everything from the 1918 influenza pandemic to the golden age of comic books….

Poetry Archive –

Not-for-profit organization that produces, acquires and preserves recordings of poets reading their own work.  Excerpts from recording sessions freely available online through the website and through the related Children’s Poetry Archive

EBooks Minnesota  

Award-winning and/or nominated books or about Minnesota authors.  Fiction and non-fiction for children, teens and adults.  No cost to Minnesotans  

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Ideas, Events, Resources and Other Spring Things!

 World Book Day – April 23

CALENDAR

In truth,World Book Day, sponsored by UNESCO, is a movable feast, celebrated at various times by individual nations.  The official April 23 date goes back to 1923 when established book Spanish booksellers. The date honors the birth of Shakespeare and the death of both Shakespeare and Cervantes, both of whom died on the same date, April 23, 1616.  The day is also known as UNESCO World Book and Copyright Day.

On the virtual heels of and in the spirit of World Book we celebrate World Intellectual Property Day on April 26– a day more honored in the breach in these conflicted times.  The event was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization to “raise awareness of how patents, copyright, trademarks and designs impart on daily life” and “to celebrate creativity, and the contribution made by creators and innovators to the development of societies across the globe.” (World Intellectual Property Organization statement)

 April is also National Poetry Month(https://www.poets.org/national-poetry-month/national-poetry-month-faq)   It’s not too late.  Consider the excellent guide to Poetry Resources produced by the Library of Congress. The guide includes the Archive of Hispanic Literature on Tape, the Archive of Recorded Poetry & Literature, begun in 1932 under the aegis of Allen Tate, LC Consultant in Poetry, the Center for the Book sponsored Webcasts, Conversations with African Poets and Writers, Library of Congress Poetry and Literature Webcasts, the Library of Congress Poetry Webcasts, a comprehensive listing of LC’s recent poetry webcasts, the National Book Festival, and well as webcasts and recordings of countless individual poets, e.g. thee webcast of Lucille Clifton, Robert Frost, Gwendolyn Brooks, Robert Pinsky, James Dickey, Stephen Spender, Charles Simic, Kurt Vonnegut  and scores of others .   Descriptions and links to these and more poetry resources of LC.  A good link to explore the treasures is this: https://www.loc.gov/poetry/— or try this search strategy: https://www.loc.gov/collections/archive-of-recorded-poetry-and-literature/about-this-collection/  For last minute National Poetry Month resources check here: https://www.poets.org/national-poetry-month/home

New from LC: https://blogs.loc.gov/loc/2018/04/new-poetry-podcast-series-launches/?loclr=ealocb

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EVENTS – A smattering of the possibilities

Talk of the Stacks. Sponsored by Friends of Hennepin County Library.

• April 24– Alex Wagner. In her nonfiction narrative debut, Futureface: A Family Mystery, an Epic Quest, and the Secret to Belonging, Alex Wagner, anchor and correspondent for CBS News and a contributing editor at The Atlantic, takes a journey into her own ancestry and discovers the ways race and immigration constantly redefine the American experience.
• May 16 —Tracy K. Smith– U.S. Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize Winner Tracy K. Smith deftly dissects the nature of citizenship in a time when the American past and present continuously collide, as she discusses her latest collection of poems, Wade in the Water (Graywolf Press, April 2018).

April 28-10:00 AM – Minnesota Muslims Up Close. Tamim Saidiwill lead a discussion of the diversity and unity of the Muslim experience in Minnesota.  Sponsored by Minnesota Independent Scholars’ Forum.  Washburn Library.  Free and open.  5244 Lyndale Ave South, Mpls.

May 18-20   Art-a-Whirl  https://nemaa.org/art-a whirlhttps://nemaa.org/about/

Sunday, May 20, Peace and Justice Forum:  Larry Johnson and Allan Bostelemann discuss the topic “Reformation or Revolution: What should be the role of the Church on Military Killing?” 12:15 Central Lutheran Church, 3^rdAvenue and 12^thStreet.  Lunch available 11:45 – free will offering.

Through July 29 – “Allen Rupperesberg: Walker – Intellectual property 1968-2018:  https://walkerart.org/calendar/2018/allen-ruppersberg-intellectual-property-19682

REPORTS & RESOURCES

Online resources from the Library of Congres

• 2018 marks the 100^thanniversary of the birth of Leonard Bernstein. The Library of Congress is celebrating by making available online musical manuscripts and scrapbooks from the digital collection – 23700 items, including photos, writings, correspondence, scripts, musical sketches, scrapbooks and audio recordings.   At this writing the Bernstein Collection at LC consists of an estimated 400,000 items, including manuscripts, correspondence, audio and video recordings, photos and more.  The Library will celebrate the Bernstein centennial with a Spring mini-fest May 12-19. (loc.gov/concerts/bernstein100.html) More information at https://www.loc.gov/item/prn-18-038/library-launches-leonard-bernstein-centennial-celebration-with-thousands-of-bernstein-items-online/2018-04-10/
• Immerse yourself in a virtual tour of the Library. In this video, Janice McKelvey discusses the history of LC,including the era when it was located within the U.S. Capitol from 1800-1987 https://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=8268&loclr=eanw.
• If your interest is in expanding resources in music, learn about NLS Music Notes, a blog for and about those who want, need or provide the special format music of braille, audio, and large print; the showcase includes classical and popular music, new titles, interviews of and articles about blind and low vision musicians, music braille transcripters and features about current music events. https://blogs.loc.gov/nls-music-notes/
• One fascinating post is Harriet Tubman: Teaming Up to Acquire a Rare Photograph https://blogs.loc.gov/loc/2018/03/harriet-tubman-teaming-up-to-acquire-a-rare-photograph/
• Learn more about the work of library conservatorswith this video: “Conservation of the Emily Howland album”https://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=8267

 “Secret Service and White House win Rosemary Award for Worst in Open Government in 2017 https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/news-rosemary-award/foia/2018-03-12/secret-service-white-house-win-rosemary-award-worst-open

 “Our favorite signs from the 2018 March for Science https://blog.credomobile.com/2018/04/favorite-signs-2018-march-science/

 Almost 50 years Frederick Wiseman’s documentaries are now available on Kanopy – free to anyone with a library cad, a faculty or student ID. https://slate.com/culture/2018/04/frederick-wisemans-documentaries-are-now-streaming-via-kanopy.html

 “Enchanting illustrations carved from old books” https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/art-carved-from-old-books

 “Here are the ‘Transparency’ policy documents the EPA does not want you to see” by Yogin Kothari, Washington representative, Center for Science and Democracy, April 21, 2018. Union of Concerned Scientists. https://blog.ucsusa.org/yogin-kothari/here-are-the-transparency-policy-documents-the-epa-does-not-want-you-to-see

“Yale’s insanely popular happiness course now open to everyone’ by http://mentalfloss.com/article/540264/yales-insanely-popular-happiness-course-now-open-everyone-online, Michele Debzac, April 2018

“John Moss and the roots of the Freedom of Information Act: Worldwide implications https://unredacted.com/2018/04/17/john-moss-and-the-roots-of-the-freedom-of-information-act-worldwide-implications/

 Free online library – https://www.childrenandnature.org/?search=main&s=eeRESEARCH

“Raising teens in a new country” http://www.brycs.org/documents/upload/Raising-Teens-New-Country.pdf

 https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/two-museum-directors-say-its-time-tell-unvarnished-history-us-180968341/  “History is not pretty and sometimes it is vastly different than what we’ve been taught: – Lonnie Bunch and Kevin Gover

 Craig Silverman, http://www.niemanlab.org/2018/03/living-in-a-sea-of-false-signals-are-we-being-pushed-from-trust-but-verify-to-verify-then-trust/  March 8 2018, NiemanLab “This new initiative deploys humans to review, research, and rate U.S. news sites” NiemanLab, March 5, 2018

 The rise and fall of the Hormel Girls, who sold America on SPAM https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/history-of-spam-hormel-girls

 INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY SATURDAY, APRIL 28

Autumn Options #IV

Though we haven’t got down to the “precious few” yet, the days are visibly dwindling down.   We need to choose with care from the lure of learning options that wrap up the summer – and prime the mental pump for what’s to come.  Just a few of the opportunities waiting to be explored:

September 23 – April 22, 2018. Renewing What They Gave Us.  On exhibit now at the Minnesota History Center are the fruits of labor of participants in the Native American Artists-in-Residents program.  The exhibit includes beadwork, birch bark and textile artworks by five contemporary American Indian artists including Jessica Gokey, Pat Kruse, Denise Lajimodiere, Gwen Westerman and Holly Young.  Details here: http://www.minnesotahistorycenter.org/exhibits/renewing-what-they-gave-us

September 27-October 1.  Twin Cities Arab Film Festival. https://marytreacy.wordpress.com/2017/08/08/festival-director-shares-stories-of-twin-cities-arab-film-festival-2017/.  Even if you can’t make it to the Film Festival, take time to view the delightfully informative interview with Mizna staffer Michelle Baroody who is responsible for All Things Film Festival.  The link to that interview is embedded on the earlier post. UPDATED SCHEDULE: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/15ebe301851de3d9

September 28, 7:00 PM –  Peter Breen of The Bolt Weevils will host an open mic and Tom Kingstrom will play a featured set at Eat My Words, 215 13^th Avenue NE in Participants will have a max 10 minutes of stage time. (note new location)  http://www.eatmywordsbooks.com/events/2017/9/28/eat-my-words-open-mic

September 28, 7:30 PM and October 1, 2:30 PM – Elision Theater’s production of Goblin Market by Polly Pen and Peggy Harman.  The performance, a musical adaptation of Christina Rossetti’s 1859 narrative poem, features the artwork of Omar Rayyan. To further explore the connections between the musical, the original poem, and the historical contact, the October 1 matinee will include a discussion facilitated by Andrew Elfenbein, Chair of the U of M English Department.  Crane Theater, 2303 Kennedy St NE, Minneapolis  https://www.facebook.com/TheatreElision/?fref=mentions

Much happening during coming weeks at East Side Freedom Library: 

• September 28, 7:00 PM – Closing event in the Women from the Center Series: A harvest reading by Native Writers including Diane Wilson (host) with Colleen Casey, Pauline Danforth, Ruth Denny, Rosie Peters, Tayah Reyes, and Kim Wensaut. An opening song provided by the Asiginaag Singers with music by JG Everest.  Free and open. info@eastsidefreedomlibrary.org or 651 230 3294.
• September 30, 1:00–4:00 PM “Against Labor: A book discussion with the authors of a new collection.” Participants include David Roediger, Elizabeth Esch, Chad Pearson, Tom Klub, Rosemary Feurer, and Peter Rachleff.

September 29-30 – Don’t miss this rare and wonderful opportunity to Illuminate the Locks.  Once again the 49-foot tall chamber of Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam will be “re-purposed” – now as a canvas for an experiment in art.  Andrea Carlson’s creative work, entitled “The Uncompromising Hand” is a hand-crafted animation based on six photographs of the island during the late 19^th and early 20^th Centuries.  The artwork will be accompanied by text in Dakota and Ojibwe.  http://parkconnection.org/event/illuminate-lock-uncompromising-hand/

The Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (NEMAA), an ever-simmering cauldron of ideas and energy, whets your learning appetite with these options. Check out the NEMAA website to get seriously informed – and engaged. https://nemaa.org/events

• October 5 – Overcoming Writer’s Block and Growing from Criticism
• October 21-22 – Ever tried a rigid heddle? Design your own project at this intriguing workshop

October 14 – Grand Reopening of the Water Bar.  Check out this earlier post. https://marytreacy.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=4157&action

AMVETS Post #5: Photographs by Xavier Tavera. Now on exhibit at the Minnesota History Center the powerful exhibit features color portraits that document the lives of Mexican and Mexican-American military veterans who now live on St Paul’s West Side. The photographs represent the artistry of Xavier Tavera who was born in Mexico City and has lived in the Twin Cities for the past two decades. http://www.minnesoahistorycenter.org/exhibits/amvets-post-5

 

 

 

Awesome Autumn Options III

In case you haven’t noticed, the days of Summer are indeed dwindling down……https://www.cute-calendar.com/event/autumnal-equinox/26446.html)  And yet, autumn – and our national political angst, unleash the creative energies of many for whom the season and the challenge peak in times such as these.   In truth, there is so much happening that no one would have time to read a length post anyway.  What follows  is a quick smattering of ways in which creative people help to inform and inspire an engaged community.

September 29 – Dr. Betty Bright will deliver the 54^th James Ford Bell Lecture, “Past in Present: The Book’s Evolving Persona, 7:30 PM at the Open Book, Target Performance Hall. Free and open. Reservations online.  https://www.continuum.umn.edu/event/54thjames-ford-bell-lecture/

September 29-30 – Twin Cities Zine Fest:

• September 29, 7:00 PM and September 30, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM — Twin Cities Zine 2017 Kickoff reading, Minnesota Center for Book Arts. Details and reservations on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/events/264357784075785/

And be sure to read Jon Jeffryes’ essay on “Zines: Inspiring assignments and art” – it’s a great overview of zines history and the U of M collection as well as background information on a U of M Libraries exhibit entitled “Protest Publishing and Art.” curated by U of M Arts & Architecture Librarian, Deborah Utan https://www/continuum.umn.edu/2017/09/zine-collection-inspiring-assignments 

More about the collection and the exhibit here: https://gormanartspeccoll.tumblr.com/post/159231439651/protest-publishing-and-art-from-the-copy-machine

October 14, 7:00 PM. Opening Reception of Collectively We Support Your Autonomy, Soap Factory,  http://www.soapfactory.org/exhibition/monica-sheets-collectively-we-support-your-autonomy

October 14. Water Bar and Public Studio storefront will celebrate their grand reopening https://www.facebook.com/waterbarandpublicstudio/In case you missed them at the Fair, you can still learn the latest plans from this unique community resource. https://www.facebook.com/waterbarandpublicstudio/ or earlier post here https://marytreacy.wordpress.com/2016/05/03/drinking-and-thinking-water-in-northeast-minneapolis/

November 18-10 – Minneapolis Craftza.  https://craftza.com or https://www.facebook.com/Craftstravaganza

And a few more items of note……

• The Robert Rauschberg Foundation announced the recipients of its 2017 Artist as Activist fellowship: http://www.rauschenbergfoundation.org/grants/artist-as-activist-fellowship
• The Little Free Library, a Minnesota initiated project, is recipient of the Women’s National Book Association Second Century Price. LFW is honored as “an organization that supports the power of reading, past, present and into the future.  Honor LFW by dropping off a couple of books next time you walk the neighborhood!
• The Minnesota Disability Linkage Line is now The Hub. Find background info and a good introductory video here:  https://www.mnsure.org/assister-central/announcements/index.jsp?id=34-308653
• The 2017 National Book Awards long list has been announced: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/awards-and-prizes/article/74759-2017-nba-longlists-announced.html Note the prominence of Graywolf among the publishers.  https://www.graywolfpress.org

To create one’s world in any of the arts takes courage.

Georgia O’Keeffe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In case you haven’t noticed, the days of Summer are  dwindling down https://www.cute-calendar.com/event/autumnal-equinox/26446.html)  And yet, autumn – coupled with  our national political angst – unleashes the creative energies of many for whom the season and the challenge peak in times such as these.   In truth, there is so much happening that no one would have time to read a lengthy post anyway.  Thus, what follows  is a quick smattering of ways in which creative people help to inform and inspire an engaged community.

September 29 – Dr. Betty Bright will deliver the 54^th James Ford Bell Lecture, “Past in Present: The Book’s Evolving Persona, 7:30 PM at the Open Book, Target Performance Hall. Free and open. Reservations online.  https://www.continuum.umn.edu/event/54thjames-ford-bell-lecture/

September 29-30 – Twin Cities Zine Fest:

• September 29, 7:00 PM and September 30, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM — Twin Cities Zine 2017 Kickoff reading, Minnesota Center for Book Arts. Details and reservations on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/events/264357784075785/
• Be sure to read Jon Jeffryes’ essay on “Zines: Inspiring assignments and art” – it’s a great overview of zines history and the U of M collection as well as background information on a U of M Libraries exhibit entitled “Protest Publishing and Art.” curated by U of M Arts & Architecture Librarian, Deborah Utan https://www/continuum.umn.edu/2017/09/zine-collection-inspiring-assignments
• More about the collection and the exhibit here: https://gormanartspeccoll.tumblr.com/post/159231439651/protest-publishing-and-art-from-the-copy-machine

October 14, 7:00 PM. Opening Reception of Collectively We Support Your Autonomy, Soap Factory,  http://www.soapfactory.org/exhibition/monica-sheets-collectively-we-support-your-autonomy

October 14. Water Bar and Public Studio storefront will celebrate their grand reopening https://www.facebook.com/waterbarandpublicstudio/  If you missed the Water Bar at the State Fair, you can still learn the latest plans from this unique community resource. https://www.facebook.com/waterbarandpublicstudio/ earlier post here https://marytreacy.wordpress.com/2016/05/03/drinking-and-thinking-water-in-northeast-minneapolis/

November 18-10 – Minneapolis Craftza.  https://craftza.com or https://www.facebook.com/Craftstravaganza

And a few more items of note……

• The Robert Rauschberg Foundation announced the recipients of its 2017 Artist as Activist fellowship: http://www.rauschenbergfoundation.org/grants/artist-as-activist-fellowship
• The Little Free Library, a Minnesota initiated project, is recipient of the Women’s National Book Association Second Century Price. LFW is honored as “an organization that supports the power of reading, past, present and into the future.  Honor LFW by dropping off a couple of books next time you walk the neighborhood!
• The Minnesota Disability Linkage Line is now The Hub. Find background info and a good introductory video here:  https://www.mnsure.org/assister-central/announcements/index.jsp?id=34-308653
• The 2017 National Book Awards long list has been announced: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/awards-and-prizes/article/74759-2017-nba-longlists-announced.html Note the prominence of Graywolf among the publishers.  https://www.graywolfpress.org

 

Things to do during this “odd uneven time”

August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time.   Sylvia Plath

 Sylvia Plath didn’t know about the Minnesota State Fair – had she known she would have realized that the best of summer is definitely not gone….Nor did she know about the amazing array of options that lure us during this “odd uneven time.”  Just a few of the possibilities, including some that escape the headlines….

Pulitzer Prize winning editorial cartoonist Steve Sack is guest speaker at Talk of the Stacks at Minneapolis Central Library on Thursday, August 17.  Doors open at 6:15, program at 7:00 PM.  Free and Open to the public.  Sponsored by Friends of the Library.  https://www.supporthclib.org/steve-sack

To Really See, is a unique art exhibit on display through September 27 at the Minneapolis Central Library.  Subtitled “art exploring the medication-taking experience” the exhibit is presented by Spectrum ArtWorks, a program of RESOURCE.  Learn more about RESOURCE and Spectrum ArtWorks here:  https://www.resource-mn.org/about-resource/

Though the days are indeed getting shorter, the East Side Freedom Library is determined to fill them with a robust series of late summer programs.  All are free and open to the public.

• Thursday, August 17 -7:00 PM: Undertow, a program featuring poets and writers from the Cracked Walnut project (http://www.crackedwalnut.com ) Details here: http://eastsidefreedomlibrary.org/event/undertow-a-traveling-reading-series-of-cracked-walnut-project/
• Tuesday, August 22 –7:00 PM: Labors of Love: New Writing from ESFL” –readings from local women writers who participated in writing retreats at ESFL during the summer months. http://eastsidefreedomlibrary.org/event/labors-of-love-new-writing-from-esfl/
• Thursday, August 24- 700 PM. Carolyn Holbrook will read from the new Minnesota Historical Press collection, A Good Time for the Truth.  In this inter-generational presentation Holbrook’s granddaughter Xaundra Nawa will read poetry and perform songs she has composed. http://eastsidefreedomlibrary.org/event/averyspecialinter-generationalpresentation/
• Saturday, August 26, 7:00 PM. Where Rivers Converge: A book reading by Three Rivers writers.  Readings by Daniel O’Brien, Angela Hunt, James Robert Kane, April Munson, D.E. Munson and Heidi Skari. http://eastsidefreedomlibrary.org/event/where-rivers-converge-a-book-reading-by-three-rivers-writers/

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Looking ahead – Details to follow about these forthcoming activities

• MinnAnimate 6 Film Festival — September 14 —https://minnanimate.com.
• Twin Cities Book Festival – October 13 and 14 — http://www.raintaxi.com/twin-cities-book-festival/
• The Arts Meander – Upper Minnesota River Art Crawl – September 29-October 1 http://www.exploreminnesota.com/events/24577/arts-meander
•  Vigilance series at The Loft – September-November https://www.loft.org/events__programs/thematic_series/vigilance/)

Who painted that mural? There’s an app for that!

I did not know how to paint a mural. I did not know how to prepare the surface. There was nobody from the Renaissance around who could advise me, and I did the best I could. Maurice Sendak *

To learn more about Sendak’s unique – because it’s his only – extant mural, read something about it here – or visit in person at the Rosenbach in Philadelphia http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/arts/20160422_Sendak_mural_gets_a_new_home_at_new_library_branch.html

If, on the other hand, you’re one of the many Minnesotans  (http://artforce.org) intrigued by the hundreds of murals you pass every day on your way to work, or by the massive painting that graces your favorite watering hole, be aware that there’s a tool for that!

The Air Force Academy in Northeast has created, and will continue to expand, a handy annotated map to the Murals of Minneapolis! 

Smart-phone in hand, google the site, click on the map – and prepare to be amazed.  You’ll find the name, something about the artists and a delightful essay the tells the story of the mural, how it came to be, what it means to the artist and to the neighborhood – the answers to questions you haven’t thought to ask.   http://www.artforce.academy/mural-map/

Here’s how the mappers describe their idea and their work:

This project came about on one of those summer days – you know the ones… We were cruising through the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District when a glorious mural peaked over the horizon.

As it drew nearer, we wondered, “Who painted this mural? Where can we find out?” Much to our surprise, there was no single source detailing all of Minneapolis’ murals. So we set out to do it ourselves. Enter the Minneapolis Mural Map! We hope to add mural maps – neighborhood by neighborhood – and could really use your help hunting them all down. In the meantime, please see the Northeast Minneapolis Mural Map as it takes shape below.

So far the Art Force sleuths have explored and documented murals in Northeast, North and South Minneapolis.  They’re eager to connect with mural-mavens throughout the community.  In their own words, “We hope to add mural maps – neighborhood by neighborhood – and could really use your help hunting them all down.”

While you’re on the Art Force website cruise the site to learn more about the range and relevance of all that’s happening at this very special  Northeast Minneapolis beehive!  (http://artforce.org)

ADDENDUM:

Interesting – and  relevant –  item found in today’s email:  7-29

http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-murals-of-quebec-city?utm_source=Atlas+Obscura+Daily+Newsletter&utm_campaign=26f595253d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_07_28&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f36db9c480-26f595253d-66588885&ct=t(Newsletter_7_28_2017)&mc_cid=26f595253d&mc_eid=f61fecf450

 

 

Fringe Festival 2017-A celebration for every Minnesotan

Fringe Festival 2017 is just one calendar flip away.  Set for August 3-13, 2017,  Fringe is just one of Minnesota’s honored traditions that needs no introduction. Just in case, take a digital tour of the highlights here: (http://www.fringefestival.org)   Or check out the official Wikipedia site which is both thorough and up-to-date. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Fringe_Festival

While the creative spirit and energy for Fringe comes from individual Minnesotans the fiscal support is provided by all of the state’s residents whose taxes support the Legacy Fund (http://www.legacy.leg.mn/funds/arts-cultural-heritage-fund) The intent of this post is to assure that all Minnesotans will enjoy access to the events, the camaraderie and the spirit of this legendary celebration of the state’s creative expression.

Happily, Fringe has been mindful of accessibility as a priority and VSA Minnesota has provided a generous grant to support accessibility services.

Dawn Bentley, the almost new director of Fringe, has been very helpful in pointing out the accommodations.

General:  Reservation fees are waived for patrons using ASL and AD services.

Beginning at the gate – All Fringe venues are accessible to visitors with mobility challenges.  The specifics of access (e.g. entrance doors, elevators, parking) are noted on individual venue pages.

There are 42 scheduled and three wildcard spots for performances to be Audio Described or ASL Interpreted. The full list of shows with access services can be found here:  http://www.fringefestival.org/2017/shows/access/

As an extra service, during tech week crew members take note if performances use flashing or lights or if they  include loud noises that will be harmful or irritating to patrons.  If they see a problem House managers will post signs outside the doors of performances.

Reservations: Any patron wishing to use the services can make a free reservation online using the code “accessfringe” at checkout to have the reservation fee waived. 

Questions about Fringe accessibility:  Call 612 872 1212.

In Minnesota “Made Here” really means made here

Take empty windows and storefronts in downtown Minneapolis and fill them with the work of local artists to create a walkable urban art experience. That’s what Hennepin Theatre Trust has been doing since 2013 with the Made Here project. ~~ M.A.Rosko

Sponsors were series about the “made here” guidelines when they launched this season’s Future: Made Here campaign (http://madeheremn.org/about/main) last April.  The results, representing the work of more than 40 Minnesota artists and 120 students, are to be found throughout the summer months throughout the downtown’s streets and open spaces.  Made Here is sponsored in large part by Andersen Corporation, Le Meridien Chambers Minneapolis, supplemented by a grant from the McKnight Foundation. (More about sponsors here http://madeheremn.org/partners)

Twice a year Made Here gives life to windows and other underused spaces throughout the West Downtown Minneapolis Cultural District (aka the WeDo District).  According to planners, the project has grown over the years to now feature visual displays in windows, live performances, artist markets, pop-up galleries in more.”  Planners note that “the intent is to infuse underused public spaces with art and art-inspired experiences – and transform them with the spirit of what is possible.” To learn more about the spirit and history of Made Here, click here: http://madeheremn.org)

The displays, selected in an open competition judged by a community panel people from a range of disciplines.”  The displays reflect months of creative work by area artists of every medium.  To follow the energy, ideas and fun of the Made Here exhibit, click here: http://madeheremn.ojecorg/blog

Or take an armchair tour of what you’ll find at each Made Here window, pop-up display performance, by clicking here http://madeheremn.org/showcases.  Then follow the lively Made Here blog here: http://madeheremn.org/blog

The virtual tour and blog posts will inspire you to get up out of that armchair and head downtown for an up close and personal look at each of the wonderfully unique Made Here exhibits.  Equip yourself with this map showing exhibits and performance areas (http://madeheremn.org/map)

Clearly, Made Here thrives as a living, growing success.  Since its launch the project has produced over 300 window displays as well as scores of performances and pop-ups.

• Learn more about the Hennepin Theatre Trust here:  hennepintheatretrust.org
• Learn more about the West Downtown Minneapolis Cultural District here:  wedompls.org

Made Here will infuse life into the streets and storefronts of downtown Minneapolis throughout the month of August.

 

Craft’za 2017 Issues Call for submissions

Craft (noun): an activity that involves making something in a skillful way by using your hands; a job or activity that requires special skill.

In their call for submissions to Minneapolis Craft’za 2017 planners note that they welcome handmade items that are “high quality, appropriately priced, and distinctive.”

The 6^th annual Minneapolis Craft’za is a two-day extravaganza scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, November 18-19, 2017 at the Grain Belt Bottling House in Northeast Minneapolis.  Conveniently scheduled just in time for holiday shopping Craft’za is free and open to the public!

Submissions are due by July 31 – though it is free to apply, the 100 participants selected will incur a reasonable  $125 payment for space.  Crafters will be notified by August 15.  Online applications include a one-day form.  Planners suggest that the application include a detailed description of the product as well as good photos; email address is required.

Lots of helpful FAQ’s online at http://www.craftstravaganza.com/ where interested crafters and craft-lovers can sign up to get on the email subscription list.

 

 

 

 

Art exhibit inspires visitors to “see the person, not the illness”

You may remember reading a couple of years ago Andy Steiner’s thoughtful piece about John Bauer’s compassionate and courageous Kickstarter campaign.  (https://www.minnpost.com/mental-health-addiction/2015/04/grieving-father-hopes-upcoming-art-exhibit-will-inspire-conversation) It was the story of John Bauer, a Grand Rapids father on a mission to help others by sharing his own grief caused by his adult daughter’s suicide.

A photographer and public radio host, Bauer’s chose the medium of art.  With community support he created a traveling art exhibit. The exhibit, which he named “What’s Left”,  inspired visual artists, poets, sculptors and others to share their work.  Their common goal was to create an environment that would inspire and encourage people to talk about mental illness and suicide, to “see the person, not the illness. “

“Whats Left” is now making a return visit to the Twin Cities.  Community Grounds coffee shop in Columbia Heights is sponsoring the exhibit as a community outreach project to encourage neighbors to think and talk about suicide and mental health in their own circles. Throughout the month of July they are invited to meet, discuss, and share support resources that will be on display.  On the evening of July 20 there will be a community program and discussion.

Community Grounds is located at 560 40th Ave NE in Columbia Heights.  https://www.facebook.com/pg/CommunityGroundsMN/about/?ref=page_internal