A New Chapter for the Somali Museum of Minnesota
By LAURA HULSCHER
On December 27th the Somali Museum hosted a joyous community celebration marking its move to a new larger space. After 11 years just 6 blocks west at the Plaza Verde building, its new location at the Midtown Exchange will provide more space to display its growing collection. Meanwhile, the Museum continues to work towards the long-term goal of a permanent building of its own.
The celebration was a bright spot during the darkest week of the year. Somali food, dance, music, and a display of bags made by local Somali weavers were highlights. There was also a chance to view the new exhibits and interpretive displays exploring the history and culture of the Somali people and the Minnesota Somali community.
Speaking at the celebration, founder Osman Ali emphasized that the 11-year-old Somali Museum has always been much more than just a gallery. It began cultural programming early on with intergenerational finger weaving workshops held at different sites in the community. The workshops were led by women experts in traditional techniques; they were a big success and continue to this day. Another early project was the founding of the Somali Dance Troupe, which continues to draw youth from across the state to learn and perform Somali dance.… Read the rest “A New Chapter for the Somali Museum of Minnesota”
Thrones’ Eye View: The North Bench
The city has announced that it is dismantling Touchstone Plaza due to deterioration and safety concerns. Also known as “The Thrones,” this Phillips landmark sits at the northeast corner of the park, at the intersection of Franklin and Chicago. Its architectural sculptures were the product of a multi-year collaboration between the late artist Rafala Green, community members, and more than 80 local youth employed by the project in the 1990s. “Thrones” is a reference to a poem by Louis Alemayehu mounted on a plaque near the entrance.
As a goodbye, the alley will be featuring close up photos of each of the Plaza’s sculptural elements in upcoming months.
All photos by Laura Hulscher.
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A Complete Unknown
from the series Movie Corner…
4.5/5 STARS
DRAMA
SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES
By HOWARD MCQUITTER II
To emulate a famous (or infamous) person on screen or stage is no easy task. When it works it’s a beautiful thing and if it doesn’t work, it’s a waste of time. Many a thespian has done a biopic: Martin Luther King, Julius Oppenheimer, Eleanor Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Adolf Hitler, Queen Elizabeth I and II, and Pope John Paul II, among many others, have been portrayed.
Timothee Chalamet takes on the huge task playing a young Bob Dylan (1961-1965). It is a marvel in itself capturing the man before anybody knew who he was and when he first made national headlines. For the effort, Chalamet spent months learning and performing up to 40 of Dylan’s folk songs. This alone is amazing to say the least. I’m appreciative of the actor playing Mr. Dylan, formerly known as Robert Zimmerman. Dylan hailed from Hibbing, Minnesota, and was a complete unknown when he arrived in New York City to see his idol Woody Guthrie seriously ill in a hospital. Timothee Chalamet will certainly get an Oscar nomination in a leading role. But I’m also appreciative that Dylan and I are native Minnesotans.… Read the rest “A Complete Unknown”
