Culturology 5-31: Art and architecture

by Travis Ryder

Aaron Squadroni participates in a "speculative architecture" collective.  Architect by day, living in Grand Rapids and working in Hibbing, he finds time to work long-distance with like-minded artists and designers on alternative streetscapes and other projects, some of which end up in competitions. Starting Friday night, The Art House Xperimental Architecture (AXA) group shows off a range of images, media, and built work in MacRostie Art Center's Minnesota Gallery and an "art shanty" on the grounds of Old Central School.

Native American artist Joe Geshick passed away in 2009 after a career that took him from prison to art school in New York and studio practices in Reno, Nevada and Ely, Minnesota.  His large-format, spiritual, semiabstract realism depicts Native themes in a universally accessible way. The value of his work continues to grow: Two pieces on display at the Edge Center Gallery in Bigfork this month are for sale in the five-figure range.  Curator for the show, Journeys, Karen Ferlaak, tells us how the works at this show are being borrowed from a number of private collections. This represents the first major show of Geshick's work since his passing, and a high-profile show for the Gallery.  An opening reception is coming up Friday from 5 to 7 at the gallery in Bigfork.  Support for this show comes from the Blandin Foundation and the Anishinaabe Fund of the Duluth-Superior Community Foundation.

Amy Clark gives us a close-up profile of Duluth-based singer songwriter Teague Alexy.  His new album "This Dance" is a solid disc, and a synthesis of many of his musical interests: foot-stomping string-bands, earnest folk, rock, and even reggae.  Alexy is known for his various collaborations and work with his brother Ian in the group Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank, but this time it was mostly just him and Twin Cities guitarist/engineer/producer Erik Koskinen.  Teague is playing all over the region in the coming weeks; his gig list is here.

Culturology Calendar

 

Thursday, May 31

Author Anton Treuer presents at 6:00 at Brainerd Public Library.

Friday, June 1

First Friday attractions through the afternoon and evening in downtown Bemidji.

First Friday in Grand Rapids, too.

Joe Geshick exhibition, Journeys, opening reception from 5 to 7 at Edge Center, Bigfork.

Sunday, June 3

Ride the Paul Bunyan Trail with former congressman and biking advocate Jim Oberstar Sunday. The ride will start at the Baxter/Brainerd trail head at 9 a.m. Lunch for $5 will be served back at the trail head following the dedication of a new bridge on the trail.

Monday, June 4

It’s the grand opening of the Mesabi Trail’s headquarters, Mesabi Station, at 1:00 just east of Eveleth.

It’s Flipside Summer Art Camp at the Franklin Arts Center cafeteria, Week 1: June 4 – 8 will cover Visual Art Through the Ages.

Edge Center for the Arts invites aspiring puppeteers to get involved with a show called Edge of the Wilderness Almanac.  Master puppeteer Teresa Linnihan will be on hand to help build 14-foot tall puppets and build a plot around life in the region.  Events will include putting the massive marionettes in the Bigfork parade June 9, and show dates June 21 through June 24.  All are invited to the first sessions Monday from 2 to 4 or 4 to 6 at the Edge Center.

The Lyric Center for the Arts in downtown Virginia presents their monthly ‘Words and Lyrics’ spoken-word session with proofreader Jeanne Maki of Angora.  This gets going at 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 5

Grand Rapids Tuesday noon Summer Concert Series begins with the New Generation String Trio; at United Methodist Church; with a lunch served at 12:30.

Wednesday, June 6

Paul Bunyan Playhouse has opening night for their first production of the summer repertory season, ‘The Spitfire Grill’.  The show starts at 8 and runs Wednesday through the weekend, and more shows on the way next weekend.

Minnesota History Datebook

This week in 1858, Eden Prairie was the site of the final major battle between Minnesota’s principal tribes. About 150 Ojibwe attack and defeat Shakopee's band of Dakota.

May 30, 1871 The steamer St. Paul carries the first shipment of grain from the port of Duluth.

115 years ago, the first automobile in the Twin Cities gets some publicity. This week in 1897, The St. Paul Dispatch runs a photograph of the car, owned by cigar maker H. J. Schley.