Challenge America: National Endowment for the Arts offers a “Fast Track” for arts projects reaching underserved populations

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If you’re working for or with a small or mid-sized arts organization and you’ve been looking for funding to make your programming more accessible to underserved audiences, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) wants to hear from you.The NEA’s Challenge America Fast Track (CAFT) program offers $10,000 grants to organizations reaching out to underserved populations: “those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability.” The fine print: the grant must be matched with the same amount from other sources.Examples of projects that have received CAFT grants in the past include “a multidisciplinary piece incorporating South Indian classical (Carnatic) and Chinese music traditions” (API Cultural Center in Oakland, California); “a multidisciplinary series of performances, film screenings, and workshops” (Sociedad Latina in Roxbury, Massachusetts); and the New York Arab and South Asian Film Festival.More information is available at the NEA’s website; an April 3 webinar is recommended for organizations interested in applying. The application deadline is May 23. Continue Reading

University of Minnesota Senior Fashion Show GIFs, Part 3

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On February 16, graduating seniors in the University of Minnesota’s apparel design program showcased their best work in a fashion show. Here are GIFs of four designers’ work, with descriptions from the show program.Mai Yang: “Her collection consists of classic silhouettes and tailoring techniques paired with beautiful fabrics, such as gold brocades and Chantilly lace in order to embody luxury.”Lucie Jane Mulligan: “For this evening collection, Lucie Jane drew inspiration from the Irish coastline, with its hard structured cliffs and smooth flowing waves.”Rika Van Heerde: “This collection was inspired by images that present themselves at first as romantic, feminine and poetic. However, with a lingering look, the haunting details of the images reveal a darker side to the viewer, these images are simultaneously strikingly beautiful and deeply disquieting.”Khampasith Davison: “Khampasith’s senior line focuses on a bridal party inspired by organic forms and their lavishness of artwork, architecture, and interior decorations of the Baroque period.”See other collections from this show: Part 1 and Part 2.Coverage of issues and events affecting Central Corridor communities is funded in part by a grant from the Central Corridor Funders Collaborative. Continue Reading

Shoes in the city

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So Sarah Jessica Parker is having foot problems. Spending 18-hour days in five-inch Manolo Blahniks during Sex and the City wasn’t the problem. No, what really hurt SJP was a more recent movie shoot that had her donning cheap footwear. Realistically, explained SJP, my character wouldn’t have worn really good (a.k.a. expensive) shoes. Apparently reality matters when it comes to wardrobe selection and compelling character development. Continue Reading

American Girl Fashion Show on the Northside: Junior League of Minneapolis rolls out the red carpet and turns back the clock

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The historic Capri Theater in North Minneapolis has had many different looks over the years, but it may never have been so pink as on the weekend of March 8-10. The Junior League of Minneapolis decked the theater lobby in pink and balloons for its 12th annual American Girl Fashion Show.With the approval of American Girl—which is donating 5% of all orders through March 24 to the Junior League of Minneapolis (mention key code 175859)—the fashion show features dozens of local girls dressed in historic and contemporary fashions inspired by characters in the 27-year-old American Girl franchise.The show on the afternoon of March 9 was enthusiastically hosted by high school students Monica Livorsi and Nikki Kallman, who shared tidbits of historical information (“Before I read Caroline’s stories, I didn’t know anything about the War of 1812!”) and invited the girls to parade onstage in cue. Audience participation activities included a lesson about “port” and “starboard” led by the nautical Caroline and a disco lesson courtesy of Julie, the American Girl from the Me Decade.The Junior League of Minneapolis, founded in 1923, describes itself as “an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.” Proceeds from the American Girl Fashion Show support Junior League activities including “Backpack Buddies,” a program providing weekend food to children in need.Also in the Daily Planet: “Backpack Buddies helps more kids look forward to weekends” (2012). Continue Reading

University of Minnesota Senior Fashion Show GIFs, Part 2

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On February 16, graduating seniors in the University of Minnesota’s apparel design program showcased their best work in a fashion show. Here are GIFs of six designers’ work, with descriptions from the show program.Ashton Frith: “Ashton’s collection is highly inspired by historical dress as well as the functionality that lends itself to modern fashion.”Lucie Biros: “Her line Gold, No Glitter, bends concepts of mystery, attraction and gender while giving the wearer statement designs to enhance their individuality and independence.”Claire Ward: “Her line is inspired by the idea of ‘kitsch,’ and challenges traditional ideas of sophisitcation and elegance that are so prevalent in the fashion world.”Susan Vue: “Her inspiration came from the Southern California deserts; a region she grew up in.”Ellie Hottinger: “Ellie’s collection is inspired by the concept of ‘Wabi Sabi,’ embracing imperfect beauty and an imperfect state of being, illustrated through her hand-painted garment and applications of unique, textural treatments.”Kaila Bibeau: “Inspired by the princess-like quality, elegance, and sophistication of true couture artisanship; this collection echoes the elaborate adornment of courture dress.”See collections by Jennifer Voth, Anna Louise Sviben, Misty Karges, Grace Lorig, Jessica Loomis, Issa Mello, and Sherry Lyn Sanden-Will.Coverage of issues and events affecting Central Corridor communities is funded in part by a grant from the Central Corridor Funders Collaborative. Continue Reading

University of Minnesota Senior Fashion Show GIFs, Part 1

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On February 16, graduating seniors in the University of Minnesota’s apparel design program showcased their best work in a fashion show. Here are GIFs of the first seven designers’ work, with descriptions from the show program.Jennifer Voth: “This line of laidback women’s skateboard apparel utilizes the overlapping depth created by slabs of metal armor combined with stripe accents found on old school team sport jerseys.”Anna Louise Sviben: “Inspired by Depression-era patchwork and utilitarian thrift, the collection pays tribute to hard boundaries and minimal, geometric forms.”Misty Karges: “Inspired by the beauty, strength, and adventure of an active woman, Misty’s line incorporates elements of traditional athletic wear, lifestyle apparel, and undergarments as outerwear.”Grace Lorig: “With her combined passion and respect for the outdoors, being physically active, and design, Grace Lorig traveled to India and created an Eastern-inspired line for those who live a yogic lifestyle.”Jessica Loomis: “She pairs gorgeous floral prints with elements from the French Revolution period to give her garments a fun, romantic look.”Issa Mello: “The cut of the garments and juxtaposing fabrics are the basis of Issa’s collection and give a cool, edgy, and almost rebellious feeling.”Sherry Lynn Sanden-Will: “Her designs are for the bold, confident, professional woman who appreciates investing in quality pieces and desires to add color to her wardrobe.”See collections by Ashton Frith, Lucie Biros, Claire Ward, Susan Vue, Ellie Hottinger, and Kaila Bibeau.Coverage of issues and events affecting Central Corridor communities is funded in part by a grant from the Central Corridor Funders Collaborative. Continue Reading

The future of the Southeast Minneapolis Library, part 4: A historic building

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This is the fourth article in a six-part series on the future of the Southeast Library in Minneapolis. Previously, part 3: Marcy-Holmes loves its library.Some neighborhood residents have said they’d like to preserve the Southeast Library building for historic reasons as an example of the late Ralph Rapson’s modern architecture.The Southeast Library building, designed by the late Minneapolis architect Ralph Rapson, opened in 1963 as the University branch of the State Capitol Credit Union, now Affinity Plus. Four years later, the building, an example of modern architecture, became the Southeast Library around Christmas 1967.Between 1904 and 1967, the Southeast Library was in the white marble Pillsbury building at 100 University Ave. S.E. on the corner of University and Central (above). The building houses the Phillips philanthropic foundation. Continue Reading

Teen organizes stylish thank you to Neighbors, Inc.

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Thrift shopping is hot with teens. Thrift is a major motivator for young fashionistas who search out name label finds for fun and fashion. Teens for whom recycling is a way of life assume that recycling wear-ables is an environmental issue. The essence of thrift shopping is that it is a grand adventure that comes with bragging rights for the shopper. Continue Reading