Next weekend: The Walker's Local Artist Jewelry Mart

Just in time for Mother’s Day shopping, the Walker Shop is back with another installment of its popular Local Artist Jewelry Mart. The day-long trunk show showcases one-of-a-kind pieces by nineteen local jewelry artists and designers from the Twin Cities - most of which are not usually carried at the Shop.

I have long been a fan of Lauren Neal's Carrier Pigeon line, which is muted and minimal yet detailed and quietly bold. Each piece seems to carry a story. She does all original castings in gold and silver. I am really digging this silver ring.

Renee Larson is known for her whimsical, vintage-inspired designs.

Lefthand Originals by Larissa Loden are always fun and quirky. She designed a very cool line exclusively to go with designer Ivan Idland's collection at this year's Voltage - expect to see some of those pieces at the sale.

I hadn't yet heard of Annika Kaplan, but I really love this edgy, minimalist design.

Tia Keoubounpheng's minimalist, modern silvercocoon line is regularly carried at the Walker Shop, but expect to see some of her bolder, statement pieces in molded plastic.

Other designers featured include Brittany Foster of BMF Jewelry, Tasha Rae Tatro of Tasha Rae Jewelry, Mel Tudisco, Rebecca Wicklund, Yen Chee, Bridget Clark, Britta Kauppila of Britta Lynn Designs, Marisa Martinez of Meztiza Designs, Lauren Nicole, Liz Oie, Sarah Sitarz of Sarah Michaela Designs, Jill Smith, Molly Spilane, and Helen Wang.

Bonus: If you "like" the Walker Shop on Facebook, you can receive 20 percent off all Walker Shop purchases April 27 to May 4. Walker members always receive 10 percent off at the Walker Shop.

Details: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, May 7, in the Walker’s Medtronic Gallery, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 612-375-7633, shop.walkerart.com

Yves Klein retrospective ties art to fashion

The Walker Art Center "Off Center" blog has a very detailed post about the color of the moment, International Klein Blue, and its significance in the fashion industry. The Walker's next major exhibition will be a retrospective of the color's creator, Yves Klein - the first major U.S. retrospective of the painter in more than 30 years. It's a great case in point of how art influences fashion, and vice versa.


The show opens with the Walker's popular "Walker After Hours" preview party on October 22, always a must-go social gathering. Don your International Klein Blue dress - or suit - and come see this acclaimed exhibition before it opens to the public. Get details here.

[Jil Sander]

[Calvin Klein]

From the archives: Ra'mon and Walker Un-Prom

Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman has posted long-lost photos from his mini-collection from the Un-Prom at the Walker Art Center back in 2006. His style was so, so chic, fresh and edgy even back then.



BTW, I totally styled the band The Battle Royale in vintage sherbert-colored ruffled tuxedo shirts, white bow ties and white pants. Too cute.