Twin Cities' 5 must-see art shows this weekend

Above: Artwork by Amy Rice

CLOSING

SooVac Artist' Holiday Shop

Closes Dec 24

SooVac Gallery (2909 Bryant Avenue South Suite 101, Mpls)

Looking for a last minute gift? Stop by this bountiful holiday shop, where you'll find a variety of goods by Minnesota artists, not to mention some Christmas cards that have snarky, coal-in-stocking-like messages on them. This menagerie of Minneapolis artists, however, is more than just a place to find gifts. "The holiday shop is an affordable way to start collecting art," said Carolyn Payne, executive director at SooVAC. In addition to paintings, drawings, sculpture and jewelry, this year there's art that you can lay your head on. Brian Ness embroiders pillows with characters like John Waters, Julia Child, Little Edie from "Grey Gardens," the Golden Girls, George Michael, Prince, David Bowie and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Sale continues through Dec. 24. (11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed., 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Thu. & Fri., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. & Sun. Ends Dec 24. SooVac, 2909 Bryant Av. S., Suite 101, Mpls. Free. 612-871-2263 or soovac.org)

Above: Kenneth Tam, sump (still), 2015, single-channel HD video projection, sound; 7:37 min. Courtesy of the artist.

OPENING

"Kenneth Tam: Cold Open"

Minneapolis Institute of Art (2400 Third Avenue South, Mpls)

Opens Dec 23

While most shows are winding down, Mia quietly opens this exhibition of new video work by NYC-based artist Kenneth Tam, who challenges societal norms attributed to masculinity and the (cis)male body. Video works on display include The compression is not subservient to the explosion; it gives it increased force (2011), sump (2015), and Breakfast in Bed (2016). A talk between Tam and Mia Contemporary Art Curator Gabriel Ritter will take place next year, on January 18.

CLOSING

Julie Buffalohead

Bockley Gallery (2123 W 21^st St., Mpls 55405)

Twin Cities-based artist Julie Buffalohead presents a new series of mixed-media drawings on Lokta paper, which is handmade in Nepal. Buffalohead's work explores the relationship between Native American and mainstream American culture, and between humans, animals and the environment. She also creates responses to current events such as the dismantling of Sam Durant's "Scaffold" at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Exhibition runs through December 23. Bockleygallery.com. Pictured below: "Pity Party" (2017).

ONGOING

Collecting Art: Hair & Nails Group show

Hair & Nails Gallery (2222 1/2 E. 35th St., Mpls)

Closes at the end of Jan 2018

Winter may be here, but not even the snow will ever stop Hair & Nails Gallery from opening more shows. In this hearty group exhibition, "Collecting Art," more than 25 artists show work. Exhibition runs through the end of January 2018. Gallery open Thursdays & Fridays 3-6 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays 1-6 p.m. and by appointment. https://hairandnailsart.com/current/

ONGOING

"For the Holidays"

Weinstein Gallery (908 West 46th St., Mpls)

Closes Jan 6

The notable Twin Cities gallery eases into the holidays with this relaxed group show that includes work by Edward Burtynsky, Elliott Erwitt, Vera Lutter, Erik Madigan Heck, Magnus Milsson, Ruben Nusz, Gordon Parks, Robert Polidori, Alec Soth, and Paolo Ventura.