Local Tastemaker: Chef Gavin Kaysen

Article by Becky Fillinger 

Chef Gavin Kaysen, photo credit Libby AndersonWe are so incredibly lucky to have talented, award-winning food makers in our community. I’m seeing that they’re all busy too – new restaurants, tv shows, podcasts, etc. We sat down with one of these food goliaths - Gavin Kaysen - to learn more about his Mediterranean-influenced café, set to open in the RBC Gateway Tower. We learned a lot more about what’s keeping him busy. I tried to get a sneak peak at the menu; he’s not talking just yet!

Q:  Please tell us more about your new café, currently in the planning stages for the RBC Gateway Tower.

A:  We are planning to open a grab and go Café with cuisine influenced by the Mediterranean. With over 20 countries touching the Mediterranean Sea, we are thrilled with the culinary creativity we can utilize while dreaming about the food. There will be plenty of items for you to grab, and when the weather is nice, you can enjoy it out in our courtyard, or nearby in the Café itself. We are working through the details of the coffee programs now and look forward to welcoming hotel guests, office tenants, and the local neighborhood who have supported us the past seven years with our other restaurants. We do not have a name for the Café yet.

Q:  Your virtual cooking classes continue to spread your knowledge - and joy! Is there a theme for the Winter ‘22 classes? 

A:  The Winter theme will tap into some of my grandmother's favorites, like Chicken and Dumplings, and then also get us back on the grill….just because it is cold outside we don't have to dampen our desire to grill. The classes are a mix of comforting meals and transportive ones, all driven by the techniques that will help the home cook. Each class is $35. 

Ingredient Kit prices for 2-4 people are below. Ingredient Kits are available for delivery within 20 miles of Spoon and Stable. Class Season Pass: $114 - Ingredient Kit Season Pass: $300

January 12 | Grandma Dorothy's Chicken and Dumplings ($65, serves 4)

January 26 | Skirt Steak with Chimichurri and Creamy Polenta ($85, serves 4)

February 9 | Duck a l'Orange with Braised Cabbage ($85, serves 2)

February 23 | Homemade Spinach & Pine Nut Ravioli in Parmesan Brodo ($65, serves 3-4)

Q:  You are a founding member of the nonprofit Ment’or BKB Foundation (formerly Bocuse d’Or USA Foundation) which mentors young culinarians. You’re currently President of Team USA. Could you please tell our readers about your projects with the nonprofit? 

A:  Ment’Or is a wonderful organization that has two major goals, one is to train team USA for the Bocuse d’Or (our culinary olympics) to which I am the president. This requires us to start to train our team for the competition - which is next January - as soon as next week. We will train them for one year out of our training kitchen, which is located in Napa, CA. The other major component is to grant scholarships to young culinary professionals. We have had a few of our team members receive these scholarships. It allows them the chance to travel around the world and work in some of the best places while having an income and a route provided by us at Ment’Or. It is a gift that we are able to provide this and more and it is an honor to see these young cooks go on to create something magical from these learnings.

Q:  Is there a food item you’re experimenting with now? What’s on your cooking drawing board? 

A:  Right now we are working on all the recipes for the new restaurant and café at the Four Seasons...Sorry, secrets are still staying close to me now in that regards, but we are cooking every day!

Q:  How may we follow your news? 

A:  The best way is to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media: 

Gavin Kaysen (Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gavinkaysen/)

Demi (Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demi.mpls/)

Spoon and Stable (Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spoonandstable/)

Bellecour Bakery (Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellecourbakery/)

December 2021 by the Numbers from Cynthia Froid Group

Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:

January 7 Updates From the City of Minneapolis

This newsletter provides updates on important news and information from the City of Minneapolis and partners. Find more at minneapolismn.gov/news.

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New regulation allows businesses to temporarily expand during the pandemic

A new emergency regulation takes effect today that allows Minneapolis businesses to add temporary expansions for more socially distanced customer spaces during the pandemic.

Businesses can install temporary structures on their property for no fee during the remainder of the City’s public health emergency plus 45 days to allow for the proper removal of the structures. The structures cannot be placed in the public right of way, such as on a sidewalk or in the street.

Winter patio dining supports Minneapolis restaurants’ ability to keep moving while keeping patrons and employees safe and healthy.

Businesses should contact Fire Inspections Services to obtain a permit.

Read the emergency regulation. 

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Mayor Frey reinstates citywide mask requirement

Because of the surging, highly contagious omicron variant, everyone in Minneapolis businesses and areas of public accommodation must wear a mask. Mayor Jacob Frey has signed emergency regulation No. 2022-1 reinstating the citywide mask policy, which requires patrons, employees and visitors to wear a mask in businesses and places of public accommodation. The policy took effect Jan. 6. Masks reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection for unvaccinated and vaccinated people. They’re an important way to help keep our businesses and schools open. Areas of public accommodation include any indoor locations where members of the public may gather, visit or patronize including bars, restaurants, museums, theaters, schools, recreational facilities, retail locations and service offices. Business owners are encouraged to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s guiding principles for: Promoting behaviors that reduce virus spread. Maintaining healthy environments and operations. Preparing for when an employee gets sick. The City of Minneapolis has a limited supply of masks for public distribution, particularly for vulnerable populations. Businesses that would like to request personal protective equipment (PPE) should send a request to the Minneapolis Health Department. The full text of Mayor Frey’s emergency regulation can be found on the City website. Find more information about the regulation on the City website.

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City’s inaugural ceremony set for Jan. 10

The City of Minneapolis inaugural ceremony for Mayor Jacob Frey and all City Council members will be livestreamed Monday, Jan. 10 from the Minneapolis Convention Center. Elected officials will take the oath of office and Mayor Frey will give an inaugural address.

Due to COVID protocols, this event is only open to City officials and their guests. 

Michael A. Goze, CEO of the American Indian Community Development Corporation (AICDC), will serve as the master of ceremonies. The invocation will be offered by Bishop Richard D. Howell Jr. of Shiloh Temple International Ministries. The oath of office will be administered to the mayor and City Council members by City Clerk Casey Joe Carl, after which Mayor Frey will deliver his inaugural address.

Following the ceremony, the City Council will hold its organizational meeting online. Council members will elect a president and vice president, make committee assignments, and set a schedule of regular meetings.

Mayor and City Council inaugural ceremony
9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 10
Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. S.
Watch the ceremony on the City YouTube channel. 

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Mayor Frey to nominate Margaret Anderson Kelliher to lead Public Works Department

Mayor Jacob Frey will nominate Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher to serve as the City’s next Public Works director.

Anderson Kelliher brings deep expertise in transportation policy and finance, climate action, and organizational leadership. As MnDOT commissioner, Anderson Kelliher leads a team of more than 5,000 State employees. During her time as commissioner, she also created a new Office of Tribal Affairs to expand the agency’s work consulting with tribal nations, established the Sustainable Transportation Advisory Council to help reduce carbon pollution from transportation, and has worked to deepen relationships with community leaders and local governments across the state and city.

Anderson Kelliher is a Minneapolis resident who previously served as the speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives and president and CEO of the Minnesota High Tech Association.

The mayor’s nomination will be transmitted to the Minneapolis City Council at its organizational meeting on Monday, Jan. 10, their first official meeting of the new year. Under the new government structure, the length of charter department head terms is four years.

Learn more. 

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State announces expanded COVID-19 testing capacity

To provide families with more options to help keep their kids safe, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has secured an additional 1.8 million at-home rapid tests for Minnesota schools, on top of the initial 1 million announced last month. In addition to the State’s free rapid and PCR community testing sites and no-cost at-home testing program, the State’s free school testing options allow each educational institution to determine the best testing strategy for them. In partnership with local public health, tribal health, food banks, and MDH COVID-19 Community Coordinators, the State of Minnesota will distribute 150,000 at-home rapid antigen test kits. Each test kit contains two tests. Providing free at-home rapid testing will reduce barriers and expand access to Minnesotans who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. How Minnesotans can get a COVID-19 test: Walk in or schedule an appointment for a test at one of the State’s free community testing sites across Minnesota: COVID-19 Community Testing Sites. Order a test through the State’s free at-home COVID-19 testing program: COVID-19 Test at Home. Find a testing option near you through the State’s Find Testing Locations map: Find Testing Locations.

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Park building hours scaled back due to rise in COVID-19 cases, staff shortages

Due to a rise in COVID-19 cases, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is temporarily discontinuing public drop-in hours at recreation centers and returning to buildings open only for pre-registered and ActivePass programs until Feb. 14. Existing recreation center room rentals will be honored, but no new rentals will be accepted through Feb. 14. Due to staffing shortages, warming room hours will be reduced beginning today through the end of the skating season. New hours are 4-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Lights will continue to remain on until 9 p.m. and outdoor rink-side benches and picnic tables will be added. Masks are required for all park building visitors, including instructors and sport spectators.

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Resolve to be ready for emergencies

You could make many resolutions this year. Resolving to become prepared for emergencies is one that could save your life. Resolve to be ready in 2022 with small steps that could make a big difference in your ability to be resilient. Schedule it. Use a tool like the calendar on www.Do1Thing.com to make it easy on yourself. Or build your own calendar and focus on what makes sense for your household. Find ideas to get you started.

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Office of Violence Prevention’s Blueprint Approved Institute accepting applications for 2022 fellowship

The eighth cohort of the City of Minneapolis Office of Violence Prevention’s “Blueprint Approved Institute” (BPAI) is now open and accepting applications. The Blueprint Approved Institute is designed for individuals and smaller grassroots community organizations doing violence prevention work. Through BPAI, individuals receive funding to provide summer youth violence prevention programming, learn skills and build capacity for further development of their organizations and get hands on support and technical assistance.

As part of BPAI, participating agencies will receive $3,000 to support their organization’s capacity, as well as a $3,000 micro-award to implement a violence prevention project, for a total award amount of $6,000. Selected agencies will be eligible to send up to two individuals to participate in the cohort.

A pre-application virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11. A dial-in option will be available. The link for the meeting can be found in the application materials at the link below. The completed application is due by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25. 

Find more information and the application. 

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Take a virtual tour of the City’s Public Service Building

You can now take a guided tour of the City of Minneapolis Public Service Building and its beautiful artworks – virtually. The Public Service Building is a welcoming, sustainable, accessible public amenity. Close to City Hall, the office building is a central place to get services and information. It offers a higher quality of service to the public, reduces the City's real estate footprint, and provides effective space for the diverse needs of employees. Take a virtual tour or book an appointment online to get help with a permit, license or utility bill. You can also see and learn about the artworks on this virtual map.

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City holding online open house Jan. 13 on recommended design for Hennepin Avenue South Reconstruction Project

The City is hosting a virtual open house Jan. 13 to share the recommended design for the Hennepin Avenue South Reconstruction Project. The City plans to reconstruct Hennepin Avenue between West Lake Street and Douglas Avenue. Public Works has recommended a design that best meets the City’s Transportation Action Plan and aligns with the Vision Zero Action Plan, the Complete Streets Policy and the Climate Action Plan. The recommended design features: Pedestrian facilities that improve safety and comfort for people walking. A two-way protected bikeway between Lake Street and Franklin Avenue to improve safety and access for people biking. Dedicated transit lanes for more efficient and reliable transit service. Two vehicle lanes, with left turn lanes at key intersections, to maintain mobility for people in cars. Parking/loading bays where feasible. City staff plan to advance the recommended design to the City Council for approval in the spring. Construction is expected to begin in 2024. Watch a prerecorded presentation on the recommended design.  Online open house 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13 Link to participate Visit the project web page to learn more about the reconstruction project, see the recommended design and provide comments.

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Using less sidewalk salt protects fresh waters, saves money, melts better

Winter road and sidewalk de-icing salt is a major – and permanent – polluter of local freshwater lakes and streams. Seventy-eight percent of salt applied in the metro area ends up in groundwater or local lakes and rivers. If de-icer is needed, people should use as little as possible. It’s easy to use too much, but more salt does not mean more melting. Removing snow and ice early and often is the best approach. Shoveling instead of using chemicals will protect our waters. Pledge to salt wisely Any residents and businesses can take a pledge on the City of Minneapolis website to salt wisely. A 30-minute course with self-guided readings and videos will teach anyone about the consequences of using too much salt and about how to protect beloved Minnesota waters from this permanent pollution.

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New date for Community Connections Conference: May 21

Save the date: The 2022 Community Connections Conference will now be held Saturday, May 21.

The conference was rescheduled from a February date in light of high transmission rates of COVID-19 and uncertainty surrounding the omicron variant.

The location has also moved up to Hall B on the first floor of the Minneapolis Convention Center.

To stay up to date on this year's conference, visit the Community Connections Conference webpage.

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METRO Blue Line Extension Project releases Draft Route Modification Report for public comment

The METRO Blue Line Extension project team has released the Draft Route Modification Report. This report describes the overall process, public input, and technical evaluation that will inform the recommendation of a community supported route. The METRO Blue Line Extension Light Rail Transit project will extend the existing Blue Line from Target Field Station northwest to Brooklyn Park and connect communities along the way. This comment period is an opportunity for Minneapolis residents to weigh in on whether they prefer a route along West Broadway or Lowry avenues for the extension. The Draft Route Modification Report is available for public review at www.BlueLineExt.org. Comments on the report will be accepted through Jan. 25  and will inform the final evaluation and route recommendation in the spring. You can share your input through any of the following ways: Submit a comment through the project website. Fill out and mail the comment form included in the report document. Email your input to Sophia.Ginis@metrotransit.org. The Metropolitan Council and Hennepin County will review the input received along with the findings from the technical analysis completed to date. Staff will recommend a community-supported route for further evaluation in spring 2022. Following that recommendation, design and technical evaluation of the recommended route will advance to an environmental review and further engineering. Find information about upcoming meetings about the Draft Route Modification Report.

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Renters have a right to know the energy use and costs for their next apartment

Under a new City of Minneapolis rule, property owners must provide building energy cost reports to potential renters for apartment buildings with five or more units that are smaller than 50,000 square feet. These reports can help renters learn which buildings have been more energy efficient and less costly so they can compare different housing options against each other and their budget.

Sample energy report

This example of an energy cost report shows what to expect from a property owner and how to use the information.

Cost and comfort

A more energy efficient apartment allows people to pay less in monthly bills and is more comfortable: warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. When the heat and electricity cost more, the renter pays more either directly in utility bills or indirectly through higher rent.

Renters can find information by going to the City of Minneapolis website and searching for “rental energy costs” or by calling 311.

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Free and affordable food resources

In need of food? Or are you looking for ways to support hunger relief in your community? Check out the updated Minneapolis food security resources on the City website. You can find locations, hours, contact information, and volunteer/donation needs of local food shelves and food distributions. To see food shelves by location, explore our map. Find winter market schedules and locations. Nearly all accept SNAP-EBT benefits.

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Minneapolis Public Works is hiring

Join the teams that keep Minneapolis running, and help spread the word about these opportunities with friends, family and community. Minneapolis Public Works is hiring and training for several job openings: Public Works service worker 1 trainee: performs manual labor, learns to drive and operate equipment. Supports the department’s construction and maintenance activities. You will be supported in obtaining your CDL Class B license. Public Works service worker 1: performs manual labor and drives and operates equipment to support construction and maintenance work. Public Works service worker 2: performs manual labor, drives and operates heavy specialty equipment to support construction and maintenance work. Water distribution operator 1: performs manual labor and semi-skilled work to maintain the City’s water distribution system. Water distribution operator 1 trainee: performs manual labor to maintain the City’s water distribution system. Applications are accepted through Jan. 16. Read more information online and attend one of several upcoming virtual and in-person information sessions throughout the application period. Applicants can apply online on the City website.

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Share your input on draft neighborhood traffic calming process

Minneapolis Public Works wants your input on a proposed process to address traffic safety concerns and traffic calming requests on neighborhood streets. The process provides a way for community members to request traffic calming and for Public Works to review those requests fairly, transparently and equitably. 

Find more information about the proposed traffic calming process and share feedback. Comments on the draft will be accepted through Jan. 31. 

After reviewing feedback, Public Works will finalize the process early in 2022 and share details in the spring about how to request traffic calming measures. 

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Get your free COVID-19 vaccination

Vaccination is the strongest defense against COVID and its variants. Get a free COVID-19 vaccine at a Minneapolis Health Department clinic. Walk-ins are welcome, and the vaccinations are free. You don’t need insurance, you don’t need an appointment and you don’t need an ID. Questions about the vaccines? Watch and share this video for 11 things you should know about COVID-19 vaccines.

Find more information, updates and new free community vaccinations on the City website.

Hennepin County vaccination events

Hennepin County offers free COVID-19 vaccinations including boosters. Get a $50 Visa gift card when you get vaccinated (while supplies last).

• 4-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7. Centro Nazareno de Compasion Agape, Inc., 6421 45th Ave. Crystal  Pfizer (5 and older, boosters for 16 and older) 
  Información del evento traducida al español

Find more information and register at hennepin.us/vaccineregistration or call 612-348-8900.

Other ways to get a vaccine

Being fully vaccinated and boosted remains the highest protection against serious complications from COVID. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, get a free vaccine as soon as you can. About nine out of 10 Americans live within 5 miles of a COVID-19 vaccination site.

• To find the site closest to you, visit vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829 (GETVAX); or call 1-800-232-0233.
• Find COVID-19 vaccine appointments at the CDC’s VaccineFinder. You can filter by location and search for Pfizer only for 12-17-year-olds.
• Find vaccine locations and providers near you using the State’s interactive map.
• Sign up for the Minnesota COVID-19 vaccine connector in English, Spanish, Somali or Hmong to get contacted about vaccine in your area.
• Contact your primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.

Sick and safe time covers vaccine appointments

Accrued sick and safe time hours can be used to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and recover from any side effects. Learn more about the City's Sick and Safe Time ordinance.

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Public health resources: Slow the spread of COVID-19

Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 situation update Minnesota vaccine data dashboard  Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector  Minneapolis COVID-19 vaccine information City of Minneapolis mask guidance  Find COVID-19 testing locations Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 information in multiple languages Spanish/English COVID-19 hotline: 651-304-6145 Minnesota Black Community COVID-19 hotline: 612-254-1145 Refugee and Immigrant COVID Care hotline: 651-318-0989 The City of Minneapolis created six multilingual videos in collaboration with MIGIZI, Insight, UnidosMN, Somali Community Resettlement Services and The Southeast Asian Diaspora Project to increase confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines among communities with lower vaccination rates: Vaccination is protection: English (African American community). Vaccination is protection: English (Native American community). Vaccination is protection: Spanish. Vaccination is protection: Somali. Vaccination is protection: Hmong. Vaccination is protection: Lao. Compilation video: All languages.

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City's Cultural Radio Programs

Tune into the City's cultural radio programs for COVID-19 updates and other City news. The City has programs on KMOJ 89.9 FM (English); La Raza 95.7 FM (Spanish); KALY 101.7 FM (Somali); and WIXK AM 1590 (Hmong.) Radio shows schedule and audio files of past programs

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Small Business Spotlight: Spice & Tonic

Article by Becky Fillinger

Shan CheemaLooking for a new spot for some comfort food in the Mill District?  Check out Spice & Tonic, Indian Cuisine & Bar located at 903 S. Washington Avenue. The curries, biryanis and other delicacies will take away the sting of below zero temperatures. I sat down with Shan Cheema, Operations Manager of the brand new Northern Indian restaurant to talk about the family business. 

Q:  Congratulations on your December 15 opening! This is not the first family restaurant, right?

A:  That’s correct. My father, Joginder Cheema, started us on that path in 1993 when he opened the Taste of India in Woodbury. The next was the Taste of India in St. Louis Park. We’ve operated Indian restaurants all over the metro area – Wayzata, St. Paul, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, etc. My father has also trained most of the Indian cooks in the region. He officially ‘retired’ in 2018, but he has been a hands-on driving force in launching our Mill District location. 

Joginder CheemaQ:  Is this the first location in Minneapolis? What made the Mill District attractive as a new location? 

A:  That’s right – this is the first in Minneapolis. We feel incredibly lucky to have our new location. We are sandwiched in between two iconic entertainment venues – the Guthrie Theater and U.S. Bank Stadium. There aren’t many Indian restaurants nearby. Also, the area is home to thousands of residents – just look at the lofts, condos and apartments. We are ready to serve diners coming to the city for a show or game, or local residents looking for a great neighborhood place to eat. 

Q:  What’s your history with the family business?

A:  I had a corporate job in downtown Minneapolis for three years at SPS Commerce. I realized that what I really enjoyed doing was working in the family business. I took what I had learned about business from the corporate world and am bringing that to help run our business. This has been very fulfilling to me and will be helpful to the business as well.

Q:  What’s one dish - perhaps overlooked - that you wish your customers will try from the menu? 

A:  That would be Lamb Shai Korma - we use our freshly made curry-based sauce and add a touch of cream to really bring out the curry flavor. It has paneer, which is our Indian cheese, and is garnished with cashews and raisins! I can say that it is easily the best dish on the menu!

Lamb Shai Korma

Lamb palak, chicken makhani and garlic naan

Q:  What do you want to tell our readers about the cuisine you’ll offer? 

A:  We cook fresh food daily. We make all of our sauces. We are a Northern Indian restaurant with a variety of options from samosas, tikka masalas, biryanis and lots of naan bread. Garlic naan has for sure been the biggest hit so far! The visitors from the neighborhood have been so welcoming – we couldn’t be happier.

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A:  Social media is the easiest way:  Instagram, Facebook and our website.

Public Enemy No. 1 in the Twin Cities

Article by Michael Rainville, Jr.

The Gangster Era in the United States was full of crooked cops and crafty criminals. From Al Capone and John Dillinger to ‘Baby Face’ Nelson and Bonnie and Clyde, gangsters ruled. The Midwest states witnessed firsthand how ruthless and ironfisted these criminals were, and the Twin Cities were no exception. While many gangsters frequented the area, one gang in particular left a lasting mark in the Twin Cities, the Barker-Karpis Gang.

A wanted poster of Fred Barker and 'Creepy' Karpis.

The story of the Barker-Karpis Gang begins well before the gang formed in March of 1931. Kate ‘Ma’ Barker, a resident of Missouri, had four children, Herman, Lloyd, Arthur ‘Doc’, and Fred. These four brothers traveled around Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma robbing banks and stealing cars for most of the 1910s and 20s. While serving time is places like the Oklahoma State Prison and Leavenworth Penitentiary, the brothers gained notable reputation in the criminal world. Upon Fred’s release from the Kansas State Prison in 1931, he met up with one of his fellow inmates, Alvin ‘Creepy’ Karpis, and formed the Barker-Karpis Gang. After murdering police chiefs and robbing banks, they fled to Chicago. They quickly realized they wanted nothing to do with Al Capone’s gang, so with a tip from a colleague, they moved their operation to 1031 South Robert Street, West St. Paul.

By this time, St. Paul had garnered a reputation for being a safe haven for criminals. In 1900, Police Chief John O’Conner agreed to sign an unofficial contract, called the Layover Agreement, that meant criminals would not be arrested in St. Paul as long as they checked in with the police chief when they arrived and they could not commit any crimes within the city limits. Good news for St. Paul, bad news for Minneapolis. One of the Barker-Karpis Gang’s first notorious crimes in the area occurred on December 16th, 1932 when they robbed the Third Northwestern National Bank on East Hennepin and Central Ave. Unbeknownst to the gang, the bank teller quietly alerted the authorities. When the gang’s lookout, Lawrence DeVol, noticed a squad car approaching quickly without its sirens on, he shot a few rounds into the car killing Officer Leon Evans and wounding Officer Ira Gorski. After a brief gun fight, the gang fled down East Hennepin to St. Paul. However, the crime caused so much commotion that they fled further to a small hideout in Webster, Wisconsin. Once the authorities discovered their small hideout, they found the gang was long gone but had left ‘Ma’ Barker’s husband on the property with a single bullet hole to the head. He was very loose-lipped when drinking and the gang worried he had already tipped them off.

Interestingly enough, my family was involved in the Third Northwestern National Bank robbery. The accountant for the Rainville Brother’s Funeral Home was running an errand to the bank when the gang arrived, and after laying on the ground with his hands on his head and telling the police what he saw, he returned back to the funeral home four hours later. The boss, Edward Rainville, was very upset and accused him of going to the bar for a few drinks, but once the local beat cop provided an alibi for the accountant, Great Great Grandpa Ed took him out for a drink once the day was over and gave him the next day off.

The scene after the robbery of the Third Northwestern National Bank.

Bullet holes in the windows of the Third Northwestern National Bank.

The most noteworthy crimes the Barker-Karpis Gang committed in the Twin Cities were two separate kidnappings. The first, which happened in June of 1933, was the kidnapping of a member of the Hamm’s Brewery family. They set the ransom at $100,000, or over $1.95 million after inflation. The ransom was to be brought to Duluth by the brewery’s sales manager, and once that was completed, the gang released the family member later that same month.

The other, and even more noteworthy, kidnapping took place in January of 1934 when the gang took Edward Bremmer, the president of the Commercial State Bank. This time, the ransom was set at $200,000, or almost $3.8 million after inflation. The gang sent a letter to Bremer family friend Walter W. Magee with ransom instructions. Once Magee had the money, he was to print “We are ready Alice” in the Minneapolis Tribune's personal ads. Magee followed the directions, but the gang did not follow through. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, a family friend of the Bremer’s, even mentioned the kidnapping in one of his fireside chats. The crime was gaining national attention, so the gang had to act quickly and collect the ransom. Once they did, they realized the FBI had recorded the serial numbers of the bills and they couldn’t do anything with the money.

Fingerprint evidence on a gas can used to refuel their car in Wisconsin revealed the Barker-Karpis Gang as the culprits, and at the end of the day, it was this kidnapping that did the gang in. Fred and ‘Ma’ Barker were shot by the FBI in a home in Florida, and ‘Creepy’ Karpis, who was Public Enemy No. 1 at the time, was eventually arrested and sent to Alcatraz. Other gangsters come to the Twin Cities during this notorious era of American crime, but few left an impact as great as the Barker-Karpis Gang.

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About Michael Rainville, Jr.

A 6th generation Minneapolitan, Michael Rainville, Jr. received his B.A. in History, Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies, and M.A. in Art History from the University of St. Thomas.

Michael is a historical interpreter at the Minnesota History Center and has been a lead guide at Mobile Entertainment LLC, giving Segway, walking, and biking tours of the Minneapolis riverfront for 9+ years.

 

He can be reached at mrainvillejr@comcast.net. 

Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) Recognized With the Gold Standard for Museum Excellence

Via a January 4 e-announcement from the Minnesota Historical Society:

The Minnesota Historical Society Announces Reaccreditation by the American Alliance of Museums

The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) is pleased to announce it has been reaccredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the only organization representing the entire scope of the museum community. According to AAM, accreditation demonstrates the Minnesota Historical Society’s quality and credibility to the entire museum community, to governments and outside agencies and to the museum-going public.

“Reaccreditation upholds that our organization continues to meet national standards and best practices for museums in the United States, and that we remain a community of institutions that have chosen to hold ourselves publicly accountable to excellence,” said Kent Whitworth, director and chief executive officer of the Minnesota Historical Society. “The Minnesota Historical Society has proven through this comprehensive process of self-assessment and peer review to be a responsible steward of our resources, one which is deeply committed to institutional excellence.”

In the AAM reaccreditation report, the visiting committee expresses that in all areas of museum practice—research, collections care, exhibitions, education, publications, public programs and administration—MNHS relies on skilled, knowledgeable and committed staff to carry out its mission, remain relevant to the changing needs and interests of the communities it serves, while making important advances and structural changes to promote the principles of diversity, equity, access and inclusion.

MNHS a Model Institution

“The Minnesota Historical Society continues to be a model institution in many ways,” wrote Evans Richardson, accreditation commission chair of the American Alliance of Museums. “We commend the Society for its commitment to actively exploring ways to better serve a broad, diverse, and broadening stakeholder base as evidenced in the museum's excellent Institutional Plan.”

The reaccreditation report also states, that while the environment in which all museums operate has changed dramatically in the past 15 years since MNHS’ last reaccreditation—heightened more recently by the pandemic, economic uncertainty, environmental stress, and ideological polarization—MNHS has adapted appropriately and thoughtfully to these pressures and changing circumstances. Most notable in this regard is the adoption of a new strategic plan (2021-2026) that includes updated and poignant mission and vision statements, clear goals and objectives, and the installation of a culture of inclusion and accountability along with measurable outcomes at all levels of the organization and for all functions.

Accreditation Program and Comments

The Accreditation Program helps to ensure the integrity and accessibility of museum collections, reinforce the educational and public service roles of museums, and promote good governance practices and ethical behavior. To earn accreditation or reaccreditation, a museum submits a self-study questionnaire and key operational documents for evaluation, then undergoes a site visit by a team of peer reviewers which produces a report for the Accreditation Commission. The Commission uses these materials and its collective expertise to determine whether to grant accreditation or reaccreditation. Comments from the reaccreditation report include:

“The organization has completed an inclusive and all-encompassing strategic planning process that sets a bold, purposeful, and sustainable course for the future. The Visiting Committee was very impressed with the width and breath of staff and community engagement and the very purposeful way resources are being aligned with intended outcomes.”

“The strategic plan is of the highest quality, is concise and clear, appears to have garnered significant support and is a signature guiding document to help the organization transition into its inspiring future.”

“Exhibitions, programs, and services are informed by a high degree of scholarship and audience knowledge. The Leadership Team is well credentialed, committed, and demonstrates the hallmarks of a true team. The new strategic plan is outstanding. Clearly, the organization is committed to listening to its staff and external partners and has built trust through a thorough process that resulted in a clear forward path and high levels of energy and enthusiasm. The structure is in place to operationalize the strategic plan.”

About the American Alliance of Museums

The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) is the only organization representing the entire museum field, from art and history museums to science centers and zoos. Since 1906, AAM has been championing museums through advocacy and providing museum professionals with the resources, knowledge, inspiration, and connections they need to move the field forward.

AAM’s Alliance of 35,000 museums and museum professionals seeks to better our communities, and our world, through collaborative human-centered experiences, education, and connection to histories, cultures, the natural world, and one another. AAM’s members spark curiosity and wonder, widen horizons and understanding, and create community connection through a shared commitment to equity and learning. For more information, visit www.aam-us.org.

About the Minnesota Historical Society

The Minnesota Historical Society is a nonprofit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs and publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories and connects people with history. Visit us at mnhs.org.

Gamut Gallery Announces First Show of 2022: Rock Johnsen's Earth's Alchemy

Via a recent e-announcement from Gamut Gallery:

With the new year in full swing, the transformative power of winter in the Twin Cities sets the stage for Gamut Gallery’s first show of 2022: Earth’s Alchemy. We are thrilled to host Minnesota State Arts Board recipient, Rock Johnsen, who shares his passion for chemistry and geology in his first solo gallery exhibition.

Through his experimental glazing methods, the distinctive and delicate crystal structure highlighted in Rock’s body of work evokes the familiarity of ice cracking under the weight of heavy-soled snow boots this February. From everyday objects like plates, mugs and bowls to his larger-than-life periodic table installation, Rock explores the intersection of art and science by way of the earth’s rare elements and his pottery wheel. In doing so, he shows us that elements can interact with one another within the confines of solid and functional objects.

Just like no two snowflakes are alike, each piece featured in this exhibit is one of a kind, inspiring us to remember science in everyday life and its inherent influence on societal progress and inclusivity. Rock’s work represents the certainty of constant evolution at an atomic level, the diversity that stems from these atomic interactions, and their eventual influence on our collective appreciation and interest in expressing ourselves through art.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Rock Johnsen is a scientist and potter living in Minneapolis, who grew up in Kansas and Missouri. He obtained a Bachelor degree from Pittsburgh University in studio arts with a focus on ceramics and chemistry. Rock’s work explores concepts of duality that he has been perpetually confronted with growing up as a queer person of mixed race in the United States. He uses human anatomy and creatures to examine our comfort level with functional items and also explores the links between chemistry and geology in ceramic glaze. 

His unique crystal growing process is really the recreation of an environment. Rock uses a kiln to simulate the earth’s mantle. Over several hours, between 1800-2200 degrees Fahrenheit, the mixture of basic elements transition to a liquid state. While the vessel’s surface is still fluid, zinc and silica atoms attract one another due to their natural polarities, migrating through the liquid to form larger molecules. With each new piece, Rock mimics environmental conditions by making slight adjustments to the temperature and holding times of the ceramic media; the chemical properties of each element emerge from the crystal solution as the final size, shape, and reflection of each piece becomes an individual representation of material science.

Rock Johnsen is a fiscal year 2021 recipient of an Artist Initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. 

MEMBERS ONLY PREVIEW NIGHT:

February 3, 2022, 6-9pm Meet & Greet with Rock Johnsen

This event is for Gamut Gallery Members, become a Member today!

PUBLIC OPENING & ARTIST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION:

February 4, 2022, 6-9pm Meet & Greet with Rock Johnsen

This event is FREE in thanks to Artist Initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board

ARTIST TALK:

February 19, 2022, 10AM
Moderated by Cassie Garner
This event is FREE in thanks to Artist Initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board
Coffee provided by Segue Coffee

GALLERY & GIFT SHOP OPEN HOURS RETURN FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2022

Gamut Gallery’s brick and mortar is currently closed for holiday break. We will open without capacity restrictions for in-person viewing of the exhibition. We are also available by appointment; please request an appointment 48 hours in advance. Masks required indoors.

FREE open hours starting February 5, 2022: Wednesday - Friday, 11am - 6pm; Saturday 11am - 4pm. We are inviting members of the education community who wish to schedule field trips to the gallery during this exhibit. Please email: Cassie@gamutgallerympls.com to schedule a class trip. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for further details and information regarding the event.