Destiny or fate are definitely not words I tend to usher. I secretly roll my eyes every time I hear people saying something was "meant to be." But there are moments in my life that feel just right, almost divine. They touch my soul in a way I need it and I lose myself completely mesmerized by the occasion. Such a moment happened to me last weekend while driving to Iowa to visit my host family.

About four years ago, I decided to study law for the second time, this time in the United States. The prospect of starting from zero again after enduring one law school and gaining experience in Austria sounded irresistible. Who would not want to trade in sleep, free time and financial security for expensive and time-consuming legal studies, numerous part time jobs and a LOT of lifestyle headaches? What a bargain! But I had an agenda – to practice law in Minnesota. 

By the time I achieved my goal, I ran on a survival mode for too long and needed a “jump start.” Turning to my passion – travel -- I just pack my car every weekend and off I go discovering the Midwest without a plan. With each swim in a river full of beavers, each invitation to camp in the garden of a local artist I talk to, each host family visit, I feel more connected and relaxed. And then the last weekend came. I took off late afternoon from Minneapolis and was slightly nervous about driving at night. But once the sun set, something magical happened. Thousands of fireflies started to illuminate my road. It felt like mystical fairies were guiding me. I have never seen anything like that before. I felt my mouth drop, eyes widen and then there was nothing -- just the calmness of the night and the enchanting flickering surrounding me. No past. No future. Only the now. After a few years of worrying about my bottomless to-do list, my brain finally turned off. I was fully present in the moment and I desperately needed that – it was meant to be!

You can imagine my surprise when fireflies greeted me at a Des Moines art gallery the next day! An artist captured the exact allurement I experienced the night before. And you can imagine my even bigger surprise when I found out that the artist was my fellow country comrade, Czech photographer Radim Schreiber. When Radim moved to Iowa, he too was fascinated by the abundance and brightness of fireflies during summer nights. Radim expresses his experience with fireflies as “being transported to another dimension.” Judges of numerous contests such as the National Geographic and the Smithsonian Photography must have felt the same when they awarded Radim with highest prizes. He exhibited his fireflies across the USA, England, Brazil, Hungary and Czech Republic. 

Just like me, Radim loves shooting beautiful photographs and sharing them with people. His process almost always starts with a visual idea — a fantasy of a photograph he wants. Then he looks forward to taking the picture like a little kid. And when he finally gets the envisioned shot, he becomes ecstatic. But there are downsides to this fleeting kind of photography. When Radim does not progress in his work he is frustrated, tired, angry, and low on energy. He finds it challenging to stimulate change. It doesn't always come on its own. He has to relax into it and be open to the opportunities. I totally feel you Radim! 

If you are sold on Radim’s charming photos, you can order them at https://fireflyexperience.org. All the prints are signed by the artist and printed using archival materials. 

By IASP. 

Non Serviam. In 1914, a poet led the upraising against everything (all revolts should spark like poetry). "I am not serving you ever again," he admonished to the omnipotent mother nature with all his strength. Non Serviam. That phrase, the Chilean Vicente Huidobro claims, was carved in history. "I will never serve you as a slave, never again." With two words, Non Serviam, a revolution like never before began. This was the ammunition of Vicente Huidobro's Manifest of Creationism. To create, create, and create. This is fascinating. Perhaps the most important vanguard movement ever made.

Cover picture of the Quilapayun's Album "Survario"

When I approached Nita for an interview, she suggested to interview her friend instead. “She rescues tourist in her free time and MPR wanted an interview with her,” was her pitch. Nita’s friend, a petite lady with soft silver hair and bright smile, quickly responded: “Oh no, you need to interview Nita -- she is our local Methuselah.” “Do not listen to her, we are the same age!” Nita’s deep eyes twinkled mirthfully. I liked the mischievous exchange between these two friends. One could tell these two Methuselahs have been together through thick and thin. 

I met artist Nita Anderson at her art gallery in Grand Marais during the Fourth of July weekend. I spent the weekend exploring the North Shore. In the spur of the moment I escaped the Cities in search of some solitude. I found it in the breathtaking nature and Nita’s art. When I entered her gallery, I was taken aback by her depiction of the local wilderness. Feeling physically drawn into her paintings, her trees were inviting me to have a quick nap in their shade. Such an alluring proposition. But I chose to talk to Nita instead.

Nita has a charming personality. She makes one feel as if they were old friends instantly. “The older I get, the more thoughtful I am about the message I want to leave behind,” she confessed. Nita wants to spread positivity and show us all the good we have. Nita’s travels help her reflect on life. I could have spent the whole day chatting with Nita about her adventures and at the end of the day still invite her for a glass of wine to continue our conversation -- that is how much I was mesmerized by her stories.

As we peeked into Nita’s garden, we saw her tomcat Jackson lazily sunbathing near the door. “Jackson is from Arkansas. I adopted him… or maybe he adopted me,” Nita laughed. “I was traveling with my RV and forgot to close my window. When I later returned to my RV, there he was waiting for me. We have remained together since,” Nita said with a warm smile. And one could just feel Nita’s big heart opening to us all through her demeanor and her paintings.

If you would like to bring the solitude of the North to your home, hurry up to visit Nita before she takes off on her new RV travel adventure!

By IASP. 

Roberto Matta's mural is the tale of two sides of the same coin: the Chilean people's stubborn defiance, but also the ultimate failure of Pinochet's 27-year-dictatorship to erase our past. In fact, for thirty-five years, everyone speculated the complete destruction of the mural El Primer Gol del Pueblo Chileno (The First Scoring of the Chilean People") by Roberto Matta. Perhaps its very existence remained in doubt as so many other crimes committed by Pinochet. 

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.

By IASP. 

I cannot start liking the blue rooster next to the Walker Art Center. Take it as my apology, Minnesota. Yes, you know which one, the ultramarine cock-a-doodle-doo next to the giant cherry on a spoon. I swear I’ve tried to like it. I keep closing my eyes praying to wake up loving its awful blueberryness next day but nothing yet. I mean there is nothing bad with the sculpture itself as the male chicken looks healthy and attractive, but then, more I learn about the sky-blue bird, more I hate it.

When? Friday, June 18, 2021, throughout the day

Where? North Central University, 910 Elliot Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404

What? pop band Yam Haus, food trucks, and fun college kids

This is what I love about my new home Minnesota. On Thursday night, your friends take you out to a random biker pub in St. Paul where you befriend some Harley-Davidson lovers. And on Friday morning you wake up to a pounding headache and a jamming local band practicing for their performance later that day. And just like that, your plans to write an article about a fabulous meeting with a quirky Loring Park artist get postponed, you take a quick shower, check the battery status of your camera and off you go.

The local band turned out to be Yam Haus! The charming band created a good vibe which spread quickly through the air. There is not a single person who can stand still while Yam Haus is performing. A couple of food trucks and an ice cream truck are swarmed by mainly hungry college kids dancing to the upbeat music.

Yam might be a sweet potato but the acronym stands for You Are Me. “It’s our take on treating people well and with empathy," drummer Jake Felstow explained. This take on the golden rule is exactly what makes you feel connected to Jake when he is is fully immersed in his music and probably in the process of losing 10 pounds (lucky him!) with his intense beats. Meanwhile, the playfulness of their frontman Lars Pruitt and the joy he is signing with forces a smile upon your lips. When Zach Beinlich closes his eyes to give the bass his whole soul, you immediately feel the emotion giving you goosebumps! And Seth Blum will make you dance to his guitar beat and enjoy it. 

This group is definitely going somewhere. Their debut album Stargazer was produced by Grammy award-winning producer Mark Heimermann. Their enticing personalities have lead them to play alongside greats such as Adam Lambert, Tori Kelly, Kacey Musgraves, and American Authors. 

A big shout out to the North Central University who organized this cool event! You should definitely come to get the right dose of Friday fun.

By IASP. 

Craft beer is the crossroad of utmost exchange of cultural heritage. No better place for Kordura Coleman's sculpture, which is located in the Twin Cities’ first Latin-inspired brewery, La Dona Cerveceria. This artwork titled La Dona acknowledges the deep cultural roots between the Latino and Minnesotan culture through beer (my favorite thing). This brilliant sculpture is a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of beer throughout history as Coleman's La Dona is a sculpture of a woman dressed with the Dia de los Muertos ("Day of the Dead"), also called Catrinas. 

 

When? Saturday, June 12, 2021, at 12:00-4:00 pm and is FREE!  

Where? Gamut Gallery, 717 S 10th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55404    

Within a month of moving to Elliot Park neighborhood, a vibrant bright pink postcard inviting me to Gamut Gallery’s “ART POP!’ event awaited in my mailbox. I went and loved every single moment of it. I have been hooked since. Art truly fosters community!  

This time Gamut Gallery will celebrate its 9th anniversary surrounded by all we need: art, music, and community. All great parties need fine music. To take care of it, 88Project and DI/ASPOR will play house music all day long! Reggie LeFlore will be live painting in Gamut Gallery’s back courtyard. You will also be able to admire the current exhibition, Setting the Groundwork, directly in the gallery. The Pop-Up Maker’s Market will feature Thraxis Threads, VaVa Voom Studio, Hello Cross Stitches, Pompa Goods, Phaedra Odelle, Sara Paul Kahn, Nikita Siewert, Scott Seekins & the Patrick Boys.  

I don’t know about your plans, but I will definitely enjoy some quality time with Gamut Gallery this Saturday.

 By IASP.

Tracy Frizzell's use of American iconography portraying post-industrialized environments is the best stage for a fantastic narrative. The extensive presence of local landmarks is welcomed as it places us at the border of reality and fiction, in which Tracy Frizzell, the author of Trains, opens her imagination to create a new layer that overlaps reality without destroying it. 

The author, Tracy Frizzell, is located on the fourth floor of the Northrup King Building (1500 Jackson St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413).

Magic realism is one of - if not- the most important and innovative literary movements of this century. Taking place in Latin America, magic realism reflects the coexistence of development and traditions. Some of the most well-known writers of this movement are Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Julio Cortazar, Jorge Luis Borges, and Isabel Allende -my fellow compatriot. 

Yet, it's in painting where Magic Realism finds its roots; the best place for daydreaming. Back in 1925, Franz Roh used this concept to explain the post-expressionism in painting for the first time. Those extraordinary images from the painter's mind become ordinary on the canvas as those are imbued with morning light. 

Here, Tracy's brushes and oil painting match the blurring of the lines between fantasy and reality. We are not challenged to enter a new world, but we found ourselves watching the same city that we know and experience in a daily basis. The trains are part of the Midwestern ethos, which are also frequent remains of the past around the Cities. These flying trains are extraordinarily part of our routine. We share an experience. 

The Foshay Tower one is my favorite because of this shared experience as it has decorated the night of the Cities since 1929. The work of Tracy Frizzell plays with our collective memory. These pieces are an open invitation to experience the magic of our daily routine through shared images, landmarks, and style. 

It's like rediscovering the extraordinary from our ordinary routine that was always there. These images, like shared believes, provides Tracy with a system of references from which she does erase the borders between reality and fiction. We accept these trains as something normal. It's only the landmarks and images, the style itself seems to be taken from advertisements and colors of that era. 

To conclude, Trains is a very interesting proposal that combines a fantastic narrative blurred in our daily experience across these landmarks. visit her gallery the next available time. If you want to know more about Tracy Frizzell's artwork, her website is http://tracyfrizzell.com/

When? First Friday of every month at 9:00 PM CDT 

Where? Currently online at https://www.screamitoffscreen.com/

By IASP.

The murder of George Floyd shacked our already traumatized community by police brutality. While the outcome of the trial against former police officer Derek Chauvin brought some justice, there is a long path of healing that our nation needs to embrace. Healing requires a systematic change, but also a conversation, which is the main topic of Masked. The author, Kathy Mommsen, portraits a dialogue between a dancer and herself, movement and raw materials, strokes and colors, dance and clay. 

"When I draw from life, I feel the tension and the sweat of the dancer," Kathy Mommsen explains, "I am responding to her motion, emotion, and rhythm. It is clear George Floyd and the ongoing protests have impacted her. I am exploring. I do not have answers." 

Kathy Mommsen is located at the Studio 170 in the Northrup King Building (1500 Jackson St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413). She specializes in ceramics to, as she describes, create life size relief walls with images of dancers in emotional poses. 

Masked is a piece made of Maiolica glaze on earthenware, a material used by wealthy people in medieval Europe. Smart and powerful choose, portraying the mass' reinvindication of media.

The creation process itself of Masked has so much to tell. Kathy Mommsen contacted an African American dancer to translate her response to George Floyd's murder through dance. Kathy describes this process as working the clay layer after layer in a team effort with the dancers throughout many sessions.

As she moved, Kathy made several drafts to highlight the movement and tension at the spot. Then, she worked these drafts over the clay to keep working over the movement as the shape and deepness of the clay allowed to emphasize the body of the dancer in motion. The author and dancer met several times after the initial session in an attempt to capture the whole energy of the performance through each creation step. Furthermore, given the ongoing COVID pandemic, the final sessions were made remotely, which is a final attestation of the convulsive and confusing times that we have lived since that Spring of 2020. 

The strength of these sessions shines in plain sight. The brevity of the poses demands decisive strokes and brush work. My favorite thing on Kathy's work is that I can feel the weight of the dancer, which is also emphasized by material's topography and curves. The expressiveness of the movement does not contradict its harmony and realism. 

The final result is a raw fragmented image that feels fresh and in motion. Her art is just worth watching, and I would recommend to visit her gallery the next available time. If you want to know more about Kathy Mommsen's artwork, her website is https://www.kathymommsen.com/artist-statement .