Upcoming Spring 2012 Events!
What If? Alternate History Teen & Family DayMinnesota History Center, St. Paul MNDates: April 21, 2012Time: Noon to 4 p.m.345 W. Kellogg Blvd.St. Paul, MN 55102Fee: $11 adults, $9 seniors and college students, $6 children ages 6-17; free for children age 5 and under and MHS members.Travel back in time and imagine a new future. Explore Minnesota through the eyes of science fiction and steampunk authors, artisans, and alternate historians. And by all means, don’t forget your goggles and top hat.Activities will include: Interactive Steampunk Mystery with SteamCentury Minnesota, Music by Bad September, Ask a Writer with Minnesota science fiction authors Kelly Barnhill, Lyda Morehouse and Kelly McCullough, Fashion Art Activity with Leonardo’s Basement, fashion models styled by Blasphemenia’s Closet and Steampunk artisans selling fashion accessories to create a more fantastic you.This program is presented by the Minnesota Regional Public Libraries in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society. Programs are made possible by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund created through the passage of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment by the vote of Minnesotans in November 2008.RetroRamaMinnesota History Center, St. Paul MNSave the date - Thursday, May 24, 2012Time: 7:30 to 11 p.m.Fee: $15 / $12 for MHS members.Reservations: recommended, call 651-259-3015 or register onlineRetrorama: Sex, Politics and PowerTo mark this election year and the politics, protest and power plays that have always shaped our nation’s character, the Minnesota History Center’s RetroRama is back with a look at politics and fashion. Produced by Anna Lee, modeled by the lovely ladies of Lili’s Burlesque and DJ’d by Jake Rudh, the “Fashion is Political!” fashion show features work by twin cities designers who’ve found inspiration in artifacts on display representing the suffragette movement, Prohibition era gangsters, 60s Civil Rights and more to express their personal and political vision of style.Try your luck at Blingo with Ellie Blades and some special political guests, pick up unique vintage and designer finds at a boutique courtesy of Blacklist Vintage, the Spectacle Shoppe and Flamingo’s Divine Finds, enjoy a cocktail demonstration and samples provided by Nick & Ira of Bittercube bitters and Bombay Sapphire Gin and express your political convictions through souvenir accessories that you make yourself. The Southside Aces provide a musical backdrop to the event.This Year’s Designers:Christopher Straub is a self taught designer, recognizable as a competitor on Season 6 of "Project Runway.” His line includes women’s and men’s clothing, accessories, bags and jewelry.Danielle Everine is an artist and designer with a focus in fashion; she sells her work at Cliché boutique in Minneapolis, and recently completed a stint on Season 9 of “Project Runway.”Samantha Rei began her line and website Blasphemina's Closet, in 2000, and finds inspiration in historical fashion, fairytales and Japanese youth fashion.Emma Berg is an artist and producer whose projects include the online arts calendar mplsart.com, the Gallery at Fox Tax, and a fashion line that debuted in 2009, and featured as the finale to Voltage 2010.Max Lohrbach is a trained designer, milliner and cobbler who finds inspiration in history, painting and drawing. His garments are sewn on antique machines with hand-sewn details and vintage fabrics.Keep celebrating at the RetroRama afterparty, hosted by Amsterdam Bar & Hall. Featuring drink specials, live music and great food, it’s nearby at 6 W. 6th Street. This program is in partnership with MNFashion.