The Top 5
raw: Opening Reception
Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA) is a nonprofit visual arts center that celebrates letterpress printing, bookbinding, hand paper-making, and paper marbling—in other words, anything (and everything) to do with books, art, and how they’re one and the same. This annual exhibition features work from 11 co-op members in artistic methods like handmade lace paper, intaglio, broadsides, and more. Thursday, 6-8 p.m. @ Minnesota Center for Book Arts, 1011 Washington Ave. S. #100, Minneapolis, facebook.com
Spit Shade 2: Babes, Beasts & Botanicals
Although it’s usually branded on a different canvas than our walls, tattoo art is dynamic, traditional, bold, and unique in all the best ways. This ink-inspired exhibition acts as the official launch of the Villain Arts Minneapolis Tattoo Convention and features the abilities, talent, and artwork of more than 50 local and national tattoo artists, including Claudia “Billy“ Baca and Max V.K. Exhibit opening Thursday, 7-11 p.m. @ Gamut Gallery, 717 S. 10th St., Minneapolis, gamutgallerympls.com
Chelsea Novotny’s “Renewal and Decay”
Chelsea Novotny, a passionate painter with a serious knack for natural textures, pressed plants, watercolor, and oil pastels, will present her new series “Renewal and Decay” in Urban Growler’s taproom. The paintings exemplify the title of the series beautifully—showcasing ideas of renewal, decay, and the imprint nature leaves on us. Stop in for a beer, a good time, and an even better look at Chelsea’s colorful, bold, and moving work. Friday, 6-8 p.m. @ Urban Growler Brewing Company, 2325 Endicott St., St. Paul, facebook.com
Carve Up Your Christmas Tree
For those who haven’t taken down their Christmas tree and other holiday decor, hold tight just a few more days. The American Swedish Institute offers a Nordic craft workshop where lucky procrastinators can carve and create a beautiful wooden toy or functional kitchen utensil from their holiday tree. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. @ American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave., Minneapolis, asimn.org
Polka Dot Grand Opening
For vintage and secondhand clothing, accessories, kitchen items, textiles, and furniture along with greeting cards, art prints, handmade treasures, and all-age DIY classes, pop over to Polka Dot—the new creative shop just south of Selby Avenue in St. Paul. The owner, Emma Freeman, hosts a grand opening event to celebrate and kick off her new entrepreneurial adventure. Saturday, 4-7 p.m. @ Polka Dot Shop, 168 Fairview Ave. N., St. Paul, facebook.com
