Must See Art: Confluence Conference Exhibitions

Where to go:

During the Surface Design Association (SDA) Confluence Conference (June 4th through June 17th) there are tons of fun events, exhibitions, trunk shows, etc. related to fiber arts. Make the most of this great opportunity and check out as many as possible!

What to do and see:

1. Shows at Concordia University, June 3rd-July 1st (Map)

See the work of Ann Hall Richards in “Repetition Meditation Revelation” on display in Concordia Gallery as well as Erica Spitzer Rasmussen’s “Flotsam and Jetsam” show on display in the H. Williams Teaching Gallery.

2. “Skimming the Surface: Pattern and Narrative” at University of St. Thomas, June 9th-August 22nd (Map)

View the work of Beth Barron, Charlene Burningham, Nancy Eha, Bernadette Mahfood, Barbara Otto, Christine Pradel-Lien and Karen Searle in the O’Shaughnessy Educational Center Lobby Gallery.

3. “Esperanza” at the Gordon Parks Gallery through July 28th (Map)

Carolyn Kallenborn’s textile installation, located in Metropolitan State University’s Library and Learning Center, uses viewer interaction to create a place of reflection and memories of the things that are important in life.

4. “Mordy Sisters Converge” at Lowertown Loft Artists Cooperative Atrium Gallery, June 1st-30th (Map)

Ruth Mordy Friedlander uses a form of tablet weaving to control the surface layer of collaborative 2D/3D pieces, while sister Le Anne Mordy Willson combines origami modules to create a rich surface.

5. “My Father’s Religion” at Susan Hensel Gallery, June 4th-July 12th (Map)

Carolyn Halliday hand knits wire and other non-traditional materials to explore the calligraphic nature of the knit line and pay homage to the sanctuary of the forest.

Must-see piece right now:

“Interpretation II” by Anne Hall Richards at Concordia Gallery (pictured above).

Want more info?

Visit the conference website and the Confluence Gallery Guide online.

Must See Art: MN History Center

Where to go:
The History Center
345 W. Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55102 (Map)

What to do and see:
1. See “Underwear: A Brief History” through Sept. 11
Learn about Minnesota’s unique connection to underwear by viewing items from the MN Historical Society’s Munsingwear collection, which includes product samples, corporate records, photos and advertisements. The exhibit houses items from the Victorian period through the 1970’s and explores the changes in American factory work, advertising and propriety throughout the years.

2. Catch up on your reading The exhibit is based on a new book by Susan Marks titled In the Mood for Munsingwear: Minnesota’s Claim to Underwear Fame, which can be purchased in the History Center Museum store.

Must-see piece right now:
Clothing items as diverse as the union suit, men’s “kangaroo pouch” briefs and the “merry widow” corset (pictured above).

While you’re in the area:

Check out the other exhibits on view at the History Center and visit the library. Grab something to eat at one of the many restaurants downtown and check out an event at the other museums, theaters and venues in the area.

Want more info?

Visit the MN History Center online.

Winners of the McKnight Photo Grant Announced

StarTribune's Mary Abbe reported the 2011-2012 winners of the McKnight Artist Fellowships for Photography. Winners each receive a $25,000 stipend, professional development opportunities and inclusion in an exhibition and published catalogue.

2011-2012 Winners:

• Peter Happel Christian (St. Cloud)
• Beth Dow (Twin Cities)
• James Henkel (Twin Cities)
• Colleen Mullin (Twin Cities)

Learn more about the winners and the fellowship program online at StarTribune.

Last Chance To Be Counted!

The Minnesota Arts Count Census ends on May 31st. If you have not done so yet, please visit their website this week and be counted.

The legislature has requested this census, and it is important to accurately show the large number of people in our state who participate in the arts, whether as a hobbyist or as a professional. The survey takes no more than five minutes to complete. It may be the most important thing you do to support the arts in our state this year!

Take this quick survey and then ask five friends to take it as well. Thanks!

Northern Spark: a nuit blanche

Come on out for Northern Spark, a new MN art festival modeled on a European nuit blanche or “white night” festival.

Directed and produced by Northern Lights.mn, the event features participatory art projects running from sundown on June 4th (8:55 p.m.) until sunrise on June 5th (5:28 a.m.). Venues are scattered along the Mississippi and throughout the surrounding areas with the goal of transforming the urban environment into a city-wide art gallery.

Projects include a bicycle synthesizer ride, an all night square dance/printmaking marathon, large-scale night games in Loring Park, a performance art piece on a houseboat traveling down the Mississippi and much more.

Visit the Northern Spark website to plan your night.

Minnesota Center for Book Arts Rummage Sale

Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA) is having a rummage sale! Bibliophiles, printmaking enthusiasts or anyone looking for a good way to spend a Saturday should head over to MCBA on June 11th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to peruse the selection of book arts-related items and help raise money for the organization.

If you have gently used, saleable book arts items that are taking up space, donate them to the Book Arts Rummage Sale. Accepted items include:

• Hand tools (bone folders, awls, brushes and needles)
• Bookmaking materials including text-weight, cover-weight and decorative papers, thread and bookboard
• Art supplies (brushes, inks, paints, etc.)
• Artwork
• Reference or trade books (no encyclopedia sets or non-art related books please)

Donations may be dropped off only on Friday, June 10th at MCBA between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Contact Sara Parr with any questions. For more information, visit the event website.

Must See Art: FAIR Gallery

Where to go:

3915 Adair Ave. N., Crystal, MN 55422 (Map)

What to do and see:

1. Heidi Hafermann's Art

FAIR Gallery's exhibition space is dedicated to local artists. Come check out Heidi Hafermann's work on display until June 9.

2. Go to School

Literally. FAIR Gallery is unique in that is is housed in a fourth through eighth grade public school. Enjoy the nostalgia as your roam these hallways!

Must-see piece right now:

Featured artist Heidi Hafermann's pieces are unique and must-sees. Check a glimpse online, but get the full effect by stopping in to FAIR.

While you're in the area:

Make a day out of visiting FAIR Gallery by stopping for a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the area. Afterwards, take a stroll in one of the parks nearby!

Want more info?

Visit FAIR Gallery online.

Must See: Art-A-Whirl This Weekend

It's the largest open studio tour in the US, and it's this weekend.

Art-A-Whirl is so big, I don't believe it's possible to see it all. But it is definitely worth trying.

More than 500 artists participate including potters, painters, sculptors, photographers, glass blowers, printmakers and textile designers.

Friday, May 20, 5 to 10 p.m.
Saturday, May 21, noon to 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 22, noon to 5 p.m.

See the Art-A-Whirl locations here.

Must See Art: Form + Content

Where to go:

210 2nd Street N., Minneapolis (Map)

What to do and see:

1. View "Breaking Light" through May 28

Jil Evans' exhibition of abstract paintings captures the altered landscape of Minnesota from the Cannon River flooding in 2010.

2. Hear poetry on May 18

Come hear the poetry reading with G.E. and Juliet Patteron on Wednesday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m.

3. Mark your calendars for June 6

The new exhibition will feature the work of John Marshall, June 6 through July 9.

Must-see piece right now:

Breaking Light no.1 by Jil Evan (pictured above)

While you're in the area:

Check out more art at the Traffic Zone Gallery, now exhibiting Divine Fields by Traffic Zone artists. Grab a bite to eat at any one of the numerous restuarants downtown, catch a Twins game at Target Field or take a stroll along the river.

Want more info?

Check out Form + Content online.