Archive for April, 2008

Art A Whirl is coming up- May 16th to the 18th (note Michael’s art opening is the Saturday of event), so plan your NE Mpls weekend of art.

Art-A-Whirl is an open-studio and gallery tour of Northeast Minneapolis.  It is an enticing event that calls and welcomes local and regional visitors who want to see the art being produced in NE. NEMAA is the bridge between the local and regional world and NEMAA artists.  As visitors come to see the art, they also experience the NE Community.

More than 500 artists participate in AAW, including potters, tile makers, painters, sculptors, musicians, photographers, glass blowers, printmakers, and textile designers.  They showcase their art in warehouses, homes, storefronts and cafes.

New Gallery Wall Artist for May/June:Michael Quernemon

When Minnesota born artist Michael Quernemoen thinks back, he can remember winning his first art contest in second grade. Following would be many years of winning various art contests and awards. Labeled the “artist” in the family, Mike was even given the nickname, “Michael Angelo,” by his grandfather. After high school, Mike pursued a career in graphic design which evolved into a love for multimedia design. Painting and drawing would take a side seat and become more of a hobby for Mike but truly a continued passion.

Completely self taught, Mike finds the time to create new works when the mood inspires him. Mike says, “At times there is this force, this energy that takes over, creating an experience of no thought and no mind, just pure visual, emotional evolution. There is an amazing exchange of energy in this process. Time is meaningless and the current moment is all that exists with this flow.”

Mike’s mediums tend mostly to acrylics, but he occasionally delves into everything from watercolors to oils and other mixed medias. Currently, Mike uses more iridescent and metallic colors along with thick, heavy paint and brilliant glazes to bring the flat canvases to life. Mike’s subjects span from deep abstracts, portraits, fantasies, or  reinterpretations of famous works of art into completely different visuals. Many of Mike’s pieces are vivid and bold and allow you to interpret each piece in different and complex ways. Some works are more literal.

Mike is elated to unveil his first dedicated show of gallery works for the Wilde Roast Cafe. His biggest thrill is when he knows someone will give one of his creations a good home to be enjoyed for years to come. In his words, “There is a sort of electricity that happens with the exchange of a piece to a new owner. It’s wonderful and exhilarating for both of us. And at the same time, it humbles and honors me.”

Mike is proud to donate a percentage of his proceeds from this gallery show to One Heartland.  One Heartland is a national non-profit organization with local Twin Cities roots committed to greatly improving the lives of children, youth and their families impacted by HIV/AIDS. Giving back to those in need is important to Mike and he states, “Giving back to our community is crucial.  I definitely give what I can. I hope others feel as passionate as I do - be it about my art or helping others through various charities.  We are in this life together.”

Dear Friends,

Winter was a long one and I don’t want to through another one without a warm winter destination. So, next winter Tom and I are going cruising! We have enjoyed cruising with RSVP Vacations and wanted to share the experience with our friends. We will be going on their Eastern Caribbean Cruise, sailing February 21 - 28, 2009.

• The ship is brand new (not in the water yet) Eurodam by Holland America
• 2104 passengers
• RSVP signature parties and entertainment

So on May 3rd Nick from RSVP will be available to chat with at the Wilde Roast Cafe from 8am to 10am, so come bring your questions watch a video or two, check out a cruise with RSVP. Bring a friend with that might be interested in going, we are looking for a cabin mate for our good friend Bill who is going on the cruise with us!

Check out RSVPVacations.com (this cruise is not listed yet, but already 50% sold) you can watch videos from past cruises.

Interested in cruising but can’t make the Saturday date? Let me know and I’ll have Nick get in touch with you in the near future!

Dean

PS. This is a drop in thing…you don’t need reservations or need to stay the whole time.

Join Steven Berg in The Parlor this Sunday the 27th from 1 to 4pm. Bring projects your working on and he will help….or start a new project this weekend! Follow the Link to the Yarn Garage to see Steven’s May dates (he is normally at the cafe every other Sunday).

The cafe will close at 5pm on Sunday, May 4th for a private party.

Tomas Zdanuskas

Save May 10th for Bingo A-Go-Go…the them is Spring Prom.  You can get tickets online.

Prom Queen Miss Richfield 1981 takes off to P-Town for the summer right after the show, so come wish her off.