‘Arts’ Archives
Between the Temples
from the series Movie Corner... 4.5/5 Stars Comedy/Drama/ RomanceSony Pictures Classics By HOWARD MCQUITTER II Howard McQuitter II A quadragenarian cantor at a synagogue is burdened with sadness and even suicidal tendencies after his wife’s death. (Her cause of death is revealed later in the film.) His name is Ben Gottlieb (Jason Schwartzman) and he lives in the basement of his mother’s (Caroline Aaron) house along with her partner Judith (Dolly De Leon). Both his mother Meira Gottlieb and Judith are hoping Ben moves out of their house soon. Ben ‘s depression is not only from his wife’s death but he has lost his singing voice.What happens next for Ben is serendipitous when he meets Carla Kessler (Carol Kane) at a bar. A patron has just punched Ben for his abrasive behavior. She lends a hand to Ben which in turn spawns a friendship. She’s much older than him which doesn’t seem to matter to him. Carla realizes she’s seeing a man in deep grief and in a crisis [...]
Behind the Signs
By MARY ELLEN KALUZA The May Day Cafe sign design has changed a few times over the years. The story of the first sign that covered up the former Powderhorn Community Co-op sign is lost to memory. Two highly skilled and creative sign painters are behind the subsequent charming variations: Phil Vandervaart created the first with the sunflower in the coffee cup, and collaborated with Forrest Wozniak (http://www.forrestwozniak.com/#info) on the current sign.Phil, an iconic artist, has been sign painting since the 1970’s. His work is EVERYWHERE in Minneapolis and beyond. You can’t leave the house without passing one of his signs, like the original Welna Hardware Store on Bloomington Avenue, the Cedar Cultural Center, the Hard Times Cafe on the West Bank, and so many more. His work has appeared on government buildings, churches, bars, the American Swedish Institute…the list is endless. See his portfolio at http://www.signpainterphil.wordpress.com.Forrest began apprenticing with [...]
Conundrum
By SHELIA BLAND ConversationCommunicationPeople desperately trying to connect.Trying to escape isolation,The erroneous projection of others.Striving to be seen as one sees oneself–To be understood as one understands oneself.Most times, however, one is confused about one’s own being—Not knowing why,One hatesOr lovesOr tries to hurt another.Often regretting one’s own words and actionsIn real time.Wondering how such words or actions could come from one’s own person.To be projected towards someone so undeserving of mistreatment. So…How to be understood by othersWhen one fails to understand oneself? Conundrum. Shelia Bland lives in Midtown Phillips. She has been writing most of her life to help herself understand the experiences and people in her shared world.
