Ritz Theater

The NE Mpls Arts District isn't only about visual arts. It's also about the performing arts! It's been years since I've been in the theater scene so I decided a few months ago to offer my serves as a volunteer at the Ritz Theater. What a better way to become more involved in my community and to see the shows coming through?!

I attended my first performance at the Ritz Theater on Sunday, Lost in the Stars. The musical is sort of based on the novel Cry, the Beloved Country. I have to admit, I didn't really connect the musical with South Africa, where it takes place. It seemed more of story about race in America than apartheid in South Africa. Maybe it was the music, which did not have the drumming beat that I have come to associate with the continent. Don't get me wrong, the storyline was great and I would recommend seeing it. But it was a bit of a mismatch to me.

But back to the Ritz. It's been open now for almost 1 year. The Ballet of the Dolls is the resident performing company. I haven't yet seen a performance by the company, so I can't give my 2 cents. But they've been around for 20 years. The Ritz still needs a bit of cash to complete it's capital campaign, so check out their website if you want to support our neighborhood!

Winner! Spiritual Art Festival

Last night the winners were announced for the Spiritual Art Festival and 7th Annual Juried Art Show. I'm pleased to announce that Rabi's piece, "You of Little Faith" is a 1st place winner.

You of Little Faith
Steel
15x8x8
$300

This year, the jurors tended to select small, portable pieces with a story. They said his piece displayed "integrity" and "simplicity".

Please stop by St Boniface Catholic Church this week to view his work.

St Boniface Catholic Church

629 2nd St NE

Minneapolis, MN 55413

March 25-30

3-7pm

There will also be a special music performance as well.

Musical Presentation
Thursday, March 29
7-8:30pm

Carl Schroeder will play his original work "Celestial Triptych" and Jonathan Pemberton's jazz ensemble will play contemporary liturgy.

Views from the Frank Stone Gallery

Here are a few snaps from the Opening Reception last night.

Before the crowds arrived. (Both photos are by fellow artist Glenn Allenspach.)

Rabi chatting w/ Nick from the Spiritual Art Festival.

Our #1 supporter. Thanks CA!

Yummy appetizers all done.

Cleaning up before heading to the Peacock. (Photo by Allenspach.)

Thanks for the support everyone!

Reminder: Opening Reception Tonight

Don't forget to join us at Frank Stone Gallery for the opening reception. And, if you arrive by 5:30pm, you'll be treated to special entertainment!

Northeast fixture, Madame Dora, purveyor of secondhand goods of all types, performs her stand up comic routine about aging, kids, relationships; our absurd modern lives in general. She will be polishing her material for her “Last Comic Standing” audition!

Frank Stone Gallery

1224 2nd Street N.E.

Minneapolis, MN 55413

Opening Reception

Friday, March 23

5 to 9 pm

Gallery Hours

Saturday & Sunday, March 24 & 25

12 to 5 pm

Ne Y Waoongo

This is a video by Chris, a PCV in Kongoussi. He is originally from Green Bay (Go Pack Go). Rabi met him last year while checking out land for us in Kongoussi.

Take a peak at Rabi's dad's family's hometown.

Spiritual Art Festival

It's been a killer week for us as we're prepping for upcoming shows. One to check out this next week is the Spiritual Art Festival and 7th Annual Juried Art Show in NE Minneapolis.

The Juried Art Show offers Minnesota artists the opportunity to display a work they consider religious or spiritual. The Show is nonsectarian and nondenominational.

St Boniface Catholic Church

629 2nd St NE

Minneapolis, MN 55413

March 25-30

3-7pm

Rabi will have "You of Little Faith" on display as it relates to Matthew 14:31.

Entertainment Confirmed

Please be sure to be at the studio opening by 7:30pm on Friday, April 6th, as we will have African drumming and dancing at that time.

Performing will be Foxy, a local dancer who has been studing West African dance for 3 years. She has experience in dances from Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea and Senegal. She is also currently teaching a youth Hip-Hop class for Zenon Dance Co.

Drumming will be Moses, originally from Cote d'Ivoire.

If you attending the Books for Africa benefit in June 2006, you will remember these two from their performance that afternoon.

Gallery Display Comments

Rabi received some great feedback from "The Art Within Us" exhibit at the Hennepin County Government Center. Comment cards were available during the exhibit for the general population to submit.

General comments
Rabi Sanfo is an amazing artist - enjoyed the work very much.

What do you like or dislike about the current exhibit?
Whispers & Kitchen Tango* - Best in Show
Metal sculpture

What kinds of exhibits would you like to see?
Triangle - Rabi Sanfo

*Kitchen Tango is a piece submitted by another participanting artist.

Frank Stone Gallery

Rabi will be participating in an upcoming group show at the Frank Stone Gallery. His works are titled "Royalty". Other artists to participate include Scott Seekins (painting); James Mlaker (photography); and Glenn Allenspach (pottery).

Frank Stone Gallery
1224 2nd Street N.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55413

Opening Reception
Friday, March 23
5 to 9 pm

Gallery Hours
Saturday & Sunday, March 24 & 25
12 to 5 pm

Studio Opening Reception

As previously posted, we moved and are finally having our official studio opening! Please join us for this event.

Studio Opening Reception

Friday, April 6, 2007

6-9pm

Yarbi Design

Q.arma Bldg

1224 Quincy St NE Suite B25

Minneapolis, MN 55413

We're hoping the Big A will make an appearance so look for that symbol outside of the building. There is free parking in front of the building and in the lot to the left of the building. If you can't figure out the map, or need specific directions, let us know.

The studio is in the basement. Take the stairs through the door on the right, immediately when you enter the building. At the bottom of the stairs, hang a right and you'll see us there!

We will have light refreshments and are finalizing the entertainment for the evening. More information will be posted later.

In the future, the studio will be open to the public and by appointment. Hope to see you and your friends!