Capturing the power of womanhood

When stylist, artist, and all-around badass Connie Mrotek told me that she wanted to produce a female-only photo collaboration celebrating unconventional beauty and the strength of women in our community, I thought, “Hell yes.”

Words by COLLEEN EVERSMAN

Last year’s Black Magik Woman was a collaboration by five photographers (myself included) and five models. After shooting our individual perspectives, we had our work printed and showcased at the Urban Outfitters in uptown Minneapolis. The turnout and reception was such a hit that Connie decided to produce a sequel. I spoke to Connie about the “what” and “why” of Black Magik Woman, and here’s what she had to say.

How would you describe the history and evolution of Black Magic Woman? What inspired its inception? I have a background in art and fashion and wanted to do a project or event that was more art-centered, as opposed to fashion-centered. As I was brainstorming ideas, I realized how many of my female friends are artists, and I wanted to promote a project that empowered us to not only show our talents, but to show how powerful we are together. I think so many women are afraid to work together, or automatically put up a competitive wall; but really, there is room for us all to grow and flourish, and it feels so much better to support each other than to tear each other down. It made sense to do an all female project, highlighting that magic in us all. I did want to represent many different types of women: white, black, Asian, straight, gay, single, married, parents, non-parents, etc. But this is really about being a woman and the beauty inside of all of us.

Why the name Black Magik Woman? The name comes from a song, first performed by Fleetwood Mac and made popular by Santana, called “Black Magic Woman.” It’s a man singing about this beautiful woman who is so mysterious and enchanting, she puts a spell on him. As women, we are more in touch with spirits, energies, the moon and stars than men. Throughout history, we have been accused of being witches like its a bad thing, but really it’s because men don’t fully understand us, and probably never will; and that is totally okay! There’s a really great movement happening in New York, a group of women that call themselves Witches of Bushwick. I would absolutely love for this project to evolve into something like what they are doing. It gives me all the good feels.

It takes a lot of energy, patience, and time to produce a project like this. What are some insights you’ve garnered from this experience? CM: I have learned so much from this project so far. It is so inspiring and rewarding to see all of these women come together and make something that is so wellreceived and positive. We all get excited for each other

“I am so damn lucky they believed in my vision.”

and can’t wait to see what we have all come up with. There’s no competitive undertone or hard feelings about this or that; it is seriously, just all positivity. I am so proud of each and every one of these ladies; they all inspire me to be a better person and to continue working on loving myself and those around me. I am so damn lucky they believed in my vision.

The real magic of community This year’s Black Magik Woman was a truly inspiring event that showed so much growth and evolution from last year. There were 10 photographers, each paired with a stylist and a model. The gallery opening was held at new and stylish Norseman Distillery in Northeast Minneapolis. Over 400 people attended the opening, which felt like a family reunion of all of Minneapolis’s creatives in one place. As a participating photographer for both years, the experience has been so important to me as an artist. It’s challenged me to think about what I want my work to represent and say, it’s influenced how I shoot, it’s taught me to be okay with criticism, and most importantly it’s brought me closer to other creatives in this community that I probably wouldn’t otherwise be connected to. The night of the opening was especially beautiful because we all got to see each other’s work and all of the people who came out to support us all was real magic.

A “big” small city At the opening night, attendees remarked that it almost felt like we were in Los Angeles or Brooklyn. The caliber of the art and fashion exhibited in that room were on

Irv Briscoe

par with that of any big city. Yet, there was still that

wonderful close-knit community feel that reminded us

we were indeed in Minneapolis. As Connie pointed out, there is a great collaborative spirit here, where rather than compete, people boost each other up and support one another’s craft. Black Magik Woman, with Connie and her team of awesome creative females, is a shining example of this city at its absolute best. ¢

1 Photographer: Katie Essick 2 Photographer: Erin Pederson 3 Photographer: Nylon Saddle 4 Photographer: Athena Pelton

Stylist: Lauren Roberts // Haus of Elle Model: Lindsey Dewitt Makeup: Julie Lam

Floral: Alexia Kelsey // Whimsey Design 5 Photographer: Colleen Eversman // 2nd Truth

Stylist: Judith Marilyn

Model: Jennesa LaSota 6 Photographer: Serene Supreme

Stylist: Katrina Haugen Model: Lauo Blak

Reimagining the dinner club

Open your home, feed strangers, and quit your day job. A husband-and-wife team lives their dream and gives Minneapolis foodies a chance to connect over cuisine.

Words & pictures by COLLEEN EVERSMAN

Minneapolis is home to some many notable restaurants. A select few have even won the highly esteemed James Beard Award. This is great for those who love amazing food, but sometimes you just want to have a tasty meal without all the fuss and frills of fancy fine dining. Enter Matt Kapra and Megan Sheridan, the kick-ass husband and wife duo behind private dinner club 320 Northeast.

Dinner with strangers Since opening a brick and mortar restaurant was much too expensive, and buying a farm in the country was not very convenient, Matt and Megan decided to host dinners in the comfort of their dining room in a townhouse in northeast Minneapolis. My first favorite thing about 320 Northeast is that it gently coaxes you to step outside of your comfort zone. We are so used to sharing meals with people we already know that the idea of having to eat with—and talk to—strangers may seem foreign and uncomfortable. 320 Northeast offers 10 seats at the table, of which you can only book a maximum of two. You don’t know who the other eight people will be until you arrive. Sounds crazy, right? You sit down and introduce yourself to the other folks at the table, and thus begins the conversation to get to know one another. I’ve been to four dinners at 320 Northeast, and I can tell you that the conversation at each one has been as unique and diverse as the people who attended. Since Minneapolis is relatively small, it’s usually no surprise to find mutual friends or common interests with one or more of your fellow diners. There is laughter and merriment throughout the entire evening, and it’s amazing that you walk away not only with a happy belly, but a happy heart.

Going beyond local: going native My second favorite thing about Matt and Megan’s dinners is that all of their ingredients are from local, organic farms and are native to this region. Yes, native, meaning they don’t serve anything that isn’t historically from here. If you’re at all familiar with growing crops, you know how this may complicate things for us here where winters are characterized by -30 degree wind chill and meters of snow fall. At most restaurants you can look at a menu and decide whether you want steak or chicken. At 320 Northeast, the menu has been meticulously deliberated by Matt and Megan. What they’ve chosen is what you’re getting—and it’s always a creative array. The menu changes from week to week, but might include items like chicken roulade, pork or duck rillettes, trout lox, or spinach salad with homemade honey mustard aioli.

From a dream to a reality Aside from being some of the best food you’ll ever eat and one of the greatest exercises in getting to know