friends pimping, part 7: creative fusion

One thing that gets me really excited is the idea of artistic mediums merging with each other. Currently on stage in Minneapolis is a show that both acts as art installation and theatre experience. It's totally awesome, heavy on the AWE.

Sandbox Theatre generally creates their shows from an idea, not a script. This means those participating in the production all bring something to it, eventually creating a performance-worthy piece that is a little more three dimensional than most scripted theatre. The official term is process-driven. An ensemble-created production lends itself well to experimentation and risk-taking, and Sandbox's newest work, .faust, is no exception.

Most people are familiar with the idea of Faust, even if they haven't read the story themselves. A brilliant man who makes a pact with the Devil to open up the universe and the power it holds, with tragic results. But when coming to this production, it's best to leave any preconceived notions behind. As it is said very early in this piece, A New World Deserves A New Faust.

In the Sandbox production, Faust's personality is split into three beings, each who explore a different facet. Depending on the persona, Faust is at anytime obsessed with apothecary and healing, sex and emotion, and science and the way the world works. The three actors begin as one Faust, and the act of their division is as fascinating as everything else on stage. The costumes and set both envelop a Steampunk aesthetic, merging Nature and Industry with total ease. Considering the time of Goethe held both the Age of Enlightenment and the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution, it's as appropriate as it is unexpected. Mephistopheles himself is a visual wonder that is both captivating and intimidating.

Why do I think people should see .faust? Because this kind of storytelling doesn't happen very often. It is at any point dance, performance art, music, sculpture and theatre. Constantly moving and always interesting to watch. They only have three performances left- this Thursday, Friday and Saturday (November 19-21). You'll also have the pleasure of checking out the Red Eye Theater venue- one of the coolest black box spaces around. All the show details are at their website or their Facebook and Twitter pages. Don't miss out on something terrific. Sandbox definitely knows the importance of art to one's soul.

so long, and thanks for all the tator tots.

On Sunday, the Uptown Bar in Minneapolis closes for good. The neighborhood has changed so much since I first moved down here twenty years ago, but the Uptown has always (and long before that) been a mainstay. It's not closing due to poor business, but instead because the owner has decided to sell the property to redevelopers. Because the guy is doing it to provide financial security for his family, no one is really vilifying him, justly so. It's a noble reason, even if the nobility will result in more generic chains coming into an area that was once upon a time cooler than cool.

Was I a regular? Not in the least. Since I moved to St Paul twelve years ago I've only been a handful of times. Even when I was living in Uptown it wasn't that much of a consistent haunt compared to First Avenue. But I went quite often to see bands, usually fellows I knew. Sometimes my friends and I just went for drinks or food, which never disappointed. But mixed into the ordinary were a few extraordinary moments, footnotes in my life, moments where if I hadn't gone there, this whole thing might not have happened. It's all for the good, even if at the time some experiences were surreal or even ill-advised. It was all part of the path.

A few people far more eloquent than I have made some keen observations of the place, which for musicians and patrons alike could easily be called iconic.

Uptown Documentary

A Night at the Uptown

I am likely going to miss out on a chance to say goodbye in person, but it will be in my thoughts, as will groups like Dogshine, the Drovers, and even Dumpster Juice, all who I saw on the Uptown stage. They have a petition happening now to maintain the liquor license in case a new venue is found, but the building itself will soon be a rubbled memory, and its ghosts without a place to rest.

shameless plug: 99, 99, 99...

One of the most interesting places for art happenings around town is the Soap Factory. Located near Downtown Minneapolis just on the other side of the riverbank, it's an industrial space with the ability to convert into whatever its current exhibit needs. The floors are wood-slats and concrete. The walls are brick and gallery-friendly white. I've seen paintings, sculpture, interactive installations and performance in this space, all well done shows that might not be done in another venue. Last month, I had the fortunate pleasure to be part of a craft show held there as part of the local Handmade Nation documentary screening. In a word, the Soap Factory is supercool.

Each year they have their annual fundraiser, the $99 Sale. Nearly 300 works will be on display, each one on a 5x7 sheet of heavy paper or cardstock, and each one for sale for $99. The works are done by anyone who wants to participate, and because of the stipulation that no signatures be on the front, the sale becomes more about the art than who made it. Neat, huh?

This year I decided to throw my own pieces of paper in. I did two, one pastel and one mixed media. The 5x7 rule is less limiting than a great challenge; what can be done in such a small space? It was fun to do, and whether my pieces sell or not (though of course I hope they do), it's a great feeling to participate in a community-centric exhibit.

So check it out: Soap99.com. Tonight is the pre-sale party from 7pm-10pm, and $20 gets you in for a first look and tasty food. Tomorrow is free to the public from 9am-12pm. The art can be taken off the wall as soon as it's purchased, and while coming early guarantees more selection, there's really no down side. Every piece sold goes to an organization that continuously brings new and interesting works to the foreground. And more importantly, there's no such thing as too much art.

let me ask YOU a question

Do you have a go-to bag? What makes it so?

This is partially market research, but also for my own curiosity. While I made the purse I use everyday, I did not make the bag I consider to be my go-to tote. So while I examine what makes that one "Ol' Reliable" for me, I would like to know why your bag appeals to you. Is it the size? The material? The versatility? I'd love to learn what kind of bag you have, and why you believe it's the one. Obviously, I would like to be the maker of one's kismet carry-all. It's important that what I make is as functional as can be. But as each of us are different, getting more insight on what makes a connection would be most helpful. Leave a comment below, and I'll love you forever.

Thanks!

about-town happenings and the battle against apathy

I have a slight (more than slight) urge to start this post much like I did in entries in so many abandoned journals of my youth: I'm sorry it's been so long since I've written. The guilt, man. It's intense.

July has brought much crazy and little working. That needs to change toot suh-weet. I've been surrounded by cut out bags for weeks, bags that just need me to get things ironed and sewn. Yet last night I made a bag for myself in under an hour because I needed it (my everyday bag gave its last hurrah yesterday). I just need to get that motivation on a regular basis.

The next few weeks are plenty busy in the Mpls-St Paul neck of the woods. Firstly is this weekend- the Uptown Market holds its second event of the summer. Located on the Midtown Greenway in South Minneapolis, this is an up and coming market featuring original works, vintage, produce and more. All from LOCAL vendors. What's really cool about this is they are pushing the idea of small independent business growth. They state flat out that if you are part of a franchise or multi-level marketing company, they don't want you there. Personally I like the idea of being able to sell my bags without being in competition with a Coach knockoff kiosk two tents over. It's frustrating to see handmade pieces being pushed aside for sweatshop crap. So hooray to the Uptown Market for taking the definite high road!

The Uptown Market runs this Sunday, July 19th at 11-5. There will be two more this year: August 16th and September 20th. I will be one of next month's sellers, but this weekend has forty fantabulous vendors, including my friend and fellow HandmadeMN team member Julie Meyer. She is the oilcloth goddess to be sure. Don't miss out- make it part of your Sunday plans!

*****

Also coming up in two weeks is the Minnesota Fringe Festival. So many shows, just ten days to see them. Make your own schedule on the website, but if you want to know the ones on mine so far- click below to learn more.

June of Arc

Bard Fiction

Monster

Buyer's Remorse

Horace Greeley the Lesser: On the Isle of Misfit Toys

Squawk

Blue Ribbon Burlesque

*****

One last thing to check out for area happenings is Joe's Blog. Joe Spencer is the Arts & Culture guy on St Paul Mayor Chris Coleman's staff. He gushes weekly about all the events our city has to offer, and there are plenty. Definitely a reliable source and a great guy.

*****

Okay- back to fighting the apathy dragon while the gumption is there. Happy Weekend!

friends pimping, part 6: gym equipment for real men

Independently, Matthew Glover and Sam L Landman are actors, writers and performers in their own right. But when combining their talents, they are known as Pommelhorse. This is why you should get to know them.

In 2007, Sam and Matthew performed on stage their first playwriting effort, called Feelgood Hits of the 70s. Set in the downtown apartment of Fab and Gunner, the men talk about past loves, pop culture and random topics with equal weight and importance. It's at any time hilarious, sweet, intelligent, crude and heartbreaking, with a scripted soundtrack that includes The Doobie Brothers, Elton John and the Jackson 5. The show was well received by those who saw it, and was a particular favorite with women, who (at least this one) found it an interesting insight into the male brain. Quinton Skinner, City Pages theatre reviewer, posted a rave review, saying, "It's a pretty wide net these fellows cast, and they caught me: I laughed as much at this show as I have all year." Skinner also gave them mention in the 2007 Artists of the Year edition of the weekly, calling FGH one "of the funniest comedies in recent memory."

Two years later and Sam and Matthew are still working hard. After several video projects, new characters, and the desire to revisit Fab and Gunner, the lads are now bringing Pommelhorse to a new level. Last week they held a business launch fundraiser to help jump start their beginnings as a multimedia production company. Matthew and Sam have a prequel to Feelgood Hits underway, called I Hate Don Shelby, that they plan to self-produce, and they plan to use their talents to produce other people's work as well. They can do it- they're that good.

Here is their latest collaboration- an Warholian/Lynchian piece, also starring the lovely and talented Amber Bjork. Take a gander, and then, if you want to know more about the guys, check out Pommelhorse on Facebook. Become a fan. They even have some sweet swag. And now, without further delay, Sandwich.



Still want more Pommelhorse but don't have access to Facebook? Drop them an email.

friends pimping, part 5: losing one more chain linking old, new and local

So I'm just going to say it straight- Please find your way this weekend to REfind Vintage in St Paul. Sadly, after Sunday it will be no more.

Mellissa opened REfind last fall in a cute storefront on St Paul's East Side. It features a mix of vintage, recycled and repurposed pieces from housewares to jewelry to clothing. There was also always baked goods, made by the woman herself. It's my opinion that it wasn't given a proper chance by the shopping public. It's off the beaten path, unfortunately a little too far off for its target audience. Despite all her best efforts, she has decided to close things down for good after this weekend.

So here is the information, cribbed from REfind's Facebook page:

LAST CHANCE TO VISIT REFIND VINTAGE!!!!!!! Don’t miss out on our last hurrah! Due to many unforseen circumstances, REfind Vintage will be closing after our BIG JUNE SALE!! We have gone all out, gathering beautiful wicker furniture, potting plants, crafting glass garden totems and so much more- not to mention the lovely items our FAB ARTISTS have been bringing in! Open June 25-28, Th& Fri 12-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 11-4.


I've been very happy to be one of Mellissa's sellers, and I look forward to her next venture. But in the meantime, and before it's too late, please check out her present one. Local artists, vintage pieces, repurposed goods. And I'll bet there'll be tasty desserts, too.



MAP to REfind!

A few of my items for sale in the shop: