Feature Member

May 2010 - Brave New Workshop

2010-05-15T18:33:00.001-07:00

The Brave New Workshop is the longest running satirical comedy theatre in the United States and was founded by theatre impresario Dudley Riggs. In the mid-1950's, Dudley Riggs, a former Ringling Bros., Barnum and Bailey circus aerialist, founded the Instant Theatre Company in New York City with fellow circus and vaudeville performers. After touring nationally, with stops in Chicago, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles, Dudley introduced his Instant Theatre to Minneapolis in 1958. Dudley recruited then Star Tribune reporters Irv Letofsky and Dan Sullivan, cartoonist Dick Guindon, and others to write and perform satirical revues on his stage. In 1961, the Brave New Workshop name was added, and in 1965, the Workshop moved to its current home at 2605 Hennepin Avenue. The

BNW is best known for the hundreds of distinctively talented and famously funny alumni that have passed through its doors. Legendary entertainers like Pat Proft (writer/producer for more than a dozen Hollywood films including Naked Gun, Police Academy and Hot Shots) , Al Franken (Saturday Night Live), Peter Tolan (writer / producer for films and television, credits including The Gary Shandling Show and Analyze This) and comedian Louie Anderson all earned their chops at the BNW. Recent alumni like Mo Collins (MAD TV) and Melissa Peterman (Reba) are also carrying on the BNW tradition in Hollywood and beyond.

April 2010 - "June" Boutique

2010-05-14T21:15:00.000-07:00

June, in south minneapolis, is a well-curated women's resale clothing shop.

Hate digging through packed racks in dark and dingy stores searching for that perfect outfit or shoes? shop at june in a boutique setting with crystal chandeliers, plush velvet curtains, antique rugs and a shoe salon where you'll find like-new women's clothing. Everything from Alexander McQueen to Guiseppe Zanotti, bags, accessories and a room full of shoes. You'll also find one-of-a-kind pieces from local jewelry designers.

While the atmosphere says 'high-end boutique', you'll find fabulous pieces at a fraction of their original retail price! June is a buy-outright clothing store - rather than consignment; no appointment needed!

Visit june at 3406 Lyndale Ave S. and at www.juneresale.com

March 2010 - Hillary Wallace

2010-04-08T21:06:00.001-07:00

HILLARY WALLACE PHOTOGRAPHY

A little bit about my me…
I am a wife, a mom, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a grandchild, and a friend. There are so many roles that we all play, every day, every minute. In the end, these roles represent the relationships that help to shape us; and those relationships become extensions of what is most meaningful and sacred. Our lives are a series of experiences and moments in time. These moments reflect who we are, the fun we’ve had, and the ways we’ve grown. Sometimes, these special moments happen so quickly that unless they are documented, we risk forgetting. I feel photography is important. Not only as a beautiful form of art, but as a way to tell our story and document our history.

A little bit about my background…

By education, I am trained in traditional darkroom photography. For a long time, I shot exclusively black and white film. I received a degree in studio art from the University of Virginia and also studied at the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, as well as an international art school in Florence, Italy. I am still learning every day, especially since choosing to put down my film camera and enter the digital world. I love that the learning continues. I work hard to continually sharpen my skill and hone my eye.

Professionally, I spent a number of years working in various creative and professional settings. My greatest take-away has been the importance of relationships and the value of client service. In my business, I hope to build great relationships while providing exceptional service and a memorable experience.

A little bit about my style…

I strive to apply a contemporary, documentary sensibility to portraiture. My photographs are playful yet calm, informal and natural. Being on location enhances the experience, as I feel kids and adults alike are most relaxed, natural and alive in their own surroundings.

My approach is calm, unobtrusive and focused. I try not to let the camera separate me from my subject too much. Comfort and fun are both goals that I embrace in the creative process. I don’t do a lot of directing. My intention is to create photographs that truly reflect you.

Working with families is truly and honor and a privilege. If you would like to see more of my work or inquire about my availability, I would love to hear from you.

February 2010 - P55 Founding Members

2010-02-20T09:31:00.001-08:00

MELISSA

Canadian import Melissa Oliveri arrived in the Twin Cities in 2006 following a lightening strike love story. The story pursued its course with a tiny wedding ceremony, a truckload of immigration paperwork and, more recently, a lively little boy to call her “Mama”. Previously a resident of several Canadian cities in Ontario and Quebec, the last of which was Montreal, she freelanced as a Visual Presentation Designer whose clients included The National Film Board of Canada, among others. Growing up in both a country setting and one of Canada’s largest cities, and moving on average every 3 years of her life, her background was a foundation for taking on a chameleon-like quality in adapting to new environments and new people. Despite being outgoing and approachable, developing friendships with any depth in the Twin Cities, especially as an adult in a relationship, proved difficult. Eventually, interacting with other non-natives who felt the same way inspired Melissa to join forces with some trusted friends to start Project 55 so other newcomers would have someone to turn to who could help them feel more comfortable in their new habitat.

BELÉN

Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Belén Fleming lost her southern drawl after a few harsh Minnesota winters. By collage, she reluctantly dropped her warm, drawn out and relaxed “Y’all” in exchange for a very melodic and round pronunciation of the “Minnesota O.” It was all about adapting – a skill she had acquired through moving and traveling throughout her young adult life and carried forward as she earned her degree in Spanish. She moved to Spain and later to Argentina where she became accustomed to assimilating into her new habitats and learned quickly that if you want to do something, go somewhere or meet someone, not only do you have to know how to communicate it -- you sometimes have to make it happen by simply asking for it.

After moving back to Minnesota and working for a few years as a Corporate Translator and International Marketing Coordinator, life shifted both personally and professionally. After over a decade of studying other cultures and speaking her non-native language on a daily basis, she jumped into an opportunity for something new (and completely different) and suddenly found herself a stranger in her own city. She understands the challenge of moving to a new place or dealing with circumstances that leave you to start from scratch and came on board with Project 55 to help create a landing pad for new arrivals, both fresh off the boat or from just around the block.

BRENDA

Coming soon...