When I chose Minnesota for my new home, my friends across the country -- well pretty much across the world -- were surprised by my choice. "I wanted to visit you in NY, LA or SF -- NOT MPLS. What do you want to do in the middle of nowhere? There is nothing interesting happening!" I would hear frequently.
Well, I disagree. Minnesota is exciting and messy -- just like a family. You have friends who drive for 3 hours in the middle of the night to pick you up from Wisconsin because you had a minor car accident totaling car (and your friends do not want you to have to stay in the cheese curds state). You have friends who take you out for a drink to provide you moral support. You also have that one irresponsible friend who constantly annoys you but you cannot imagine the life in the cities without her. Pretty much Minnesota covers every member of a family, including that eccentric uncle whom I met recently.
It was a hot day and he wore a long sleeved white Oxford shirt with a white vest made of a polyester blend. I swear that garment had no breathability but he seemed unbothered. Streaks of his raven hair were falling over his black head band onto his oversized leopard glasses. His tiny mustache starkly contrasted with his dominant nose. He was part of the artist ensemble at the Gamut Gallery's anniversary celebration. He sat on a folding chair behind a table filled with his art. His arms were crossed as if he did not want to communicate. He also had a little frown on his face. Yet you could not resist but to approach him. His Britney Spears prints caught my eye. "I am famous for these prints and even Britney knows about them," he started our communication. His name is Scot Seekings and he is definitely Minnesota's eccentric uncle, which makes him my uncle as well and I could not be more excited!
Uncle Scott does not know much about his origins. He told me with pride that he is a jewish Slav who came to the United States at a young age as an orphan. It was easy to ignore his stained shirt when his face lit up with excitement while talking about his art. He showed me all his Britney Spears prints (whom he adores) and photos of him around Minneapolis holding various signs in numerous languages. He worked with different photographers throughout many years. It certainly seemed to be a fun project.
Social media is not a platform you will be able to find our uncle Scott. However, if you seem genuinely interested in his art, you will make his list. You will become the chosen one. He will take your phone number and text you an SMS to let you know when he will open his atelier at Loring Park for public. Uncle Scott's texts include also some pictures as a sneak peak to ensure your attendance! If I were you, I would try to get on his list. Because at the end of the day, everyone needs his or her eccentric uncle.
