Art in Bloom, 2016-#2

One of  the more whimsical contributions to the Art in Bloom display at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.  See yesterday's post for further explanation.

The artwork is entitled, Soundsuit by Nick Cave, 2010.  Metal, wood, plastic, pigments, and acrylic fabric.

Art in Bloom, 2016

Art in Bloom, an annual event at the Minneapolis Institute of Art is back in town.  The 3-day event featuring more than 150 lavish displays of fresh flowers interpreting works of art in the museum's collection started yesterday. Of the many lovely and unique displays I think this one is among my favourites: Untitled, 1929, oil on canvas by Yayol Kusama.

I have been having a difficult time lately posting and commenting.  If I can't get my mojo back soon I plan to take an hiatus.  I may have to take a leave for the summer.  Time will tell: stay tuned.

Schmidt Brewery History

I took a photo of this sign last August and wondered why it was allowed to remain in place for so many years in its deteriorating condition.  Originally it was the former Schmidt Brewery sign with two large side panels, but Schmidt closed several decades ago and the sign stood at Jefferson Avenue and West 7th Street for more than 60 years as part of the historic brewery complex.  It had been used to advertise August Schell Brewing Company's Grain Belt beers to which an anti-billboard group recently objected.  To my surprise the entire story of its past and its future was recently covered in our local neighborhood newspaper, The Highland Villager. Apparently after meeting several legal considerations, the giant sign will be restored and will now advertise businesses that occupy properties in the Schmidt historic district.
Linking to Signs, signs

Unnamed sculpture

I founds this wonderful unnamed sculpture outside the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minnesota, a museum we visited  on our last Friday Field Trip.  I could find no plaque identifying the artist or information about the piece of art. I loved the way it rose above the walking path, seemingly ready for flight.

Wabasha, Minnesota

Our Friday Field Trip last week took us to Wabasha, Minnesota about 85 miles south of the Twin Cities.  The National Eagle Center has a lovely museum in this small town on the banks of the Mississippi River.  The bridge above connects Wabasha with towns  across the river in Wisconsin.

Saluting Women #7-Kerri Miller

In two  previous "Saluting Women" posts I have featured writers, Barbara Kingsolver and Margaret Atwood,  who have appeared on the Talking Volumes program at the Fitzgerald Theatre in downtown St. Paul. The hostess, Kerri Miller, has done a spectacular job of interviewing all of her guests, both male and female, over the years.  When we attend, which is often, both DH and I always love the evening's performance because Miller is a skillful interviewer using humor and probing questions to draw out the writers who appear on the program. She is knowledgeable about the writers and keeps a light-hearted touch while using interesting background information to keep both the audience and her subject engaged. Watch for the scheduled programs on MPR and be sure to attend if you are in the area. I guarantee that you will enjoy an interesting and entertaining evening.

Kerri Miller is host of MPR News with Kerri Miller and Talking Volumes. She was the political reporter for KARE 11 television in Minneapolis-St. Paul before coming to MPR in 2004.

A wecome visitor!

When the flower blossoms, the bee will come. Srikumar Rao

Linking to Saturday's Critters and Camera Critters

Prince

The Twin Cities in Mourning

 A Rainbow Appeared Above Paisley Park on April 21, 2016

The city blocked off the street in front of First Avenue last night where hundreds of Prince Fans met and celebrated his life of music after the announcement of his death yesterday.

NEIGHBORHOOD BLOOMING-GOOD FENCES

Our neighbourhood is beginning to bloom!

Linking to Good Fences

Church Signs

Unity Church in St. Paul is a parish that has many activities and projects operating at the same time. Social justice is important to the congregation so there are many groups that approach diverse problems.  One is an active approach to the "Black Lives Matter" movement. Last Sunday, the teen-agers held their annual book sale to help fund a trip to Boston.  Both signs were posted at the front of the church building, which illustrated the diversity within the community.
Linking to Signs, signs

Quiltwork #2

I want to include "Bunnies in a Basket" with the quilts I have featured recently on this blog because it is hand sewed, which is less common these days.  Most of the quilts I have seen lately are machine sown. I examined these blocks carefully and the appliqué and the hand stitches are beautiful.

Mural-St Paul Days of Yore #2

Biking in the Park

Linking to Monday Murals

Margaret Atwood-Saluting Women #6

I just realized that three of the women I chose to salute are well-known published writers; perhaps there is a bias in my selections! Margaret Atwood also appeared at St. Paul's Fitzgerald Theatre in the popular literary Talking Volume's series in October of 2013 when I took this photo of her on stage.  Atwood is a widely published and popular Canadian writer.  During her interview with Kerri Miller, Atwood literally "took over" the interview with her sharp, witty and very humorous questions, answers, and musings.  This smart, talented woman amused me and captivated me with her lively personality.To learn more about Margaret Atwood, go here.

St Paul's Finest

Linking to Saturday's Critters and Camera Critters

Beautiful Quilts!

Once a year, a group of women quilters at Unity-Unitarian Church in St Paul put their handiwork on display in the community room at church.  Parishoners are invited to buy them with proceeds awarded to deserving projects or organisations. Bids close on April 24. In addition a large quilt is on display with raffle tickets selling at just $2.  I hope that one has my name on it.  I particularly like the colours and patterns in these two and would gladly take either one of them home with me.

Isn't the raffle quilt below just stunning?

Fence or Barrier?

I was surprised to find this lovely little fence and gate locked. Unless my memory fails me, I seem to recall that this small space between two buildings on Selby Avenue close to the corner on Snelling leads to an outdoor retail space that I photographed before.  Perhaps it will be opened again after the weather warms up permanently for the spring/summer season.  I'll have to remember to go back to see if that is the case.

Linking to Good Fences

Condos?

I was very surprised to see the sign that recently appeared at this church on Summit Avenue in
St. Paul.  There have been several small churches in various areas of the city that have been successfully converted into private residences but I wonder what will happen to this rather large church complex with its adjoining buildings. I must have missed the vital information because the sale of this church came as a shock.  I don't think it will be an easy sale but one never knows!  Perhaps it will make a rather stately condo/apartment building.
Linking to Signs, signs

New Addition=Our world Tuesday

Huss Center for the Performing Arts

This spectacular building is the new addition to the school in which I used to teach that was an integral part of my world for 30 years before retirement.  Occasionally I visit to have lunch with former colleagues and to attend art exhibits in the school's gallery.  The new auditorium shown above is a beautifully designed feature that already has become a part of the community.  The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra has performed several Sunday afternoons in this space, events which have been very well-received by the community.  If you look closely you can see students artwork gracing the walls of the hall leading to the auditorium. Because I did not take a photo of the auditorium, I decided to show you one of the pieces of art, among the many that I enjoyed seeing when I went to the concert last Sunday. This particular piece was the work of a 9th grader. 

 Linking to Our World Tuesday

Mural: St Paul of Yore

Mural depicting city scenes of St. Paul of Yore with the Cathedral high on a hill near Summit Avenue.  A child and his dog and a couple taking a leisurely Sunday afternoon stroll in a park alongside the Mississippi River with a tugboat and barge, plying their trade.

No signature; found on the side of a building on W. 7th Street

Linking to Monday Murals

Saluting Women #5-Barbara Kingsolver

Some of you undoubtedly have read one or more of Barbara Kingsolver's books.   A popular author, Kingsolver appeared on stage at the Fitzgerald Theatre in St. Paul in November of 2009 when I snapped this photo of her while she was being interviewed by Kerri Miller for the popular Talking Volumes program. She effortlessly captured the attention of the audience with her comments about the craft of writing. Go here to learn more about Barbara Kingsolver.