A brighter note…I found these two happy faces the other day while closing out the CC Club. They were stiffly stuck in a snowbank and awaiting rescue.

The happy note on the back reads:

You have found American Face!
You are encouraged to keep this pillow, but first, please participate in
The American Face Art Show.
Bring your pillow to the Caffetto Coffee shop between February first and twenty-eighth.
708 W. 22nd Street Minneapolis,MN 55405.
Full details about how to participate will be available at caffetto
-OR-
www.americanface.blogspot.com
Please direct additional inquiries to: Americanfacempls@gmail.com or just google it.

So in my possession I have Robyne 62/157 (blue) & Jessie 52/157 (red)

Hope you find yours!

Cheers,
Emma

A couple of weeks ago, when it was bitter cold, I came across the following on my walk to the bus stop. There is something terribly sad and beautiful with the three frozen in the snow.

I cannot stop myself from being drawn to the tragedy depicted in so many magnificent works of art. A blend of the ugly and the beautiful entrances me.

with love,
emma

mplsart had the amazing opportunity to hang the work of Xavier Tavera earlier this month at the DWR studio in Minneapolis.

At its best, art forces itself upon us like a door suddenly swinging open ahead as we run full on down the hallway. Those moments of piercing self-realization or blunt awakening to the reality of the world around us are oftentimes the most beautifully ugly events in our lives.

Jenny Saville Closed Contact

And there is also art that hints at the ills of modern living while maintaining an exchange of pleasantries. Our good friend Jennifer Davis’ current exhibition at Rosalux Gallery offers many opportunities for soft, subtle reflections of what’s inside us. While Amy Crickenberger Oeth’s paintings, hung alongside Davis’, remind us of childlike days free from the weight of our histories.

Jennifer Davis Leaking

Amy Crickenberger Oeth

And, of course, less subtle reflections are found in the unflinchingly personal and confrontational art of Frida Kahlo. The emotional pain and struggle she endured throughout her life is so palpable in her paintings that we can do nothing more than thank heaven for the wonderful things we have in our own lives.

Frida Kahlo The Two Fridas

Both the Davis/Crickenberger and Walker Art Center’s Frida Kahlo exhibits wrap up within the next two weeks here in Minneapolis. I’ll be making a point to start the New Year by visiting both shows again to reflect upon all that I appreciate about this city. The harsh, cold winter here can bring a lot of pain and grey ugliness but it can also be very beautiful under the cover of fresh snow. And you can always spend an afternoon inside a gallery to escape the chill.

-kristoffer

MNArtists.org has opened a thread in their forum that I think is far beyond necessary.

For those active in the arts community I really do think it is time to share your voice and put your opinion out there. If you are scared, post under a pseudonym. If you’re unconcerned with the current environment of arts writings in Minnesota, get concerned. I even put my own post out there, so even just dive into to that as a start. We need you.

xo,
emma

City Pages came out with it’s annual Artists of the Year issue, and I couldn’t be more proud. New daddy, John Grider has front page and a wonderful write up. Ben and I also have some very kind words written on us that I couldn’t be more proud of. Please look through the entire list of artists and the entire article, it is an honor to be in such company and perfectly inspiring.

may your 2008 be full of magic!

much love,
emma