Luminary Arts Center – Gorgeous Performance Space in the North Loop

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

The Luminary Arts Center completed its renovation in July. We spoke to Ryan Taylor, President and General Director of Minnesota Opera, to learn more about the renovation, history of the facility and what we can expect to be staged in this beautiful space at 700 N 1st Street.

Ryan TaylorMCT:  Please provide some history of this space.

A:  The Luminary Arts Center building is an 8,000-square-foot stone box with 30-foot ceilings, carved out of the foundation of a historic Itasca warehouse along the Mississippi River. It’s located right next door to the Minnesota Opera Center, three warehouse buildings that Minnesota Opera moved into and renovated in 1990 to house its scenic and costume shops, rehearsal facilities, and administrative offices.

The theater, like its North Loop neighborhood, is rich in history. Designed and developed in 1988 for the Guthrie Theater as a laboratory for new works, the space served as the Guthrie’s second stage until the completion of its current theater complex in 2006. More recently, under executive producer Mary Kelley Leer, the theater (then called the Lab Theater) became a lively stage for both emerging and established performing artists in theater, music, dance, cabaret, fashion, and burlesque.

Minnesota Opera had been approached several times over the years to purchase the space, and finally did in 2019. The previous managers and tenants continued their work and performances without interruption through the start of the pandemic. On June 1, 2021, Minnesota Opera assumed management of the space. Beginning in July 2021, Minnesota Opera embarked on a major $6-million-dollar renovation of the building that concluded in July 2022. The space reopened to renters in September, 2022 and Minnesota Opera will host its first presentation in the new space this month.

MCT:  Please tell us about the renovation.

A:  The renovation includes enhancement to front-of-house facilities, structural and mechanical improvements, and improvements to the theater and its support spaces. The addition of a freight elevator improves the efficiency and safety of load-in processes for all users, and a tension wire grid allows for increased flexibility for event turnaround and a safer technical teaching arena. New flooring offers a safer environment for a variety of performers, including dancers, and new acoustic treatments render the space appropriate for a variety of potential renters. The renovated theater has 224 seats.

Q:  What types of events will be staged at this beautiful facility?

A:  We hope to keep the space as a resource for a wide variety of arts organizations and other community groups. So far, we have hosted Ten Thousand Things and Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts. Next, Minnesota Opera will present Handel’s Rinaldo this month at the space. We typically don’t present music from that early period, and I’m excited that the Luminary gives Minnesota Opera the opportunity to present pieces that we might not stage at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. Rinaldo should work nicely in this more intimate space, and I’m glad that we can use the Luminary to expand the types of stories that we’re able to tell. After our inaugural presentation in the renovated space, we’re confirmed to host the Danger Committee, Minnesota Dance Theatre, Ballet Co.Laboratory, Young Dance, and Cantus, and we have more bookings in the works. We have a wide variety of organizations interested in how the space can help them fulfill their goals, and we’re happy about that.

Q:  How do you go about pitching a new performing space to the artistic community in the Twin Cities? Do you have a backlog of requests to use the space?

A:  We’ve been in close conversation with the previous tenants of the venue throughout the renovation process, and we’re happy to see many of them return to the space as more live performances are happening. We are fielding requests on a first-come, first-served basis to prospective renters. We are interested in organizations that have a history with the space and have depended on it for their artmaking and storytelling. But we’re also excited to engage new organizations and community groups to use the Luminary, as well. We’re taking it slow and steady – Minnesota Opera primarily performs at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, which we do not own, and so we are learning a lot as an institution as we step into the role of managing a venue. I hope we will be good stewards of this historic performance space for years to come. 

Q:  May the public tour the space?

A:  The public is welcome to come and see a show at the Luminary, and tickets are available at luminaryartscenter.com. We held an Open House for the space in August and hope to have more opportunities for the public to engage with the space in the future. For private tours, interested parties can contact info@luminaryartscenter.com.

Q:  Thank you for being good stewards of this space. How may we follow your news?

A:  You can follow the Luminary Arts Center at luminaryartscenter.com or by signing up for Minnesota Opera’s e-newsletter at mnopera.org.

The Luminary Arts Center is located at 700 N 1st Street.  Photo credit: doitinnorth

December 6 Noble Truth Artist Talk: Layl McDill

Layl McDill is co-owner of Clay Squared to Infinity, 2505 Howard Street NE. Find her in Studio A.

On December 6th, Art to Change the World takes their Studio Visits: Noble Truths series to Layl McDill's studio in the Flux Arts Building, 2505 Howard Street NE. The event starts at 6pm.

Layl lives in Minneapolis and is co-owner of Clay Squared to Infinity, a tile and art studio and showroom in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District. She has exhibited her work around the country at art centers, museums and art fairs. Her work is about wonderment and story primarily polymer clay using the millefiori technique. She shares her space with her husband Josh Blanc as part of Clay Squared to Infinity.

She will give a tour of both her studio and her husband’s. As an extra bonus, Layl will perform one of her stories which she recently told on the Moth Stage at a Story Slam. You'll also have the opportunity to play with some polymer clay scraps!

Small Business Spotlight: Extempore

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Our small business spotlights are usually restaurants or other hospitality businesses, but our neighborhoods are also home to many innovative high-tech businesses. Extempore, a language assessment tool provider, is based in the Sheridan neighborhood. We talked to Carlos Seoane, Founder and CEO, about the products and services his company provides, and why the Sheridan neighborhood was a good fit as a business location.   

Carlos SeoaneQ:  You’ve said that there are four skills in the world language classroom – speaking, writing, reading and listening. How does Extempore aid the learner in building these skills?

A:  Right. Many of your readers can probably relate to the pressure of speaking during language classes back in their school years. That’s what Extempore was designed for: alleviate the pressures around speaking and provide students and teachers with more opportunities to practice. Teachers want their students to speak the target language more; we want to be the platform where that occurs. As an assessment platform, Extempore allows instructors to create practice activities and high stakes assessments that measure students’ growth in each of these four skills.

For example:

a) Teachers could provide a text for students to read paired with comprehension questions.

b) Likewise, instructors could upload or record their own audio files, have students listen to these, and then provide either comprehension questions or a follow-up task based on that recording.

c) For speaking, teachers can create any prompt for students to respond to: open-ended questions, communicative tasks, simulated conversations.

d) Finally, instructors can assess writing in a similar way to how they assess speaking: by providing prompts and a task for students to complete by producing the target language.

Q:  What sets Extempore apart from other language software or apps?

A:  This is an interesting question. I would say the way it allows teachers to provide personal, customized feedback for each student response. Similarly, its flexibility and versatility provide a platform for instructors to create high-quality yet efficient summative and formative assessments that students can complete in minutes. It’s really the “Swiss Army Knife” of assessment platforms, if I may. It also saves instructors time and provides a low-pressure environment for students to record audio responses. Instead of having to sit with each student one on one, teachers can now listen to student recordings, saving class time. Likewise, when students can record on their own devices in a preferred location, they can speak in the environment that suits them best, instead of in front of their peers, which may cause anxiety. On top of this, as students accumulate completed assessments, they slowly develop their own portfolios that can illustrate growth over periods of time. So Extempore not only measures the short-term gains in each assessment, but through comparing results and responses, it can provide detail on long-term progress as well. Please note that our assessment platform can find use in any class that needs to measure student output – gym, music, voice, etc.   

Q:  Your website states Extempore can lead to better cultural competency. Tell us about this notion.

A:  Yes. Just how instructors can provide prompts to build linguistic skills, so too can they create prompts to stimulate cultural conversations. These could be pre-class discussion prompts or post-discussion reflections. However, instructors use Extempore, by including cultural discussions and prompts on the platform, they can assess and measure growth in cultural awareness and knowledge. For example, teachers could upload a short video of the Carnival festival in Brazil and have students reflect on the video by responding with see, think, and wonder: What do you see? What do you think? What do you wonder? This is an easy way to engage students with the target culture in a low-pressure environment.

Q:  Is Extempore a good tool for language students of all ages?

A:  Absolutely. We have learners ranging from kindergarten to college using the platform.

Q:  Your office is at 1317 Marshall Street NE. Why did you choose the Sheridan neighborhood for a physical office location?

A:  The Sheridan office is a perfect spot for our team. It’s centrally located and has all the amenities we need to work well together. This office lends itself well to visits from prospective investors and clients who are interested in learning more about Extempore.

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A:  You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn. We have some exciting updates and content coming out in the future, so stay tuned!

Savanna Henning, Biological Sciences Technician, National Parks Service, on Beavers and Floodplain Forest Resiliency

Article by Becky Fillinger

The beaver is a keystone species - a species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend, and if they are removed, the ecosystem would change drastically. The busy work of beavers can be highly beneficial and conversely detrimental to our local wetlands’ landscapes. We talked to Savanna Henning, Biological Sciences Technician for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, about a three-year study being conducted on beavers and the floodplain forest - and how you may volunteer to be part of the project.

Savanna HenningQ:  Please tell us about your research work with beavers and floodplain management.

A:  The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, Mississippi Park Connection and the University of Minnesota are conducting a 3-year floodplain forest resiliency partnership study to better understand the relationship between beaver and floodplain forest plant communities. This collaborative team received a grant this summer from the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) which will provide funding for the study through 2025, with goals of continued research going forward.

Anecdotal evidence has shown that beaver presence on the river affects sapling trees' - specifically the mighty cottonwood trees' - ability to grow to full maturity. This study seeks to quantify the impact of beavers on floodplain forest plant communities and allow the park service and partners to develop a set of best management practices for effective and efficient floodplain forest restoration. To date, an initial beaver activity survey has been conducted around and along the 72-mile stretch of Mississippi River that runs through Minneapolis and St. Paul. This survey documented beaver signs including dams, food caches and foraging trails, as well as inactive and active lodges and dens. The data from the survey will provide a starting point for developing a monitoring plan. This fall, wildlife technicians have begun deploying a series of wildlife cameras on active lodges and dens throughout the corridor to assist in determining colony size, observe possible predator-beaver interactions and select appropriate sites for vegetative tree surveys in the following years.

Current and former National Park Service Biological Science Technicians Savanna Henning and Bridgette Timm and University of Minnesota ecologist Dr. Joseph Bump deploy a beaver wildlife camera near a lodge at Crosby Farm in St. Paul. 

Biological Science Technician Savanna Henning checking a beaver wildlife camera on a lodge at Ft. Snelling State Park.

Biological Science Technician Savanna Henning talking about the goals of the wildlife cameras on and near beaver bank dens and lodges.

.

Q:  How do beavers help to control floods? How does beaver activity affect sapling tree survival rates?  

A:  Known as nature's architectural engineers, beavers have the incredible ability to shape ecosystems by a multitude of behaviors including crafting and maintaining dams, burrowing in riverbanks and feeding and use of tree species. Many studies have found that beavers impact the hydrology of rivers and streams by slowing down and spreading out water into floodplain habitats, which may reduce the impact of floods but is largely dependent on context. Though this 3-year floodplain forest resiliency study does not directly aim to answer questions of beavers and flooding in the Mississippi corridor, it may lead to future questions surrounding beavers and flooding. The aim of the study is to explore the effect beaver activity has locally on sapling tree survival rates. The specific sapling tree species of interest for the study is the eastern cottonwood tree which can grow to heights of 100 feet, contributing to soil stabilization, carbon storage and wildlife habitat. This tree is also well known for the large amounts of water that it uses, an average of 50-200 gallons/day, directly linking it to the water cycle in our park. It certainly wouldn't be science if one study did not open up the flood gates to a multitude of new questions!

Q:  Will the public be able to watch the beaver activity from the wildlife cameras your team is installing? How do we follow news of this project?  

A:  As of this fall, there is not a livestream wildlife camera available for the public to watch, though there is discussion of one in the future! We will be processing beaver footage collected after the field season. Look to Mississippi National River and Recreation Facebook page for opportunities to view videos captured by beaver cams and receive updates on the project in the next few years! You can also look to the Science and Research page on the Mississippi National River and Recreation website for updates.

Q:  Thank you for this important work. Do you need volunteers?

A:  The park is encouraging visitors to report any beaver activity they see within the parks borders, which can include fallen trees due to chewing, beaver dams, tracks, lodges, bank dens and of course sightings, to contribute to this body of research. It may be surprising that beavers are present even in the main channel of the Mississippi, but they are certainly there! Along large rivers they often inhabit bank dens which are much less conspicuous than the iconic beaver lodge.

To report any of the described beaver signs visit https://parkconnection.org/beaver. Volunteers are also needed to assist with beaver wildlife camera work and can find upcoming opportunities at parkconnection.org/volunteer and scroll down to find the volunteer opportunity entitled "Beaver Monitoring Assistant." 

23rd Annual Sound Unseen Film Festival – A Discussion with Program Director, Rich Gill

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Now in its 23rd year, Sound Unseen is a niche film festival dedicated to the “role of film and music as a conduit of powerful ideas and diverse viewpoints.” Minneapolis dates are November 9-13. We talked to Program Director Rich Gill about the history and expansion of Sound Unseen and this year’s festival.

Rich GillQ:  Please give our readers a brief history of Sound Unseen.

A:  Sound Unseen started in 1999 as a “films on music” festival showcasing documentaries, narratives, and short films where music is the main focus. Since that time, we have expanded our programming to include films that don’t necessarily have a music focus but still fall under the broad umbrella of creative expression. We’ve screened films about photographers, skateboarders, chefs, comedians, and even some animated films. In addition to expanding our programming we’ve also branched out to other cities. Sound Unseen had a festival in Duluth for a period of time and last year we started doing screenings in Austin, TX.

Don't Full in Love with Yourself is a documentary about the life and music of Justin Pearson, an underground musician and owner of Three One G records.Q:  Your festival was included as “One of 20 Great Film Festivals for First-Time Moviemakers” in MovieMaker Magazine. What is the criteria and process for submitting a film or performance idea to Sound Unseen? Does the selection committee look for first time moviemakers to highlight? How do you go about curating performances to accompany the films selected?

A:  In addition to myself, Festival Director Jim Brunzell, and Shorts Programmer Kat Swenson, we have a fantastic screening committee that consists of people from across the country that all have different tastes and interests when it comes to both film and music. With that said, the only real criteria for submitting a film is we ask that it have something to do with music or the arts. Every year we inevitably get a number of submissions that have nothing to do with either of those things and while we appreciate people submitting to us, we don’t have much use for those films.

We love showcasing first time filmmakers. We also love getting films from people who are seasoned veterans when it comes to filmmaking but there is definitely something special about a first-time filmmaker, especially if they didn’t go to school for filmmaking. There’s an excitement they have that is really great to see and a lot of times they have a way of documenting things that you don’t get from people who have made several films already.

In terms of pairing musical performances with films we just try to figure out what would make the most sense. Obviously, we’re not going to put a heavy metal band in front of a documentary about classical music, although that would be kind of fun to see. We try to find a mix of bands that we know will help draw people to the screening and also ones that might get some exposure from playing in front of a movie that we know will do well. 

In Quantum Cowboys, hapless drifters Frank and Bruno team up with a woman to recover her land and trek across 1870s southern Arizona to find an elusive frontier musician.Q:  Sound Unseen has strong and transparent values, mission and vision statements. One of the values under ‘Community’ states: “We are committed to being a good partner and improving the cultural and economic landscape of our community.” Please tell us how your organization improves our local/regional cultural and economic landscapes.

A:  One of the things we pride ourselves on is working with local companies and organizations during the festival, and really year-round when it comes down to it. Partnering locally benefits everyone involved. It exposes Sound Unseen to an audience that might not normally seek out our screenings and it also puts our partner’s product or organization in front of the Sound Unseen patrons. In terms of the films, we play we are very conscious about making sure we have a program that highlights films with diverse voices that would otherwise not get a chance to screen in the Twin Cities area. Sound Unseen has always made it a point to feature a healthy selection of foreign language films and also movies with BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ filmmakers or subjects. 

Q:  How did Sound Unseen adapt during the COVID shutdowns? Did you learn things that made the festival and organization stronger? 

A:  Like a lot of festivals, we made the pivot to virtual screenings during the shutdown which was a challenge but ultimately opened us up to a wider audience with some of the screenings we did. The interesting thing about it is COVID was kind of the catalyst for expanding our festival to Texas. We had talked about it before so when we went 100% virtual it seemed like the perfect time to give it a shot and thankfully it worked in our favor. I think the biggest thing we learned is exactly what you asked, how to adapt. If we can’t do a festival in person, how can we make it work virtually? What will Q&A’s look like? Will we be able to still have live music be a part of it? Those are all things we had to figure out how to do and then execute in a pretty short window of time.

Q:  Do you have favorites from the November lineup? How do we order passes or tickets?

A:  In no particular order I’m excited about getting the world premiere of DON’T FALL IN LOVE WITH YOURSELF, a documentary about Justin Pearson from the noise punk band The Locust. Director Jon Nix will be in attendance so that will be a fun time. We also have Neko Case and director Geoff Marslett coming to do a Q&A for their film QUANTUM COWBOYS, which is also Neko’s acting debut. Lastly, we are playing a film called CHOP & STEELE which falls into that category of not really being a music film but it definitely fits with the types of films we look for. It’s about the creators of the Found Footage Festival and how they navigated being sued by a television broadcast company. There’s more to it than that but I don’t want to give too much away. It’s highly recommended though. They will also be in attendance along with the co-director for a post screening Q&A along with a music-themed presentation of the Found Footage Festival. Please order tickets here on soundunseen.com.

Local Author Sarah Warren Celebrates Stacey Abrams in New Children's Book, Stacey Abrams: Lift Every Voice

Article by Becky Fillinger

I am in a perpetual starstruck state at the abundance of talented writers who live in our community. Meet Sarah Warren – her new children’s book on Stacey Abrams is timely, relevant and inspiring. The children (and honestly, the adults) in your life will love it.

Stacy AbramsQ:  A Kirkus book review of Stacey Abrams: Lift Every Voice calls it an “important, uplifting biography with historical and contemporary significance.” I agree. Why did you decide to write a children’s book about the life of Stacey Abrams?   

A:  How could I resist? Stacey Abrams is an extraordinary human being. She is a straight up superstar at this point, but I knew young people would relate to her story. Her clarity of purpose, wisdom, confidence and optimism lit me up back in 2020, the first time I heard her speak on Oprah’s Super Soul podcast. I wanted to spread that light. 

I love writing books about cool women who use their everyday powers to change the world. I tell stories about my heroes. I also USE stories about heroes to talk to young people about abstract concepts like persistence, purpose, service and equality. When readers read the biographies I’ve written, they see these ideas come to life. This book is about Stacey Abrams. It’s also about power: How can we get it? What do we do when it’s taken away? How can we share it with our families, our neighbors, our country and our world? I felt pretty powerless back in 2020. Stacey Abrams inspired me to use my voice. I used it to write this book. 

Q:  Has Stacey Abrams read your tribute to her?

A:  What have you heard? Has she said anything to you? Don’t tell me. She loves it though, right? 

I really wanted to talk to Stacey about this book. Honestly, I’d listened to Lead from the Outside so many times it felt like we HAD talked, but instead of interviewing her, she spent the whole time cheering me on and teaching me how to achieve my goals and transform the world. 

I prefer to work with the people I write about, but that wasn’t possible with this biography. In my quest to work with Stacey Abrams, however, I met lots of people who did. They shared story after story about how happy they were to follow her lead. When I’m out on the town with copies of Stacey Abrams: Lift Every Voice, strangers rush over to tell me about the times they saw her speak, or canvassed for her, or read her books. She has touched so many lives already. She uses her voice to motivate people all over the world. I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Q:  Throughout your book, readers learn of Abrams’ question to herself - “How can I help?” Do you hope to inspire young readers to question troubling situations and ask themselves how to remedy the situations? 

A:  Absolutely! It’s easy to feel helpless. I know. I love my country. I want it to stop hurting people, but how? When oppression is systemic and sneaky, change feels impossible. Where do we even start? I want my readers to know that it’s okay to start small. Stacey Abrams learned at a young age that everyone can do something to help. Her family didn’t have a lot, but they gave their time, their talents, and their love. She grew up and found bigger and bigger ways to help people, but her motivation never changed. She fights to make sure we all have what we need to be our best. We can all make a difference. “How can I help?” is a great place to start.  

Q:  Lift Every Voice and Sing is known as the Black National Anthem. What were your thoughts in including it in the title of a book devoted to Stacey Abrams? 

A:  “Lift Every Voice and Sing” is a history lesson. It’s a call to action. It’s music. Music is powerful.

Have you ever been at church or school or at a concert, anyplace where the people around you start singing? If you’re like me, you get caught up in how all the different voices bump against each other. It’s so weird. We’re strangers! We haven’t practiced! I hear youthful voices perking up here and there, and elders who can riff off of the melodies they know by heart. I worry my voice doesn’t fit. But when I finally relax and quit being self-conscious, I can feel the tender hum of pure, determined creation. I feel my community. We are all so different, but here we are, building this beautiful moment together. The Black National Anthem invites us to know and feel the world like this. The text tells listeners so much about our country, our strength, our struggle, and our potential. I referenced this song because I believe James Weldon Johnson and his brother knew how to unite our voices and Stacey Abrams does too. 

Q:  Do you have book reading and signing events scheduled for Stacey Abrams: Lift Every Voice? I sure hope so! 

A:  You can order signed copies of my book from Crown the Writer at crownthewriter.com. You can find out more about upcoming events at picturebookparade.com and sarahwbooks.com. Follow me on Twitter - Come find me!

The Freehouse is Serving Up a Fall Menu to Satisfy Any Craving

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

The Freehouse offers tasty seasonal beverages and food items throughout the year. We’ve awaited the fall offerings and they’re here! General Manager, David Johnson, shares his favorites with us. My short terms plans include the Honey Crisp Jalisco and the Short Rib Dip! Pay them a visit at 701 N Washington Avenue in the North Loop and let us know your picks.

New for Beverages:

Gingersnap Sour featuring Knob Creek bourbon, butterscotch, apple syrup, peach ginger purée and cinnamon. Why you’ll love it:  Bourbon and ginger are a classic pairing! When combined with butterscotch, peach, and apple, it is the perfect drink for a crisp day. 

Rye Tai featuring Bulleit rye bourbon, Noces royales pear cognac, orgeat and lime juice. Why you’ll love it: A cold weather, bourbon-inspired take on the warm weather classic Mai Tai. Bourbon paired with pear cognac and orgeat gives a warming citrus & spice finish. Out with the beach and in with the bonfire! 

Honey Crisp Jalisco featuring Casamigos blanco tequila, Noces royales pear cognac, apple simple syrup and lemon juice. Why you’ll love it: Rich and savory pear cognac adds a seasonal touch to this easy-drinking Tequila cocktail. 

Apple Ginger Crush (non-alcoholic) featuring  apple juice, ginger beer, cinnamon sugar, anise. Why you’ll love it: A seasonal non-alcoholic take on the classic mule. Apple and cinnamon combine to make this an easy, refreshing, spicy, and cozy drink perfect for cool autumn nights and the festive holidays. 

Freehouse No. 18 Midnight Lager, black lager / 4.7% abv.

 Why you’ll love it: This black lager has a pleasant sweet chocolate aroma with dark chocolate and caramel roastiness and a crisp, clean lager finish. A more sessionable version of the highly sought-after stouts and winter ales popular during the cooler season. 

New for Food:

Buffalo Cauliflower: Oven roasted cauliflower, tempura battered, buffalo sauce, ranch. Why you’ll love it: One bite and you'll find that you can't stop eating the appetizing morsels. Spicy, savory, and just fun to eat! 

Mac & Cheese: Cheddar cheese sauce, mozzarella, Romano and parmesan cheese, cavatappi noodles, crushed croutons. Why you’ll love it: Creamy, cheesy and delicious. A Freehouse classic that is perfect anytime of the year, but this ultimate comfort food has a special place in our hearts during the cooler months. 

Short Rib Dip: Short ribs, provolone, caramelized onion, horseradish sauce, baguette, au jus. Why you’ll love it: Perfectly tender, slow-roasted short rib layered with caramelized onion and provolone, then topped with our signature horseradish sauce spread. 

Plant-based Patty Melt: Beyond Burger patty, pumpernickel rye, plant-based cheese, mayo-free aioli, arugula, caramelized onion. Why you’ll love it: Served on perfectly toasted rye, this plant-based patty melt is just as juicy, savory, flavorful and gooey as the classic version. 

French Toast Chicken Stack: French toast, Nashville chicken, sausage gravy, over easy egg, parsley. Why you’ll love it: Inspired by breakfast classics like French toast, chicken & waffles, biscuits & gravy, this hearty breakfast is perfect any time of day. Two Nashville chicken tenders are served over our famous ciabatta French toast and topped with our house-made sausage gravy.

Gnocchi: Potato gnocchi, cream, basil pesto, shiitake and portabella, bacon lardon, arugula, poached eggs, green onion, balsamic reduction, toast. Why you’ll love it: This is the rich, sweet and savory breakfast dish you’re going to be craving all Fall and Winter. The creamy pesto sauce and smokey bacon are absolutely delectable and pair perfectly with the fluffy, yet crispy gnocchi.

 

"Come and visit us! We love to welcome regulars and first timers to our restaurant."

General Manager, David Johnson

Manish Kalra, Recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award

Article by Becky Fillinger 

Manish KalraIn 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) to recognize the important role of volunteers in maintaining America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too.

Our neighbor Manish Kalra recently won the PVSA Gold Medal under this program. We talked to him about his ideas around volunteering and how you might get more involved too. 

Q:  Congratulations on winning the PVSA Gold Medal. Could you please tell us about the organization that recommended you for the award? 

A:  Project Management Institute nominated me for this award. It recognizes the service and dedication to the institution of project management to create better outcomes for businesses, community and society. From ensuring supplier diversity, to securing leadership roles for our BIPOC members, to forging meaningful relationships with our community partners, we are proud to have done a lot of work in the field of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, to create a culture where everyone feels valued.

Q:  You are a fulltime IT professional at Fairview Health, President/CEO of PMI Minnesota and serve on multiple boards. Please tell us your secret in finding time to volunteer.

A:  I think If you believe strongly in something, the universe will make ways to manifest time for it. I don’t believe in the concept of finding time. It is about finding the right thing to do, at the right time.

Q:  What did it mean to you to win the PVSA Gold Medal? 

A: It was an honor and an absolute privilege to win the PVSA award. More than the win itself, I am very excited about the buzz it generated, and the awareness it brought towards the power of volunteering and its impact on the community.

Q:  Where do you volunteer? 

A: I started volunteering at The Aliveness Project , as a Chef, cooking meals for HIV+ /LGBTQ+ people of our community. I love to cook, so even though it felt like a lot of work some days (and my hands hurt), it was always a good feeling at the end of the day. I am currently on the board of Twin Cities Quorum, One Heartland and PMI Minnesota. I am also the Leader of our cross-cultural leadership network (ERG) at Fairview, where we work to create an inclusive culture and opportunities for growth for our BIPOC employees.

Q:  Very impressive – thank you! What would you tell people who either don’t know how to get started on volunteering or feel they’re too busy to volunteer?

A:  I would call them to peruse their passions. Think about your interests and what makes you happy. If you like animals, start giving some time to the Animal Humane Society. If you enjoy time with children, volunteer for a kid’s camp. If you are interested in LGBTQ equity, look for organizations that serve the community. If you follow your passions, volunteering opportunities will come easy.

Q:  To stay inspired, how may we follow your news? 

A:  Please do - I am active on social media – Facebook and LinkedIn.

Theatre in the Round Director Linda Paulsen Provides Insight to the World Premiere of The Mysterious Affair at Styles

Article by Becky Fillinger

Kate Danley’s adaptation of the Agatha Christie’s novel The Mysterious Affair at Styles, will premiere at Theater in the Round (TRP) November 18-December 18. We talked to Director Linda Paulsen about the enduring legacy of Mrs. Christie, casting Hercule Poirot and how to purchase tickets to the annual holiday mystery show.

Linda PaulsonQ:  Agatha Christie wrote her first novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, over a century ago. Since that first novel, she wrote 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, as well as the world’s longest-running play – The Mousetrap. Her books have sold over a billion copies in the English language and a billion in translation, in fact she’s the best-selling novelist of all time. Why do you think we remain interested in her works?

A:  Mrs. Christie loved to put a spin on her characters, to turn a good guy into a bad guy or to vindicate a supposed villain; to lead her readers and audiences down many avenues, but always to the final and just result. We know she will try to fool us, but, in the end, we will be rewarded with who did it. But more important than who, is how it was done, as audiences will discover in The Mysterious Affair at Styles.

Q:  Hercule Poirot was introduced in Styles.  So many leading men have portrayed the iconic detective. Who will play Poirot in your adaptation, and can you share why he was cast in the role?

Ben TallenA:  More than 30 well-known actors, and countless hometown favorites have played Hercule Poirot. So, his look is as varied as the cases he investigates. But his manner is as consistent as crime itself. In casting Poirot, I wanted an actor who could relate to Lt. Arthur Hastings, his unlikely partner in this investigation, and who could carry this well-known role without simply copying what others have done. After all, this was Christie’s introduction of her famous detective and as such she is setting the bar for all others to follow. 

Ben Tallen is playing Hercule Poirot in this production. Any actor playing this well-known character is challenged to mimic the familiar traits all the while attempting to make his mark in their performance. Ben brings humor and warmth, intelligence, and humanity to this now very familiar character of Agatha Christie’s. Audiences have grown used to many versions of this character and the actor’s challenge, among others, is to make his audience focus more on his method of crime solving.

Q:  How many actors will be in your production? Will they play multiple roles?

A:  This adaptation, which is having its world premiere on TRP’s arena stage, has a cast of 12. Kate Danley offered me options for doubling in her adaptation, but TRP has a history of excellent turnout at auditions, and I had over 70 actors to choose from during a two-day audition process. Auditions at TRP are open to all, allowing directors to offer roles to veteran actors as well as newcomers. This cast of 12 includes seven actors who are new to TRP and our arena stage!

Q:  A commenter in The British Weekly in 1921 noted that Styles was “well written, well-proportioned and full of surprises.”  Will your production keep us guessing the murderer’s identity until the end of the play?

A:  Another commented on Mrs. Christie’s use of so many clues (red herrings) as to keep the reader guessing until the very end. And she does not disappoint in Styles, taking her readers, or audience in this case, to many locations that may (or may not) have importance. So much so that she even included a layout (in her book) of the rooms at this country estate, Styles Court, to give a better perspective when moments occurred in different parts of the house! The numerous locales meant I needed to distill locations, inside or away from the manor, into what our arena stage could portray and what it does best – putting our audience so close to the clues, the suspects, even the victim.

Q:  What’s next for you after Styles? How may we follow your news?

A:  I started last April, managing the workshops of this adaptation of Christie’s first book, and to work with Kate Danley as she prepared her script for the stage and for TRP’s 71st Season.

We are planning a talkback with the cast and playwright on Friday, December 16 after the show and are also working on scheduling a panel with the local chapter of Sisters in Crime about the staying power of mystery and female-identifying authors’ influence on the genre. The date for that panel is still TBD.

Working on new works and with playwrights is a part of our mission as a theatre that serves a diverse community. Watch for more on this unique arena stage. Follow us at our website and on Facebook. Purchase tickets for the show here.

Curious About Watershed Spa + Baths?

Article by Becky Fillinger

We’re all delighted that Watershed Spa + Baths is ready to welcome guests. We first reported on Nell Rueckl’s dream two years ago and the pandemic has only increased our desire to have a long hot soak and the comfort it brings! Their Grand Opening was recently held – the gorgeous space was filled with friends, local business owners and community members wishing Nell great success with her venture. We asked Nell to give us an up-to-date review of what we can expect at the business. Here’s what she told us.

Nell Rueckl at the Grand Opening party, photo credit Becky Fillinger

* About Watershed *

Located at 514 2nd Street SE in the historic Switch House building (formerly the Soap Factory), Watershed Spa + Baths is the first-of-its-kind destination in the Twin Cities. The design of the 11,000 square foot location creates a balance of both vibrant and earthy elements by showcasing the building’s exposed beams, brick, and windows and adding contemporary decor, plants, and local art.

* What you’ll find and experience *

Spa treatments all take place on the entrance level, offering integrated healing modalities; massage, acupuncture, holistic facials, yoga therapy, and more. A retail area showcases a carefully curated selection of green beauty and lifestyle products, Watershed’s own small-batch, house-made salts, body butters and oils, and its custom signature scent. 

The baths are located on the lower level and are co-ed. Swimsuits are required, and there are private dressing rooms and lockers. Here, guests can enjoy the key elements of the bathing ritual: soak, cold plunge, cedar sauna, and a steam room, all of which can be enjoyed in the sequence and at the guest's preferred pace. Rest and relaxation are also essential components of the process, so a dedicated area allows for the rejuvenation that comes with completing the full experience, whether spent lounging, reading, or simply feeling the present moment. 

Soaking room, photo credit Becky Fillinger

Treatment room, photo provided

Treatment room, photo provided

Treatment room, photo provided

* The booking process *

Spa services and Bath Rituals can be booked by calling 612-600-7768 or in person. 

* A watershed moment for all humans *

The inspiration behind Watershed is to create an inclusive space centered around holistic healing and vibrational wellness. I have had a long-held dream of bringing a deeper level of healing to the community. Nell believes we can optimize the energy that already exists within each one of us through healing practices and bathing rituals. There is a reason these traditions have existed in different cultures for centuries. When we take time out to focus on our own well-being in a communal setting, we amplify the positive effect exponentially; when we heal ourselves, we begin to heal our world.

* Follow our News *

Follow Watershed Spa on Instagram and Facebook. They welcome you to sign up for their online newsletter on their website, www.watershedspa.com.

Photo credit, Becky Fillinger

Local Cultural Steward: Chef Yia Vang

Article by Becky Fillinger, photo provided 

We have a bounty of celebrity chefs in our area. One of the busiest and more awarded is Chef Yia Vang. He is innovative, energetic, determined, approachable and has telegenic charm. You won’t believe all the projects he has in the works – keep reading!

Q:  What a year for you - 2022 James Beard Foundation Best Chef - Midwest semifinalist; 2022 James Beard Foundation Best New Restaurant for Union Hmong Kitchen semifinalist; Two new TV shows – Stoked and Feral; New restaurant opening – Vinai; permanent restaurant stand at the Minnesota State Fair; Host of TPT’s Relish - Have I missed anything? Five years ago, could you have imagined a year such as 2022 for you?

A:  One of the new projects that we've been working on is our podcast "Hmonglish" - the interconnection between Hmong culture and American Culture. Many of us Hmong kids who grew up in America or were born here have been asking questions like “How can I be Hmong and American at the same time?” We get to dig into that question in this podcast.

In each episode of Relish, Chef Yia Vang takes viewers inside the home kitchens of local chefs as they serve up an ingredient or dish that has personal and cultural meaning to them.With that being said, I feel totally blessed to be in the position that I am in today. I always think about it this way...I'm a simple Hmong kid who grew up in central Wisconsin, loves watching the Packers play on Sundays and grilling with my dudes. I never would have seen all of this. Truly I've been blessed to be given a platform that I get to dig into my own cultural heritage and speak about it through the foods that we make. I get to talk about how a mother and father who courageously struggled and fought for each one of their kids. I get to tell their story because the truth is my story is boring...I only have a voice because they gave me the voice. I only have a story because at the end of the day it's their story and I'm merely an editor...I get to move a few commas around and switch a few letters here and there but it's about them. So, 2022 is their year and I get to show our community, our people and the world their story of grace, courage, and grit!

Q:  What a beautiful statement of gratitude. Let me shift to your new restaurant - Is there an opening date set for Vinai? Please give us up to date info on the restaurant and what we can expect once we step into your new Northeast Minneapolis establishment.  

A:  There's no open date yet...right now we're going through a few financial institutions for help to finish some of our funding. The hardest part of this process is when things move fast, they move very fast but when they slow down it becomes a crawl. We're hopeful to be able to give a clear answer in 2023.

Q:  Please tell us the premise of Stoked and Feral. How may we watch?

A:  Stoked is basically Hmong Cooking 101 over wood fire. It's a show on the Food Network that talks about the philosophy of Hmong food. We break down all the dishes to help tell the story of our people. In Stoked I draw from the memories of my father teaching me how to cook over an open fire at home. For the Hmong people cooking over wood fire is as simple as turning on a knob for your oven at home. Our people have been cooking over the fire for many generations and we wanted to be able to dig into that part of our food culture. As for Feral I can't say too much about it, but the word will be out very soon and I'm so excited to share more about the show with everyone.

Q:  How are you as one person able to manage all these projects? 

A:  The only way I'm able to manage all these projects is because I have an incredible team back at home that's managing the restaurants, catering group, and event projects. I've learned that if you surround yourself with people who believe in the vision, mission, values and goals of what you do, then it sets up everyone for success.

Q:  You must be pleased with the surge of interest in Hmong cuisine – especially since you’re leading the movement. What are the reactions you hear from the Twin Cities’ Hmong community?  

A:  Overall, I don't see myself as someone who's "leading a movement"... I believe that was going to happen no matter what. It was only a matter of time before our people had a chance to show the world what we're capable of. If you look at the history of our people, every few decades there's a movement of our people being challenged to progress forward and in those movements there's a few people that rise as "stewards" of these movements. I use the word "stewards" because I truly believe that a "steward" is someone who looks over and handles the challenges of a movement and makes sure that they leave it better than it was given to them so that the next "stewards" will be able to progress that movement forward for the betterment of the community or people.

As for the reaction of the Hmong people in what we're doing...it's mostly great reactions and comments. Many encouraging messages from them. But with every movement there will always be haters and "keyboard warriors" giving their opinions and comments. 

Q:  Please tell us how to follow all your exciting news.  

A:  You can follow us on social media on Facebook or Instagram @unionhmongkitchen and @vinaimn or on my personal ones @yiavang70 or our podcast at @hmonglishpod.

Must See Exhibit: Botticelli and Renaissance Florence: Masterworks from the Uffizi

Article and photos by Becky Fillinger

Botticelli and Renaissance Florence: Masterworks from the Uffizi

October 16, 2022 - January 8, 2023 at Mia

Dr. Katie LuberDr. Katie Luber, Mia’s Director and President, opened the new exhibit and called the occasion a red letter day for Mia and the nation. She was visibly touched to introduce the exhibit and called it a high point of her life. She noted that the collaboration points to the prestige of Mia to work with international partners on a new level. Why is it so important?

Mia worked extensively with the renowned Uffizi Galleries of Florence for two years to bring 45 items on loan to the exhibit.  The works include paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, decorative arts and ancient Roman marble statues, displayed in five different thematic galleries.  Some of the pieces are exhibited for the first time ever.  It is the largest and one of the most comprehensive shows on Botticelli ever staged in the United States, featuring works that rarely leave the Italian museum. Several of the works were restored for the new exhibit, unveiling hidden or obscured imagery. One drawing will only be displayed for six weeks, as it is quite fragile and must be put in dark storage again.   

The exhibit also includes works from Sandro Botticelli’s circle from 15th Century Florence – Italian Renaissance painters and sculptors, and also intersperses works from Mia’s extensive Renaissance collection.  The artwork portrays mythological creatures, religious subjects, portraits and an inner glimpse of Florentine households during the Renaissance.

Eike Schmidt 

Eike Schmidt, Director of the Uffizi Galleries, likens the exhibit and the Renaissance to a cultural collision.  Greek and Roman antiquities and philosophies are rediscovered and collide with Italian sensibilities– which produces a new course of world art, knowledge and culture. He believes that even the U.S. Constitution owes a debt of gratitude to the broad thinking of the Renaissance – where all religions and all philosophies are recognized and become important. 

Dr. Luber’s hope is that the exhibit will delight loyal and new audiences. I hope you attend, no matter your status. I was delighted! It’s magical and compelling – if you need one reason to visit – the centaurs are mesmerizing. Get a ticket and enjoy!

Pallas and the Centaur

Ancient Roman Centaur

Torso of a Dancing Faun

Changemaker: Barbara Bridges, Founder and Director, Art to Change the World

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos supplied

Barbara BridgesBarbara Bridges is a true changemaker in our community. She’s a sculptor, a mentor, an educator and a motivator. While she has been an artist and a teacher/college professor for over 40 years (her sculptures have been exhibited in Maine, Miami, the Virgin Islands, Maryland, Chicago, Mexico, Spain, Canada, and throughout Minnesota), it’s her work with Art to Change the World that demonstrates how one person can make a huge difference in one person’s life or in a community. She inspires me – how about you?  

Q:  I read on the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (NEMAA) webpage that you're an intervenor - that any object already has a story to tell. Please tell us about your art practice as a sculptor and intervenor.

A:  I have always been attracted to objects with a history. Perhaps the patina acquired by an object which has survived for a long time in our world is a comforting contrast to the current impermanence of our digital existence. As artists, I believe we find objects already holding a story (this includes, paints, stone and inks) and then we re-combine and arrange these objects to create a new narrative. In my practice, I also like to fancy I am saving these objects from landfills by becoming the intervenor as I re-purpose, re-cycle and re-create.

Q:  You're the Founder and Director of Art to Change the World. Please tell us the history and mission of your organization. What are some of your programs?

A:  I am an intervenor in my artist life but in my professional life, I am an educator (which is just another kind of intervenor!). I was an art teacher for 20 years and then I served Bemidji State University as a professor for 20 years where I designed the first online/hybrid teacher licensure program in the nation. It is still going with over 200 students and 12 professors. I trained teachers - in a very different way. On retirement, I knew I needed to be busy and I wanted to use the skillsets I had acquired in my journey.

I dreamed of an arts organization which was inclusive of everyone. I dreamed of a social justice organization which would use Art…well…To Change the World! Currently, we have almost 500 members ages 19-103. We are a positive, non-competitive, collaborative community that supports equity practices across disciplines, cultures, age, race, economics and abilities. Our members include both established and emerging artists.

ACW is committed to recruiting youth, underserved and BIPOC members and providing them access to stipends and leadership roles. Glitter Renaissance is a new divergent under-40 group within the Art to Change the World collective.

A GoFundMe page is set up to support young ACW members and their 2022/2023 projects. Every $10 helps!

We have so many examples of programs!

2021/2022 Coaching Project for a Better World. Three youth candidates were assigned one artist and one scientist coach. Each team of three works symbiotically to develop and implement a social justice ACW project which will engage 50-100 community members. Three teams. Participants are paid $1,200 each.  $3,000.00 per team for project supplies. The power of art and science to change the conversation – and the world.

In 2019 COMPASSIONATE ARTS was ACW-facilitated artmaking project between the police, and students and faculty of South High School. SOUTH’S HEART project created a family engagement center with students, Somali and Latinx community members, administration, and school counselors. The participants were 90% BIPOC.

In 2019 we hosted INVENT/PRESENT, a “Healing from Trauma” workshop for 20 BIPOC high school age participants offered at Homewood Studios.

In 2018 ACW hosted SEE.SAY.DO. We had 700 attendees, nine performances, seven workshops, 20 artists and 20 expert voices over a two-week period. All participants were paid $250 and the event was free to attend. Artists worked with their experts to explore their art topic and 200 action promises were collected.

Q:  ACW is in the middle of a collaboration with Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) - One River's Trash/The Same River's Treasure. Could you please tell us more about the project?

A:  Our MWMO’s Stewardship Fund Program grant leads 10 people (diverse culturally and by age) to meet, collect trash along the Mississippi and participate in an immersive curriculum unit and then create a sculpture which will be collaboratively created by Barbara and the participants themselves. The participants are: Frances Bates, Amada Marquez Simula, Greg Volker, Margo Ashmore, Annie Merrell, Neil Granlund, Katherine Boyce, Alexis Schramel, Kelly Frankenberg and Kevin Reich. Read More about the MWMO project here.

Photos from the September trash collection day:

Barbara, Kelly and Annie on the Northeast RiverKeepers boat during trash pick up day.

Q:  What's the schedule for the project?

A:  In September we collected ‘trash’ on the Mississippi River. This month, we create the artwork. In November and beyond, we show the work. Homewood Studios, 2400 Plymouth Avenue N, will premiere the work on November 11, 2022 5:00-8:00 PM. The public is invited to this ACW Happening – we can’t wait to show the works of our participants. ACW is famous for our creative snacks and beverages. This sculpture will be highly interactive and informational. Insider Tip: It is taking on a very throne-like look. There is a metaphor buried in there, I am sure!

We are seeking 1-2 month installations in public areas. The work is highly interactive and elegant and there is no fee to the venue to exhibit the works. Please spread the word on this program, and email info@arttochangetheworld.org if you would like to participate.

Q:  This project echoes your ethos to "recycle, repurpose and create." Do you hope the participants carry your beliefs forward?

A:  Absolutely. The MWMO participants will be encouraged to submit a proposal to the ACW Task Force. This is how all ACW projects start.

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A:  Please do follow our news and come to our events! Our Events and Projects page always lists ongoing projects. We’re on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

All members of planet earth are invited to receive our monthly Newsletters FREE - send a request to info@arttochangetheworld.org. Check out past Newsletters. Please note - we do not use our Newsletter list for recruiting or any other commercial purpose.

Spoke & Weal Expands Full Service Hair Salon to Minneapolis

Article and photos by Becky Fillinger

With nine locations across the country (and soon to add Austin, TX and London) and press reviews by the oldest and best fashion and style publications, Spoke & Weal arrives in our community with a known pedigree and well deserved accolades. We attended the Grand Opening and spoke to owner/celebrity hair stylist Jon Reyman about his philosophy and why Northeast Minneapolis/Marcy-Holmes is perfect for his salon.

Q:  I am observing you work with five clients – and simultaneously teaching your staff and interns about cut and color. What is your philosophy about education?

A:  Learning was very important to me as I entered the hair and beauty industry. Making money wasn’t what drove me in the beginning. Now, I have been very successful and I very much want my stylists to be successful, but it all has to be based on a solid base of knowledge. I wanted to know (and still do) everything there was to know. I require that the quality of services at Spoke & Weal be excellent and we do that through training and career-long learning.

Client consultation

Jon with stylist Christy Hannibal

Q:  There are many hair salons - what will make Spoke & Weal stand out from other salons in Minneapolis? 

A:  We work as a team – decisions are made as a team. Perhaps other salons in Minneapolis operate on those principles as well. We will spend our time with you as a client discussing your hair – Do you love your hair every day? Do you understand your hair’s density, texture and shape? What do you want to accomplish with your hair? What is the function of your hair products – are they hydrating, moisturizing or a polymer? We won’t spend your time here discussing your dog or your vacations. You visit us for a hair consultation and we are professionals who respect that relationship. I teach our teams how to sit with a client and have a truly meaningful discussion about their hair. We take education and team work very seriously. We have weekly classes and quarterly day-long and multi-day long classes. Our team members run the salons together – in fact, we grow our salons together. Team members from New Jersey wanted to expand to Minneapolis.

Q:  Why the name Spoke & Weal?

A:  The spoke implies that we operate as a team and weal because our welfare, well-being, and prosperousness is all tied to our successful teamwork.

Q:  You’ve worked as a hair stylist for fashion runway shows around the world and red carpet events for years. Might you be involved in our local fashion events?

A:  It could happen, yes! Minneapolis is on the cutting edge of the North in terms of fashion, music and influencers. Our team members felt this was a perfect spot for our expansion.

Q:  Could you give us a few tips to help support our hair habits right now?

A:  Get a good cut, appropriate for your hair type. Narrow down your products to ones that work great for your situation. You can have healthy hair that you love every day. Talk to us – we have suggestions!

Spoke & Weal, 514 2nd Street SE, Suite 130, Minneapolis 612.463.5832

Local Author: Anne Ursu

Article by Becky Fillinger

Our local Minneapolis author and educator Anne Ursu has been nominated for the prestigious literary Kirkus Prize. We talked to her about the award, teaching adult writers to find the magic in their craft, the causes she supports and her feline support system.

Anne UrsuQ:  You’ve been selected as a finalist for the 2022 literary Kirkus Prize for The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy. Our collective fingers are crossed that you win this month at the Austin TX awards ceremony! Did you feel like a ‘troubled girl’ growing up, like Marya your main character, who is sent away to conform and learn to accept secondary, obedient roles in society?

A:  Thank you so much. I tried very hard to please people when I was a kid, and I definitely felt off—like I was somehow too weird, too much. It felt like just being in the world was a troubled girl’s school. Marya is very much based on the way I felt and still feel. I am very glad to see her resonating with readers.

Q:  What will winning the Kirkus award mean to you?

A:  I am just so excited to be nominated. This book means a lot to me. It really is designed to help girls see their value in the world, and to have every kid examine what the stories power tells about itself and about them. It was an incredibly difficult book to write - with both an intricate world and a mystery plot line and it took a lot of drafts to get it right.

Q:  I love the fact that you took criticism of your work – you were called an "Obscure children's book author with three cats and a murderous rage.” by a Toronto Star reporter, and made that phrase part of your Twitter bio. Do you counsel your students to face criticism head on – learn from it – but don’t let it make you cower?

A:  I confess I would probably dismiss any book reviewer that described a book of mine having a murderous rage! That feels like the sort of comment that’s more about them than the book. This particular line was actually in reference to a joke I tweeted about a new Jonathan Franzen book that I found particularly sexist, and a book reviewer wrote a column about my comment and other such criticism that I found to be hilarious, especially as there was no murderous rage in my tweet. I don’t think book reviews themselves are really for the author; they can tell me what one person thinks of a book I wrote (for better or for worse), but that doesn’t help me with the next book. The way I get better as a writer is by reading a lot and by doing the hands-on work of revision, guided by my brilliant editor and readers, and this is what I counsel my students to do. That is the work that makes us grow as writers. 

Q:  I’ve read that you have three cats, an ‘ever-growing number of cats,’ and copious numbers of cats. How many felines make their home with you?

A:  It’s actually been holding steady at four for almost ten years. The e’er-growing part came when it went from three to four (one died and we ended up getting a bonded pair) but I like to keep the door open in case more find us! (Perhaps literally.)

Q:  You’ve been teaching at Hamline University's low-residency Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Children and Young Adults program since 2008 and have probably inspired countless other nonstudents as well. You’ve been quoted as saying, “Magic allows us to live in the land of metaphor. There are so many more stories you can tell if you use magic.” Do you help your students learn to find their own form of magic in their storytelling?

A:  One of the wonderful things about teaching is students tend to come in with magic; you just have to help them harness it. I’ve worked with such incredible writers over the years and they’ve taught me so much about what fantasy can do. I highly recommend my former student and fellow Minneapolis resident Brita Sandstrom’s brilliant debut middle grade Hollow Chest as an example.

Q:  I admire you for creating a survey in 2018 that allowed professionals in the children’s literature industry to report on sexual harassment. You didn’t do it to expose individuals, but rather to allow a spotlight to shine on unspoken truths in the industry. Have you noticed that changes have happened – for the better – since you published your survey results? 

A:  A lot of conferences changed their codes of conduct and instituted other reforms. I was quite glad to see it. The conversation around sexual harassment also seemed to center on the perpetrators, but I really wanted to put the focus on the consequences to the people who were getting harassed. There were so many writers and artists who simply stopped creating and suffered severe mental health consequences; I wanted to focus the conversation on them in hope that would create some structural change.

Q:  Will you ever revive your popular sports blog about the Minnesota Twins called bat-girl.com?

A:  Unfortunately, no. It’s hard to maintain a baseball blog and be a mom! It was a wonderful experience though and I’m still friends with some of the people I met.

Q:  Do you have any book events scheduled – signings or readings – in our area? How may we follow your news?

A:  My website is anneursu.com. Watch for updates next year on my new book, which should be out in early 2024.

-   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -

For all the cat lovers out there, Anne has shared photos of her current feline family:

Hazel

Hex

Petra

Bartleby

Tenth Annual Cine Latino Film Festival, October 13-20, to Include Inaugural Bright New Voices Jury Competition

Article by Becky Fillinger

The 10th Anniversary Cine Latino Film Festival will be held October 13-20 at the MSP Film at The Main. The event is the Midwest’s largest showcase of the best new films from the U.S LatinX, Latin American and Iberian cinema. 

Hebe TabachnikWe talked to Hebe Tabachnik, Artistic Director for the festival, about what we can expect to see and experience at the festival, and her favorites from the twenty-five films to be screened. 

Q:  Please give us an overview of the Cine Latino Film Festival at MSP Film.

A:  This is the 10th Anniversary of the festival and we think it will ‘blow the roof off’ in terms of lively films featured, engaging filmmaker conversations and exciting parties to engage the Twin Cities’ growing Spanish-speaking populations and vast community of global cinephiles. This year's selection reflects that wealth of creativity, diversity and imagination that continues to make the region one of the richest filmmaking traditions in the world. We invite you to celebrate this milestone year with us as together, we continue fostering avenues of understanding, empathy, and respect through a shared love of film.

Q:  What is new this year?

A:  The festival will host for the first time the Bright New Voices Jury Competition, reflecting Cine Latino’s commitment to supporting and helping in the development of emerging voices of the region. This inaugural edition will feature eight debut features from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Ecuador and Spain. This year’s members of the jury will be: Juan Carlos Arciniegas - anchor and movie critic for CNN en Español's Ojo Crítico, Effie Brown - multi-award winning producer of Real Women Have Curves, Dear White People, and many others and Jayro Bustamante - Guatemalan director of the Oscar-nominated film Ixcanul, La Llorona, and many others.

Q:  Do you have favorite films from the line-up?

A:  This is a hard question to answer, but yes. Here are my picks:

ARGENTINA, 1985 Directed by Santiago Mitre, Argentina/USA, Fiction, 2022

Argentina, 1985 is inspired by the true story of Julio Strassera, Luis Moreno Ocampo and their young legal team of unlikely heroes in their David-vs-Goliath battle in which, under constant threat, they dared to prosecute Argentina’s bloodiest military dictatorship against all odds and in a race against time to bring justice to the victims of the Military Junta. It won the FIPRESCI Prize, 2022 Venice Film Festival and Audience Award at the recent San Sebastián Film Festival, and has been selected to represent Argentina at the Oscars.

.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

MY EMPTINESS AND I (Mi vacío y yo) - Directed by Adrián Silvestre, Spain, Fiction, 2022

French millennial Raphi (Raphaëlle Perez) struggles to find love, acceptance, and her place in a world not ready for the reality of being trans in this searingly honest, emotionally raw feature from writer/director Adrián Silvestre. Winner of the Maguey Award at FICG 2022 and the Outfest Grand Jury Special Mention Award for Performance in an International Feature. Raphaëlle Perez is scheduled to attend and present this film.

.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

SEDIMENTS (Sedimentos) - Spain 2021

This is a documentary about a group of six lively trans women who enjoy a scenic vacation in the Spanish countryside. It was during the shooting of this documentary that Adrián Silvestre, met Raphaëlle Perez and got inspired to do My Emptiness and I.

.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

THE PREACHER (El Rezador) - Directed by Tito Jara H., Ecuador/Colombia/Spain, Fiction, 2021

Veteran con artist Antancio di Felice meets his match when he befriends a girl with special gifts - as well as her equally unscrupulous parents - in this sharp new thriller from writer/director Tito Jara H. This is the film’s North American premiere! Tito Jara H. is scheduled to attend the festival to present the film.

.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

MIÚCHA, THE VOICE OF BOSSA NOVA - Directed by Liliane Mutti & Daniel Zarvos, Brazil/USA, Documentary, 2022

This is a lively, buoyant portrait of legendary singer/songwriter Heloïsa Buarque de Hollanda, a.k.a. Miúcha, who was taught to sing by the legendary Vinicius de Moraes, who was Chico Buarque’s sister, the longtime partner of fellow legend João Gilberto, and forever the self-made Voice of Bossa Nova. You’ll enjoy this one!

.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

FLY SO FAR - Directed by Celina Escher, El Salvador/Switzerland, Documentary, 2021

After serving ten years behind bars for her miscarriage, considered by her government to be an act of aggravated murder, Teodora Vásquez becomes a spokesperson for the other 16 Salvadoran women behind bars for the same “crime” in this story of sorority, resilience, and solidarity. Winner of the Ibero-American Grand Jury Prize, 2021 Seattle Int’l Film Festival. Director Celina Escher is scheduled to attend the festival to present the film.

.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

WALLS CAN TALK (Las paredes hablan) - Directed by Carlos Saura, Spain, Documentary, 2022

From the cave paintings of Altamira and Lascaux to the graffiti-covered walls of Barcelona, the new documentary from legendary director Carlos Saura (Cria Cuervos, Flamenco, Blood Wedding), takes us on a vivid and colorful trip through humankind’s timeless desire for expression and the massive stone canvases that make it possible. This is the film’s North American premiere! 

Q:  These films sound so wonderful. How do we purchase tickets and stay current on news about the festival?

A:  Purchase tickets here. We look forward to seeing you at the festival! Follow news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

All-Indigenous Team Creates Operatic Film to Honor Zitkála-Šá

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Perhaps you are unfamiliar with Zitkála-Šá? I’m going to venture a guess that most of us are unaware of this trailblazing person in U.S. history. Well, get ready to learn more. October 14 is the debut of an original film, Mináǧi kiŋ dowáŋ: a Zitkála-Šá opera (“My Spirit Sings” in Dakota), to honor her life and legacy. The work was born through a conversation between director/artistic producer Sequoia Hauck (Anishinaabe, Hupa) and Kelly M. Turpin, founder of the local company, An Opera Theatre (AOT). The project is produced and presented by AOT.

Sequoia (they/them) shared the following information about Zitkála-Šá and how this project will honor her.

Sequoia HauckThe question always is, why this project, why now? We created this and picked Zitkála-Šá because some people were unaware of her life and legacy; I didn’t even know who she was before this. We realized that if they knew of her, it was as the first Native person to write an opera, full stop. Yet I feel strongly that defining her by this one artistic act is short-sighted. To show her as a whole person is important, and doing so is a way of acknowledging that Native people are still here, will always be here, and will continue to be here. We just hope to celebrate Indigenous people and indigeneity from now until the end of time.

Zitkála-Šá, meaning Red Bird, was a Yankton Sioux Dakota writer, editor, translator, musician, educator, and activist. She wrote several works chronicling her struggles with cultural identity, and these were some of the first to bring Native American stories to the white majority culture. She performed in the Oval Office in 1900, premiered an opera in 1913, co-founded the National Council of American Indians in 1926, and is actually buried not far from JFK. She is noted as one of the most influential Native Americans of the 20th Century. Our creative team believes that her story should be more widely known and celebrated today and not be allowed to pass away over time.

Mináǧi kiŋ dowáŋ: a Zitkála-Šá (“My Spirit Sings” in Dakota) - the original operatic film debuts on October 14 at Water Works Park in Minneapolis. The following week, three more screenings will take place at Indigenous Roots Cultural Center. The underlying opera was created by an all-indigenous team.

Jaysalynn Western Boy (singing artist) in a still clip from the film shown walking next to the Birch Lodge at Prairie Island Indian Community

We made the creative decision to turn the opera into a film so that it will be easier to share this story with communities far beyond these Twin Cities premieres. We’re proud of the stunning cinematography, visual illustrations, and music that complement the operatic storyline. Additionally, almost a third of the libretto is translated and will be sung in Dakota because we are committed to preserving the language. As an indigenous team, we created this piece using our own process, not the linear, prescriptive ways Western culture dictates we should, so this is a truly unique expression of our culture, values, and way of being in community in more ways than one.

Zitkála-Šá’s writing and advocacy paved the way for contemporary Indigenous people. It continues to uplift Indigenous leadership, arts, and culture and underscores its important impact.  Our intention is that audiences will learn the inspiring ways in which Zitkála-Šá’s art and actions reflected her desire to leave the world a better place than the one she was born into and will leave feeling inspired to let others know about this important person and her powerful story. More background and info can be found at www.anoperatheatre.org.

Event Information: 

Water Works Park, 333 1st Street S 

- October 14, 7:30 pm (no tickets required) *ASL interpreted.

- Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and a picnic.

.

Indigenous Root Cultural Center, 788 E 7th Street, St. Paul

- 75 pay-as-able tickets are available per show. Performances presented in English and Dakota with closed captioning and translations.

- October 21 and 22, 7 pm: A community festival with food and art vendors,  music, and artist roundtables and 8 pm screening.

- October 23, 4 pm Community festival, 5 pm screening *ASL interpreted.

.

Artistic Team:

· Sequoia Hauck (Anishinaabe, Hupa), creative producer & director

· Lyz Jaakola (Fond du Lac Anishinaabe), composer

· Hannah Johnson (Anishinaabe-Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe), librettist

· Moira Villiard (Fond du Lac direct descendent), visual artist

.

Cast:

· Adrienne Zimiga-January (Oglala Lakota)

· Emmy Her Many Horses (Sicangu and Oglala Lakota, Citizen of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe)

· Jagger Ripley-Jaakola (Arikara/Anishinaabe/Santee descendant)

· Jaysalynn Western Boy (Bdewákhaŋthuŋwaŋ k’a Thíthuŋwaŋ/Thíŋta wíta oyáŋke) 

Quorum's 2022 National Coming Out Day Luncheon is October 14th, Featuring Keynote Speaker, Jack Jablonski

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Rebecca WaggonerNational Coming Out Day (NCOD) commemorates the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in October 1979. The first official celebration of NCOD was in 1988.  The day recognizes that homophobia thrives in silence and it is a time celebrate the history of the LGBTQ+ movement and its champions. Quorum, Minnesota's LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce, is holding its annual National Coming Out Day Luncheon on October 14. We talked to Rebecca Waggoner, Executive Director, about what to expect and how to get tickets.

Q:  Why is it important to still celebrate ‘coming out’?

A:  National Coming Out Day celebrations still matter because coming out and living your authentic truth still matters. Not just for me personally, but for all those who came out before me and will continue to come out after me. Coming out is an act of courage that needs to be celebrated and honored and is often a chance to stop hiding and start living. National Coming Out Day is an opportunity to celebrate who we are and who we love. We also come out to potentially help that person who is struggling with their sexual orientation or identity begin the journey to experience the joy of living their genuine and true self.

Q:  What can we expect at Quorum’s luncheon on October 14?

Jack Jablonski

A:  Every year Twin Cities Quorum hosts the National Coming Out Day (NCOD) Luncheon, the nation's largest event commemorating NCOD, with local and national leaders sharing their stories of coming OUT.

We know by honoring the stories of our community members, by listening, we build understanding. When we bring businesses to the table we build partnerships, we build allies, and we build a more beloved community.

This year Quorum is pleased to welcome Jack Jablonski as a keynote speaker. Eleven years ago, Jack brought Minnesotans together to pray for his swift and speedy recovery from a severe injury he incurred while playing hockey. As Jack continued along his path of recovery, he touched the hearts of countless Minnesotans with his perseverance and continued tenacity. Jack’s bravery in the face of unmatched adversity continues to impact the lives of many through the Jack Jablonski Foundation. We’re so pleased to welcome him home and hear his story of accepting himself and coming out proudly as a member of the LGBTQ community.

There are additional NCOD speakers too:

· Hildie Edwards, a trans actor/performer who advocates for affirmation and celebration of trans kids. (NOTE: She is 12 years old and adorable!)

· Chelsey Falzone, Minnesota Twins Manager of Youth Engagement

· Quinn Villagomez, Proud Transgender Latina broadcast journalist, LGBT media personality, host and MC

· Mike Marcotte, Executive Producer at KSTP-TV-Twin Cities Live

· B. Kyle, President/CEO, St. Paul Chamber of Commerce

Q:  What are the event details?

The Luncheon takes place Friday, October 14, 11:45am – 1:15pm, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 1300 Nicollet Mall. Click here for Tickets.

Tickets - $60 members/$75 non-members

Vendor Tables - $150 members/$175 non-members (includes 1 Luncheon ticket)

.

Q:  Any closing thoughts for our readers?

A:  We hope you will join us as our community celebrates the strength, courage and wisdom of LGBTQ+ and Allied people who have braved their own unique journeys to now live openly and authentically...and with pride.

Building Bridges of Communication: Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project

Article by Becky Fillinger

Jessica Belt Saem EldahrOn March 20th, 2003, U.S. forces invaded Iraq. The war and occupation came to an end when the last U.S. troops left on December 18, 2011. Over 4700 U.S. and allied troops died in the war and hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians were killed, the exact number is unknown. The Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project (IARP) was formed in 2007 to build bridges and a more peaceful and just world. We talked to Jessica Belt Saem Eldahr, Artistic and Programs Director, to learn more about the mission and programs of the organization.

Q:  Please tell us the history and impacts of the Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project.

A:  Early in the war, a group of colleagues and local peace activists, started IARP as a way to build bridges of communication, understanding, and support between the people of Iraq and the people of the U.S. Working with an Iraqi nonprofit Muslim Peacemaker Teams, the group started protesting the war, hanging art (carried in suitcases from Iraq) across Minneapolis in coffee shops, and funding water filters for Iraqi schools.  When the group realized the overwhelming level of destruction of Iraq’s infrastructure and the devastating toll on its society after years of sanctions, war, and continuing occupation, they decided to incorporate as a nonprofit organization. They knew this would be a long-term commitment to the people of Iraq. In 2009, IARP worked with the City of Minneapolis to nurture a resolution, unanimously passed by the Minneapolis City Council, to become Sister Cities with Najaf, Iraq. Since then, we  have coordinated numerous exchanges and educational programs between Americans and Iraqis as part of the Sister City relationship with Najaf. More than 50 Iraqis visited Minneapolis through the relationship, including artists, teachers, students, medical professionals, business professionals, and government officials.

Attendees at the 2022 Sister Cities Day learned about other cultures.

Over the years, the IARP community has humbly attempted to address the horrors and injustices of the US-led war and occupation of Iraq and its continued legacy in Iraq today. Through the Water for Peace program, thousands of Iraqi children gained access to clean water. The program also involved hundreds of Americans in personal exchanges with Iraqis, through letter and photo exchanges at churches, schools and other organizations across the country.  Now Humanitarian Projects for Peace, this project continues to make an impact in Iraq through the distribution of hygiene kits, Ramadan food baskets, restocking of the bookshelves at the University of Mosul library, and collaborations with Iraqi nonprofits who are meeting the needs of their community.

Iraqi Voices Lab

IARP's Iraqi Art Project, born out of carrying artworks in suitcases, presents Iraqi and American visual art, film, music, poetry, bookmaking, and theater, bringing Iraqi and American artists, storytellers, and audiences together in meaningful dialogue. Exhibits featuring Iraqi and Iraqi American artists have reached tens of thousands across the Twin Cities, rural Minnesota, and the Midwest. The Iraqi Voices Lab, which gives Iraqi refugees and immigrants in Minnesota an artistic platform to share their stories, has harnessed the power of art to create spaces for dialogue, combat rising xenophobia and Islamophobia, and provides the Iraqi Minnesotan community access to artistic platforms to express themselves as individuals and as a community.

In the spring of 2016, we established the People to People program to respond the prevalence of dangerous public rhetoric against Muslims, refugees, and immigrants. The People to People program facilitates cultural, language, professional and personal exchanges, creating spaces for Iraqis and the general U.S. public to meet and learn from one another. The program also celebrates, preserves, and shares the richness and complexity of Iraqi culture. These have included cooking classes, the first Iraqi cultural booth at the Festival of Nations, and events featuring Iraqi food, music, dance, and more.

IARP is an organization led by and for Iraqis and Americans learning and working together to live in a peaceful and just world.

Q:  Your projects are so commendable – do you have upcoming events?

A:  Yes!

• Afro-Iraqi Rituals: Stigma, Discrimination, and Resilience, October 8, 11:00am: Afro-Iraqis have been subjected to oppression, racism, and discrimination. This panel, co-presented by IARP and the Lotus Cultural Women’s League, explores the significance of Afro-Iraqi rituals and Afro-Iraqis’ resilience in facing stigmatization and discrimination in Iraq. Interpretation will be provided in English and Arabic. Register here to receive the Zoom link.

• From our friends at the Jungle Theater: King Gilgamesh & the Man of the Wild will open at the Jungle on December 31, 2022 and run through January 8, 2023.  A collaboration between Toronto-based musician/actor Ahmed Moneka and actor/writer Jesse LaVercombe with Chicago playwright and director Seth Bockley, this two-man epic reanimates the world’s oldest written narrative with maqam-style Iraqi music and 21st century biography, highlighting Moneka’s own exile from Baghdad. King Gilgamesh fuses highly physical theatre, soul-filled musical expression, ancient text and intimate storytelling, illuminating the tale’s eternal mysteries of mortality and the universal balm of friendship.  It’s a short run but something you won’t want to miss!

Q:  How may we stay up to date with your events and programs?

A:  Please follow us on social media, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You may also sign up for our newsletter through our website.

Part 2: Community Members Receive AIA Minnesota Collaborative Achievement Awards

Dan Collison

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Dan Collison and Meghan Elliot are the recipients of this year’s AIA Minnesota Collaborative Achievement Award. They both have contributed much to the quality of our downtown physical environments, and they work collaboratively – which is the main criteria for the award. Our interview with Meghan Elliot was published October 1, and today we turn our attention to Dan Collison, Director of Business Development & Public Affairs for the Midwest at Sherman Associates.

Q:  Congratulations on receiving the 2022 AIA Minnesota Collaborative Achievement Award! You’ve headed nonprofits, you are a minister, a great photographer and videographer, and do wonderful business development work. Were you surprised to have your many contributions acknowledged by an architectural association?   

A:  I was surprised, and yet feel honored to have been nominated by a cadre of architects who have both mentored me and collaborated with me and others across sectors on several downtown Minneapolis pro bono efforts over the last decade. I think they were inclined to nominate me because I have worked relentlessly, especially during the pandemic, to leverage all of my roles and skills to discern design solutions for not only the built environment and land use, but also public policy and community advocacy for downtown Minneapolis.

Q:  The award committee noted your creative, sustained, and passionate service to the future of Minnesota communities.  Could you tell us what you’re proudest of in working for the betterment of our communities? 

A: Many colleagues and friends have seen my “card trick” over coffee or at a business happy hour or lunch. For almost eight years I have carried four business cards in my wallet: First Covenant Church of Mpls, East Town Business Partnership, NūLoop Partners and the Minneapolis Downtown Council-Downtown Improvement District. Each of these wonderful organizations has meant so much to me and are ultimately to be applauded for any and all accomplishments. For me personally, these are my favorites:

First Covenant Church: The East Town Apartments took more than five years and a lot of sweat and tears to bring 169 affordable units of housing to downtown and Elliot Park that now are home to nearly 300 new residents in the neighborhood. 

East Town Apartments, 618 S 9th Avenue

East Town Business Partnership: Navigating community convenings and partnerships while $3 billion in re-investment took place over six years of time. This brief video I filmed and produced tells the story of the relationships behind the scenes:

NūLoop Partners: The North Loop Root District organizing effort, taking place over three years with nearly 100 leaders from 50+ organizations and companies seeking to advance a holistic redevelopment framework for the Minneapolis Farmer’s Market area. This three-minute video nominated for an award by the American Institute of Architects tells the story: 

The Minneapolis Downtown Council-Downtown Improvement District: The Chameleon Shoppes retail accelerator program advances diverse and locally owned small businesses in currently vacant retail. This multi-year effort was and still is herculean and beautiful. In the beginning I would say to myself and the pro bono leaders – “this project has a high chance of failure and a small chance of wild success.” I am so thrilled to have celebrated dozens of small moments of wild success! You can hear and see it in the voices and smiles of small business owners featured in this three-minute overview video:

Q:  I’ve followed you for a couple of years and have noticed how you see projects through to completion.  The awards committee noticed the same and called that out in giving you the award. Would you please tell us about the challenges in seeing complex projects through to completion? 

A:  The four projects listed above are the best examples of the vision, efforts, and follow through to completion on very large and complex projects requiring cross sector leadership and investment. Each project was wildly different than the other and yet the longitudinal time arc and developmental process of moving them from beginning to completion share a few common throughlines: 1) Noticing a serious and problematic gap or need in the downtown sector. 2) Gathering a host of stakeholders and thought leaders to map out issues and opportunities. 3) Creating a starting strategy framework and ultimate desired outcome for the project. 4) Implementing all strategies and aspirations with as much adaptability and relentlessness as I could summon in myself and draw out of others.

Q:  What’s new on your horizon? How do we follow your always exciting news?   

A:  As of May 2022, I have been so pleased to join George and Chris Sherman, and the entire team at Sherman Associates to be their Director of Business Development & Public Affairs for the Midwest. Our corporate office has been and will continue to be in downtown Minneapolis at the historic JI Case Building. So, my passion and advocacy for the continued vibrancy and growth of an inclusive downtown will continue without disruption. And, now I have the privilege of working with many other cities and city centers across Minnesota and the Midwest to bring new housing and community impact projects that are for “all ages and all incomes.” Sherman Associates is a development firm with heart and purpose. I am really enjoying advancing those attributes while building out new relationships and project ideas with so many wonderful people in so many places. Mill City Times readers can follow me on LinkedIn. And, if people are interested in my videography efforts around human interest stories, they can connect with my YouTube Channel and my professional profile website.

Let’s stay in touch Mill City Friends!