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Good Design: Stories from Herman Miller

@ Goldstein Museum of Design, 241 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Ave, St. Paul

Friday Nov 20th reception 6-8pm / Free
Exhibit runs through Jan 17th

The Goldstein Museum of Design plays host to a neat new traveling exhibit focused on the iconic furnishings of Michigan-based company, Herman Miller. Some of the most recognizable American furniture has been churned out by this group, and the exhibit showcases drawings, prototypes, photographs and original design models from the company’s iconic portfolio of products. Detailing the creation process on up through product evolution, the show focuses on 20th and 21st century artists such as Gilbert Rohde, Alexander Girard, Bill Stumpf and Don Chadwick. Hit up the opening reception this Friday from 6-8pm or stop into the museum on any given day through January 17th, aside from Mondays and Holidays, to take a gander!

For more info visit http://goldstein.design.umn.edu

TU Dance Fall 2009 Concert

@ The O’Shaughnessy, 2004 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul

Friday 20th 8pm, Saturday 21st 8pm, Sunday 22nd 2pm / $16-$27

Immerse yourself in modern dance this weekend as TU dance company kicks off their sixth season with the premiere of Danial Shapiro and Joanie Smith’s performance of “Dance with Army Blankets”. The piece is presented in its first full staging since the original commission by Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble (New York, 1992). Also on task is company founder, Uri Sands who will debut his new duet with Macriano Silva dos Santos, entitled “Me & Him.” You’ll also be treated to Sands’ latest in a series delving into “the synergy between human senses and elements,” and a signature TU piece, “Tones of Adney,” inspired by the “shifting states of a Minnesota Lake.” The way TU interprets thoughts, feelings and unusual concepts into movement is always thought provoking and mesmerizing, and most definitely worth your time.

For more info visit www.tudance.org

Handcrafted Holidays Open House

@ Grand Hand Gallery, 619 Grand Avenue, St. Paul

Saturday, Nov 21st / 4-8pm / Free

Head to the Grand Hand Gallery this Saturday for a festive fete featuring wine, hors d’oeuvres, and live jazz tunage from potter and pianist Chuck Solberg. While you’re there, get all your thoughtful holiday shopping done, as the Grand Hand’s Handcrafted Holiday show is up now! Find sweet deals on all manners of artist-made, one of a kind gifts such as art pieces, holiday ornaments, greeting cards, pottery, textiles and more. This open house event is the Grand Hand’s “thank you” to customers, artists, friends and neighbors who’ve made the little gallery’s first 5 years of business a booming success. What’s better? A portion of Saturday’s sales go to benefit CERF (Craft Emergency Relief Fund). The reception runs from 4-8pm but feel free to stop into the gallery during regular business hours, Mon-Fri 10am-8pm and Sat-Sun 10am-6pm.

For more info visit www.thegrandhand.com

Munny Decorating Workshop

@ Tomodachi, Rosedale Mall, #655, Roseville

Every Saturday 2-6pm / Free

Ok, Roseville isn’t technically Saint Paul, but it’s definitely a kissing cousin! And this ongoing event is just too cute for me not to give a shout out to. Every Saturday from 2-6pm adults and children alike are invited to stop in to cuter-than-cute collectible toy shop, Tomadachi, and play “toy designer” for a day with the help of staff and guest artists. Munnys are cute lil’ vinyl toy-guys that come in white, blue and pink. Basically, blank canvases on which you can custom-decorate your own toy. Compatible with many different art materials, the sky’s the limit when it comes to Munnys! Create one in the likeness of a friend, let your kid go crazy on one, make your own army of artsy robots, etc. Not to mention, a custom-made Munny makes an awesome straight-from-the-heart, yet hip, holiday gift. While you’re there, you might as well stock up on all manners of limited edition, collectible toys and knickknacks from the likes of KidRobot, Sanrio, Tokidoki, Paul Frank and more. Nifty gifty!

For more info visit www.tomodachi.us