Calendar

TCDP TOP PICK: In conjunction with I'm Not Your Indian Anymore, the new exhibit at All My Relations Gallery, on May 25th and June 1st there's a book signing by author Laura Waterman Wittstock and photographer Dick Bancroft for We Are Still Here: A Photographic History of the American Indian Movement. There's also at the gallery, Saturdays from June 9 through the 29th, a series of lectures on the history of the American Indian Movement. I'm Not Your Indian Anymore, showing the rest of May, American Indian Month, through June 29, features photos by Bancroft and Roger Woo. It's dedicated to the memory of actor-activist Floyd Crow Westerman (Lakota Woman: Siege at Wounded Knee, Son of the Morning Star, Dances With Wolves). - Dwight Hobbes

TCDP TOP PICK: From May 7 through June 24 in the window of the Susan Hensel Gallery on Cedar Avenue, see unique collaboratively created portraits of elders from Minneapolis's East African communities. Some are conventional paintings of their faces, some are telling proverbs, and all are unmissable. - Jay Gabler

TCDP TOP PICK: At the newly-opened Public Functionary gallery in Northeast Minneapolis, DZINE’s Victory is like a brilliant cluster of diamonds, captivating in its gaudiness and gleeful without forgetting its purpose—because the purpose is the foundation and its foundation is the story of an American heritage in a way that is most profound and personal. - read the complete review by Amina Harper

TCDP TOP PICK: Most of the time, whether it is intentional or not, art is an inventory of personal experiences that once you’ve fleshed out into a tangible form you give to the audience to perceive at their own discretion. This fosters a continuation of history, especially when it comes to found objects, as these objects existed before the exhibition and will likely exist well after for others to project further value onto. Abraham Cruzvillegas encourages this inference of value because it gives the work a new life, adding an extra layer of meaning that may not have been there otherwise. It starts a new story, and that story can differ from viewer to viewer. - read the complete review by Amina Harper

TCDP TOP PICK: An entire generation and more have not the first idea about gospel legend and civil rights activist Mahalia Jackson, which is reason in and of itself to see the musical biography Mahalia at the Old Log Theater in Excelsior. Taking on the role is Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir artistic director Sandra Robinson Hodges, who has her own solid reputation and impeccable pedigree. It's a choice opportunity to learn about the life of a historic figure and enjoy an evening of rousing entertainment while you're at it.  Runs through May 25. - Dwight Hobbes