@kristoffer_k tipped us off this morning via Twitter that Brant Kingman is in the news (again). Star Tribune columnist Jon Tevlin had a chance to recently talk to Kingman about his ordeal, which we're sure you all know, has been going on for a few years now. To sum it up quickly in case you've been living on the Moon the last decade: The City of Minneapolis does not want Kingman, a well-known local artist, to have art events (read: parties) in his studio. For years the City has been throwing the book at him for various reasons, trying to shut down his invite-only art parties for good. The clever creative has always seemed to find a loophole, until recently.
Ricardo Cervantes, deputy director of licenses for the city claims "Kingman's working studio is simply not safe for large gatherings as it contains flammable materials and welding tanks." Bad cop, I know. But Cervantes goes on to say that he is an art lover himself adding "I know about throwing a pot and painting." Yeeaah.
I am sure most of you have been to Kingman Studios before and had a great time mingling with local artists, musicians and undercover cops too, as the article reveals. Does City of Minneapolis have legitimate reason to worry? Or are they just trying to prove a point?
Submitted by @marrina
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
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We'd love to play a show there. Sounds like a great place.
ReplyDeleteThe Fun Police
It's too bad this piece didn't talk to other NE studios having trouble with the city fun police. This whole "no booze in studios" during big events like the fall preview isn't a very well thought out.
ReplyDeleteIts true, the city has been cracking down on art events here and there. It's quite ridiculous but technically it is the law, though you'd think they'd have something better to do. I was on the NEMAA Board for three years, and I was the event planner for the Fall Fine Arts Show this past year, and due to budgets the board decided to nix the temporary liquor license we needed to serve wine (I think it costs about $300 even for a non-prof for one night, for one bar). Chances are you can get away with it, but they've put the fear of god into the building owners who then ban their tenants from serving. Its one big ploy to get the buildings to shell out big bucks for building-wide liquor licenses for events like Art-A-Whirl. Hey, the city needs to get in on that action too, right? Can't let the artists make ALL the money, that would be un-American. lol.
ReplyDeletenow where am i going to go for an afterbar back rub on a bear skin rug in front of a fire??!
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