This weekend is simply brimming with can't-miss art openings. So much so, we're going to have to pretty much plan minute by minute to fit them all in. From the grand re-opening of local fave, SooVAC, to numerous group shows jam packed with some of the cities brightest artists, this weekend is the exact definition of visual overload -- and that's something we can always get behind. Put on some colorful summer garb, gather your pals, and plan your arts itinerary now!
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xo-l'étoile
THURSDAY JULY 8TH
Tekno Doll Swimwear presents A Night in Morocco
@ Crowne Plaza Sky Garden
Crowne Plaza Hotel
618 Second Avenue S.
Minneapolis
7-10pm / $15-$30
Spend a night in Morocco… in Minneapolis. This Thursday, locally-made swimwear line Tekno Doll is transporting you to the exotic city, complete with hot belly dancers, hanging lanterns, hookas and beach-ready swimwear. To launch her new 2011 collection, Tekno Doll designer Jolene Danielson has teamed up with J & A Productions as well as bold, modern jewelry designer, Tia Salmela Keobounpheng of silvercocoon to show off the future of summer style. Not only will there be scantily-clad Ignite models mingling about, you can expect some of the yummy Mediterranean nosh from Ansari’s Grill, totally tasty cocktails, a to-die-for view of downtown Minneapolis from the Sky Garden at the Crowne Plaza, and DJ Dudley D with live drumming from Manny.
Click HERE for more info
THURSDAY JULY 8THCommunist Daughter
@ Mears Park
235 E. 6th Street
St. Paul
6pm / Free
Narratives of cynicism and heartache abound in the vast world of indie-folk, but let us assure you: the yearning, Andrew Bird-like lyricism of Communist Daughter not only make this local sextet a must-see, but render them worthy of national attention. Fronted by the tattooed Johnny Solomon, whose struggle with addiction, a failing marriage, and a band break-up (power-pop quartet Friends Like These) fueled the gorgeously aching complexities of the band’s LP, Soundtrack to the End, this Neutral Milk Hotel-named ensemble will be capturing hearts (and likely generating more buzz) Thursday night at Mears Park, as part of the annual “Music in Mears” concert series. Expect goosebumps – the harmonies achieved by Solomon and singer Molly Moore are nothing short of otherworldly (a good thing).
Click HERE for the Music in Mears site
Photo by David De Young
FRIDAY ART PICK: METRIK
They say necessity is the mother of invention, but for local street artist Metrik, his work was born from an intertwining of teenage boredom and Shepherd Fairey’s infamous “Obey” poster. His first work? A six-foot stencil of a guy with a black hood and an aerosol can. But that was 4 years ago, and Metrik, a graphic design student at MInnesota State University – Moorehead has been spending time this summer painting the city red, so to speak, with pals Amoeba and Biafra, Inc. Or more specifically, stickering the entrance to the Cult Status Gallery and painting the hood of a once-silver minivan, which now cruises the streets of Minneapolis decked out bumper-to-bumper with colorful graffiti stylings. Lucky for us, there’s still two months of summer to go, so keep your eyes peeled. We’re excited to see what badass move Metrik makes next.
Click HERE for more images
FRIDAY JULY 9TH
McKnight Fellowship Opening
@ MCAD
2501 Stevens Ave. S.
Minneapolis
6pm / Free
In case you’ve been living under a rock or something: being granted a McKnight Fellowships is kind of a big deal. The work endorsed by this year’s Visual Artist Fellows is as wide-ranging as ever – from Michael Kareken’s paintings of urban landscapes filled with broken glass, scrap metal, and piles of recyclables to Aldo Moroni’s fantastical, Chinese landscape-inspired sculptures to Carolyn Swiszcz’s paintings, prints, drawings, and collages exploring her hometown of West Saint Paul to a multimedia installation by Piotr Syzhalski investigating the interconnections of history and ideology in regards to labor – and each of the winners are from the Twin Cities (represent!). See the award-winning pieces themselves tonight at MCAD, where each of the artists will also be discussing their work.
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
Art by Michael Kareken
FRIDAY JULY 9TH
A Small Resurrection of Artpolice
@ Shoebox Gallery
Storefront window/on street
2948 Chicago Ave S
Minneapolis
6pm-midnight / Free
Back when the l'étoile founders were wee pups and a few of the staffers weren't even born yet, a handful of rabble-rousing, absurdists and art-forwards created an underground zine teeming with juvenile humor, political satire and frenetic illustrations: Artpolice. Throughout the zine's two-decade span, its founders – including local artists Andy Baird, Frank Gaard, and Stu Mead – published a series of issues featuring '“low brow” humor meets “high brow” sensibilities, where bathroom stall-style rantings where perfectly juxtaposed with sharp social commentary. Tonight, join artist Stephen Rife and the Shoebox Gallery as they revisit the important art collective through a mini-retrospective exhibition featuring rare issues of the chaotic and barefaced zine. The open reception features a lecture on the History and Continuum of Artpolice by former MCAD instructor and zine founder Frank Gaard, plus a live performance from afro-cuban beat makers, Saltee in Smuda Studio following the street-side opening.
Click HERE for the Facebook event
Artwork by Stu Mead:
FRIDAY JULY 9TH
The Peep Show
@ Cult Status Gallery
2913 Harriet Avenue S.
Minneapolis
8pm / Free
Since its bold entrance into Minneapolis’ street art scene not too long ago (the fated Deuce 7 Mural, lest we forget), Cult Status has time and again proved its prowess as everyone’s new favorite art gallery provocateur. But before we anyone gets too comfortable, the gallery’s latest show, The Peep Show, is pretty much exactly what you think it is: sexual-themed art (and heaps of it). Opening tonight, this show will represent thirty local and national artists, including UK-based graffiti artist (and friend of the infamous Banksy) Bubba2000, San Fran screenprinter Heather Gabel, Biafra Inc., Cult Status’ own Erin Sayer and Nate Vincent Szklarski, Scott Seekins, Rudy Fig, Doug Forbes and many more. While you’re a’peeping, be sure to snag a donut or three from The Donut Cooperative, a brand spankin’ (no pun intended) new artisan donut project that uses only the best local, natural ingredients from small farmers and suppliers. A night of donuts and nudity? Yummy, indeed!
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
FRIDAY JULY 9TH
Hot off the Press 2010
@Highpoint Center for Printmaking
912 W. Lake St.
Minneapolis
6:30-9pm / Free
We can always count of the Highpoint Center to showcase some of the most talented printmakers in the area, and this Friday is no exception, as Highpoint rolls out its Annual Summer Co-op Exhibit. Twenty-five local printmakers will be showing off their works, and offering viewers the unique and always lovely opportunity to mingle, chat about the art, and enjoy some refreshments (which never hurts). If you can’t make it to the reception this Friday, fret not — the works will be on view from July 9 through August 28.
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
Print by Anna Tsantir
FRIDAY JULY 9TH
The Parlour Suite EP Release Show
@ Turf Club
1601 University Ave W
St. Paul
9pm/ 21+/ $6
Oh, husband and wife musical duos. They're just so cute we could eat them with a spoon! Real life couple Joel & Inga Roberts – aka The Parlour Suite – are MPLS' own Mates of State, if you will, but with more Dusty Springfield swing/She & Him blues than casio beats. Tonight, the adorable pair celebrate their latest EP release, Welcome to the Garden Party, a '50s & '60s vintage throwback album packed with gritty guitar riffs, spaghetti western sound and sweet summer-perfect pop. With sets from fellow locals anglophile rockers, the Greycoats; Ravonettes akin, The Bombay Sweets; and ukulele-wielding folk duo, The Chord and the Fawn. Pick up your copy of Welcome to the Garden Party for a mere 5 bones, shake your tail feather and get ready to overload on cuteness!
Click HERE for the Turf Club site
FRIDAY JULY 9TH
Phantom Tails CD Release
@ Hexagon
2600 27th Ave S
Minneapolis
10pm / 21+ / Free
As if you didn't know, the Twin Cites music scene is currently as diverse as its ever been, and tonight's CD release party for psychedelic foursome Phantom Tails (comprised of former members of the criminally underrated and sorely missed Plastic Chord) brings bands hailing from total opposite ends of the spectrum. Bight Club brings the hip hop, Fort Wilson Riot owns the indie sound, and Phantom Tails will have you shaking your stuff to fuzzily enchanting, gritty psychedelic grooves. So where's the common ground? Simply the fact that all these acts are damn good at what they do and are fun as hell to watch. To round off this all-encompassing experience will be live painting by art collective Rogue Citizen. Plus, as if the zero dollar cover for all this amazing music and art isn't incentive enough, everyone that buys the new Phantom Tails CD gets a free can of PBR. Party!
Click HERE for the Hex site
FRIDAY JULY 9TH
Devotio Moderna
@ Chambers Hotel Courtyard
9th & Hennepin
Minneapolis
10pm-2am / 21+ / Free
Put on something sultry and make your way to the swanky courtyard of the Chambers Hotel tonight to sip absinthe cocktails and zone out to the hot n' heavy beats of DJs Bach666, Upgrayde and Ricky Biggs. And why not indulge your senses with delicious food (served until Midnight), intoxicating libations, and sexy, sexy sound? We think you deserve it. If we know DJ Bach and crew, there will be a whole lot of glamor and mystery, so slink on over to the Chambers for a magical night of sensory delights. Drink specials run all night, including half off beer and rail drinks, $5 glasses of wine, and the new Absinthe cocktail.
Click HERE for the Facebook event
FRIDAY JULY 9TH
Street Sounds
@ Record Room – First Ave
701 1st Ave N
Minneapolis
10pm-2am / 18+ / $3 adv, $5 door
Every second Friday of the month, First Ave’s Record Room hosts a night of disco-dance disc flippin’ for any dude or dudette who dares to get down. This month’s Street Sounds isn’t any different. In addition the usuals, DJ Mike 2600 and Attitude City, Street Sounds is bringing you a special discotheque divo, Craig Lambert (aka DJ Focus) to sling some wax to get your hips swingin’. Now we’re REALLY talkin’ about a boogie night!
Click HERE for the Facebook event
COOL LINK: ART VOTES CALL FOR ARTISTS
Whether you follow politics or not, odds are you're aware that there's been a lot of talk about the Governor's race -- and we haven't even reached the primaries yet! With a number of qualified candidates vying for the top slot on both sides of the fence, you've certainly got your hands full of options. The Rogue Buddha gallery is whipping together an art show based on the importance of voting (yes, especially in the primaries!) and is inviting artists of all stripes to submit work for consideration for a 4-day pop up exhibit. To take things up a notch, the opening reception on July 29th will be hosted by arts advocate, former gallery owner AND lieutenant Governor candidate, Robyne Robinson. Let's show 'em that the artists' vote matters -- and our issues matter! In a day and age where arts funding and education is being continually threatened, it's so very important you put your two cents in. Get out the ART vote by submitting a piece or attending the opening. Proceeds from art sales will go to the artists with a portion going to Springboard for the Arts -- a super important resource for artists in our community. Additionally, a panel of experts will choose one piece to be reproduced as a limited run, FREE poster to be distributed in the Twin Cities to promote the importance of voting. Cool, eh?
Click HERE for more info and details on how to submit your work
SATURDAY JULY 10TH
Twin Cities Zine Fest
@Stevens Square Center for the Arts
1905 3rd Ave S
Minneapolis
11am-5pm/Free
& LATER
@Seward Café
2129 East Franklin Ave.
Minneapolis
7-10pm/Free
Writers, DIY junkies, crafters, musicians and all around creative people — it’s time to come together to celebrate those in-depth, self-made books we like to call zines. This weekend, Twin Cities Zine Fest is back again for the sixth year and counting, bringing you your share of music, readings and more. Not only will there be a bicycle activist panel this year, but you can expect Q&A sesh’s from local USPS, zine nostalgia with a presentation by local artist Andy Sturdevant and an awesome letterpress documentary. To make the night even better, the zine folk are hosting a super sweet after party at the Seward Café, complete with cool music (The Velveteens, DNR, etc.), cool people (Brad Zellar, Tim Sievert and more) and of course, cool zines.
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
SATURDAY JULY 10TH
A Taste of the Cities: 15 Artists
@ AZ Gallery
308 Prince St.
St. Paul
7pm-11 / Free
The Argyle Zebra gallery is the kind of gallery that's right up our alley: an artists’ co-op, dedicated to the artistic expression of its members -- always endeavoring to provide more opportunities for the creative crowd to flex their colors. This Saturday is an especially great example of that, as the AZ Gallery features 15 different artists in a diverse “sampling” of work. The AZ will be featuring works from both resident artists such as DC Ice, Kara Hendershot and more plus notable non-member artists including Rabi Sanfo, Erin Sayer, Jesse Draxler, Josie Lewis, and Christy Johnson.
Click HERE for the Facebook event
SATURDAY JULY 10TH
Waiting Room
@ Fox Tax
503 1st Ave. NE
Minneapolis
6pm / Free
The Fox Tax space has been converted into, believe it or not, a waiting room. But far from drab wallpaper and months-old editions of People magazine, this exhibit brings together the works of creative couple Clea Felien and David Pederson, known for their prankish wit and the quirky, oft-perplexing rotating artist window displays (for example: thousands of electric-orange shoestrings tangled beneath a painting of a galloping horse) at their storefront space, the Slim Whitman Gallery. Expounding on the elements that create a waiting space, Waiting Room will include artist-created items such as coffee table books, a coffee table, paintings by Felien and photographs from Pederson’s recent travel ventures. And no, we can’t wait to see it either. We're just hoping we don't have to pull a number to get a glass of wine.
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
SATURDAY JULY 10TH
SooVAC Grand Reopening
@ SooVAC Gallery
2638 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis
6-10pm / Free
How we've missed the SooVAC! Back and better than ever, the recently relocated Lyndale fave reemerges this week and to celebrate and invites its guests to peep two brand-spanking new exhibitions, Untitled 7 and their first ever Teen Juried exhibition, SooFUZE. The seventh installment of the annual juried show follows no apparent theme leaving the eight artists – hand-picked by Project Director for mnartists.org, Scott Stulen – leeway to be as eclectic as possible. In the connected gallery, the Soo Local space, feast your eyes on impressive mixed media art from eight local teen artists selected by Founder and Executive Director of SooVAC, Suzy Greenberg; Lieutenant Governor candidate, art patron and jewelry designer, Robyne Robinson; and local designer/Doomtree Collective founding member, John Samels (DJ Paper Tiger). We'll see you there!
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
Art by Caylon Hackwith
SATURDAY JULY 10TH
Public Consumption: Work by Rogue Citizen Closing Reception
@ Tarnish & Gold Gallery
1511 Marshall St NE
Minneapolis
7-11pm / $3 or free w/ art supply donation
Like an arsty scavenger hunt, the Rogue Citizen project entitled Public Consumption set out to scatter pieces of artwork across Minneapolis to be found and treasured, trashed, destroyed or recycled. But due to some pesky city laws regarding littering and unsanctioned public art, the project was creatively tweaked to be an equally engaging exhibit showing. If you haven't snagged a peek at the show during it's Tarnish&Gold run, now's your last chance. Tonight's closing reception bash features diverse urban and political commentary paintings, prints and more from Rogue Citizen collective artists Shawn Dalsen, Eric Mattheis, Matt McGorry and Matt Wells. What's better? You can enter to win the art via raffle! Sweet!
Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com
SATURDAY JULY 10TH
Dearling Physique/Chelsea Boys/Aaron & The Sea
@ 501 Club
501 Washington Ave
Minneapolis
10pm / 21+ / Free
Part performance art, part theatrical electronic rock show, avant-garde experimentalists Dearling Physique never underwhelm. This group, helmed by the incredibly talented Domino Davis, envelopes audience members inside a sheath of stunning laser lights, Björk-worthy costumes, Grace Jones dynamism and waves of tribal electronica. Catch the dark virtuosos tonight with fellow crowd-pleasers and dance-punk soldiers, Chelsea Boys and soft voiced, ghetto techies, Aaron & The Sea.
Click HERE for the Facebook event
SATURDAY JULY 10TH
Red Pens/Liminal Phase/Bombay Sweets
@ Palmer’s
500 Cedar Ave
Minneapolis
10pm / 21+ / $5
There’s nothing like a bit of local music to jazz up yet another art-packed weekend. Tonight, Palmer’s is playing host to the salty-sweet cacophony of DIY gurus Red Pens, whose walls of abstract sound, background loops, and disoriented guitar melodies have been compared to the likes of Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine. Joining them are the surrealistic stylings of Adam Levy and his instrumental smorgasbord (think oboe, cello, bassoon, and a bunch of other instruments), Liminal Phase, as well as the deliciously-named, one-man garage-rock project Bombay Sweets. Not to mention, we always love the rowdiness of Palmer's on a Saturday night!
Click HERE for the Facebook event
SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: HADESTOWN
Mediocre concept albums are a dime a dozen, but every once and awhile an artist immerses us ears-first into another world, only to spit us back out quaking, the experience still lingering in that way only breathtakingly good music can. Hadestown, the March-released folk opera by Anaïs Mitchell, is one such album. Touching nearly every classic American music form, from Southern gospel to ragtime to blues to rock to avant-garde, this 57-minute journey is based on the myth of Orpheus and set in a post-apocalyptic American depression era. With her usual poetic lyricism and melodious bounce of a voice, Mitchell is flawless as Orpheus’ lover Eurydice, who is imprisoned by Hades (sung in gravelly baritone by folk stalwart Greg Brown). Justin Vernon plays a haunting Orpheus, and his final lament is by far one of the album’s best. Further sealing the artful genius of Hadestown is Ani DiFranco, who makes one hell of a Persephone (pun intended). Gorgeously articulated, soulful, and unlike anything you’ve ever heard, this folk opera will serve your stereo well. And that’s an understatement.
Click HERE for the Hadestown site
SUNDAY JULY 11TH
Open Exposure w/ Tapes 'N Tapes, Eyedea & Abilities, Total Babe
@ Walker Open Field
1750 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis
1pm-9pm / Free
We're firm believers that music sounds better when heard outdoors, preferably on the Walker's summery rolling hillside. As part of their Open Field experience, the Walker invites you to soak up some rays and lay back as you enjoy some local tuneage from Tapes 'N Tapes, Wolf Mountain, Bubble Teeth, Just Wulf, Eyedea & Abilities and Total Babe. Bring your fave music mixes to trade on the lawn during the Mix Tape Exchange or get artsy and create your own instruments with supplies from the Walker's art-making tent. Plus, do a bit of art networking during the Young Artists Resource Fair. A stunning daylong fest you don't wanna miss!
Click HERE for the Walker site
L'ETOILE NEWSWIRE
Register now for the 1st Annual High Heel Dash!
The first ever Aegis Foundation High Heel Dash invites both men and women to show off their
glamorous athletic prowess for a good cause! On Wednesday, August 11th at Peavey Plaza in Downtown Minneapolis contestants will compete against each other in 25-yard dash heats wearing heels 3 inches or taller. MyTalk 107.1's Lori & Julia will begin broadcasting live with emcee Foxy Tann at 3pm! Heats will start at 5:30pm to give you time to leave work and dash to Peavey Plaza for a great cause. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place dashers! The top fundraisers will get Spectacular prizes too!!Participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of $100 to dash (tax deductible). Contestants will receive an official High Heel Dash t-shirt. All proceeds benefit Soles4Souls and the Emergency Foodshelf Network. REGISTER NOW!
High Heel Dash 2010 is proudly co-sponsored by l'étoile!
Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson // Contributors: Juleana Enright, Tara Sloane, Lauren Gantner, Natalie Gallagher, Kate Iverson, Robyn Lewis, Jahna Peloquin
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