It has been the week of artists talks, openings and performances in town…. making for a very busy week in local art.  I have been running all week and think I only hit about 10% of them.  I think that is a good sign for the local art community.  Here is week number two of the Local Art 10…I just made it in time to get it in this week.

1. Dan Graham 

2. Midway Contemporary’s current exhibitions: 800 Numbers – Ned Vena, Bingo, wait a minute… – Alex Hubbard and  The Ground – Felix Culpa, Todd Norsten, Conny Purtill, Josh Rickards up through December 5th. Excellent lineup of exhibitions that is a can’t miss as usual. Also, make sure you check out Midway’s extensive contemporary art library on your next visit.  It is one of the best resources for artists in the state.

3. The Minnesota Eye: This exhibition at the College of Visual Arts Gallery in St. Paul highlights many established and emerging photographers which call Minnesota home including Paul Shambroom, Alec Soth, Justin Newhall, JoAnn Verberg, Katherine Turczan and David Goldes.  The opening reception is Saturday, October 31 from 5-8.  Also of note is the related programming including a Photographer Panel Discussion moderated by Leslie Hammons, Director, Weinstein Gallery on Thursday, November 5, 6 – 8 p.m. and a gallery talk titled: Thoughts In and Around Photography Today with David E. Little, Curator and Head, Department of Photography and New Media at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts on Sunday, November 8, 4 p.m.

4. FEAST MPLS is a recurring public dinner designed to use community-driven financial support to democratically fund new and emerging artmakers. The concept By getting together and pooling money, wealth becomes a plural communal attribute. The wealth is then shared with people whose projects the community finds most the valuable to implement. Each person attending FEAST is making a cash donation on a sliding scale to receive supper and a ballot. At the end of the night, you cast a vote for which of a handful of artists’ proposals should get the evening’s proceeds. The winning proposal is funded directly from the donations collected at the door, and the grantee is asked back to present the fruits of their labor to you—the patrons—at the next FEAST dinner.

FIRST FEAST:
Saturday, November 14, 6:00–9:00pm
$10–20 cash donation, no one turned away
view the Facebook event invitation

Lee Walton: Momentary Performance near Whitey's in NE Minneapolis

5. Lee Walton: Momentary Performances:  Lee Walton’s momentary performances (presented by Bethel College and organized by Michelle Westmark) are taking place around the Twin Cities from September through November.   Each performance is a simple action from daily life.  Each performance site is home to a vinyl text didactic giving this action or performance a time, date, and location. Personally, I love how the project subtly exists in the public spaces calls attention to mundane acts as performative actions.  Check out Matt Olson’s nice piece on the project at his ROLU blog.  You should also bookmark his blog…its well worth being on your weekly stops around the web.  

6. Congrats to the new Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program (MAEP) panelists Andy Sturdevant, Megan Vossler, David Petersen and Brian Frink.  A very strong addition to the exhibition review panel at the MIA.  Follow the link for more details as to the program and exhibition proposals.

Rich Barlow: Silver Bromide Mural

7. Rich Barlow: Silver Bromide Mural A very cool addition to the Powderhorn park neighborhood funded by the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association through a Clean City Minneapolis Graffiti Abatement Grant. Beautiful piece which changes completely in different light. 

8. The Arts are well represented in a recent CNN.com list of the most stressful jobs with the least compensation. Curator checks in at number 12, membership manger at number 6, and special events coordinator (which is related to public programs and education) is at number 2. On the other side college professor is number 3 on the least stressful list….hmmm.

9. If you like these links and you are on Facebook consider joining the mnartists.org fan page.  

10. The Soap Factory Haunted Basement: Okay so the Soap Factory basement is creepy to begin with…but this is so scary you need to sign a waiver.  Nice.  Happy Halloween.

I have been a bad blogger.  I think everyone has good intentions and high aspirations when they start blogging….particularly as to frequency.  I tend to over-think things…everything simple turns into a long (and probably uninteresting project).  So in an effort to create more frequent posts and compelling reading, I am starting a new series of blog posts. Each week I am going to pick 10 things, mostly from the local art scene, but sprinkling in other interesting nuggets which I have come across during the week.  And yes, I know that I am assuming that people care about my opinions and personal picks and that this format is tired…but I don’t care.

Enough rambling, here we go.

1. Minnesota Art Exhibition Series (MAEP) Annual Meeting  I can’t think of another event that brings such a diverse range of Minnesota artists into one room…..and sometimes that leads to a very interesting discussion and debate. The purposes of the meeting are to report on the activities of the past year, to discuss the program, and to elect four new members to the artist panel. Three of those artists must live within the Twin Cities metro area, and one must live in greater Minnesota. The Meeting is at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts on Saturday, October 24th from 10:30am – 1:00pm. Come on out and participate!  UPDATE: Congrats to new panelists Andy Sturdevant, Megan Vossler, David Petersen and Brian Frink!

Margaret Wall-Romana - "Painting Painting with van der Weyden"

2. ARTmn 2009: The Precious Object brings together 14 artists from locales throughout Minnesota in the inaugural exhibition of mnartists.org’s ARTmn visual arts series, presented in partnership with the Hennepin County Public Library. The artists — selected from a pool of more than 300 applicants by a panel of curators, artists, and critics — explore issues related to nature, simulation, craft, collecting, and fantasy. Exhibiting artists Margaret Wall-Romana, Kristin Van Dorn, Erik Waterkotte, and Michon Weeks discuss their influences – from pulp sci-fi novels to 15th century painting on Tuesday, October 27th at 7:00 at Pohlad Hall at the library.  The talk and exhibition is free and open to the public. Here is also an interview with Liz Miller on her installation which invades the main stacks of the library space.

3. Vanilla Ice is big in South Africa ….who knew?  He is even sorry about the hair, pants and parts of his career. Ice, Ice Baby is still the biggest selling rap single of all time.  

Amy Sillman

 4.  Amy Sillman artist in residence at Minnesota State University: Painter Amy Sillman will be in residence at Minnesota State University, Mankato on October 26, 27, 28. Her public lecture will be Monday October 26th at 7 pm Ostrander Auditorium the Minnesota State University, Mankato Centennial student union.  Well worth the drive from the Twin Cities!

5. Lookbook’s new video for “Over and Over” Lookbook is Grant Cutler and Maggie Morrison. They just released their new album Wild At Heart…and I can’t get these songs out of my head.  Great band, awesome video…totally deserving of the recent local hype. Check them out in person with Solid Gold at First Ave. on November 13th and at the Walker Art Center’s After Hours  for Event Horizon and Benches & Binoculars on November 20th!  

6. Rob Fischer at Franklin Art Works: Fischer’s exhibition Few Landmarks and No Boundaries flows throughout the main gallery and into the expansive back space of the Franklin Artworks mixing found objects, video projections, a sunken pool and a re-configured gymnasium floor as a props surrounding performances spread throughout the run of the exhibition.  The exhibition is up through October 30 and there will be a closing performance and reception on October 29, beginning at 7 pm with live music by local band Dark Dark Dark.

7. Artists on the Verge 2: Northern Lights announces a second round of Art(ists) on the Verge commissions (AOV2). AOV2 is an intensive, mentor-based fellowship program for 5 Minnesota-based, emerging artists or artist groups working experimentally at the intersection of art,  technology, and digital culture with a focus on network-based practices that are interactive and/or participatory. Follow the link for all of the details, deadlines and other info.

8. Hélio Oiticica Fire  Fire destroyed or damaged nearly 90% of Brazilan Artist Helio Oticica’s work on October 16th.  The work was in storage while a dispute over money the quality of the storage facilities was being resolved.  Crazy and very sad.

9. Interesting Call for Exhibition proposals by apexart: Based on the idea of creating its own franchise, NYC based apexart is currently holding a worldwide, open call for 250-word proposals asking participants why the franchise should come to their town and provide all of the support necessary to produce an exhibition. The deadline is December 15th.

10. “Why the hell did I want to go here… again?”   With blogs everywhere, and good engines to sift through them, every once in awhile you stumble upon (or get sent a link by a co-worker with Google reader) a post like this review/rant by a young art student after recent trip to the Walker. Apparently the experience of visiting the museum is comparable to binge drinking.  The post drifts between the formal anaylsis of Chuck Close and snarky critique of Yves Klein. It was hit of the Education and Community Programs office for a few minutes on a rainy afternoon this week.

Until next week…

mnartists.org Field Day

For the past five years mnartists.org had a booth at the Minnesota State Fair.  Hundreds of mnartists.org members generously volunteered their time to hand out buttons, flyers and other materials and talk about mnartists.org to thousands of fair goers each year. Through outreach efforts like the fair mnartists.org has grown exponentially over the last few years by bringing artists and audiences together, providing news and information about the local arts scene, and fostering dialogue on matters of importance to the arts community in Minnesota and beyond. Today, mnartists.org is a primary resource for Minnesota artists and audiences and home to 15,196 registered artists, 1113 arts organizations, and 102,654 posted works of art.

While mnartists.org is an online resource, it is not fundamentally about technology. It is about an inclusive and democratic spirit of support for artists; creating a gathering place for the Minnesota art community, both on and offline.

With this in mind mnartists.org is trying something new this year.  mnartists.org: Field Day is a day-long event featuring Minnesota artists and most importantly inviting the local and regional art community to gather for a day to relax and meet fellow artists from across the state.  So join us Thursday, August 27^th from 11am – 10pm at the Walker Art Center for a celebration of the diverse creative talents of the Minnesota art community. Picnic on the grass, socialize with fellow artists, participate in workshops and lawn games and enjoy the close of summer on the beautiful campus of the Walker.  

Here are the details…spread the word and bring your friends!

MNARTISTS.ORG: FIELD DAY AT THE WALKER
Thursday, August 27, 11 am–10 pm
Walker Art Center/Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

All events and activities of mnartists.org Field Day are free.  Members of mnartists.org receive free admission to the Walker Art Center galleries throughout the day. 

11 am–8 pm: .org Mall
Bazinet Garden Lobby

See why Minnesota is a great home for artists. Meet mnartists.org partner organizations, to learn about services and opportunities for artists, audiences, and inquisitive citizens. Scheduled organizations include Springboard for the Arts, The McKnight Foundation, ARThouse,  3 minute-egg, MCAD, College of Visual Arts, Walker Art Center, ARP!, Art Shanty Projects, Rain Taxi, Minnesota Center for Books Arts, The Onion/Decider, MAEP/MIA, Minnesota Public Radio, Forecast Public Art and mnartists.org members. 

Flat Pak House

11 am-12 noon: Kid-friendly dance with guest artist Sarah Jacobs
FlatPak House

Dance artist Sarah Jacobs presents a fun-filled hour of creative movement and kinetic play, especially tailored to engage young children. Families with children of all ages are welcome to join in and burn off some pre-nap energy.

mnLIT Picnic
FlatPak House

Kickball trophies created by artist Ginny Maki

1–5 pm: Greenspace Games
Outside Bazinet Garden Lobby

Field Day, or the elementary school Olympics, was an event typically held toward the end of the school year.  For many it was a day of mixed feelings.  The good was that you got out of school for the day, however your athletic shortcomings were also on full display.  I was the average to below-average athlete just good enough to not embarrass myself, but exactly a threat to any of the talent people.  This resulted in a bulletin board of 3^rd – 7^th place ribbons, which came in such heroic colors as purple, pink and brown.  Then there was the dreaded participant ribbon, the ribbon awarded and reminded you that you were involved in the particular event but merited no further recognition.  

This will be nothing like that kind of Field Day…so whether you go in for hardcore tactics or free-for-all antics, join or cheer the artistically (and not necessarily athletically) inclined for lawn sports in the Walker’s west-side park. Pre-registered teams may participate in the kickball tournament  (if you aren’t registered we can find a spot for you anyway)and anyone can drop in to play badminton and other lawn sports on the south side of the green space.  We also have trophies created by local artists and MCAD grad student Ginny Maki for the winners. 

Calpurnia Peach

1:00 – 5:00 pm Remake and Revamp
Outside Bazinet Garden Lobby

Calpurnia Peach—a collaboration between Luci Kandler and Ashley Wokasch, whose line has been a hit at Minneapolis’ annual Voltage: Fashion Amplified show extend their summer screen printing workshop to field day inviting participants to design a personal emblem of summery good times, mnartists or field day and screen-print it on clothing brought from home and make your own mnartsits.org t-shirt.

11 am-4 pm: Family art-making workshop and Arty Pants scavenger hunt
FlatPak House

Kids are mnartists too! Families are invited to stop by the FlatPak house in the sculpture garden to nurture the artist within by making a cool, personally designed sketch pad. (Materials will be provided)

Scavenger Hunt: Field Day’s family visitors are invited to traipse through the Sculpture Garden all afternoon, to hunt down fine (and not-so fine) arty treasures tucked amid the greenery and artwork.

3:00 pm Open Eye Figure Theatre’s “The Adventures of Katie Tomatie”
FlatPak House

The artists of Open Eye Figure Theatre will present a puppet show sure to delight children and adults alike. Come to the Sculpture Garden’s Flat Pak house to see “The Adventures of Katie Tomatie,” one of the shows in this summer’s “Driveway Tour” series by this acclaimed Minneapolis theater company.

5:30 pm Minnesota Artist “Class Photo”
Outside Bazinet Garden Lobby

Gather on the Greenspace for a Minnesota Art Community group photo….all artist, art appreciators and supporters welcome! The photo will be posted online for tagging and sharing.  So come out and be counted….we want to see hundreds of you!

Solid Gold

8:30 pm: Skyspace/Soundspace: Solid Gold
James Turrell’s Sky Pesher, 2005 and Walker greenspace

The last of our summer Sky Pesher series is capped with a very experimental set by local favs Solid Gold.  This will NOT be a typical Solid Gold gig….think sound collage and percussion to live video projection on the side of the building.  It will be a special performance not to be missed.

Food and Refreshments
Outside Bazinet Garden Lobby and Gorilla Garden

Food and drinks will be available at the Wolfgang Puck Garden grill from 11am – 8pm
The Gorilla Garden Bar will be open 6pm – 10pm 

Document and Share
Share your photos and thoughts online during and after the event.
Twitter #MNFIELDDAY
Facebook.com/mnartists.org

Target Free Thursday Nights sponsored by Target
mnartists.org is a project of the McKnight Foundation and the Walker Art Center.
mnLIT and mnartists.org Field Day is sponsored by the Twin Cities Decider and the Onion.
Walker Art Center programming is made possible by its Premier Partners: General Mills, Target, and Star Tribune.

Photo by Krista76 from Flickr, reproduced under a Creative Commons license

As I’ve scanned through my RSS feeds this week, I’ve been struck by the sheer number of  headlines having to do with changes in media. It’s natural, I suppose, that I’d be seeing lots of that kind of coverage in newspapers, TV, and radio, since those changes hit especially close to home for those of us who work in the industry. And we media types do like talking about ourselves, don’t we?

Even so, I’m surprised at depth of the melodrama and the fear: Twitter is destroying/saving journalism. (Please.) What in the world will replace print newspapers/TV/radio? (Digitally disseminated, multimedia content, of course.) But will there be a place for “real” journalism in this brave new world? (Sure there will, it’ll just be bundled into different sorts of content/money-making packages than we’re used to with the newspaper/magazine ads+eyeballs=content model.)

All the handwringing about the slow, steady demise of “old media” in recent years (some of which kvetching I’ve done myself, admittedly) seems to me to be missing the point a bit. Whether we’re talking about print publication or network TV, or commercial radio–the days of  hegemony for homogenized content delivered from the top down are numbered. Predetermined, neatly packaged content we all share and share alike just doesn’t have a monopoly on public attention anymore. I have a hard time getting upset about that. I like niche content; I enjoy the sort of obscure creations that thrive in the populist soup of new media but which wouldn’t have a prayer of getting off the ground in the winner-take-all, numbers-driven world of old media models of communication.

I have a feeling, once we who work in the field find our feet again and figure out how to swim in these new media waters, we’ll find our new horizons to be exhilarating, if different from the joys of writing for just the printed page–especially once we expand our skill sets to include some audio/visual editing competence, too. Some things will be lost, to be sure; but let’s not lose sight of what we stand to gain: greater autonomy, a fluid interplay between reader and writer; the tangible possibility for small but talented voices to triumph over their less agile big-media counterparts, simply by virtue of being better at what they do. The rules of new media may be different, but that doesn’t mean what we’re actually saying to each other, the message itself, is. Maybe it’s just that more messages are available now that you don’t have to have lots of money or designated authority to put it out there and see what sticks.

Such a cacophony of new voices is messy and noisy, for sure; but I find it terribly exciting, too. I run into unexpected delights and insights online every day, and I’m more engaged with colleagues and friends and the richness of what’s happening in my community–thanks to the advent of these new technologies.

I’m not denying that the pain caused by these media transitions is real, especially while those of us in the business of words struggle not to get lost in the gap between these historical chapters in media innovation, as we adapt to new media’s still-murky economies and the unfamiliar textures of its modes of communicating.

But the sky isn’t falling and storytelling isn’t going away. We’re just changing what tools we use to spread the word and shaking up the authority structure that gets to decide who gets to say what and to whom. And, of course, we’re still trying to figure out how much and whether we’re willing to pay for it all.

What’s your take? Do you think these changes in medium are altering the fundamentals of what we’re saying to each other? Are you embracing RSS feeds and social media networks and content on demand, or are you resistant to them, fearful of what’s being lost in the process of all these tectonic shifts in communication?

Bonus link: Christie’s (!) has a webcast of a panel discussion from 3/12 on “The Future of Arts Journalism”: includes Senior Director of Cultural Initiatives from the Pew Charitable Trust, the Cultural News Editor from The New York Times, and the prestigious Columbia School of Journalism’s director of the school’s M.A. program in arts and culture journalism. (Link courtesy of a fine industry blog, ARTicles, by the National Arts Journalism Program)

From my personal perspective (as one of the organizers and also an attendee) it was wonderful to be in a room full of local artists, talking with one another, swapping artwork and meeting other community members. I took the opportunity to meet several artists whose work I have admired and met several new artists as well. It was hard to be in the room for most of the day and not spend a fortune on all of the pieces I would have liked to add to my collection.  Judging by the long lines at the checkout table throughout the day, I was not alone.  My biggest regret is not grabbing one of Josh Journey-Heinz’s very cool handcut 3D vinyl albums before they sold out.  That’s a hint Josh…we need to talk.

Overall there was warmth throughout the day that was refreshing and energizing. For me, it was a potent reminder of the vibrancy, strength and talent within the local artist community. We hope this will be a model for future collaborations between mnartists.org, The Walker and the local artist community.

participating artists:

Raighne and Megan Hogan, 2D CLOUD
Brian Aldrich
Emmet Bryne
Ryan Dorshorst, Synthetic Infatuation
Wendy Fernstrum, Fernwerks
Bill Gorcica
Hardland/Heartland
Lacey Prpic Hedtke
Sam Hoolihan
MC Hyland, Double Cross Press
Josh Journey-Heinz
Chad Kloepfer
Sean Lynch
Andrea McKay
Ed Choy Moorman, Bare Bones Press
Rachel Melis
Kelly Meister
Sarah Morean
Abigail Mullen
Paulette Myers-Rich
Brian Ness
Mylinh Trieu Nguyen
Regula Russelle, Cedar Fence Press
Noa Segal
Chip Schilling, Indulgence Press
CB Sherlock
Chuck Smith
Richard Stephens, supersession press
Elizabeth Workman and Erik Brandt

ARTmn 2009

mnartists.org and Minneapolis Public Library are excited to announce a call for submissions for the 2009 ARTmn exhibition program. Artists will be selected by an established a panel of regional curators, artists and critics to participate in a group exhibition at the Minneapolis Public Library’s Cargill gallery opening in the fall of 2009.

Eligibility: Open to all Minnesota residents working in any visual art medium.

Application Process and Materials: Submissions will be accepted via email only. No slides, photos or other physical documentation will be accepted. Questions or problems regarding the submission process or guidelines should be directed to submit@mnartists.org. Every attempt will be made to assist artists in the application process.

The following materials must be emailed with the subject line “ARTmn Submission” to submit@mnartists.org by February 13th, 2009 to be considered.

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae saved as a Word document (.doc)
• 6 Images (images should be JPG format with a max resolution of 1024×768, 72dpi) . Images should be labeled in the preferred viewing order with the artist’s last name. For example smith1, smith2, smith3 etc. Submitted work samples should represent the artists work, but will not necessarily be the pieces selected for the exhibition.
• Image list saved as a Word document (.doc). The image list should contain the relevant information for each submitted image including date, medium, dimensions and title. It may also include an optional short (2-3 sentence) description of the concept or context of the documented piece.
• DEADLINE: All Applications must be received by February 13th , 2009

Review Process: The scope and theme of the exhibition will be established by the jurors from the pool of submissions. Artists will be notified by mid-March after the panel has selected the winning artists. Selected artists will have the opportunity to participate in studio visits, critiques and panel discussions leading up and during the exhibition. A public reception will take place at the opening of the exhibition. An extended gallery guide will be produced with essays by the curators in conjunction with the exhibition.

mnART and all of mnartists.org 2009 competitive series are sponsored by The Onion and The Decider.

mnartists.org is a joint project of the Walker Art Center and the McKnight Foundation.

Even for a Minnesota native its cold outside. I have tried to overcome the Minnesotan stereotype this week by resisting the urge to talk about the weather in every casual conversation (I have been largely unsuccessful in this attempt). Its the type of cold that makes every outdoor task difficult and often painful.  I actually opted not to take the garbage out this morning because it just wasn’t worth it. This is the type of cold that makes people threaten move, but in the end most of us embrace the cold as one of the complications of where we live. There are also wonderful events which emerge from the harsh winter landscape such as the annual Art Shanty Projects.

The 6th annual Art Shanty Projects on Medicine Lake in Plymouth, MN kick off this Saturday, January 17 at 11am.  This year, the ASP community is made up of over twenty shanties, and Saturday will feature a full day’s worth of events and activities, both indoors and out. ASP is open to the public every weekend (with occasional weekdays) from this Saturday through February 14.

 
The events on Saturday kick off at 11am near the Art Car Taxis on the shore, with a
community blessing by Kari Tauring, a  visiting Volva (Norse priestess). Starting then, there will be writing games all day in the Word Shanty. At noon, the Norae Shantyopens for all your karaoke needs, and the dICEHOUSE will being their “Big Drill” project,” auguring holes in the lake to create the world’s largest cribbage board. The lack Box Theatre presents Frozen, a puppet  performance, at noon, followed by music from Captain Yonder at 2pm. Follow these up with a mapping party at the Radical Mapping Shanty at 1pm, and a lake-wide dance performance called The Fisherman, the Fish, the Runner, the Astronomer and the Explosions at 2pm. All day long on various places on the lake, Andy Sturdevant will be performing his interactive Retroactive Minnesotan with the help of visitors.

Fortunately the weather is going to warm into the balmy +20’s just in time for Saturday’s opening weekend.   Hopefully we will see you on the ice in the coming weeks.

I love monster anything…monster trucks, monster cookies, monster cables, muppets, dunnys and Nessie.  I often find myself drawing monsters. Maybe its the freedom to draw creatures completely from imagination, unbound by expectations, or perhaps it is the sense of whimsy and horror.  Most likely I never grew up and or cared to find proper subjects to draw… so now I draw furry white monsters holding freshly baked pies.  I know I am not alone.  In fact I would bet that nearly everyone has drawn a monster at one point…probably aside notes at your the last work meeting.

Midway Contemporary Art, located in NE Minneapolis, is hosting a very unique and accessible fundraising event this Saturday, December 13th at 6:00 pm.  The Monster Drawing Rally (the title is actually a play on Monster Truck Rallies, not exclusively monster drawings) will feature 50 local artists creating drawings in hourly shifts over the course of the evening.  Each drawing will be created on-site and immediately available for sale for the flat fee of $35.  The Monster Drawing Rally concept began at Southern Exposure, a San Francisco-based arts organization.  For the last seven years they have used the drawing event as a fundraiser to support exhibitions and education programs.  Midway Contemporary is excited to bring the event to Minnesota.  The event provides the rare opportunity to watch artists work and purchase original artwork at discount prices.  Unlike many fundraisers, filled with expensive auction items, beyond the budget of most attendees, the Monster Drawing Rally offers an opportunity for art patrons of all income levels to support the institution and take home an original work of art. While the subject matter is open for each artist to choose, I am certain a few monsters will pop up amongst the evenings creations.

Here is the lineup of participating artists:

The Rally is Free and open to the public.

Midway Contemporary Art
527 Second Avenue SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612+605+4504

Deep North, film/video and sculptural installation by Chris Larson

This Sunday, I’m hitting the road with one of my favorite writers (and the only guy I know with publicly acclaimed facial hair), Andy Sturdevant; we’re taking a daytrip to Rochester Art Center to see Deep North, the new exhibition of work by St. Paul native, Chris Larson. I last saw this pop-savvy aburdist-philosopher’s work at the Creative Electric Gallery a couple of years ago – and once you see Larson’s work, you don’t quickly forget it. He’s the savant of pop-cultural margins and unlikely juxtapositions, but there’s surprising depth to his multimedia art as well. He’s especially good at revealing the weirdness inherent in mainstream American middle-class living: the strange cultural conventions of office work and modern family life, our estrangement from physical labor, our ambivalent relationships with technology. I’m eager to see his newest stuff.

So, I’m taking the carseat and trashy bits out of the old ‘99 Corolla (I’m probably going to leave the dog hair in place, though–sorry, Andy); we’ll get some bad food on the road and just make a day of it.

I’m curious – what was the last show (music, visual art, theater, whatever) you were willing to leave town to see?

(NOTE TO SELF: pick up an assortment of healthy snacks – beef jerky, pink lemonade Jolly Ranchers, powdered donuts…)

The Five Dollar Foot Long song featured on the recent Subway restaurant ads is one of the greatest ad jingles ever.  Its an earworm, scarily addictive, annoying as hell, and frustratingly memorable.  I have actually caught myself unconsciously singing the droning song just to playfully annoy my wife. If you haven’t had enough of the song yet….there is actually a dance remix of the song available to download on Subways website. The song was composed by Jimmy Harned (of the boutique music outfit Tonefarmer) taking the approach of the equally irritating and repetitive HeadON: Apply Directly to the Forehead ads. Both ads are incrediably effective in cutting through the barrage of media we see everyday to become pop culture moments. 

The ad jingle is quickly becoming a lost art. More and more companies are forgoing jingles and instead using cleverly edited tracks from hipster indie rock bands. Apple is largerly responsible for breaking bands like CSS and the Tings Tings to a broader audience through their inclusion in ipod ads.  Both sides of the debate are convincing regarding the merits of selling out to beakout, however I personally find there is something disheartening about hearing The Fall or Iggy Pop in a Chrysler ad.  However it doesn’t come close to my disappointment with Devo and Of Montreal for actually re-writing “Whip It” and “Wraith Pinned to the Mist (And Other Games)” to pitch for Swifer and Outback Steakhouse.       

So how are ad jingles commissioned and created?  How do musicians get songs into commercials, television programs and soundtracks for films? Find out this coming Saturday, November 15th, 4-6 pm at the Summit Brewery, 910 Montreal Circle in St. Paul.  mnartists.org will be presenting a FREE panel discussion titled Breaking into Commercials, Television and Film for Minnesota Musicians with several accomplished industry professionals.

The panel of industry experts includes:

Bob Hest and Steve Kramer - “The Kings of the Jingle” and founders of Hest & Kramer Music. Known for their creative and strategic ability to infuse brands with signature music that resonates with customers.  Their work has received many honors, including induction in to the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Craig Rice -  is an award-winning producer and director, and nationally recognized for his distinguished career in the television and film industry.  His work has been nominated for four Emmy Awards and a NAACP Award. Rice recently served as Executive Director of the Minnesota Film and TV Board.

Gary Rue - Songwriter, composer and founder of the internationally acclaimed pop quartet Rue Nouveau.  Rue is also a Professor of Composition at McNally Smith College of Music

Chris Beaty – Twin Cities-based composer, performer, instrumentalist, engineer and producer

After the panel discussion Radio K will DJ and Free Summit Beer will be served for those 21+, all ages are welcome to the event however. What more could you ask for on a chilly November evening.  And if you ever want to track down that catchy song within a commercial or verify your favorite band has sold out to a national steakhouse chain check out AdTunes. 

mnSPIN is presented in association with Springboard for the Arts, McNally Smith College of Music, and the Diverse Emerging Music Organization.