Minnesota apologists will claim this is just a normal winter, like the kind we had when we were kids. But no. This extreme weather has all been occurring in a more condensed window. As a friend put it, “it’s like we get all of winter’s greatest hits in one week.†Extreme cold, ice storms, two […]
Liminal
Come join us for our annual Conspiracy of Strange Girls art show. The theme is liminality featuring artwork about change, new beginnings, transitions, and thresholds. We will be unveiling the work with an opening reception on Saturday, January 19th and the work will be on display until January 27th. Artspace Jackson Flats 901 18 1/2 […]
Standing at the Threshold
My last post expressed concern over the Soap Factory’s fate (a local, beloved arts institution). Apparently I wasn’t the only one worried. Due to the outpouring of support and concern for the Soap Factory during the last few weeks, the board has decided to host a town hall meeting, where community members can hear directly […]
The Soap Factory, Late-Stage Capitalism and a Sheriff’s Sale
More grim news for the local Twin Cities art scene. This time it’s my beloved Soap Factory on the chopping block. This space has been important to me over the last 20+ years. In the 90s my first visits involved the minimal 4th of July events. I recall local video artists projecting their works and […]
A Winter’s Night Market
The Strange Girls are at it again! We’re putting on an eclectic night market at Artspace Jackson Flats in NE Minneapolis. When: Saturday, December 15th from 4pm to 9pm Where: 901 18 1/2 Ave NE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55418 What: Shop thirty plus independent designers, emerging brands and artists with live music and complimentary libations. Sharyn […]
Cruising Altitude and Attitude
Last weekend CNN aired Anthony Bourdain’s final Parts Unknown episode. I’m all kinds of sad about his death. And recently binge watched more episodes I hadn’t seen before from other seasons. They’re all wonderful and bittersweet. In October I enjoyed another remarkable solo trip. To Ireland and Italy. It’s interesting and frustrating how I’m treated […]
Eliminating the Unnecessary
Travel is important to me. Especially as a Minnesotan. The ability to take a break from the long dark winters, or at least to plan a trip (hypothetical or a trip that will be realized) is critical. This past winter went on for a long long stretch and I couldn’t help myself. I snapped up […]
Time In Common
Somewhere along the way I became a morning person. I can’t quite pinpoint it. Motherhood isn’t to blame, since my adult son is turning 19 in just a few days. Guess it’s just my advancing age. This season of my life finds me at work by 7am daily and in bed by 10pm. Hard to […]
Summer’s Long Shadow
This summer started off with so much promise, with my son’s high school graduation and subsequent party. But things quickly went downhill from there. There have been many missteps, some on my part, but mostly factors out of our control. We had to move suddenly from our home of 4+ years due to an unabated […]
Sun-Stopping
We marked the Summer Solstice last week and it’s been on my mind. Meteorological Summer has begun in Minnesota, but this was a particularly oddball year without a Spring. I’ve lived here all my life but I’m still taken aback often by the weather extremes. And my friends who live elsewhere are downright alarmed by […]