This weekend, GGFYP hosts its monthly Lunch ‘n Learn series at Rhombus Guys, while the North Dakota Museum of Art hosts its monthy family day.

Thursday, May 24

GGFYP Lunch ‘n Learn

• Rhoumbus Guys Pizza, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
• Topic: Grand Forks Park District (Summer Opportunities)
• $10 pizza buffet

Live Jazz

• ‘L Bistro, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• Live music, appetizers

Thursday Cruz Night

• Culvers parking lot, 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
• Dozens of classic cars on display

Storytime

• Campbell Library (EGF), 7:00 pm
• Pre-school to primary age children

Friday, May 25

MedPark Toastmasters Meeting

• Altru Clinic Building 1, 12:10 pm - 12:55 pm
• Practice communication techniques and develop leadership skills

Friday Night Races

• River Cities Speedway, 7:30 pm
• Hot Laps at 6:30 pm
• For more information, click here

Saturday, May 26

Family Day at the North Dakota Museum of Art

• NDMOA, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Preschool activities, animal animation/drawing, sock puppets, collage animals, painting, animal scavenger hunt
• Admission: Free

Sunday, May 27

‘Eye of the Needle, Eye of the Heart’ Exhibit

• North Dakota Museum of Art, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• Artist Elias Sime addresses the dignity, wisdome and depth of the ancient indigenous cultures of Ethiopia

GGFYP’s annual ArtSee has come and gone and it was AMAZING! I give major props to the committee for pulling together wonderful artists, food and volunteers.

I had heard a lot about ArtSee but never had the chance to attend so I was anxious to see what it was all about.

When I arrived at the North Dakota Museum of Art, a fellow YP member immediately greeted me at the door and asked if I would like to enter my name in a raffle drawing for a chance to win a piece by artist Adam Kemp. Of course I signed up!

 As I continued into the museum my eyes rested on a huge display of food ranging from cheese and crackers to a chocolate bite with sprinkles. A variety of kabobs was also being served. The food (donated by Happy Harry’s Bottle Shops) was excellent! And even better, Happy Harry’s Bottle Shops was generous enough to also donate beverages.

The atmosphere was relaxing and fun with people mingling with each other and featured artists. Beautiful hand-painted watercolors, hand-made jewelry and other handcrafts were on display, and a number of artists had their works available for purchase. I watched as artist Adam Kemp painted a big, blooming tree of cherry blossoms on a large white canvas. Later in the evening, a group from Dance, etc! demonstrated a variety of dancing styles to music provided by Jarrod Schell and Matt Strand.

 Having finally attended my first ArtSee, I must say that I was impressed and am already looking forward to next year’s event.

-Jill Baird

The public is invited to the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals (GGFYP) Mayoral Debate on May 22, 7 pm, at Red River High School Theater. Marilyn Hagerty, the Grand Forks Herald’s “Eat Beat” columnist, and Terry Dullum of WDAZ’s “The Dullum File” will moderate the debate.

Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals has undertaken an initiative coined “Grand Forks Vote” aimed at providing the public with nonpartisan information on voting, candidates, and ballot measures. As well as sponsoring the Mayoral Debate on May 22, GGFYP has created a Grand Forks Vote website, with information about the upcoming June 12 election, candidates, and ballot measures. In addition, the website provides information on early voting, voting qualifications, and polling locations. The general public can submit questions of community interest on topics such as housing, infrastructure, youth retention, and more at gfvote.com.

The GGFYP Mayoral Debate at Red River High School will give the mayoral candidates the opportunity to address questions submitted through gfvote.com. The general public can also submit questions at the debate.

Red River High School is located at 2211 17th Avenue South, Grand Forks. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.gfvote.com or www.ggfyp.com.

This weekend, GGFYP hosts its annual ‘ArtSee’ event at the North Dakota Museum of Art.

Thursday, May 10

7th Annual GGFYP ‘ArtSee’

• North Dakota Museum of Art, 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm
• See the art, see the artists!
• Appetizers, wine, live music
• Admission: Free
• For more information, click here

Live Jazz

• ‘L Bistro, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• Live music, appetizers

Friday, May 11

MedPark Toastmasters Meeting

• Altru Clinic Building 1, 12:10 pm - 12:55 pm
• Practice communication techniques and develop leadership skills

Friday Night Races

• River Cities Speedway, 7:30 pm
• Hot Laps at 6:30 pm
• For more information, click here

‘Eye of the Needle, Eye of the Heart’ Exhibit

• North Dakota Museum of Art, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Artist Elias Sime addresses the dignity, wisdome and depth of the ancient indigenous cultures of Ethiopia

12 Houses Belly Dancers

• Fire Hall Theatre, 7:00 pm
• Tickets – $10 at the door

Saturday, May 12

A Women’s Work: ND Ballet Company Concert

• Empire Arts Center, 7:30 pm
• Blend of modern dance and ballet
• Tickets: Adults – $15, Students – $12

University of North Dakota Spring Commencement

• Alerus Center, 1:30 pm

Grand Forks Baseball Smoker and Silent Auction

• Southgate Bar & Grill, 7:30 pm
• Silent auction, complimentary appetizers
• Cover charge - $25
• All proceeds benefit Grand Forks youth baseball

Laurence Juber Concert

• Fire Hall Theatre, 7:30 pm
• Former lead guitarist for Paul McCartney and the Wings, Grammy winner
• Free refreshments
• Tickets – $20 (reservations recommended)

Sunday, May 13

‘Antique to Chic’

• North Dakota Museum of Art, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• Doors – 1:00 pm, Sale begins – 3:00 pm
• Jewelry sale, raffle, silent auction
• Admission – Free

Owner of Fotos Alamode, Jeremy Alameda is a graduate of UND and an avid traveler. Jeremy uses photography to reflect this passion as well as to capture festivities and local events.

Kelsey Ruhland opened Crabapple Floral in 2008 after receiving a degree in Landscape Architecture from North Dakota State University. Her love of plants and gardening gives her a wealth of floral knowledge, and her degree has given her an eye for design. Originally from the Fargo area, Kelsey recently moved to Grand Forks and is excited to get to know and love the city!

Words are important when they deliver the same message as your attitude and action. But often times they will disagree, it is at this time when people pay closer attention to your attitude rather than your words. Generally attitudes are described as those feelings you communicate to others both through verbal and non verbal expressions. These can be facial expressions and body language. Your co-workers and customers for that matter can easily pick up on these cues and are quickly driven away from those who rub off that negative energy. Attitudes are definitely contagious; people surround themselves around those who are happy, upbeat, and positive. How can you check your attitude to see if you are a positive Patty or a negative Nelly? Answer the following questions; be honest with your answers.

Respond Yes or No to the Following statements:

1.    I complain immediately when I don’t like something 

2.    I can’t stand do-gooders.

3.    You had better not try to pull a fast one on me, or I’ll get you back.

4.    If you don’t’ succeed the first time, give up because you’ll embarrass yourself.

5.    I think it’s good to complain, and then people know exactly how I feel.

6.    Being positive most of the time is just too unrealistic.

7.    If anything goes wrong, it ruins the rest of my day.

8.    If I do a good job, nobody cares about the way I act.

9.    Backing down makes you look weak.

10.   Few people understand what I go through.

If you answer yes to one or two statements you think negatively sometimes, however if yes is your answer five times you see the bad side a little too often. Responding yes to more than five of these statements suggests that you need to learn coping behaviors.

Remember attitude is the most important thing considered in the hiring process and can also determine your success both on and off the job. Attitude is how you think and feel inside and is very contagious. People are attracted to those who give off positive energy. Each day try to avoid complaining by changing a negative statement into a positive one. You can change your attitude, so if a “bad” attitude is a challenge for you, talk to your employer to start developing a new one!

-Kellie Larson

Maria Thompson is a multimedia artist living in Grand Forks,ND with her husband and their four young children.Growing up in New York City, art has always been a calming presence in this artist’s life. With four brothers and two working parents, art was always a way to find a peaceful corner within the hectic pace of family life.

Since 2008, Maria has run the Red Rhino Art Studio in Grand Forks, teaching art to children in classes held ather home. These young artists have provided some of the greatest aesthetic insight and inspiration for Maria’s own works–with their willingness to attempt all media and techniques without restraint.

Sometimes there is no one medium that can fully express everything an artist sees or imagines. A mixed-mediaapproach to art allows different materials to represent varying facets of an artistic vision. The pieces Maria creates at a given time often follow a theme derived from beloved literature or poetry. She tries to develop that theme into as many artistic interpretations as possible before moving on to her next muse.

Kelly Smith is a distinguished face and body artist who caught the ‘painting bug’ over eight ago while attending Moose Burger Clowning Arts. While attending school, she had the opportunity to be instructed by Marcella Murad, one of the top body artist sin the world.

Since competing her training, Kelly now performs her artwork throughout the Red River Valley as well as all over the world as part of a Guest Entertainer program on Royal Carribbean Cruise Lines.  Last year alone Kelly painted over 5,200 children and adults at events, parties and on cruise ships.  While Kelly specializes in face painting for children, she also paints pregnant bellies, does gore makeup for local EMS departments and full body painting in the Caribbean.

Stay tuned for more about our great ArtSee artists next week! In the meantime,  check out the ArtSee website and Facebook event for more ArtSee buzz!

This weekend, the KEM Shrine Circus rolls into town and the River Cities Speedway kicks off the 2012 racing season.

Thursday, April 26

Live Jazz 

• ‘l Bistro, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• Enjoy live jazz music by local artists, appetizers

Bearcat Karaoke

• Tavern United, 8:00 pm – Midnight

Friday, April 27

MedPark Toastmasters Meeting

• Altru Clinic Building 1, 12:10 pm - 12:55 pm
• Practice communication techniques and develop leadership skills

Friday Night Races - Season Opener

• River Cities Speedway, 7:30 pm
• Hot Laps at 6:30 pm
• For more information, click here

KEM Shrine Circus

• Ralph Engelstad Arena
• Showtimes – 3:00 pm, 7:00 pm
• Tickets: Adults – $14, Children 8th grade and Under - Free

Saturday, April 28

2nd Annual Hootenanny of Hope

• EGF Eagles Club, 5:30 pm – Midnight
• Live music, raffles, door prizes, silent auction, appetizers
• Admission: $10 donation
• All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society (Relay of Life)

Family Day at the North Dakota Museum of Art

• NDMOA, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Animal Kingdom (Part 2)
• Preschool activities, animal animation/drawing, sock puppets, collage animals, painting, animal scavenger hunt
• Admission: Free

March for Babies

• Grand Cities Mall, 10:00 am
• Registration at 9:00 am
• Walk to raise awareness for healthier, stronger babies

KEM Shrine Circus

• Ralph Engelstad Arena
• Showtimes -  10:00 am, 2:00 pm,  7:00 pm
• Tickets: Adults – $14, Children 8th grade and Under - Free

Sunday, April 29

KEM Shrine Circus

• Ralph Engelstad Arena
• Showtimes -  2:00 pm,  6:00 pm
• Tickets: Adults – $14, Children 8th grade and Under - Free

This week’s featured artists are Pirjo Berg & Chase Wu.

Pirjo Berg studied Regional Planning in Finland, before moving to Seattle. There she enrolled in drawing and painting classes, but also studied art philosophy and art history.  In 1996 she decided to get a formal education in painting, and moved back to Finland to attend the School of Art and Media in Tampere. Currently, Berg resides in Grand Forks and is working in painting.

Born and raised in Tainan, Taiwan, Chase Wu came to the United States in 1997 and studied English and received her bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Buena Vista University, Storm Lake, Iowa. Currently she is a second year MFA student in Mixed Media at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks North Dakota.  Her work has been experimenting with the materials within printmaking and fiber and is focused on texture and layering.

Stay tuned for more about our great ArtSee artists next week! In the meantime, check out the ArtSee website and Facebook event for more ArtSee buzz!

The powwow is a competitive event for the traditional dancers. They will be competing in 6 different age groups, starting with the Tiny Tots through the Golden Age dancers. Dancers will dance to the over 20 drummers and singers that will be there. Audience members are able to watch, talk to, and learn from the dancers about what is happening during the entire event. There will also be an opportunity for audience members to dance with the dancers. A community feast will be held on Saturday with traditional food.

The powwow will be held at the UND Hyslop Center. Friday: Grand Entry at 7 pm; Saturday: Grand Entry at 11 am, Traditional Feast at 5 pm; Sunday: Grand Entry at 1 pm.

You can find out more information here or here.

We also heard from Crystal Schneider from Habitat for Humanity. She discussed how Habitat for Humanity impacts the community and the plans for building a home this summer. They will be looking for donations and volunteers to help with building the house this summer. You can find more information at http://www.rrvhabitat.org/.

-Jill Baird