‘Arts’ Archives
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.
