Sharyn Shoots

Labor / Leisure in the Common Room
Wednesday night I attended another fine event at The Soap Factory (guess I’ve been gushing a lot about them, but I do appreciate the space). I joined others in The Common Room as “Adult Books” (Casey Deming, John Jerry, Jennifer Jerry, Tom Kaczynski, Ginny Maki, Anna Tsantir and Zak Sally) facilitated a book-making workshop and assembly line. They were on hand to guide participants through the creation and assembly of “a limited-edition art book that explores the relationship between the Mill District’s industrial past and leisure-focused present.” The book features contributions from the group, plus Ruben Nusz, Jes Seamans, Aaron Anderson, DNML, and others. Participants earned a copy of the completed book as payment for their services. Sadly my attention span was too short to assemble a book, but I did photographically document others doing so. And afterward I snuck downstairs for a sneak peek of The Haunted Basement. Too bad I can’t make it to tonight’s Chatroulette event at Art of This (and that this is the last weekend before they close down that space, forever and ever).

Xpos and Experiences
The first annual Minneapolis Indie Xpo was a smashing success, despite the oppressive heat and humidity. It was steamy hot inside The Soap Factory, which threatened to melt the frosting off The Donut Cooperative’s tasty offerings, but it didn’t seem to keep the crowds away. We visited with many friends and acquaintances from in and out of town. It was a full house, exhibitor and attendee-wise. I walked away with some most excellent swag – prints, posters, t-shirts and comics – though I spent a bit more than I’d intended. There was SO much to look at but my favorite tables of the day were from Sam Hiti, BT Livermore, Zak Sally / La Mano, Uncivilized Books and Cathy Camper (I’m sure I missed some great stuff but I was totally overstimulated). My son was too but he mostly enthralled by the aforementioned donuts, Ghostbusters’ ghostmobile and indoor swing anyhow. Overall an excellent way to spend a Saturday!

On Sunday The Homegrown Experience was held at the Nicollet Island Pavilion. It was organized with a “focus on sustainability, connecting people to the land and providing healthy and enjoyable experiences” and featured demonstrations by chefs, local restaurants, farmers, CSAs, co-ops, food producers, local vintners and brewers. We enjoyed many excellent food and beverage samples – iced Peace Coffee! tea sandwiches! crostini! oysters! chocolates! cheeses! more! – before ambling over to St. Anthony Main’s adorable Aster Cafe for a spell.

Move the Heart, Switch the Pace
Love is in the air. As well as lots and lots of moisture. Saturday morning I woke to rain. I feared I would have to reschedule a lovely couple’s engagement shoot. But they were flexible and we waited it out. Sure enough the clouds parted and the sun re-appeared by afternoon. Though the air remained thick. This is August in Minnesota after all. That means muggy! It was challenging enough for me to remain energetic while running around Irvine Park and Lowertown in St. Paul’s hot stew, but it was much worse for the groom-to-be. He was all decked out in a steaming hot SUIT. Still, we endured. And our perseverance resulted in some fine shots of the happy couple.

Sunday wasn’t quite so pleasant. Our booth at the Uptown Market? A complete bust. Between the three of us sharing the tent only one made a sale. But I can’t blame folks for not coming out (or for being too apathetic to browse or buy if they did). The heat index was something like 105°. I can’t recall the last time I was so very hot and uncomfortable for such a long period of time. Still, I think the idea is sound:

The Uptown Market is a venue to enhance the quality of life for the community through the gathering of local artisans, craftspeople, small business owners, area farmers, and neighbors.

A place where small vendors can come and sell their goods to the public, the Minneapolis Uptown Market unites the community. The Uptown Market will offer an opportunity for community organizations to outreach to the public.

And I do plan to try again – just during better weather. Sweater weather. I yearn for yarn!

Sunday Afternoon Adventuring
It is officially Fall now and Fall in Minnesota is my favorite of all seasons. Today my son and I took a daytrip out to the lovely Big Stone Mini Golf in Mound, MN, before heading to the nearby Minnetonka Apple Orchards in Minnetrista. The weather was predictably unpredictable. Winds so strong our golf balls were thrown off course and at the apple orchard we were nearly knocked out of the hay ride. And when we returned home from adventuring we discovered the winds had broken our boulevard tree in two! Even so, I will always adore Fall.