Friday: “25 Years Out: MCAD MFA Alumni Exhibit”
This Friday, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design will celebrate 25 years of its master of fine arts program with the coolest college graduation there ever could be. Celebrating a by-appointment exhibit running through July 19 that features the work of 24 MFA program alums, the reception will also include recent Weisman Art Museum artist-in-residence and 2013 MCAD MFA graduate Peng Wu’s lovely “Sunset Practice.” Clear your mind, throw your worries out and start the weekend right.
Where: MFA at MCAD, 2201 1st Ave. S., Minneapolis
When: 6 to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Saturday: Midsommar Celebration
Knowing the toll an Ari Aster film can take on one’s psyche, we recommend attending this event before screening “Midsommar” in early July. In Sweden, Midsommar (Midsummer) is one of the most exciting events of the year. With the big sky above and breeze blowing, locals come together for dancing, singing, food and flowers. Admission to the festival comes with museum admission, so take in some art while you’re at it.
Where: American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave., Minneapolis
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $12
Sunday: Stone Arch Bridge Festival
Year after year (this is the 25th!), the Stone Arch Bridge and surrounding area draws artists, food trucks and free concerts. Peruse the many booths: printmaking, pottery, jewelry, photography. Buy yourself a present (even if it’s a personal helping of Spinning Wylde cotton candy).
Where: Father Hennepin Park (and surrounding area), 420 Main St. SE., Minneapolis
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
CULTURE TO CONSUME
Watch this: “Chasing Happiness”
No matter how much you begged for a “Camp Rock” comforter set at Target in 2008, there’s a lot you don’t know about the Jonas Brothers. Billed by many as the product of good ol’ Disney-manufacturing, this documentary chronicles the brothers’ lives from childhood Broadway auditions to their breakup and recent comeback. You just might find yourself in love with … KEVIN.
Research this: Wild mushrooms
Morels sautéed in butter, chanterelles with sour cream: Minnesota is full of marvelous (but maybe not magic) mushrooms, and you probably don’t have to dig in the woods to find them. If you can learn what mushrooms to spot, where they hide and what to do with them, we’ll say you have it all figured out.
Read this: “Trust Exercise”
I’m only a little over halfway done, so this recommendation doesn’t count for a full review, but wow. With the first half of Susan Choi’s newest book chronicling the lives of ‘80s high schoolers at an elite performing arts school, the second half — upon early understanding — calls the meaning of trust into question. Ask me for a full review tomorrow.
