Visual Arts
WEDNESDAY PICK | A park pops up at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts
You shouldn't need an excuse to pay at least one seasonal visit to the Minneapolis Insitute of Arts—did you remember that it's free?—but for those who need an additional push, the MIA has transformed its central atrium into a "pop-up park": a lush little oasis of flora and fauna (the fauna being you). It's all fake, of course: this is art, not life. But in the grey days of February, sometimes an imitation of life is better than the real thing.
Beauty and solidarity: Exhibit and presentation celebrate strength and culture of Oromo women
A new photography exhibit and cultural presentation at Augsburg College’s Foss Center on February 24 and 25 aims to show the strength, beauty and endurance of Ethiopian women who have joined in solidarity and peace despite many obstacles. Through photographs and talks by the artist and two Oromo women from Ethiopia, the presentation will shine light on both the deep challenges and strength of women in East Africa.MORE »
WEDNESDAY PICK | "The Sports Show" is in season at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts
These days, it's hard to imagine a sporting event as a "casual leisure activity," what with all the pain, angst, and drama that the competition breeds. The new exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts explores just how—through television, video, and digital technology—sports became the spectacle of mass participation it is today. And believe it or not, sports is more than just eating pork rinds, drinking beer, and burping on the couch; the works of art on display at the MIA "communicate a broader social, political and cultural significance."MORE »
VISUAL ARTS | Chaos Mai Art Studio and Gallery grand opening
On February 11, artist Mai C. Vang hosted the grand opening of the Chaos Mai Art Studio and Gallery, a new artspace in the Dow Building on University Avenue.MORE »
Afro Art Trippin': Obsidian Arts broadens local perspectives on black culture
Located at 3501 Chicago Ave. S., Pillsbury House plays host to several organizations, theatrical productions and community programs. One of them is Obsidian Arts, a smaller organization with a big mission—and an even bigger intent to impact the Minneapolis arts community. Aside from unique exhibits, local artist work and an arts book club, Obsidian Arts promotes global artistic awareness through their Afro Art Trippin’ initiative.MORE »
Does Minnesota need a biennial?
"I don't think the world needs another biennial." That was Adam Weinberg's answer when I asked him whether he thought Minnesota needs an art biennial.MORE »
THURSDAY PICK | El Dorado Conquistador Museum: Now with more booze and photo booths
Have you ever been to Minneapolis's El Dorado Conquistador Museum? No? Oh, but I think you have. Have you ever been to the Kitty Cat Klub? Local writer Eric Dregni formerly curated the museum—er, "museum"—in a law school bookstore, but the gems of the collection are now on view in the KCK's pool room. It's what's left of America's only museum dedicated to the effluence of kitschy conquistadors that became faddish in the late 60s and early 70s after Man of La Mancha became a smash hit on Broadway and in movie theaters.MORE »
MONDAY PICK | What is Black Art Jeopardy! registration deadline?
Answer: The mandatory to-do before competing in historical trivia pertaining to artists and cultural icons recognized in the second month of the year. Black History Month meets the sport of trivia in Black Art Jeopardy! at the Hosmer Public Library. The categories are a potpourri of Black Poets, African American Novels, Black Playwrights, Black Muralists, Black Women Visual Artists, and Black Photographers. The registration deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 15 and the event is Thursday, Feb. 23. Now that you have the topics, it's time to hit the Google searches.MORE »
Northern Spark reportedly in jeopardy, seeks Kickstarter funding
"Last year’s Northern Spark all-night art event was, to be frank, very awesome," write the editors of Secrets of the City. "After success like that, it’s a bit of a bummer to hear the event might be in jeopardy for this year."MORE »
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