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Looking for some mid-winter artsy fun? Look no further than this handful upcoming exhibits at area galleries. For more information on these and other art events happening around town, visit the Twin Cities Fine Arts Organization HERE.

Voyage

Locally-based, Chilean-born installation artist Alonso Sierralta exhibits his mixed media sculpture works at The Gordon Parks Gallery in January and February. Guest curator William G. Franklin speaks to the work as “a poetic struggle in which three-dimensional revelations are born.”

Free

January 26 through March 2
Lecture: February 9, 7 to 8 p.m.

Metropolitan State University, Library and Learning Center
700 East Seventh Street, Saint Paul, MN 55106

INFO HERE

Robyne Robinson: Hands and Heart

Robyne Robinson is both collector and artist. This February at the U of St. Thomas the former news anchor turned jewelry designer will showcase not only her own handmade creations, but will bring her eclectic private art collection into the spotlight as well.  She will also be hosting a lecture on “The Impact of Global Urbanism on Art and Design” on Friday, March 16.

Free

February 1 through April 13
Lecture: March 16, 6:30 p.m.

O’Shaughnessy Educational Center
2115 Summit Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55105

MORE INFO

Illo Minn: Volume Three

It’s all about illustration this February at the College of Visual Arts. This biennial exhibition of regional illustrators will feature a printed illustration from each artist accompanied by its original artwork, an additional original artwork of their choosing, and a Moleskine notebook with an artist-designed cover. During the reception the Moleskines will be sold in a silent auction with proceeds benefitting the CVA Scholarship Fund.

February 3 through March 3
Reception: February 2, 6 to 8 p.m.
Panel Discussion: February 9, 6 p.m.

College of Visual Arts
173 Western Avenue North Saint Paul, MN 55102

MORE INFO

A Midwinter Night’s Dream

It’s an artful ladies’ shopping excursion at the AZ Gallery this February, where you can check out art and jewelry by female artists at “A Midwinter Night’s Dream”. Featuring work by Christy Johnson, Jen Hanlon Ash, Larissa Loden, Megan Moore, Emily Gray Koehler, Jennifer Merchant and more. While you’re there, pick up handmade beauty and home products by The Elixery, Simple Scents and Aromi.

February 10 through February 26
Reception: February 11, 5 to 10 p.m.

The AZ Gallery 308 Prince Street Saint Paul, MN 55101

MORE INFO

Holiday Lights in the Park

Cruisin’ Lake Phalen in the summer might be memorable, but each holiday season the East Side hot spot transforms into a glorious winter wonderland with all the trimmings. The best part? You don’t even have to get out of your warm car to experience the festive cheer! This driving tour takes you around the lake through over 50 colorful twinkling sets, light sculptures, and animated displays.

5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Nightly (including holidays). $10 per vehicle. Runs through January 1st.

Phalen Park, 1615 Phalen Drive, St. Paul

More info: www.lightsinthepark.org

Rice Park Winter Wonderland

We (sort of) wrote about this a couple weeks ago, but Rice Park’s classic lights display is something everyone must experience at least once. The pretty plaza in the heart of Downtown St. Paul is always charming in and of itself, flanked by beautiful buildings like the St. Paul Hotel, Landmark Center, and Ordway. Each winter it’s decked out with about a bazillion white, twinkling lights and what we expect is the capital city’s biggest Christmas tree. To make matters more festive, Wells Fargo’s Winterskate is adjacent as well.

24 hours a day/7 days a week. Free. Runs through January 1st.

Rice Park, W. 5th St & Market St., Downtown St. Paul

More info: www.riceparkwinterwonderland.com

Holiday Lights on Summit Avenue

Architecture buffs will definitely enjoy a driving (or walking) escapade down St. Paul’s most decadent and historic street. Cruise down Summit and take in various light displays that decorate private residences as well as storied manses like the James J. Hill House and other recognizable landmarks. There’s no rhyme or reason to this “tour” so take your time. Our suggestion? Start as high up as Snelling & Summit and work your way down to the more impressive homes past Dale and into Cathedral Hill. Afterward, stop somewhere cute like Nina’s Cafe over on Selby for a cup of hot chocolate!

After Dark/7 Days a Week + Holidays. Free. Through the Holidays.

Summit Avenue (various locations), St. Paul

More info on Summit Ave HERE. 

A Victorian Christmas at the Ramsey House

A Victorian Christmas awaits at St. Paul’s historic Ramsey House! Rewind the clock to an era of decadence and nostalgia and experience what the holidays were like in 1875. Be dazzled by twinkling lights and cheerful decor, sample fresh baked cookies from the Ramsey House’s wood burning stove, tap your toes to tunes played on the family’s classic Steinway piano, and admire original ornaments and Christmas gifts from days of yore. Learn a bit of history as costumed guides re-enact how the household prepared for the holidays, then stop into the carriage house to pick up replica Victorian ornaments and other holiday gift items.

Dec 1 – Jan 1 / 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, noon-3 p.m. Sundays

Fee: $11 adults, $9 seniors and college students, $7 ages 6-17; $3 discount for MHS members.

Reservations: recommended, call 651-296-8760 /  Click HERE for details

Alexander Ramsey House / 265 S. Exchange St. / St. Paul, MN 55102

A Christmas Memory

Add some old-timey theatrics to your holiday season as local actors Linda Sue Anderson and Sam Landman bring to life Truman Capote’s heartfelt holiday tale revolving around a boy coming of age during the Great Depression. The 1 hour program will include musical accompaniment by Minneapolis singer-guitarist Dan Hylton, performing holiday songs. Stick around after the show for light refreshments and guided tours of the famed manse.

Dec 1st & 2nd / Dec 8th & 9th / 7:30 p.m.

Fee: $12/$10 MHS Members, No credit cards accepted

Reservations: recommended, call 651-297-2555 / Click HERE for details

James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave, St. Paul 55102

Hill House Holidays

The fanciful holiday cheer of James J. Hill and his prestigious family is brought to life at the impeccably preserved historic Summit Avenue property. Indulge in a Gilded Age Christmas as you’re entertained by costumed actors that dramatically portray life as servants during the holiday season in first decade of the 20th century. The one-hour program will tak you through the gorgeous halls and even into the basement servant work areas. And it’s all legit–the script is based on letters and oral histories of people who actually worked for the family.

Bonus: On Dec 11th and 18th at 6pm be charmed by Victorian Christmas Stories a la Charles Dickens and Mark Twain!

Dec 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 / 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., tours begin every 30 minutes

Fee: $10 adults, $8 seniors and students, $6 children ages 6-17; $2 discount for MHS members.

Reservations: recommended, call 651-297-2555 / Click HERE for more details

James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave, St. Paul 55102

Although we’ve lucked out with the weather thus far, there’s no denying the holiday season is official upon us! This past Saturday St. Paul rolled out a charming annual tradition with Wells Fargo WinterSkate, a free, outdoor ice rink in the heart of downtown.

With the gorgeous backdrop of the historic Landmark Center, not to mention the twinkling winter wonderland of Rice Park just a hop, skip, and a jump away, WinterSkate is a seasonal tradition that you ought not miss. WinterSkate is a perfect day trip for the family, a delightful date night for that special lady or gent, or perhaps even a solo mission (those fancy ice skatin’ moves need an audience, are we right?). The best part? It’s free (skate rentals are a mere $2 or free when you present your Wells Fargo card), so you can save your moola for more important things, like a nightcap at Pazzaluna, or an appetizer at the St. Paul Hotel’s Bar. Make it a St. Paul experience!

The 2011/2012 rink season is November 26, 2011 through February 5, 2012.

Skate rental is $2 per person. Receive free skate rental for you and your immediate family by showing your Wells Fargo check card or credit card. (Other Wells Fargo accounts, documentation, or correspondence are not accepted for free skate rental.) Figure skates and hockey skates are available from little tyke one-size-fits-all up to adults’ size 13. 

*NOTE:  Monday – Thursday youth hockey and corporate broomball take place at 5pm.  All skaters will be asked to clear the rink at 4:50pm.
2011-2012 WinterSkate Calendar

Open Skate
Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m
Saturday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

For more info visit www.wellsfargowinterskate.com

We’re diggin’ all the groovy spin off events that the MN History Center’s 1968 exhibit has spawned. Case in point: November 6th and 8th you’ll be able to indulge your hippie side and also get a bit of education in the process!

This Sunday, peruse the exhibit then hang out with Scott Rohr of Twisted Groove T-Shirt Shop, who will be hosting a family-friendly workshop on tie-dye techniques. Watch and learn as Scott bend, binds, and twists t-shirts into snazzy patterns, then step up to the plate yourself to tie-dye your own groovy creation. Feel free to bring an addition item to dye such as socks, a scarf, or a pillow case.

Sunday Nov 6 / 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. / MN History Center / Workshop fee includes a t-shirt and all materials and snacks. This program is recommended for kids 6 years and up. Reservations are recommended, but drop-ins are welcome too. For more information click HERE.

On Tuesday, November 8th, get the inside scoop on the 1968 exhibit during an intimate talk with Curator Brian Horrigan, who will share stories and anecdotes on the process of creating the large-scale traveling show. Additionally, the Historical Society’s Teen Advisory Council will put their youthful exuberance to the theatrical test in a performance of “1968: Teen to Teen” created by playwright Cory Hinkle based on oral histories from real-life people who came of age during the dramatic and intense time frame of the late ’60s.

Tuesday Nov 8 / 10:30 a.m. / MN History Center / Free; ($8 senior museum gallery admission not included). Reservations: required, call 651-259-3015, or register online.

We’ve just discovered a clever little discussion series that feeds both our nerdy side and our artistic side, thanks to the Science Museum of Minnesota. Each second Tuesday of the month head to the Black Dog Cafe to be titillated by presentations from both artists and scientists on an array of topics, with the overarching view being the intersection between art and science.

Tuesday, November 8th brings together multi-disciplinary artist/Media Arts Professor Diane Willow and U of M professor of Plant Biology Neil Olszewski. The two will discuss the concept of biological art, and will touch on the process of contemporary works that involve living organisms (something we’re dying to know more about!).

Diane Willow is a multi-modal artist and Associate Professor of Experimental and Media Arts at the University of Minnesota. Working at the nexus of art and technology, architecture and science, by any medium necessary best describes her process as she experiments with hybrid media to explore the poetic dynamics of nature, technology and community. Focused on art as experience, she invites people to engage in multi-sensory explorations as participants and choreographers.

Neil Olszewski is a Professor of Plant Biology at the University of Minnesota. His laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms by which hormones and posttranslational modification of proteins with sugars regulates plant growth and development. He also studies the molecular biology of plant viruses.

November 8, 2011
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Free & Open to the Public

Black Dog Coffee & Wine Bar, 4th & Broadway, Lowertown / www.blackdogstpaul.com

For more info on the Beaker & Brush series click HERE.

St. Paul isn’t normally known to be a haven of vivid acid-trips, but this Saturday local artists give audiences a taste of hue-matic lucid visuals. Peep new work by three emerging artists, Garrett Perry, Jon Reischl and Jeremy Szopinski. From avant-garde, visual oddities from Perry to prismatic mixed-media print work from Reischl to colorful impasto paintings suggesting violence, religious ecstasy, belief and doubt from Szopinski. Welcome to a new St. Paul.

Click HERE for the Facebook event

Saturday Oct 22 / 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. / Open Studio, 558 Vandalia St, St. Paul

Content shared with l’etoile magazine

Real Haunted Tours at the Mounds

Theatrical freak outs are the name of the game at the Mounds Theater this month, where you can explore the nooks and crannies of the 1920s historic property. Noted as one of St. Paul’s most haunted spots by various paranormal experts, The Mounds is rumored to house three resident ghosts, who we’re quite sure will be in prime form just in time for you to tour the spooky space.

Daily through October 30 /  $20

Mounds Theater, 1029 Hudson Rd., St. Paul

Details: www.realhauntedtours.com

Shadows and Spirits at the Capitol

As if politics weren’t scary enough, the state capitol opens its doors for an eerie after-dark tour that will not only entertain, but will school you in historical tales of years past. Hear spectral re-tellings from old-timey figures such as a civil war vet, a night watchman, and more. To make things appropriately scare-worthy, the capital will be dimmed to turn of the century lighting conditions. Tours last one hour and tours leave every 30 minutes.

Daily, October 20-29th / $7-$10

Minnesota State Capital, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd, St. Paul

Details: www.mnhs.org

1968 Scary Movie Night

In conjunction with the Minnesota History Center’s new exhibit, 1968, clips from a fleet of era-appropriate scary flicks will be screened, along with colorful commentary from Twin Cities arty smarty, Andy Sturdevant. Play-act along to select scenes from films such as Rosemary’s Baby, George Romero’s Night of the Living Dead and more. Prizes, trivia, popcorn, candy, and a cash bar will round things out. Awards for the best Mia Farrow “Rosemary” haircut will be given out as well.

Monday, October 31st / $12 ($10 for MHS members)

Minnesota History Center, 345 W Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul

Details: www.mnhs.org

Victorian Ghost Stories

Get a fancy scare at the James J. Hill House this month, as the historic mansion opens up its decadent parlor for a series of dramatic readings by costumed actors Craig Johnson, Laura Salveson and Ann Daly. Hear classic tales from the likes of Edgar Allen Poe, Edith Wharton, and the Brother’s Grimm, and more, plus a few “true” ghost stories that will likely send a chill up your spine. After the presentation, take a tour of the beautifully maintained Hill House and enjoy a cup of hot apple cider while you’re at it. Not recommended for children under the age of 8.

Oct 16th, 23rd, & 30th / $10 ($8 for MHS members)

James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave, St. Paul

Details: www.mnhs.org

The bi-annual St. Paul Art Crawl returns for its autumn installment October 7th-9th, and amid all the staple studios, galleries, and art nooks that you’re used to checking out, comes a new spot worthy of your attention. Air Sweet Air G
allery has found its new home at 262 4th Street in Lowertown, just in time for the fall crawl. A multi-faceted project space, Air Sweet Air plans to shake things up a bit when it comes to programming, taking the traditional art show and infusing it with multi-media events and installations throughout the year. This week we chat with director Cheryl Wilgren Clyne and the ASA crew about the new space and what to expect from them in the future.

Tell us a little more about your gallery. What’s the concept?

Air Sweet Air, the gallery and art labs have been in the making for a few years. We have been looking for a space since its inception. The studio at 262 E 4th St. Suite 203, St. Paul, MN sort of came out of the blue and felt like a good place to jump in.  The mission is to create a multimedia exhibition space for experimentation and play, while discovering the best way to present it all. We don’t really wish to be held to or by any one type of exhibition. There is a need for more venues for artists to show their work. There are even fewer places that are set up to show video or film. We will be holding some screenings nights and video installations in the space.

Already there are a few international artists interested in coming here to show their work, and of course we want to show local art. We hope to develop some sort of exchange of people, art and ideas internationally but that is still in the works. We are especially interested in art that embraces the importance of nature and the state of being human.

What can we expect to see from you this weekend at the crawl?

We just moved into the space last week but didn’t want to miss out on the Saint Paul art crawl crowd! Cheryl Wilgren Clyne, who is the gallery art director will be exhibiting her drawings and a short film in the space. She is certain to be giving something away to those that stop in this weekend.

What else are you excited for this art crawl?

There is so much going on it is difficult to pick one or even two events. 262 Studios has some very gifted artists. The thesis photography students from the College of Visual Arts will be using our other gallery space at 275 E 4th St. Suite 795 in the Northwestern Building. We can’t wait to see what they come up with. One reason we like the art crawl is that you find unexpected things, work you didn’t know about. It is also a time to celebrate art and artists which should happen much more frequently everywhere.

What drew you to Lowertown?

Lowertown has a very different kind of feel. Everyone kind of knows everyone. It feels a little like a small town inside of an urban area. That may sound cliche but it is true. Plus, the architecture is a big draw for us.

What are some of your favorite things about St. Paul in general?

We love all the construction! Just kidding. The downtown skyline is wonderful. Saint Paul has so many beautiful buildings and many of the spaces are still very affordable for emerging artists or small business owners. It is fascinating to see all the changes that have happened here over the last year and how many more changes will come.  There are some remarkable neighborhoods in Saint Paul. And of course, the clouds are more beautiful in Saint Paul than in Minneapolis. (No, we are over in Minneapolis all the time too!) There is something about the way the light hits the buildings on almost any day that is magical. The sky changes so frequently here in Minnesota. And there are times of the day and seasons of the year when the light radiates. It might be a midwest thing. We have moved many times and we keep coming back to this place.

For more information on the gallery, visit their blog HERE.

For more information on the St. Paul Art Crawl click HERE.

On Thursday, October 6th, a number of local designers will band together to present a fresh spin on a staple garment. “Little Black Dress” will feature looks by local faves Max Lohrbach, Maritza Ramirez, Danielle Everine, Ivan Idland, Raul Osorio, Sarah Holm, Amanda Christine, George Moskal, Laura Fulk, Jenny Carle, Emma Berg, Jenn Bratvold and Nicole Larson. Each designer was invited to create their own version of the little black dress as well as a second look that encompasses their signature design style. Held at St. Paul’s newest and hippest joint, the Amsterdam Bar & Hall, Little Black Dress will surely make a glamorous splash as the venue’s first fashion event.

We got the low down from St. Paul fashion designer George Moskal, who will be showcasing his work at the event on Thursday…

The 651: The concept of the event “Little Black Dress” is pretty self-explanatory. How are the designers involved taking that simple concept and making it unique?

George Moskal: For me, fabric was important and finding something more dimensional that wasn’t just a solid or typical black fabric.  I chose a lacquered lace which gave me the texture I wanted,  levels of matte and sheen, as well as sheerness and opaqueness.  I like the duality of the fabric and was able to choose a more classic shape which I tried to keep more modern with inserts of another sheer lace and raw edges.  I like the additional texture you get at the edges leaving it raw.

Can you give us any hints as to what you’ll be making for your second look?

For my second look I wanted to choose a really bold color to offset the black.  I chose a fuchsia waffle weave silk crepe with a little bit of sheerness.  It’s so lovely to work with, so I chose to drape something with it and let the fabric almost do what it wants on the form.  I am controlling slightly by using a cording base and draping and cascading the fabric around the cord and body (as it sees fit).

Your studio is in St. Paul! As a working designer, what are your favorite or most inspiring things in the city?

I think first and foremost is my actual studio/home which is a converted warehouse with 2 walls of windows that lets in so much light and helps my creative process.  It makes me a bit of a recluse, but I need to be constantly creating whether it’s fashion, decorating my space, or cooking a great meal.  Other than that, I love getting outside and walking or running along the Mississippi.  There are a lot of great vintage clothing stores in St. Paul which is always fun.  So much great architecture, especially on Cathedral Hill and Summit Avenue.  So, I love absorbing as much of that area’s great restaurants, book store, and shops.  I live downtown, so there are a lot of great restaurants and a wine bar within walking distance and we have the best Farmer’s Market in the Twin Cities.  The Art Crawl twice a year is also a great reason to visit and I have shown work in the past.  I Love St. Paul!

Aside from a “little black dress” what accessory or item do you think a woman absolutely needs to have?

It probably doesn’t help me as a designer, but I have always thought that a great haircut and a good pair of shoes are the most important piece of both a woman’s and man’s wardrobe.  That and self confidence!

What projects are you working on this year?  

I am working on Fall ’12 which I plan to show next Spring during MNfashion Week to give me more time to produce for prospective clients.  I have had my line sketches created and fabric for months, and am now in the patterning stage.  I am playing up some of the darkness and avant garde aspects that inspired my early work but making it more refined and accessible for the woman of today.  There is a certain artist/poet that has inspired my work for awhile and listening to that while I work has really helped the creative process.

EVENT INFO:

Thursday, October 6th // 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public.
Attendees must be at least 21 to attend.
Runway will occur promptly at 8:30.
Validated parking will provided in the Lawson Ramp (connected to the venue). Entrance to the Ramp is on 5th St between St Peter and Wabasha.

For additional details visit the Facebook page HERE.

For more info on George Moskal’s designs visit his site HERE.