Well, at about 6:45 p.m. on Saturday night, in the midst of a classic Seinfeld, my husband and I got out of our warm cocoon to get ready for the night — a holiday soirée for the Franconia Sculpture Park, hosted at Abitaré Design Studio.

Now, understand, Howard works a lot, and a long time ago we both decided that if my job overlapped his down time, or vice versa, we would call a truce and only go with our partner out of support if the other one needed them there. Well, OK, I didn't NEED Howard there, but I really wanted him there because he always has an interesting take on cultural events. :-)

When we first arrived at Abitaré, I was delighted to see my friend Robyne Robinson, who many know for her great work as the main anchor for FOX 9. What many don't know is how passionate Robyne is for the arts. It is Robyne, after all, who created a "buzz" with her Buzz, which she spent many years doing on FOX 9, and which attracted many non-viewers who would tune in just to see who and what made the "buzz."

Robyne is also a jewelry maker, and not just any kind of jewelry but extraordinary jewelry, one of a kind jewelry... semi-precious stone and pearl jewelry.

Before Robyne made it in the front door I had my camera out and asked her and Howard for a quick "Cheese."



As we walked in, my first mission was to meet Tom Bartel, who, as you all know, owns The Rake and is one of my new bosses.

Without having to go far, I ran into Ted Mondale, whose sister Eleanor is one of my closest friends, and who is also responsible for making downtown St. Louis Park look super-hip. I told Ted that I wanted to meet my new boss, and it turns out that Ted had a job selling ads for City Pages while in college, so he knows Mr.Bartel and said he would take me over to meet him. Perfect introduction opportunity: Former grateful Employee and now successful politician. How could I go wrong, or in my case... right?

With my camera and firm handshake in tow, I made a b-line for Mr.
Bartel, who I caught (off guard) at the crafts table, making sculptures. I introduced myself.. took a snapshot and told myself, "that went well"... so I wouldn't be distracted by the gnawing question of my first impression on my new boss.


 

My husband surprised me.... and, I think, himself...... by enjoying the crowd of "Crazies" — Robyn Robinsons' favorite word to describe all of us who are creators or fans of the creators.

After meeting and speaking with the founders of Franconia Sculpture
Park, and watching the creativity from the "make your own scupture" table spawn a few other creative eneavors — like make your own wine glass concoction and silly hat — it was already time to go. :-(

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I learned a lot about artists that night. I learned that not only are artists "crazy" — which I think I can safely say with a smile, because my Mom is one — but that we all are creators to some degree. Some of us create sculptures and works of art, while others of us just create something simple like a great batch of cookie dough or even something little..... like a humorous inside joke that CREATES smiles across a crowded audience — which came that night care of Robyne Robinson: "WE ARE ALL A BUNCH OF CRAZIES. COME ON, EVERYONE, YOU KNOW THAT I AM RIGHT!" Yep. A roar of laughter erupted across the room of artists, creators, publishers, fund raisers, and even a few from the area where the appetizers were being made. :-)