Author Archive
Real Pirates invade the Science Museum
by Kate Iverson on Mar.08, 2012, under Arts & Culture
Despite the glorified, swashbuckling representations in film and literature over the ages, the real golden age of piracy was actually not quite as glamorous. In Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydahfrom Slave Ship to Pirate Ship, you’ll explore a recreation of a legit pirate ship, The Whydah, meet fictional members of her crew, learn to tie tic knots and even hoist a pirate flag. But that’s definitely not all. True to Science Museum authenticity, they’ve prepared more than 200 artifacts from North America’s only true pirate shipwreck…including some priceless booty!
BONUS:
Upcoming in the near future:
The Transatlantic Slave Trade – An Interpretation
Mahmoud El Kati: Lecturer, Writer, and Commentator on the African American experience
Thursday, March 15, 2012, 7-8:30 p.m.
Europe, Africa and the Caribbean were the three major trade ports that defined the Atlantic Triangle. It also was the harrowing journey of many forced into slavery. Historian and community leader, Mahmoud El-Kati, examines the effect of the economy on geopolitics and the people of this time and today.
The Golden Age of Piracy
Angus Konstam: Pirate Historian and Author of over 60 books
Thursday, March 29, 2012, 7-8:30 p.m.
The term “Golden Age of Piracy” was coined to cover the piratical heyday of the early 18th century, when Blackbeard, “Black Bart” Roberts, and Sam Bellamy all sailed the seas in search of plunder. Internationally renowned pirate expert Angus Konstam lifts the lid on what exactly lay behind the dramatic upsurge of piracy during these key years, when America was plagued by some of the most notorious pirates in history.
Female Pirates and Other Seafaring Women
Lisa Norling: University of Minnesota History Professor, Author of books Iron Man, Wooden Women: Gender and Seafaring in the Atlantic World, and Captain Ahab Had a Wife
Thursday, April 12, 2012, 7-8:30 p.m.
Avast, Captain Jack Sparrow! Dr. Lisa Norling goes past the “Pirates of the Caribbean” stereotypes to uncover the surprising true stories of seafaring women during the Age of Sail; from cutthroat female pirates to daring and transgressive “female sailors bold.”
Go on an Urban Expedition at the Landmark Center
by Kate Iverson on Mar.02, 2012, under Arts & Culture
The Landmark Center is a bit of a cultural hub in ye ode St. Paul, hosting events such as dance, music, and family oriented activities galore. And this Sunday’s “Urban Expedition” kick off is yet another example of the eclectic, creative programming the center is known for. Select Sundays through May, get your “Passport to Adventure” with a different cultural theme and activity roster geared towards kids and families.
Enjoy music, crafts, dance, and traditions from countries such as China, Ecuador, India, Norway, and Liberia. It’s the perfect chance to immerse your family in international culture in an accessible, fun way–no plane tickets required!
March 4 – China: Co-sponsored by China American Association of Minnesota.
March 11 – Ecuador: Features the music of Ecuador Manta & animals native to Ecuador.
April 15 – India: Co-sponsored by India Association of Minnesota (IAM)
April 29 – Norway: Featuring the music, dance and culture of Norway.
May 6 – Liberia: Featuring music and dance by Universal Dance Destiny & animals native to Liberia.
Free Admission | 1 to 3 pm (Free parking is available on street on Sundays or Macy’s Ramp offers free parking on Sundays.)
Please bring a non perishable food donation for the Hallie Q. Brown Food Shelf.
For more information click here.
‘Blind Date’ brings laughs and awkward moments to the Ordway
by Kate Iverson on Feb.26, 2012, under Arts & Culture
Blind dates are awkward enough, but imagine living one out centerstage at the Ordway! Improve impresario, Rebecca Northan, takes her hit show on the road, bringing with her tons of uncomfortable fun. Fresh off sold out stints in New York and Toronto, the show brings full frontal those nervous moments and awkward silences that make up a first date (blind or otherwise) in the most hilarious way possible.
In Blind Date, Northan’s saucy French clown-nosed character “Mimi” plucks an unsuspecting member out of the audience and takes him on a live blind date complete with massive amounts of TMI and plenty of playful embarrassment along the way. Described as “part burlesque, part Lucille Ball, part Match.com,” we expect a laugh (or cringe) per minute.
Arrive a bit early to sip a drink and meet “Mimi” before the performance. And boys, be sure to lay on the charm, you could be her next “Blind Date”.
Shows run now through April 11th with performances Wednesday through Sunday, with double performances on select weekend days. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.ordway.org.
Upcoming Art Exhibits in St. Paul
by Kate Iverson on Jan.20, 2012, under Arts & Culture
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
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
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
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
Twinkle Twinkle: Where to See Holiday Lights in St. Paul
by Kate Iverson on Dec.23, 2011, under Off the Beaten Path
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.
Historic Holidays at the Hill House and Ramsey House
by Kate Iverson on Dec.01, 2011, under Arts & Culture
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
WinterSkate Now Open!
by Kate Iverson on Nov.27, 2011, under Off the Beaten Path
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
MN History Center Gets Groovy
by Kate Iverson on Nov.04, 2011, under Arts & Culture
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.
Beaker & Brush: Artistic Expression with a Scientific Twist!
by Kate Iverson on Nov.04, 2011, under Arts & Culture
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.
Open Studio: New Art by Garrett Perry + Jon Reischle + Jeremy Szopinski
by Kate Iverson on Oct.20, 2011, under Off the Beaten Path
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
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