David Beard Posts

Illustrating Hunger and Homelessness: Chelsea Froemke

Art by Nelle Rhicard at reframeideas.com.

Food insecurity, housing insecurity, poverty and social justice are intertwined, a knot of problems facing our community. Thirteen percent of Duluthians face food insecurity, and more than 54% of renter-households are rent burdened. Often these difficult social problems are addressed by nonprofit organizations that run food pantries or housing shelters. They build affordable housing and support people living on the street. While these workers are heroes, they are also human, and their stories are also intertwined with larger issues like poverty and social justice. These frontline workers are also often former college students who enter the job market with the consequential task of supporting those who others have left behind.

Illustrating Hunger and Homelessness: AC Kirk

Art by Nelle Rhicard at reframeideas.com.

A group of University of Minnesota Duluth faculty, students and community artists came together to explore strategies to communicate the stories of frontline workers in housing and food insecurity. UMD students met AC Kirk, the Farms Coordinator at the Family Freedom Center in Duluth.

Duluth playwright interviewed on NME

Duluth playwright Mark Stanfield was interviewed for an article published this week in the British arts and culture website New Musical Express, or NME.

Armory fundraiser event seeks art submissions

The Armory Arts and Music Center is celebrating the 109th anniversary of the Historic Duluth Armory on Nov. 15. The fundraising event will feature 20-25 artists and their works, focusing on the theme of the evening: Preservation.

Illustrating Hunger and Homelessness: Tiffany Fenner

Art by Nelle Rhicard at reframeideas.com.

Food insecurity, housing insecurity, poverty and social justice are intertwined, a knot of problems facing our community. Thirteen percent of Duluthians face food insecurity, and more than 54 percent of renter-households are rent burdened. Often these difficult social problems are addressed by nonprofit organizations that run food pantries or housing shelters. The organization’s workers build affordable housing and support people living on the street. While these workers are heroes, they are also human, and their stories are also intertwined with larger issues like poverty and social justice. These frontline workers are also often former college students who enter the job market with the consequential task of supporting those who others have left behind.

Literary History of Duluth: Joel Carter

Another thrift store find:  I would love it if anyone with stories about this book, about its poetry or the art or the press, would post below or email dbeard @ d.umn.edu.

Literary History of Duluth: Savage Press

I’m still slowly writing the literary history of Duluth and would love if anyone with stories of Savage Press would post below or email me at dbeard @ d.umn.edu.

TeebCon

I attended TeebCon at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. Perhaps the most magnificent sight was the Warhammer Tournament on the second floor.

Local poet talks absurdities with morning television audience

I love Henry’s taste in the quirky and just plain odd. All of that is made visible in this WDIO interview with the local poet, who offers to teach us to become Canada Gooses.

The state fair begins tomorrow

Drawing of a Bucket of Cookes

The Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 22 to Sept. 2, and local artist Holly Rose has been counting down to the State Fair on her Instagram feed. Check it out and nerd out with me.

You can buy Sweet Martha’s cookies at Aldi and Cub, at least — maybe Super One too, I don’t know. They taste pretty good. And the line is shorter, and my god, I am old.

Counting Down to the State Fair with Fellow Duluthians

I am always excited by the Minnesota State Fair. At one point I had attended every year for a 20-year stretch. I attended six days in one year; another year, I returned home from England early just so I could squeeze one day in.

Suggestions for a Minnesota Authors Class: Song Lyricists

I’m teaching a Minnesota authors class for the first time this year, and I want to make sure it’s hip and current and that it’s Duluthy. So I’m asking for help.

I want to do a brief (two-week) unit on song lyrics. I’m looking for Minnesota’s best song lyricists and their best lyrics.

The Final Day of FinnFest

Lots going on at FinnFest today, but hurry down by 9 a.m. to hear Lyz Jaakola at “Ojibwe Music Morning.” There are strong co-programming ties with the Ojibwe community as part of FinnFest.

The Fourth Day of FinnFest

Every day at FinnFest the North American Floorball finals are held, with some of the best players from nine countries playing for the coveted Troy Cup.

I’m not much for sportsball, but this video helps to explain.

The Third Day of FinnFest

Every day at FinnFest the Saami Cultural Center is presenting “The Story of Akanidi, Daughter of the Sun.” I’m super-proud of my colleagues at UMD and around the region who work with the center.

Unrelated to this exhibit, this YouTube video tells the story — consider it my attempt to whet your appetite.