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

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Places to go, things to do in March

“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when adults are afraid of the light.” Attributed to Plato, (428 BC – 348 BC).

At times it seems that the designation of special months is at best redundant, sometimes trying to cram a millennium of history into a 30-day span.  And yet, it’s good to focus, and so we highlight a couple of monumental issues that claim March as their month to shine.

• Women’s History is of relatively recent origin. First identified in 1982 as Women’s History Week the recognition gathered momentum and time until 1995 when the topic of women’s history flowered as an entire month.  The Law Library of Congress has actually collected the laws, proclamations and resolutions related to the saga of Women’s History Month.  The National Archives offers an informative – and fun – starting point to understanding the history:  https://womenshistorymonth.gov    Check out the Women’s History Month website sponsored by the National Women’s History Project here:  http://www.nwhp.org/about-2/our-history/   Other sites are sponsored by the National Park Service, the Smithsonian and the National Endowment for the Humanities, all of which offer myriad programs and resources that serve as starting points for local groups that need a spark to light a fire under their Women’s History Month plans.

• March is also Irish-American Heritage Month  Here’s the official Presidential Proclamation:   https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/president-donald-j-trump-proclaims-march-2018-irish-american-heritage-month/  The Library of Congress offers a robust website that  really is worth a visit.  https://blogs.loc.gov/loc/2018/03/irish-american-heritage-month-new-resources/

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The calendar of Women’s History Month activities is prodigious – just a couple of highlights give a flavor:

• The East Side Freedom Library and the Minnesota Historical Society are working together on a special program set for Saturday, March 24, 1:00 PM at ESFL. Objectivity: ’68 to today: Women’s activism: Dolores Huerta.  The program includes a play written by the MNHS Teen Action Group and the examination of historical objects from the MNHS collection.  Focus is on Dolores Huerta, an unsung figure in the fight for equality.  Also featured is an examination of  the intersections between the women’s movement and race, communities in Minnesota and the national context, labor rights and civil rights.
• Also at ESFL, “Let’s Talk about Hmong Women: Leadership Thursday, March 15, 6:30 pm.  This is the first in a four-part series of conversations led by members of Hnub Tshiab: Hmong Women Achieving Together.  Future conversations are set for June 1 (Patriarchy), September 13 (Motherhood), and November 8 (spirituality)
• At the U of M Walter Library, March 30 – “Make or Break: Women in Technology Rich Spaces” 9:30 AM-11:00AM.  Women from across the U of M campus discuss the topic.  Speakers include Charlene Ellingson, Samantha Thi Porter, Robin Schwartzman and Simone Vuong.  Registration required.

Also at the University of Minnesota:

• Digging up the past: Hidden African Americana histories across collections.  Monday, March 19, 5:00 PM.  Elmer L. Andersen Library, Givens Conference Suite, Room 120.  https://events.umn.edu/health-sciences/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=event_b&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=E4DF4418-48CD-4F34-B0EF-28CE7EF896F5(https://events.umn.edu/health-sciences/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=event_b&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=E4DF4418-48CD-4F34-B0EF-28CE7EF896F5)
• 2018 Kerlan Award Ceremony, March 27, 5:30 PM.  Elmer L. Andersen Library, Room 120.  Free and open. https://www.lib.umn.edu/clrc/kerlan-award

Lots happening at the State Capitol in days to come, including these events:

• Tuesday, March 6, is Arts Advocacy Day (http://artsmn.org/act/events/arts-advocacy-day/)
• Thursday, March 8, is History Matters Day (http://www.mnhs.org/historymatters)

Aging with Dignity and Respect: It’s a social justice issue.    Tuesday, March 20, 1:00 PM, East Side Neighborhood Services, 1700 Second Street NE, Mpls.  Free and Open.  Sponsored by Vital Aging Network.  Register 651 917 4652.

World Storytelling Day (www.globalastorytellingday.org)  is an annual celebration of the theme “If I can hear our story, it’s harder for me to hate you.”  The theme explored this year by local advocates is “Wise Fools: Wisdom on the folly of war.”  Storytelling Day 2018 will be celebrated locally on Tuesday, March 20 at the Landmark Center in downtown St Paul (www.landmarkcenter.org) Six storytellers will share stories reflecting the theme.  The event is free and open.  Learn more about the event and prime mover Larry Johnson here: (https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_post/community/golden-valley-resident-draws-international-attention-to-the-art-of/article_282a7376-1c9f-11e8-83cc-1f20f00f22c1.html

“Working—The Musical” reflects “the hopes dreams and heartbreak of the American working class expressed in the music of Lin-Manuel Miranda, James Taylor and others.  The show runs March 16-18 at The O’Shaughnessy on the campus of St. Catherine University. https://oshag.stkate.edu/events/category/series/working-the-musical/

Opening March 14 at the American Craft Council  – Ani Kasten, artist, ceramist and sculptor.  Details here: https://craftcouncil.org/event/ani-kasten-ceramists-journey

The National Book Critics Circle has announced finalists for 2017 awards: http://bookcritics.org/blog/archive/national-book-critics-circle-announces-finalists-for-2017-awards

Plans are well underway for the 37^th annual Minneapolis St Paul International Film Festival (https://filmfreeway.com/mspiff)  Focus this year will be on Chinese cinema with films from China to be presented throughout the Festival.

Upcoming on Talk of the Stacks sponsored by Friends of the Hennepin County Library:  Alex Sager on Tuesday, April 24 and Tracy Smith on May 16. https://www.supporthclib.org/sites/default/files/2018%20Talk%20of%20the%20Stacks%20Press%20Release.pdf

“To Be Honest” is the theme of a series of programs sponsored  by The Loft, March through May. (https://www.loft.org/events__programs/thematic_series/to_be_honest/)

Poet Billy Collins hosts a unique resource designed to create a love of poetry with young people.  Poetry 180 offers a poem a day for high school students – the 180 refers to the fact that the project is for school days only. https://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/

Some fun links:

• Comic books, now fashioned as graphic novels and other formats, aren’t what they used to be – and yet issues of intellectual freedom and accessibility persist. For an interesting review of “comics and intellectual freedom” check out this recent history of comic book censorship from the Library of Congress:  https://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=8259&loclr=eanw
• Tianjin Binhai Library https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/tianjin-binhai-library
• Quilts as tools for resistance https://hyperallergic.com/429923/quilt-con-2018-modern-quilt-guild/
• The Library of Congress inaugurated Jacqueline Woodson as the new National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. https://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=8247&loclr=eanw
• Justice through the perspective of an eyewitness artist https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2017/04/2017-law-day-event-justice-through-the-perspective-of-an-eyewitness-artist/ – Discussion of courtroom illustration with courtroom artists.

Sunshine Week March 11-17, 2018

See also: Women’s history month reads:  https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/1186-elaine-f-weiss-what-to-read-this-women-s-history-month?rto=x_gr_e_nl_general&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=march062018&utm_content=bookend2womenshistory&ref_=pe_3097180_272564230

 

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.

 

 

Autumn openings and other options

Congratulations to the good people of North Minneapolis – after nearly two decades of political struggle, the new Webber Park Library is open!  (http://www.hclib.org/about/locations/webber-park)  Writing in the Strib, Rick Nelson honors the perseverance of neighbors and advocates – and describes the elegant new library as “a jewel!”  (http:www.startribune.com/rick-nelson/10645521/)

– October 25 – Hmong Cultural Center exhibits and tour:  (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hmong-101-exhibits-tour-and-presentation-tickets-38512809851?ref=ecal) 5:00 PM

-October 25-28 – Members of friends of the Western Literature Association are meeting in Minneapolis.  (http://www.westernlit.org/wla-conference-2017/)

-October 26 – Out of Pocket, a reading that features Juliet Patterson, Rachel Jendrzewjewski and Brianna Johnson and the poems of Otis Powell.  Sponsored by Spout Press and East Side Freedom Library.7:00 PM. at ESFL (info@eastsidefreedomlibrary.org)

-October 27 – Opening Reception, AutumNE, NEMAA member art show. Solar Arts Building. 711 15^th Avenue NE. (http://www.nemaa.org/autumNE)

-October 30 – Thousand Star Hotel: Poetry reading with Bao Phi.  7:00 PM, ESFL Library (info@eastsidefreedomlibrary.org)

-November 2 – Chris Riemenschneider, Strib music reporter, will celebrate the launch of his book First Avenue: Minnesota’s Mainroom will be joined by Danny Sigelman and Daniel Corrigan, creators of Heyday: 35 Years of Music in Minneapolis.  Talk of the Stacks.  Free and open. Minneapolis Central Library, 7:00 p.m. (https://www.supporthclib.org/chris-riemenschneider)

-November 3-5 – The 20^th annual Art Attack at the Northrup King Building in Northeast Minneapolis.  Over 300 visual artists, live music, interactive art experiences, food trucks and free parking. (http://www.northrupkingbuilding.com/artattack)

– November 6 – Minnesota Archives Symposium. (https://tcartmn.org/minnesota-archives-symposium/) Minneapolis Central Library.

– November 6 – Reclaiming lives: Pursuing justice for six innocent men.  A book talk with Joan Treppa. ESFL. 7:00 PM.  (info@eastsidefreedomlibrary.org)

– November 9 – Women from the Center Writers: Poetry in action with special guest Taiyon J. Coleman, Anh-Hoa Thi Nguyen and Jna Shelomith.  ESFL 7:00 PM  (info@eastsidefreedomlibrary.org)

– December 4 – James Wright: A Life in Poetry is a sweeping biography by Jonathan Blunk, based on extensive research by Blunk in the James Wright Papers, held at the U of M Libraries’ Upper Midwest Literary Archives. (https://www.lib.umn.edu/mss)  Note: Reading and discussion of James Wright on Monday,7:00 PM at the Elmer L. Andersen Library. (https://www.continuum.umn.edu/event/james-wright-life-poetry/)

-December 4 –The Axe Lectures, a book release event. Readings by Brianna Johnson, Katie Ka Vang, and Shanai Matteson. Sponsored by Spout Press and Moon Palace Books.  7:00 PM, Moon Palace Books, 3023 Minnehaha Ave, Mpls.  Free and open. (https://www.facebook.com/MoonPalaceBooks/)

 

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