Spring has sprung and The Line
is happy to introduce a new monthly feature highlighting several arts, entertainment and cultural events not to be missed in MSP this May. In Northeast Minneapolis, Art-A-Whirl celebrates its 20th anniversary; at the University of Minnesota, DJ Spooky heats things up with “Arctic Rhythms” and a Hangeul Party introduces participants to Korean calligraphy; and more.
A Night in the Quarter: Featuring Paul D. Miller (aka DJ Spooky)
Saturday, May 9 - 6-9 p.m.
West Bank Arts Quarter, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
Free
The West Bank Arts Quarter at the University of Minnesota has always been a hub for innovative, exciting art makers. This month’s
“A Night in the Quarter” showcases work by BA, BFA and MFA arts students — with a special guest appearance by Paul D. Miller (aka
DJ Spooky), a multimedia artist, composer and writer whose work echoes the experimentation of art department students.
He’ll conduct a
workshop on his book
Imaginary App and his DJ app for iPad, which has enjoyed 12-million downloads off iTunes. He’ll also perform “Arctic Rhythms,” a new work commissioned by National Geographic and inspired by a Sierra Club Aichilik rafting journey, at Ted Mann Concert Hall. “Arctic Rhythms” combines elements of electronic, hip-hop and minimalist music with multimedia to address issues faced in the world’s coldest, most formidable and fragile region.
Art-A-Whirl
Friday, May 15 - 5-10 p.m.
Saturday, May 16 - Noon-8 p.m.
Sunday, May 17 - Noon-5 p.m.
Northeast Minneapolis
Free
For 20 years now, the
Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (NEMAA) has hosted the largest open studio tour in the country:
Art-A-Whirl. This year’s Art-A-Whirl will take the artistic smorgasbord — which roundly contributed to Northeast Minneapolis being named
Best Art District in the U.S. by
US Today — to a celebratory level.
Equally satisfying for casual arts patrons and diehard collectors, Art-A-Whirl leaves everyone’s aesthetic palate satiated. Featuring more than 500 artists in mediums ranging from painting to furniture, Art-A-Whirl provides visitors with an intimate and hands-on look into the process of art making. Artists literally open their studio doors and host demonstrations, live performances and exhibitions in more than 60 locations throughout Northeast. Passersby can experience local art up close and personal, and converse with the artists. Where else can so many artists convene to showcase their work and sell their creations to such an enthusiastic crowd?
This year, check out abstract painter Barbara Roche’s collaboration with dancer Deborah Elias in
“Damnation” at the Northrop King Building on Friday and Saturday night. The salon-style art instillation slithers in between the worlds of movement and stillness, and is bound to provoke thought and stimulate discussion. View
Art-A-Whirl FAQ's and
"How to Whirl" articles with suggestions on how to navigate the event.
Hangeul Party
Saturday, May 16, 2-6 p.m.
Coffman Memorial Union, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
Free, but RSVP required by May 6 at www.story-of-korea.com
AllThatStory America LLC is a Twin Cities organization dedicated to enlightening the residents of MSP about diverse facets of Korean culture, from business to arts and culture. This event showcases the work of Korean master calligraphist
Byoung Chul Park, whose whimsical artwork using calligraphic characters will be exhibited. Park will also guide participants in writing their own names using the characters (everyone gets their own free calligraphy kit). And real Korean cuisine (read spicy, aromatic and delicious) will be on hand for tasting. As Sungdae Suh, co-founder of AllThatStory America LLC, said in a press release, “There’s much more to contemporary Korean culture than K-POP, Korean film and K-dramas.”
Walker On The Green: Artist-Designed Mini Golf
Opens Thursday, May 21
Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Sunday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Closed June 19–21 for Rock the Garden
Walker Art Center, Minneapolis
$9-$19, call (612) 375-7697
Walker On The Green: Artist-Designed Mini Golf makes its triumphant return on May 21. Perfect for a first date or an afternoon with family, this crowd favorite is fun for all ages. Each round of mini golf is interactive and enriching, as the holes have been designed by local artists and architects.
This year’s course features four new holes by six local designers including Amy Toscani and
Yousif Del Valle. Two of holes, Thrillo-Brillo Clean-Shot by Andy Warhol(e) and Red Haring, were inspired by the Walker’s current “International Pop” exhibition. Fifteen of last year’s favorite holes also return. Be sure to hang on to your ticket for free gallery admission.
Jerome Emerging Printmakers Exhibition
Friday, May 22 - 6:30-9 p.m.
Highpoint Center for Printmaking, Minneapolis
Free
Highpoint Center for Printmaking concludes
the 2014-2015 Jerome Emerging Printmakers Residency with an exhibition of new work by Kieran Riley Abbott, Christopher Alday and Drew Peterson. Out of 30+ applicants, these three visual artists were selected to have their talents nurtured over a nine-month period thanks to a $40,000 grant provided by the Jerome Foundation. During that time Abbot, Peterson and Alday were given critical resources (professional feedback, access to studio space and materials) needed to take the next step in their careers. The exhibition puts their work front and center.
Here’s some of what’s on exhibition. Riley Abbot (a 2014 University of Minnesota graduate) used cut vinyl to create screen prints to capture the calculated and repetitive visual effect of grids. Peterson (who holds an MFA from The Art Institute of Chicago) combined screen- and mono-printing techniques to create two process-based bodies of work that explore everyday interaction and personal history. Alday (a 2013 graduate of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design) will present images that highlight and celebrate the detailed-oriented, labor of love that is printmaking.
David Rue is a dance artist and writer infatuated with the companionship of arts and academia.