The Metropolitan Online > The Metropolitan Archive

February / 2005 / Volume19 / Issue6

On The Town

The life and work of Alfred Maurer presents intriguing puzzles for contemporary scholars and audiences. Maurer’s mysteries include the scarcity of information about his life; the reasons for his frequent stylistic changes, the unknown fate of many of his artworks, and the possible reasons he ended his own life. In writing the essay for the catalog “Alfred Maurer: The First American Modern,” art historian Daphne Deeds came to terms with these questions. In this slide lecture, she will discuss the perplexing aspects of Maurer’s life and work, also focusing on some of Maurer’s notable contributions, such as his unusual combination of naturalism and cubism, his unique use of collage, and his fixation with the double-portrait motif. The presentation will be held at the Weisman Art Museum in the William G. Shepherd Room from 2 p.m.–4 p.m. Admission is free. The Weisman is located at 333 E. River Rd., Mpls. Call 612-625-9494 for more information.

In the spirit of the Winter Carnival medallion hunt, visitors of all ages can go on a self-guided scavenger hunt to find 12 important decorations in the Capitol. A self-guiding booklet can be purchased at the Information Desk. At the end of the hunt, visitors become Junior Art Historians and are awarded a gold state seal. The treasure hunt goes from 1 p.m.–4 p.m. and is held at the Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul. The cost is $2. Visit http://events.mnhs.org/calendar for more information.

In this program, view four segments from the documentary “North Star,” which profiles African Americans who helped shape our state. The film probes the “hidden” histories of compelling individuals and provides a whole new perspective on Minnesota history. The pieces that will be screened focus on fur trader George Bonga; photographer Harry Shepherd; civil rights organizers Anna Arnold Hedgeman and Ethel Ray Nance; and the story of the lynching of three young African Americans in Duluth.

The screening will be followed by a discussion with North Star producer Daniel Bergin and University scholars Keith Mayes (Assistant Professor of African American and African Studies), David Taylor (Dean of General College), and John Wright (Associate Professor, African American and African Studies). North Star is a production of Twin Cities Public Television. The screening and discussion will be held at the Weisman Art Museum in the William G. Shepherd Room from 7 p.m.–9 p.m. Admission is free. The Weisman is located at 333 E. River Rd., Mpls. Call 612-625-9494 for more information.

Martha Stewart’s Prison Jamboree—250 Shows with the Brave New Workshop will feature the very best sketches from recent hit shows such as Electile Dysfunction or Two Johns, a Dick and a Bush, Das Bootylicious or Women of Mass Destruction, and Martha Stewart Prison Vixen, as well as memorable moments from older favorites like Prozac: It’s What’s For Dinner!, Sex in the Cities, and Don’t Smell the Sweaty Stuff.

Performances begin on Fridays at 8 p.m., and at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Saturdays. Tickets are $25. The Brave New Workshop Theater is located at 2605 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. Call 612-332-6620 or visit http://www.bravenewworkshop.org/theatre/250thshow.cfm for more information.

Bring your sweetheart out for a romantic stroll through winter woods lit by candlelight, then warm up inside by a roaring fireplace. Enjoy a dessert buffet and beautiful music. Chair massages will be offered for a nominal fee. Reservations are required, call 763-559-6700. This program is for everyone 18 and older. Childcare is available for a fee. Admission is $12 for patrons, $15 for the general public. The event will take place from 6 p.m.–9:15 p.m. The Richardson Nature Center is located at 8737 E. Bush Lake Rd., Bloomington. Visit www.threeriversparkdistrict.org for more information.

This event highlights the Zoo’s Tropics Trail. Animals and flora along the Tropics Trail will be interpreted by staff and volunteers. There will be a huge indoor sandbox, music, and face painting. The event will be held from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, $8.25 for seniors and $7 for youth ages 3-12. The Minnesota Zoo is located at 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley. Call 952-431-9500 or visit http://www.mnzoo.com for more information.

This event will have 30 vendors from 10 states coming to sell beads, pearls, silver, findings, beadwork kits, bead storage, vintage beads, crystal and jewelry, pressed glass beads, handmade lamp work, blown and fused beads, ceramic faces, porcelain cameos, beadwork supplies, stone beads and cabs and much, much more. This is a must-see event for anyone interested in beadwork or making their own jewelry. Admission is $2, and is good for both days. The bazaar will be held from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. at the National Guard Armory, 1025 Broadway St. N.E., Mpls. Call 952-492-2493 for more information.

On Campus