Last Minute Local Gift Guide

Just because you waited until the last minute to do your holiday shopping doesn’t mean anyone else should know. These local artists, and MN Original alumni, have you covered!

APPAREL

Maggie Thompson - Makwa Studios features the textile, art and fashion of Maggie Thompson with designs influenced by her Native Heritage.

Kristi Abbott - Whether as a print or shirt, Kristi Abbott’s unique approach to portraiture will have you taking a closer look her collage pop icons and pin-ups.

Amara Hark-Weber - These handmade, custom shoes change the way you walk through the world.

MUSIC

Cantus - This album from renowned vocal chamber ensemble Cantus will quickly become your go to soundtrack for the holiday season.

Hippo Campus - This local indie rock group is on the cusp of releasing their highly anticipated debut album and if you didn’t know their name before, you will soon. Impress the young music fans in your life with a pre-order of ‘Landmark’.

ART

Emily Gray Koehler - Printmaker Emily Koehler’s reduction woodblock prints are nature scenes informed by a childhood split between the farm and the forest.

Greta Claire - Greta Claire follows her instincts and lets what “feels right” inform her process. Check out her unique style and holiday sale!

 Books

Heid E. Erdrich - Poet, writer and filmmaker Heid Erdrich has added chef and cookbook author to the list with a delicious and local look at Indigenous food.

David Coggins - Painter, photographer and writer, David Coggins details alluring reflections in his book, Paris in Winter An Illustrated Memoir, sharing his lifelong love affair with the “City of Lights.”

There’s also still a healthy array of local art fairs this weekend and standbys like The Grand Hand Gallery, The Minnesota Center for Book Arts and the Northern Clay Center for your creatively inclined family and friends. Happy local shopping!

 

Join Us for the Saint Paul Art Crawl!

MN Original and TPT are getting in on one of St. Paul’s most beloved art events - the Saint Paul Art Crawl. Now in it’s 25th year, the Saint Paul Art Crawl features more than 400 artists in spaces in and around Lowertown. We’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be open to the public on Saturday, October 15th from 12-5PM.


Our newly renovated street space will be transformed into an artist’s market with some of your favorite MNO alums and their work. In addition to some truly local, one of a kind art, there will also be demonstrations by the artists, episodes of MN Original on the big screen, a charging station, mother’s room and light refreshments.

The featured artists include: Andrea Martin, Caitlin Warner, Chuck U, Julia Strand, Karen Morris, Kristi Abbott and Kurt Seaberg. Learn more about them and their work here:

Stop by Saturday, October 15th from 12-5PM at Twin Cities PBS located at 172 East Fourth St., St. Paul, MN 55101. We’re located right off the Union Depot light rail stop or there’s parking available in the Lowertown Ramp.

Artist Day Jobs: Thomasina Petrus - Singer/Candy Maker

MN Original and TPT present: Artist Day Jobs


Artist Day Jobs is back for a second season profiling Minnesota artists whose 9-5′s complement and inspire their creative process.

In this episode of “Artist Day Jobs,” we meet singer and actress Thomasina Petrus whose cashew brittle is taking the world by storm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learn more about Thomasina:

Performance Website: http://thomasinaproductions.com/

Cashew Brittle Website: http://thomasinascashewbrittle.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thomasinascashewbrittle

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Are YOU an artist with an interesting day job? Let us know on our Facebook page or on Twitter using #ArtistDayJobs.

Artist Day Jobs: Bill Lindsey - Rocker/PT Aide

MN Original and TPT present: Artist Day Jobs


Artist Day Jobs is back for a second season profiling Minnesota artists whose 9-5′s complement and inspire their creative process.

In this episode we meet Bill Lindsey. A soft-spoken physical therapy rehab aide by day and self-described “lead screamer” in shock rock band Impaler by night, see how the two sides of Bill’s life make him feel like he has it all.

Learn more about Bill and his work:

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/impaler/id75059387

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/impalershockrock/

MySpace: https://myspace.com/impalerhorrorrock

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Check back next Monday for an all new episode of Artist Day Jobs.

Are YOU an artist with an interesting day job? Let us know on our Facebook page or on Twitter using #ArtistDayJobs.

Creative Juice Break: Mosaic Window Hanging with Sharra Frank

Light up your life with Sharra Frank’s kid-friendly window hanging mosaic project!

Let the video get your creative juices flowing and read on for project tips from Sharra. Or jump to the bottom and find a link to sign up for Sharra’s mosaic classes.

Great for all ages:

I use this process for quick turn around projects when working with the public and children. Usually I have to wait a day or longer for adhesive to dry before grouting but with the film adhesive you can complete the project in one work session.

I love making window hangings because of the natural way they light up when the sun shines through. The look on children’s faces when they see the grand result is priceless!

What you’ll need:

Wood Picture Frame
No Days Mosaic Film Adhesive
Masking Tape
Scissors
Paper
Pen
Glass
Beads
Mosaic Wheeled Cutter
Heat Gun
Sanded Tile Grout
Plastic Bag
Water
Grout Sponge
Paper Towels/Rag
Safety goggles
Dust Mask

Where to find materials:

Online or at retails stores around the Twin Cities:

Mosaic Glass Tiles (all shapes, colors and sizes):

Local, St. Paul, Minnesota, Glass (mosaic supplies and beads, too):

Local, St. Paul, Minnesota, mosaic store:

Some mosaic supplies can be found in art and craft stores as well, such as Michaels, Jo Ann’s and Blick Art Supplies.

Project age range:

12 and up (12 and under with an adult)

Don’t plan too much:

The outcome will most likely look different from what you imagine so focus on enjoying the process and collaboration (if working as a team).

Keep it flat:

Make sure all glass pieces are laying completely flat (not sideways or on top of another piece.) You want every tile to have full contact with the film adhesive.

About Sharra Frank

I am a mosaic artist in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I specialize in designing and leading community projects, large scale commission work and teaching mosaic skills to all ages and levels of experience, from children to other professional artists.

Where to spot her work:

My public artwork can be found throughout the St. Paul and Minneapolis Children’s Hospitals, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, the Eastside Food Coop in Minneapolis, Stepping Stone Children’s Theater in St. Paul, Richfield Middle School in Richfield, Minnesota, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Minneapolis, Goodwill Easter Seals in St. Paul and soon several panels will be up in Bryant Square Park in Minneapolis, to name a few!

On working with Minneapolis Children’s Hospital:

I have been working at the Children’s Hospital since 2010 as an artist through Compas’ Arts in Healthcare program. What I find most rewarding is seeing first hand how creating an art piece can uplift and make a positive impact on a child. Making a mosaic is relaxing and meditative, like doing a puzzle. I think the highly tactile experience leaves a lasting impression.

Mosaic classes:

I offer mosaic classes periodically in my Minneapolis studio and I also have online mosaic classes that are available any time through my website, www.sharrasmosaicsecrets.com.

Connect with Sharra:

Find Sharra on Facebook, Instagram and sign up for her newsletter at www.sharrafrank.com

Creative Juice Break from MN Original presents fresh, short videos, activity prompts and more. Get your creative juices flowing!

Creative Juice Break: Painting with Greta Claire

Greta Claire’s drip painting project will add a splash of color to any room (and help you finally get rid of all that extra house paint)!

Let the video get your creative juices flowing and read on for project tips from Greta. Or jump to the bottom for purchasing information to get your own Greta Claire original.

What you’ll need:

Canvas
Paint brush
7 colors of paint

Get thrifty with your paint:

The first place I recommend searching [for paint] is your garage or basement for any old house paint you’re probably never going to use again.

Otherwise, check out any place that has a paint sale! A good place to check out is Blick Art Materials, Michael’s, or paint from Home Depot (which is what I used for this project.)

Be mindful of your surroundings:

It may seem like common sense, but paint will end up places where you never thought paint could end up. Paint in a place where mess is acceptable and have fun with it!

Prepare for a mess:

Wear messy clothes, put down some poly (plastic sheet, can be purchased at any home improvement store) and if you have another old bed sheet or drop cloth feel free to rest it on top of the poly as well – protect those floors!

The bigger the brush…:

Get some bigger paint brushes that will grab enough paint.

Allow for dry time:

In between the different colors, allow ample time to dry!

How to know when your painting is complete:

Knowing when you’re done applying color is simply just taking a step back and asking yourself if the painting feels right. If you really can’t tell, try taking a picture of it and looking at it later

More about Greta Claire:

gretaclaire.com | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr

How to purchase work by Greta Claire:

Visit gretaclaire.com. For questions about commissions, artwork or private showings email [email protected]

Upcoming events:

New Belgium Brewery 25th Anniversary

I currently have quite the project load! I’ve been selected by New Belgium Brewery along with 12 other artists to celebrate NBB’s 25th Anniversary. They decided to ask some of their favorite artists to custom paint some of their anniversary bikes from Detroit Bikes.

Art show November 11, 2016

I’ll be having a really big show November 11th, working on entirely new work/ideas that I’m excited to release – there are just so many fun things!

Private classes

I recently started holding private art classes in my studio. It’s been extremely fun and uplifting helping people dive into the abstract world; allowing them the chance to discover the possibilities that painting offers. It’s rad!   

Creative Juice Break from MN Original presents fresh, short videos, activity prompts and more. Get your creative juices flowing!

Artist Day Jobs: Don Holzschuh - Truck Driver/Painter

MN Original and TPT present: Artist Day Jobs

Artist Day Jobs is back for a second season profiling Minnesota artists whose 9-5′s complement and inspire their creative process.

In this episode, meet Don Holzschuh who works both as a truck driver and a painter.

Learn more about Don and his work:

Website: http://donholzschuh.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonHolzschuh/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/donholzschuh

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Check back next Monday for an all new episode of Artist Day Jobs.

Are YOU an artist with an interesting day job? Let us know on our Facebook page or on Twitter using #ArtistDayJobs.

Artist Day Jobs: Jessie McNally - Tattoo Artist/Assemblage Artist

MN Original and TPT present: Artist Day Jobs

Artist Day Jobs is back for a second season profiling Minnesota artists whose 9-5′s complement and inspire their creative process.

In this episode, meet Jessie McNally who works both as a tattoo artist and an assemblage artist.

Learn more about Jessie and follow her work:

Website: http://jessiemcnally.com/home.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessiemcnallyart
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessiemcnallyisrad

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Check back next Monday for an all new episode of Artist Day Jobs.

Are YOU an artist with an interesting day job? Let us know on our Facebook page or on Twitter using #ArtistDayJobs.

Artist Day Jobs: R.J. Kern - Fine Art Photographer/Martial Arts Trainer

MN Original and TPT present: Artist Day Jobs

Artist Day Jobs is back for a second season profiling Minnesota artists whose 9-5′s complement and inspire their creative process.

The season two premiere features R.J. Kern, a fine art photographer who finds parallels in his work as a martial arts trainer.

When not capturing stunning portraits of animals and their owners, R.J. teaches students of all ages taekwondo at Lakes Martial Arts.

Learn more about R.J. Kern:

Website: http://www.rjkern.com/

Martial arts website: http://www.lakesmartialarts.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kernphoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rjkern

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kernphoto/

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Check back next Monday for an all new episode of Artist Day Jobs.

Are YOU an artist with an interesting day job? Let us know on our Facebook page or on Twitter using #ArtistDayJobs.

Meeting of the Minds - August Edition

Once a month, the MNO team gathers over lunch to share videos we find creatively or technically interesting. From unexpected storytelling concepts to new approaches to lighting or editing, these videos and the resulting team dialogue, feed our creative brains and inspire our work.

Heres what we’re watching now:


The Secret World of Foley from Short of the Week on Vimeo.


More Is More from Harmonium Films & Music on Vimeo.


Fra Stasjon Til Stasjon | Oslo 2016 from Selina Miles on Vimeo.


83-Year-Old Mississippi Bluesman Leo “Bud” Welch from Brent Foster on Vimeo.

Perci Chester - Sculptor

Marlon James - Author