Twin Cities' 5 must-see art shows this weekend

KICK-OFF EVENT

Art Shanty Projects' 2018 On-Ice Program Kick-Off Event

Saturday, Jan 6 from 7-10 p.m.

SooVAC (2909 Bryant Ave S., Suite 101, Mpls)

The cold weather is definitely here, boasting temperatures in the negative double digits with the wind chill on some days. That is good news for the Art Shanty Projects, because their entire exhibition takes place on a frozen Lake Harriet (Bde Unma), beginning Jan 20. To get things going, they're hosting a celebration of shanty seasons past with a one-night exhibition at SooVAC, curated by Jan Elftmann and David Pitman. 2018 shanty artist Jeremy Bue will host bingo. There will also be a silent auction. More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/317393438764315

CLOSING

Carrie Thompson

From This Day Forward: Marriage and Miscarriage

Truckstop Gallery (20 Grove St. #72, Nicollet Island, Mpls)

Closing reception: Jan 6, 5-9 p.m.

The Minneapolis artist's work takes a direct approach to the "three R's": roots, restlessness and rootlessness rather than the two R's of "rest and relaxation." Through video and installation she discusses what it means to be grounded. Her work invites you into her life in a way that feels intimate. More info: http://www.truckstop.gallery/carrie-thompson-from-this-day-forward-marriage-and-miscarriage

OPENING

Athena's Armor: Meditations on Shielding

Form + Content Gallery

Opening reception: January 6, 6-9 p.m.

Artist Kathryn Nobbe showcases an installation of her new 2-D and 3-D mixed media work, which incorporates technology, painting, drawing and sculpture. If you want something more plush, check out the 3-D relief installation made up of over 20,000 felt balls. Exhibition closes Jan 27. More info: http://www.formandcontent.org/

SCREENING

The M Off-Site: CAVE Film Fest Screening

Saturday, Jan 6 from 2-4 p.m.

Bryant Lake Bowl & Theater (810 W Lake St., Mpls)

Hosted by the Minnesota Museum of American Art and Mizna

The M is closed until the Spring, but that doesn't mean they can't help facilitate and co-present cool events with Mizna like this film screening, which brings a variety of experimental cinema by Arab American filmmakers. For this edition of Cellular Cinema's CAVE 2 (Cinematic Audio Visual Experimentation), expect to see films by Usama Alshaibi, Basma Alsharif, Hisham Bizri, Ariana Hamidi and Andrea Shaker. Curated by Andrea Shaker and Michelle Baroody. Tickets available here: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3193850

ONGOING

Spit Shade

Gamut Gallery (717 10th Street South Mpls)

Local and national tattoo artists show off their tattoo-inspired works of art. The exhibition space itself is modeled after a tattoo shop waiting area. Curated by Minneapolis tattoo artists Lindsee Boyer of Bee Ink and Nate Vincent Szklarski of Saint Sabrina's. Exhibition closes Jan 20. More info: http://www.gamutgallerympls.com/2017/12/12/spit-shade/