Chowgirls Catering’s Love Stories art exhibition curated by Rudy Fig and Katie Carpenter: A magical way to celebrate Valentine’s Day

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I’ve never really been into Valentine’s Day, but of all of the holidays it’s the only one where we’re not somehow obligated to spend and uncomfortable and awkward day with our families. Because of this V-Day is the most versatile of our western holidays; as long as it involves the color pink and eating chocolate.My two favorite things.If you, like me, are a fan of sugary, pinky, artsy things than you should probably make your way to the upcoming Love Stories show at Chowgirls Catering curated by Rudy Fig and Katie Carpenter. I’m not going to pretend that I don’t maintain a conflict of interest here, one of my best friends is curating, I have three original pieces in the show and my artwork is on the flier. But I’m just one of the many incredible artists featuring work in this show and considering this fantastic roster you are in for a real treat of epically romantic proportions. Check below for the Love Stories press release.LOVE STORIES, February 7th @ ChowgirlsNot sure what your sweetie needs for Valentine’s Day? Continue Reading

ART REVIEW | “Spirit + Matter” exhibit at Augsburg College makes you feel the love

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Does spirit matter? Is matter spirited? Whether or not you’ve pondered such questions, you might find your native inquisitiveness fed by a new exhibit at Augsburg College’s Gage Family Art Gallery, located on the first level of the Oren Gateway Center, 2211 Riverside Avenue in Minneapolis.“Spirit + Matter” represents newly inspired work on and with paper by four artists:  Anna Boyer, Monica Edwards Larson, Wendy Fernstrum, and Regula Russelle. It is an intriguing and ethereal exhibit of prints, artist books, and sculptures that invites the visitor to explore “the relationship between matter and spirituality—matter a temporal container of spirit, spirit shaping matter.”The sub-themes, each chosen by an artist, are: Ritual. Dwelling. Continue Reading

My Kuhl Jak Rabbit #1007

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I got something really Kuhl as a Christmas present this year. It’s a “Men’s Jak Rabbit #1007,” a sort of fuzzy-soft jacket sweater with a zipper pocket over the heart area for toting, I suppose, warm feelings about the cell phone I don’t own. Continue Reading

Posh: A family hair affair

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All in the family is exactly how Tunisunia Reed keeps it at her salon in south Minneapolis.From ownership, to construction and décor, the efforts to create and run Posh Hair Studio, 2403 Nicollet Ave., have been nothing short of a family affair. With the help of her husband and business partner, Reed has set out to establish a salon that exudes class, sophistication and elegance.“What separates us from other salons is we are not a (typical) beauty shop,” said Reed. “We operate on professionalism, we know it’s an inviting environment but we know that when a client has an appointment, we show up on time.”Tara Howard, an English teacher at Augsburg Fairview Academy said it is that level of professionalism that has kept her coming back to Reed.This article is reposted from TCDP media partner Insight News. Check out the links below for other recent Insight News stories:Kya Brown: Aiming for the top Hodges vows to close gapsRight: The Salon serves clients of all ethnicities and races. Reed’s ultimate objective is to reach multiracial children and families.“I think I continue coming to Tunisunia because she does listen well and she’s creative,” said Howard. Continue Reading

Seven questions with Vanessa Panemalaythong, Lao Miss Minnesota USA contestant

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Miss Minnesota USA recently held its annual pageant and Lao Minnesotan Vanessa Panemalaythong was there representing the community. She made it to #15, which many consider a very good placing for her first time competing. Little Laos on the Prairie had an opportunity to catch up with her before the holidays kicked into full-swing to find out more about her and her next directions. Continue Reading

Amy Alderete of Amyanne Fashions: Making people look good and feel confident

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I’ve known Amy Alderete of Amyanne Fashions since 3rd grade and even though she is just beginning her career in fashion, she approaches every project like a veteran and is tirelessly dedicated to her craft. She has studied in both LA and London and is now back in her hometown of Minneapolis presenting her work in shows all over the city.What is your favorite creation; a piece you’ve made that you’re really proud of?I am honestly so proud of any piece I create that turns out well! Especially when I hear from a customer who loves the piece I have made for them. But I really enjoyed making my finale dress for my latest fashion show. I tried some styles I had never done before, and it turned out so stunning on the model that I felt like I could finally call myself a designer.If you could only work with one kind of fabric for the rest of your life, what would it be?Jersey is pretty much the only type of fabric I currently work with because it is much easier to fit many different shapes and sizes, especially since I mostly sell my clothing online.What, in your opinion, is your favorite current fashion trend?I really like the maxi trend of skirts and dresses. Continue Reading

Samantha Rei empowers women through fashion

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With 13 years working in fashion under her belt, Samantha Rei is beginning a new chapter—one that will show an even wider audience that femininity and strength go hand and hand. After a fruitful career under the title Blasphemina’s Closet Samantha is branching out into new territory; crafting designs that extend beyond the gothic Lolita style she’s known for. Her garments are inspired by the stories of heroines whose soft charms are combined with power and intelligence. Who says you can’t look cute and save the world at the same time?What is your favorite creation; a piece you’ve made that you’re really proud of?Currently, it’s the three-piece coat collection that I made for the Union Depot show. I have a newfound love of wool and I’m going to be doing a lot of stuff with it in the future.If you could only work with one kind of fabric for the rest of your life, what would it be?My old standby is cotton. Continue Reading

Twin Cities Sneaker Art Xchange 2 in Minneapolis

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Sneaker collectors and music fans gathered at the Twin Cities Sneaker Art Xchange 2 on October 27.  A packed crowd browsed the tables of sneakers and art for sale while listening to music performances by Minneapolis artists at the Cabooze.The event was sponsored by Studiiyo23, a funky clothing and art store in Uptown, and hosted by Chris Styles of KMOJ’s Tite at Nite.  The music was provided by DJ Enferno and featured live performances by The Lioness, BdotCroc, and Greg Grease, among others. Continue Reading