'Inspired by Nature'

Need an excuse to revisit the excellent "17 Swedish Designers" exhibit at the American Swedish Institute? (And why wouldn't you? All that svelte minimalism feels like science fiction in the century-old rooms of the Turnblad mansion, like alien artifacts harvested from some future epoch.) On Friday, Swedish visionaries Pia Amsell and Barbro Wesslander, two staples of the Ikea design bullpen, will give a talk on what it's like to work as a designer these days in the Mecca of minimalism known as Stockholm. Titled "Inspired by Nature," the presentation details how the two women, who both grew up in the Swedish countryside, fold earthy themes into their glass and textile collections. The pair's consumer creations are signatures for both glassware company BodaNova and interior design firm Adesso. (7 p.m. Fri. $7. The American Swedish Institute)

• Gregory J. Scott

Cult Status opening

The artistic minds behind 33Design Gallery and Mpls Deth Crew have converged to form what they hope will be an even bigger force in the Twin Cities art scene. For their premiere show at Cult Status Gallery, the cooperative (which boasts Rudy Fig, Zach Kinsey and Deuce Seven as members) makes its ambitions known with a unique challenge: Eight artists were given the opportunity to complete a 1,500-square-foot installation within the confines of the gallery in 10 days. Resulting themes are said to allude to M.C. Escher, street art and vampires. Opening night includes live music by the Butcher's Bag and a silent auction. The new gallery has plans to open a print and T-shirt shop, compile a database of all the artists involved and set up a network with galleries in other cities. (7 p.m.-midnight Sat. Cult Status Gallery)

• Jahna Peloquin