Places to go, things to do in the new year!

I find television very educating.  Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.  Groucho Marx

The Water Bar & Public Studio celebrates the reopening of their great gathering place Friday, January 26, with a Winter Social and Exhibition Party.  Theme of the evening, marking the Water Bar’s first exhibition, is River Relationships: Portraits of a River and Its People.   It’s 6:00-9:00 PM at the Water Bar, 2518 Central Avenue NE.  Details here:  https://www.water-bar.org/events/2018/1/26/winter-social.

The Super Bowl inspires different strokes for different folks.  Take a Knee Nation tackles themes of “sports, social justice, labor and race” at the Take a Knee Nation conference set for February 3-4.  Learn more about the origins of the event here:  https://www.thenation.com/article/colin-kaepernick-was-mocked-and-threatened-for-taking-a-knee-hes-also-winning/  The East Side Freedom Library offers a preliminary kickoff to the conference with a free and open discussion on Wednesday, January 24 – details here:  https://www.thenation.com/article/colin-kaepernick-was-mocked-and-threatened-for-taking-a-knee-hes-also-winning/

Also opening this weekend at the ESFL is Nidoto Nai Yoni, John Matsunaga’s exhibit of photographs from the remains of WWII: Forgetting and Remembering the Wartime Incarceration of Japanese Americans.  The project, supported by the Minnesota Japanese American Citizens League and the Council on American Islamic Relations-Minnesota, portrays the experiences of immigrants confined in camps in Thailand, Kenya, Laos and other sites.  The exhibit opens Friday, January 26, 6:30 PM.  On Saturday, February 17, 1:00 PM there will be a discussion of the roles of artists as observers and resisters. http://eastsidefreedomlibrary.org/events/representing-and-resisting-historical-injustices-through-art/

MN Writes MN Reads is a digital age program offered by Minnesota libraries.  It’s for writers interested in easy-to-use, free resources for publishing and sharing e-books, and for readers interested in reading e-books by local writers.  Learn more at https://www.mnwritesmnreads.org/ or at your local public library.

Mizna is meeting the challenge of anti-Muslim, anti-Arab and anti-immigrant sentiments by taking the renowned Arab Film Festival on tour.  Mizna will tour independent Arab cinema to six Minnesota college campuses and their neighbors.  Campuses include Macalester, Hamline, St. Catherine’s, Concordia (TC’s), Metro State and St Benedict’/St. John’s.   The tour begins this week and continue through April.  Details here: http://mizna.org/articles/events/183.shtml

You might also want to check out yet another timely event at the ESFL here: http://eastsidefreedomlibrary.org/events/mooz-lum-black-history-month-film-screening-discussion/

Poken Sword offers a unique and “luminous evening dedicated to the love of language” on the regular fourth Friday evening of the month, i.e.7:00 PM on January 26 at 2001: A Space, 2001 5^th Street NE in Minneapolis.   Local emerging and established writers will read on works related to this month’s theme, “torment.”  The evening will begin with bluegrass ensemble Pants on a Chair and their songs of heartache and murder: https://www.pokensword.com

The Minnesota Independent Scholars Forum takes a look at an earlier time when the press was cast as the “enemy of the people.”  Independent scholar Beth Johanneck will speak about a time in the 1930’s when the Minneapolis underworld was ruled by not-so-Minnesota-Nice gangs that failed to appreciate journalists’ efforts to clean up the city.  The MISF meeting, open to all, is at 9:30, speaker at 10:00, at the Washburn Library, 5244 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis.  http://www.mnindependentscholars.org/node/60

 The Minnesota Genealogical Society, and several of its affiliates, have moved from their South St. Paul site to Mendota Heights.  New address: 1385 Mendota Heights Road, Mendota Heights, MN.  As more MGS library and other resources come online MGS can offer ready access to the unique resources of a host of organizations — here’s a good starting point:  https://mngs.org/cpage.php?pt=25

In case you missed the headlines, be sure to check out the new documentary, premiered at Sundance, celebrating the life and times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. “RBG” will restore your faith in the rule of law and the wisdom of this stellar jurist.  Check it out here: http://ew.com/movies/2018/01/22/sundance-ruth-bader-ginsburg-rbg-documentary-premiere/.  More about the filmmakers here:https://www.democracynow.org/2018/1/22/rbg_new_documentary_celebrates_life_of and a fun SNL spoof on RBG’s not retiring here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDXxsRB4s7Y&et=&bu=&cn=&src=&pt=

 Whistling Shade, the literary journal and small press, has issued a fun call for submissions for their Spring/Summer issue.  They’re looking for poetry, stories, essays, whatever the format on the topic “Food and Drink”.  Sounds like a creative way to spend a few snowbound evenings – and to justify some good eats.  http://www.whistlingshade.com/submissions.html

Fun read for a winter’s eve:  Unique libraries share information about their “oldest holdings.” https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/oldest-library-books-small-specific-libraries-manuscripts

Should you prefer maps you might want to explore the Civil War Maps series recently digitized and available online from the National Archives. https://unwritten-record.blogs.archives.gov/2017/10/17/rg-109-confederate-maps-series-now-digitized-and-available-online/

Winter in Minneapolis brings out the best in Northeasters – The next Winter Market at the NE Farmers Market is Sunday, February 18, 10 AM-2 PM. Chowgirls Killer Catering will be there with tacos: scrambled eggs, carnitas or mole seitan, white rice and black beans with cilantro and lime spices. DJ theme of the February Market is funk/soul/disco/blues! http://www.facebook.com/NortheastFarmersMarket.

Does The Post (the movie) leave you craving more movies about journalism?  Ever aware of readers’ needs the (real) Washington Post has published a list of the ten best movies about journalism – complete with reviews by noted journalists. Seems like another winter project for an enterprising library or other seeker of truth organization.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/style/2017/12/14/the-10-best-journalism-movies/?utm_term=.92733ffdd1f0

The Blue Ox Review (I love the name!) is a new blog, curated by Lisa Von Drasek, Curator of the Kerlan Collection at the University of Minnesota – who explains the title of her blog as “a nod to independence.”  Lisa, a veteran reviewer, is somehow  finding time – and “itch – to share her reviewing skills on her own blog:  https://www.continuum.umn.edu/kerlan/

The University of Minnesota-Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Library and Friends of the Duluth Public Library are now accepting nominations for the Thirtieth Annual Northeastern Minnesota Book Awards.  The awards ceremony is set for May 24 –Deadline for entries is soon – February 1!  Find all of the details about NEMBA here:  https://lib.d.umn.du/about/nemba.

Conversation with Books is a tradition at St. Catherine University.  Professors and avid reader graduates will discuss the selected books on Saturday, February 2, 1:00 pm at Coeur de Catherine center on campus.  Details, including the list of books to be discussed, are online at https://www.stkate.edu/news-and-events/events/conversation-with-books-2018

First Fridays sponsored by the U of M Archives and Special Collections continues in the new year.  First Fridays are free and open to the public; light refreshments served at 11 with presentations beginning at Noon.  All are in the Elmer L. Andersen Library. For a full schedule of winter/spring 2018 offerings click here: https://www.continuum.umn.edu/event/first-fridays-february-2018/

CraftBOWL is another timely winter event sponsored by the American Swedish Institute.  Focus of CraftBOWL is “The Handmade” – a broad look at what “handmade” means in traditional and contemporary, local and global terms.  It features the work by three internationally acclaimed craft artists from Sweden: Jogge Sundqvist (wood), Ingegard Raman (ceramics) and Bertil Vallien (glass). https://www.asimn.org/about-us/press-room/craftbowl-exhibition-launches-american-swedish-institutes-2018-year-handmade

Club Book announces the line-up for the Winter/Spring 2018 season. Writers on this winter/spring roster include Omar El Akkad, Peter Geye, William Kent Krueger, Laura Lippman, Ariel Lawhon, Anita Shreve, Patricia Hampl, Emily Fridlund, and Samantha Irby.  Fortunately for the homebound and many others Club Book extends the reach of the writers by podcasting the discussions soon after the presentations.  The series is funded by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.  Events are free and open to the public.  Details about writers and their books, dates, locations and more about Club Book here: http://clubbook.org

The Friends of the St Paul Public Library is the monthly sponsor of Books & Bars, a long-running series of book discussions moderated by Jeff Kamin every Tuesday of the month.  The February 6 book discussion is on Yaa Gyasi’s novel Homecoming.  It’s at the Amsterdam Bar & Hall, 5:00 for happy hour social, discussion at 6:15.  No registration required.  Enjoy Jeff Kamin’s description of the Why of Books & Bars here: https://thefriends.org/2017/06/28/jeff-kamin-on-books-bars-reading-and-why-libraries-are-better-than-netflix/

So much to do, so little time.

 

 

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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

 

Don’t miss the Water Bar pop-up at the Fair!

Water water at the Fair – And a friendly place to think!

New this year at the Great Minnesota Get-Together is the Water Bar, a unique watering hole where Fair-goers gather to meet, exchange ideas, and ponder the possibilities. Don’t miss this  refreshing welcome to the Eco-Experience Building. (http://www.mnstatefair.org/entertainment/eco_experience.html).

This popup drinking establishment elevates water, our ubiquitous and renewable resource, to an elegant libation.  And the bar itself, reminiscent of Cheers, fosters a friendly gathering spot for Fair-goers to share views on life, the State Fair, and why we need a Water Bar to generate substantive conversation and collaboration.

Yes, it’s a bar, with stools and volunteer bartenders who actually decant flights, not in goblets maybe but in Fair-appropriate plastic cups.  To parched Fair-goers it’s a coveted thirst-quencher – and much more.  All  leave informed and inspired.

Explore the website (water-bar.org)  to learn more about the ways in which Water Bar is facing the challenge to “serve water to build relationships that activate communities.”  In pursuit of that goal Water Bar sponsors a mix of projects, including public art projects, the “Dear River” writing initiative and the Northeast Incubator project.

During the Fair and for the next few weeks Water Bar will be temporarily closed, making way for a grand relocation of a remodeled site just next door to the original site.   By mid-September they will be open again to welcome all to enjoy a refreshing flask of water – and hearty conversation about forging a community of neighbors and friends who think, collaborate and take action to create a better, more thoughtful world.  Plans include more art exhibitions, public programs, an art and book shop, and other prompts to stimulate meaningful conversations and collaborations.

In recent times I’ve observed and written about Water Bar several times – there’s always something new, sometimes in Northeast, often on the road.   Clearly, I am an unabashed fan of their creative approach to generating meaningful conversations that truly build a strong, integrated, collaborative community.  The State Fair pop-up offers a chance for many potential fans to check out the idea, the approach, and to share a few sips of cold, clear water with a friendly Minnesota Fair-goer you would not have met under any other circumstances!

Water is the foundation for our economies, communities, ecosystems, and quality of life ~~Kate Brown

 

Festival Director shares stories of Twin Cities Arab Film Festival 2017

No art passes our conscience in the way film does, and goes directly to our feelings, deep down into the dark rooms of our souls.” ― Ingmar Bergman

Powerful words spoken by a brilliant filmmaker whose genius lives in the films that will for all time shape our images and ideas.  As Bergman knew, film “goes directly to our feelings, deep down into the dark rooms of our souls.”  It is for this reason that Mizna’s  2017 Arab Film Festival is needed at this hour.

In fact, Mizna has sponsored the Twin Cities Arab Film Festival for several years.  Over the years audiences have grown in number and interests as film lovers have experienced the curated program of screen reflections of the Arab experience.  Audiences have learned about the heterogeneity of Arab people and, through film, have explored the complexities of the culture which leads to true cultural understanding.

Mizna is at the epicenter of this region’s Arab American literature, film, and art; the organization, its programs and publication, are nationally recognized as the source of ideas and words related to the Arab American experience.   Minnesotans have learned to depend on the publication Mizna: Prose, Poetry, and Art Exploring Arab America as a unique resource.  Mizna is well-known as the sponsor of  literary events,  an ever-expanding  program of readings, community dialogues, even Arab drumming classes.  Moving Image, the recent film/discussion series hosted in collaboration with the Walker Art Center, is a good example of major Mizna initiatives.  https://walkerart.org/about/moving-image/

Over the years the Twin Cities Arab Film Festival has been held in various sites at different times of the year.  As of Fall 2016 the Film Festival has become an annual “institution.”  Will Wright of KFAI radio celebrated with a timely introduction to the idea and the relevance of the Festival. https://soundcloud.com/minneculture/with-more-arab-films-a-festival-goes-annual

This year, Voices of Northeast reached out to learn more.  (Though Mizna is now a St. Paul institution its roots are in Northeast Minneapolis — and NE roots run deep….)  We invited Festival DirectorMichelle Baroody to share the story of Mizna and the Film Festival during a free-flowing video interview.  The result is an absolutely delightful – and informative – discussion of the mission of Mizna, the goal and growth of the Film Festival, and the timeliness of the 2017 Twin Cities Arab Film Festival set for September 28-October 1 at various sites.

You will learn and be enthralled as Michelle shares her unique story and the back stories of the Twin Cities Arab Film Festival.  Michelle  expresses with clarity and deep commitment the spirit that informs the Festival. https://youtu.be/jq2dd-VuY1Q

Then click on the Film Festival website for emerging details including the schedule of film showings, background information about the films and filmmakers, locations, ticketing information, more about the sponsor and excellent coverage of past festivals.

https://www.minnpost.com/artscape/2017/09/arab-film-festival-begin-jacqueline-woodson-talking-volumes?utm_source=MinnPost+e-mail+newsletters&utm_campaign=2586d25582-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_09_26&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3631302e9c-2586d25582-123365126

 

Expanding the Feast at Eat My Words!

Long ago there was a vague concept, an idea that the vibrant arts community of Northeast Minneapolis somehow needed a stronger voice for the creative folk who live, write, perform or otherwise work with words, books, literary forms of every sort.  Over time the concept morphed.  It would take the words written or spoken by community members to speak for the role of the written word in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Area.  And thus began Voices of Northeast, video interviews with those good people whose words and work with words expand the very definition of the arts community.

What video conversations need more than easels and potting wheels is “recording space” — not so much “30 Rock” stages and cameras but quiet space that conveys a bookish feel, space that welcomes the viewer/reader to connect with the speaker, and for the guest speaker to feel not on stage but in a comfortable setting.

Eat My Words! Bookstore, the unique bookstore in the heart of the arts community, offered an ideal setting, a cozy space (complete with piano and an ever-changing art exhibit) that I’ve come to call “the parlor.” Most important, EMW extended knowing welcome to two volunteers with a hand-held camera and lights, a mission to share the views of those who give life to words, and a mission to incorporate the “literary arts” into the Northeast arts community. Thus, for the past couple of years, scores of episodes of Voices of Northeast have emanated from the back room at EMW.  One of the interviews is with Scott VanKaughnett, friend and proprietor of EMW  http://umedia.lib.umn.edu/node/1347781

All of which is background, a roundabout way of sharing my unbounded excitement about the new home of Eat My Words Bookstore.  Just last weekend EMW moved from the original site at the corner of 2^nd Street and 13^th Avenue Northeast just up the block to 214 13^th Avenue NE, former home of Two12 Pottery.   Past posts have covered the basics of the move, the collaboration with the previous owner, potter Bob Sorg, and hopes for the expanded bookstore. (https://marytreacy.wordpress.com/2017/06/04/eat-my-words-a-moveable-feast/)

Beyond our highest expectations, we can now share with readers just how wonderful this move is – all of the good things that will be happening in the NEW Eat My Words!   The space offers bibliographic elbow room for the shop’s 20,000 volumes (no more iffy basement…)   It’s bathed in gentle sunlight room and nooks just right for cozying up with a great read, tantalizing displays of Bob Sorg’s pottery, unique greeting cards, and, still room enough for Voices of Northeast to continue weekly interviews with people whose art form is the written or spoken word!

There is also great space for the incredible public programming series that EMW is now able to expand! This month’s programs are but a sample of the mix:

• Thursday, August 10, 7PM – – Poetry Reading: Freddy La Force, Georgia Linden, Stephanie Mann. P
• Friday, August 11, 7PM — Nate Graznow & Steven Hildreth
• Friday, August 18, 7PM — Film Meets Poetry: Kathryn Oakley & Damian Kussian.
• Friday, August 19, 3PM – Michelle Leon—I Live Inside: Memoirs of a Babe in Toyland

Each of these programs is announced and generously annotated in the beautifully wrought EMW online events calendar.  In fact, there is so much going on at EMW that the only way to stay in touch is to make haste to get on the list:  http://www.eatmywordsbooks.com/events/?view=calendar&month=August-2017

It is an honor to congratulate and thank Scott VanKaughnett and the staff of this unique community treasure.  Congratulations on your new digs – and sincere admiration for your vision, your commitment and your voice for the writers, readers and word lovers who weave their ideas and energy into the very fabric of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts area.

 

Eat My Words! Moves on up to its new home!

 His hands were weak and shaking from carrying far too many books from the bookshop. It was the best feeling. ― Joseph Gordon-Levitt

The quote no doubt expresses the post-move reflections of some, if not all, of the volunteers of every gender, age, and reading preference who showed up last weekend to heft thousands of tomes up the hill from the original Eat My Words! Bookstore to its new home at 214 13^th Avenue Northeast.  As noted in a previous blog post, EMW has relocated to its new site at the former home of 212 Pottery.  See previous pre-move post here: https://marytreacy.wordpress.com/2017/06/04/eat-my-words-a-moveable-feast/

And what comes next?

A TWO-DAY CELEBRATION —  Saturday and Sunday, August 5-6

It’s a busy weekend, beginning with a day of Bookstore Bingo beginning at 11:00 AM – with a busy agenda throughout the day:

3:00 PM – Pottery demonstration by local artist Bob Sorg (of 212  Pottery fame)

5:00 PM – Poetry reading featuring Terrance Folz, Morgan Grayce Willow, Tony the Scribe and Tony Plocido.

7:00 PM – Wayne Nelson will screen several of his animated films based on the poems, stories and songs of other people.

And there will be Music! Music! Music!

The music starts Saturday evening at 7:30-8:30pm when Branden Cravallho will share his unique classical guitar talent and repertoire.

And music continues on Sunday when the day’s program is sponsored  in tandem with Open Streets Northeast.  Music will fill the streets for seven hours Noon – 7:00 PM as Eat My Words will host seven bands:  Each band is on stage for an hour, beginning at Noon with Mama Caught Fire, an all-female trio.  The afternoon schedule continues with DMC at 1:00, Nathan Elliot (2:00, Cat and Fox (3:00), Mumblin’ Drew (4:00), Peter Breen at 5:00 and Gabe Barnett wrapping up the afternoon at 6:00.

For much more information about the two-day celebration, including background on the readers, the filmmaker and the musical performers, check the EMW website at http://ww3.eatmywordsbooks.com/emw-is-growing/

IMPORTANT UPDATE:

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/15db08c68b316ff4

 

 

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

 

 

Mid-summer Meanderings on the Mississippi

The face of the water, in time, became a wonderful book – a book that was a dead language to the uneducated passenger, but which told its mind to me without reserve, delivering its most cherished secret as clearly as if it uttered them with a voice. And it was not a book to be read once and thrown aside, for it had a new story to tell every day. ~~ Mark Twain.

Though summer days and evenings are long and lush, there just are not enough of them – so many opportunities to relax and learn, so little time! The powerful flow and the majestic beauty of the Mississippi flow inspire writers, painters, photographers, musicians, creative spirits and nature lovers to its banks. As the Mississippi flows through these parts it welcomes all of those who live and work along its path to know the influence of the river on its neighbors.

Following are just a few of the  summer activities inspired by the Mighty Mississippi.

One major happening is the FLOW Northside Arts Crawl, set for July 27-29. Over the past decade the FLOW has grown in reputation and attendance; the arts crawl has morphed into a huge three-day community celebration that stretches for over a mile and a half from the Mississippi to Penn Avenue North. The celebration features the range from fine art by over 300 local artists and makers to graffiti created by expressive amateurs – plus  music, music, music!  One feature familiar to FLOW-goers is the “clusters” at Freedom Square and The Capri Theater, Juxtaposition Arts and the KMOJ Stage. FLOW is a program of the West Broadway Business and Area Coalition. (http://westbroadway.org)  All the details here: (http://www.northmpls.org/flow2015)

Through Labor Day the National Park Service, in collaboration with Mississippi Arts Connection and Friends of the Lock and Dam, will be sponsoring public tours, guided or unguided seven days a week.  Writing in MinnPost Peter Callaghan gives an excellent overview of the locks, their history and current operations, along with details about the tours. https://www.minnpost.com/politics-policy/2017/06/possible-sign-things-come-national-park-service-again-offers-tours-st-anthon

Now that you’re in the mood, grab a camera (any camera) and take a stroll along the banks of the Mississippi Riverfront (http://www.minneapolisriverfront.org/) has issued a call for entries to the Mississippi Minute Film Festival.  They’re looking for films that “inform, energize, and inspire people to action – all in 60 seconds!”  Entries are due September 15.  Learn more here:  http://www.minneapolisriverfront.org/riverfront-initiatives/mississippi-minute-film-festival/

The dust has hardly settled on the magnificent Northeast Parade and yet the community is priming for Open Streets Northeast.  (It’s Sunday, August 6, 11:00-5:00.  This is a City of Minneapolis event hosted by the Our Streets Minneapolis, formerly the Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition (http://www.ourstreetsmpls.org)

And you will be right on the river when you visit the Twin Cities Polish Festival August 11-13.   Planners say their mission is to “immerse Minnesotans and visitors in ‘all things Polish” by presenting a kaleidoscope of unique cultural and educational displays, food and top-notch entertainment.” Mere words cannot convey the “feel” of the event – music, dancing, history and culture – all on Old Main Street on  the banks of the Mississippi.  Learn more here: http://www.tcpolishfestival.org.  Free and open!

There’s much more to see and do, but stop now to  take time to relax, find a cool spot – preferably near water – to read these reflections on Ol’ Mn River written by John Anfinson: http://www.minneapolisriverfront.org/john-anfinson-vision-river/  It will inspire you to keep  on exploring the wonders – to walk, photograph, paint, write , read or simply be grateful for the Mississippi River in our midst and in our lives.

The Mississippi, the Ganges, and the Nile,…the Rocky Mountains, the Himmaleh, and Mountains of the Moon, have a kind of personal importance in the annals of the world ~~   Henry David Thoreau

 

Mother King – A life, a movement, an inspiration for these times

Before you read on, pause to view this short YouTube story about Alberta Williams King: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVp8Tj7h6GM  Then read a bit about the death of MLK’s mother here: http://www.atlantamagazine.com/civilrights/the-murder-of-alberta-king/

You will want to know and to think more about the life and influence of this grand woman.

The beautiful fact is that the story of Alberta Williams King is now immortalized in an opera that premieres this month.   Mother King, produced by OperaWorks52, opens next weekend at the Public Functionary in Northeast Minneapolis (https://www.facebook.com/events/1390516824378444/) 

Mother King is described as a “conceptual Black opera” that interprets the story of the slain activist. The libretto is based on a series of poems by Venessa Fuentes (https://www.linkedin.com/in/venessa-fuentes-00b49b9/) and the musical score is the work of Dameun Strange. (http://www.dameunstrange.com)

Through the words and music of  Mother King six local vocalists, including Liz Gre in the title role, share the story of “Black birth, Black resilience, and Black joy.” Joining Gre on stage are local vocalists Michael McDowell, Sarah Greer, Roland Hawkins, Kevin Moore, and Ava McFarlane.  They are accompanied by a twelve-member instrumental ensemble.

This is the first production of OperaWorks52, a collaboration formed by Fuentes and Strange.  The partners describe theirs as “a music and story-telling partnership that aims to highlight overlooked narratives, including the stories of individuals of color, Native people, women and those in the LGBTQ community.” (https://www.facebook.com/operaworks52/ )

Mother King is produced through a partnership between OperaWorks 52 and Public Functionary, an art exhibition and “social space” in Northeast Minneapolis.  Public Functionary is also the venue for the premiere production. (http://publicfunctionary.org)

Read a great interview with Fuentes and Strange in this recent issue of Twin Cities Arts Reader.  (http://twincitiesarts.com/2017/07/10/interview-venessa-fuentes-dameun-strange-mother-king/)

Performances for Mother King are at 7:00 p.m. July 20-22 and 27-28 at the Public Functionary, 1400 12^th Avenue Northeast in Minneapolis.  Tickets are available online at Brown Paper Tickets ($8 students and elders; $12 general admission)

UPDATE:  https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/dameun-strange-and-venessa-fuentes-create-mother-king-for-black-audiences-to-see-themselves-in-opera/