Get crafty at Craft Council
Visitors to the American Craft Council Show can get into the act this year.
The annual show returns to St. Paul RiverCentre April 10-12. In addition to featuring the latest creations in jewelry, clothes, furniture and decor from more than 225 artisans, this year will feature two new programs: Let's Make Inspiration Stations and Hip Pop.
A variety of craft artists will provide interactive demonstrations at the Let's Make Inspiration Stations, where visitors can participate in creating a work of art.
Hip Pop features fresh finds from emerging artists exhibiting for the first time at the show, capturing the latest trends and current craft aesthetics.
The Make Room feature returns, where four local interior designers will create room settings inspired by craft objects, open for viewing throughout the show. This year's theme is "4 Elements" — each designer was challenged to create a vignette that suggested air, earth, fire or water.
The show is at 175 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://shows.craftcouncil.org/stpaul. Tickets are $11 in advance for a one-day pass, or $12 at the door. Ages 12 and under are admitted free. On Friday evening you can get into the show for $5 after 5 p.m. Hours are Fri. from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sun. from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Antiques market
Look for architectural pieces, garden finds, primitives, midcentury modern items and more at the Gathering of Friends Antique Market at Bachman's April 9-12.
Eighteen dealers offers pine and oak furniture, vintage wares, collectibles and pottery. Items are continually restocked through the run of the free market, which is open during store hours (Thu.-Fri. 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.) at the Bachman's on Lyndale, Garden Greenhouse. More info at www.agatheringoffriends.net or 651-247-9935.
Paint the town
If you're a low-income senior with a house in need of painting, you may qualify for help from the Metro Paint-A-Thon, a program of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches that helps seniors and people with disabilities live independently.
Each summer, a thousand volunteers scrape, prime and paint homes in Hennepin and Ramsey counties and neighboring cities at no cost to homeowners who meet income guidelines. (No two-story homes.) This year's primary event is Aug. 1-2. Call 612-276-1579 for information or to request an application. You can download an application or complete it online at gmcc.org/paintathon. Deadline to apply is April 14.
Martha Buns
Free remodeling seminar
Thinking about updating your kitchen or a bathroom? Crystal Kitchen Center is offering a free remodeling seminar, offered at two times on April 11. The seminar, "13 Reasons to Hire a Kitchen and Bath Remodeler," will offer insights and helpful hints, including cost-saving ideas, signs of quality, design trends, tips on budgeting and remodeling dos and don'ts.
The seminar will be held 9 to 10:30 a.m and noon to 1:30 p.m. Seating is limited; RSVP by calling 763-544-5950. Crystal Kitchen Center is located at 3620 Winnetka Av. N. in Crystal.
Kim Palmer
