Twin Cities Fine Arts Organization
 

Monday, February 28, 2011

Must See Art: Susan Hensel Gallery


Where to go:
3441 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis (Map)

What to do and see:
1. Reader's Art Eleven: Opening March 4
This is the eleventh year for Reader's Art, a national, invitational artists book show. The show is chock-a-block full of art that can be handled and this year's theme is Urban/Urbane.

2. Book-Bombing
Opening night of Reader's Art participate in BOOK-BOMBING: a collaborative who create and distribute free book art in urban environments.

3. CITY: a Language We Speak
Visit April 8 for a poetry/narrative reading by local artist Rosemary Davis.

Must-see piece right now:
A beautifully printed sly book which looks at the landscape altered by the hand of man. It is a luxury book, harkening back to the livres-d'artistes of last century, sumptuously printed, sumptuously bound. By artist Josh Winkler.

While you're in the area:
Stop in on Mondays 10-5 or call ahead to set up an appointment on other days--most times shouldn't be a problem! After you leave Susan Hensel Gallery check out the famous Matt's Bar located just kitty corner and home to the JucyLucy! Looking for a pick-me-up? Soon to open next door is Capitol Coffee.

Want more info?
Check out Susan Hensel Gallery online.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Fun Event This Sunday

Public Art Saint Paul and Wing Young Huie present The University Avenue Project Showcase: Music and Photo Sale

Sunday, February 27
1-6 p.m.

Hosted by the Dancer's Studio
1508 University Avenue West
St. Paul

  • LIVE MUSIC
  • SILENT AUCTION
  • BUY PHOTOS
  • MEET THE ARTIST

Musicians David Hanners, Heatherlyn, Erik Brandt, Ben Glaros, Michael Legan, Aaron Rice, Brian Laidlaw, Dusty Porch Sisters, Abdellah Ouchagar, and Suzen Juel



Arty Summer Camps

From Minnetonka Center for the Arts

What fun! Get your kids involved in summer camps with an art theme. Here are a few we've spotted.





Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Upcoming Lectures of Interest--Mark Your Calendars!

Dale Allen Gyure
Campus in the Garden: Frank Lloyd Wright's Florida Southern College
Gyure, author of Frank Lloyd Wright's Florida Southern College will present a lecture on Wright's only college design.

6 p.m., Tuesday, March 8
John Roach Center for the Liberal Arts
University of St. Thomas, St. Paul campus

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Susan Armington
Water and Words: Creating Geography of Home
Armington will describe her process of constructing "Geography of Home," a 6' x 9' map painting of the Twin Cities made out of the words and languages of people who live here.

7 p.m., Thursday, March 31
O'Shaughnessy Educational Center Auditorium
O'Shaughnessy Educational Center
University of St. Thomas, St. Paul campus

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Kent Lew
Theme and Variations: Typeface Design as a Dialogue with History
What does it mean to be innovative in a realm (typeface design) where the essential forms (the shapes of our alphabet's letters) have been more or less fixed for centuries? Type designer Kent Lew will weave a narrative of history's recurrent efforts to marry past and present convincingly and to infuse old forms with new life.

6 p.m., April 14
Minnesota Center for Book Arts
Open Book
1011 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis

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Information on these events can be found at
(651) 962-5560

Monday, February 21, 2011

Must See Art: Minnesota Center for Book Arts















Where to go:

Open Book building, 1011 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis (Map)

What to do and see:
1. See!
Check out "Parts of a Whole": MCBA presents an exhibition of new work by members of their "artist community," featuring a variety of artists' books, letterpress broadsides, screenprints, sculptural and wearable paper works and many other bookish artistic endeavours. If you don't know much about the book arts (or even what "book arts" means), this show is a great introduction to the many varied techniques and disciplines under the book arts umbrella!

2. Create!
Feed your curiosity, stretch your creativity and get your hands dirty at one of the great workshops, offered year-round! Classes are offered for adults (from total beginner to seasoned "artiste"!) as well as specialized classes for preschool-age kids, where the whole family can create art together!

3. Explore!
Our gallery and studios are now open seven days a week—as is The Shop at MCBA! Check our the revamped selection of artwork, comics and zines, art supplies, letterpress cards for every occasion and gifty items galore from origami kits to jewelry.

Must-see piece right now:
"A Family Matter" by Julie Sirek is a striking series of 30 handmade dresses, representing the 30 women from Minnesota who died as a result of domestic violence in 2009.
(Pictured above)

While you're in the area:
Be sure to reserve some time to tour MCBA's home, the beautiful Open Book building, and check out their book-loving neighbors, the Loft Literary Center and Milkweed Editions. You can even grab a great meal or a drink at the Coffee Gallery!

Then, check out some of the other attractions in the riverside cultural corridor: climb the ziggurat at Gold Medal Park, tour the Mill City Museum's historic ruins or take in dinner and a show at the new Guthrie!

Want more info?
Visit the Minnesota Center for Book Arts website.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Calling All Creatives and Young Professionals

As Park Square Theatre prepares for the final design phase of their planned Thrust Stage, they're seeking input and inspiration from two special groups of potential users/customers:

Creatives: those in technology, photography, software design, fashion, design of all kinds, dance, music, media, literature, fine and commercial arts—you get the idea.

Young Professionals: people who like to explore the arts, regardless of profession, aged 25-35 (or a bit younger or older).

This intimate theatre will feature 142 seats embracing a thrust stage, wrapped in an art gallery/lounge. Park Square sees this space as ideal for hosting theatre, art exhibits, acoustic music and spoken word, but your ideas may fuel new ideas, new uses and users, and of course, a vibe unlike any other theatre space in town.

Creatives: Feb. 28
Please join Park Square Theatre for a charrette (a period of intense design activity) with architects from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 28. (And feel free to bring a friend or colleague!)
Drinks and light hors d’oeuvres provided.

RSVP to Judy Bartlett at bartlett@parksquaretheatre.org or 651-767-8483.

Young Professionals: March 2
Please join Park Square Theatre for a cocktail party and old-fashioned charrette (a period of intense design activity) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2. (And don’t forget to bring a friend!)

Think of it as your chance to participate in an HGTV design makeover, but with drinks!

RSVP to Judy Bartlett at bartlett@parksquaretheatre.org or 651-767-8483.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Forecast Public Art: Seeking Development Officer

Forecast Public Art is seeking a creative and energetic part-time Devlopment Officer. The primary responsibility of this position will be to design and implement new development strategies that result in a significant increase in the number and size of gifts from individual donors.

Deadline for applicants is March 4.

Find out more about the job and how to apply. >>

Monday, February 14, 2011

Must See Art: Northern Clay Center

Where to go:
2424 Franklin Ave E, Minneapolis (Map)

What to do and see:
1. Visit the Three Jerome Artists Exhibition
Featuring the work of Roxanne Jackson, whose ceramic sculptures highlight the duality between human and beasts; Elizabeth Coleman's work, which draws on childhood toys and "guardians"; and Pete Scherzer's functional, yet highly decorative, pottery.

2. Clay with your family
Sign up for a family workshop and begin creating!

3. Take a fun (and free!) tour
Learn about the process of making ceramic art, the techniques and equipment used. Visit current exhibitions, glazing areas, studio spaces and the kiln room.

Must-see piece right now:
"Handelier": the gigantic 7 ft. by 7 ft. ceramic chandelier by David Swenson

While you're in the area:
Whether you're traveling by car, bus or light rail, the Northern Clay Center is easy to get to! Located on 25th and Franklin, it's not hard to make a day out of your visit. Still craving art after your visit? Walk down the street and stop in at Joan of Art Gallery. Enjoy lunch at Pizza Luce or hop on the light rail and have dinner downtown!

Want more info?
Visit the Northern Clay Center website.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Fiber Frenzy Sale at Textile Center SATURDAY

Bag by Ann Masmore

Handmade items. Bargain prices. One day only!

Saturday, February 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fiber Frenzy Sale
10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., silent auction
2 to 3 p.m., half price sale

Wearables
  • garments
  • accessories including jewelry, hats, scarves, bags and shawls

Children Items
  • baby blankets
  • puppets & toys
  • kids clothing
  • booties & sweaters

Art for Interiors
  • needlework
  • linens including tablecloths, doilies, table runners and placemats, potholders and teacozies
  • afghans
  • rugs
  • art quilts
  • traditional quilts
  • pillows
  • tapestries
  • dolls
  • baskets
  • 3-D sculpture

Door Prizes
Drop in and you can be entered to win a fabulous fiber art Door Prize. You do not have to be present to win.

Half Price Sale
From 2 to 3 p.m., everything that is left will be half-off the marked price.

All sales are final. Textile Center accepts Visa, Mastercard and American Express, cash or checks. Textile Center Members discounts do not apply to Fiber Frenzy sales.

Art Shanty Party: De-Iced!

The Art Shanty Projects has taken this year off the ice, but that doesn’t mean loyal fans need go cold turkey. On Saturday, February 12 (what would be the final weekend of the project) they'll be hosting an indoor party in the North Loop to raise funding for 2012 and unveil exciting plans for the future of the project.

Here’s just a taste of what to expect for the evening:
  • Snack on yummy fare from the ArtCar Taxi Shanty
  • Show your love in our photo booth
  • Bring art to exchange at the Art Swap Shanty
  • Break hearts in the Dance Shanty
  • Make hearts (valentines) at the Postal Shanty
  • Snag a limited-edition Art Shanty shirt or print your own
Event Details:
Art Shanty Party: De-Iced!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
6 to 10 p.m.

$15-$25 suggested donation
(help us get back on the ice)

801 Washington Avenue N. Minneapolis, MN 55401
(off-street parking available)

For more information please visit (and RSVP at) their Facebook page or artshantyprojects.org.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Must See Art: Robbin Gallery


Where to go: 4915 42nd Ave N, Robbinsdale (Map)

What to do and see:
"Artist as Observer" is an incredible exhibit featuring artist David Holmes' work, which is sometimes referred to as "hyper-realism."

2. Meet an Artist
Most days you can stop in and meet an artist at work. Call ahead to see who's there!

3. Buy Art
Shop the collection of items for sale including jewelry, ceramic pieces and books by local artists.

Must-see piece right now:
"Welcome to Minneapolis" by David Holmes

While you're in the area:
A perfect recipe for date night! After an afternoon or evening admiring the gallery, dine at one of Robbinsdale's acclaimed restaurants. Try out the exciting new restaurant, Travail, where the group of chefs both cook and serve the food. Or head down the block to the charming Italian restaurant and wine bar, Nonna Rosa's. Feeling adventurous? Check out St. Petersburg—authentic Russian food, music and full vodka bar!

Want more info?
Visit the Robbin Gallery website.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

New Show at Robbin Gallery: Artist as Observer


Artist as Observer is a solo exhibit of paintings by David Holmes.

David Holmes spent almost 20 years working as an advertising creative director, observing people and tailoring messages to fit the audience. Now in his new career as painter, he brings those same observational skills to bear on the world all around him.

"I am fascinated by the urban landscape and how people exist within it. There's a lot of drama and tension involved in even the most common daily experiences," said David.

At first the paintings appear to be ordinary street scenes, but a closer look reveals deeper layers of subtlety and nuance: A sunny sidewalk crowded with tourists, businessmen and a panhandler. A busy intersection in Manhattan that reflects the diversity and ethnic complexity of America. Billboard ads which seem to survey the "real" passersby with bemusement.

"There is a psychological element that runs through my work. The people in the paintings are almost like characters in a play. I find myself thinking about them and wondering about their lives inside of the world that I've created."

Holmes collects material as he travels using a small camera. The raw images are manipulated and digitally composed via computer. With this as reference, he then spends several months hand painting the picture onto wood or canvas. The painstaking process results in something which looks nearly photographic, but in some ways transcends photography. It is a heightened reality, sometimes referred to as hyper-realism.

"My goal is to create work that looks good, but also causes viewers to think about what might be happening beneath the surface. Each piece can be viewed many times, revealing new levels of meaning and possibility."

David Holmes' paintings will be on exhibit at the Robbin Gallery from February 1 through 26. Opening reception is Saturday, February 5, 1 to 5 p.m.

4915 42nd Avenue North, Robbinsdale, MN 55422