In the Twin Cities art scene this weekend, a series of events blur the lines between history, politics, comedy and art. St. Paul nonprofit 825 Arts sheds new light on Black contributions that have shaped everyday life, from the traffic light to the electric microphone, challenging the traditional narratives of oppression that dominate Black History Month. 

Good Camel Comedy Theater’s improv comedians face off in a battle for laughs at Lush Lounge and Theater, while artist Jonathan Thunder merges surrealism and Ojibwe mythology at Gamut Gallery. 

Don’t miss the final weekend of Frank Theater’s “Sanctuary City,” unpacking the struggles of “Dreamers” and LGBTQ+ individuals navigating the threat of deportation. 

Rondo event celebrates Black ingenuity

In St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood, educator and community leader Mercedes Yarbrough is reshaping how Black history is taught, moving away from a narrative many students associate with oppression.

To celebrate Black History Month, 825 Arts is hosting “Black to the Future,” an event that explores the historical and futuristic contributions by Black creators. Inspired by Yarbrough’s comic book series — which features characters wearing designs from local Black fashion designers and visiting businesses like St. Paul’s ice cream parlor “Two Scoops” — the event also highlights Black entrepreneurship in Minnesota.

“I remember Black History Month was not necessarily my favorite. It was always about oppression, slavery, and it just didn’t make me feel good,” she said. 

She recalled the textbooks, the annual Black History Month lessons that focused on pain and subjugation and the uncomfortable gaze she felt from classmates when the subject of slavery was raised. She questioned why she hadn’t learned about the inventors and innovators who shaped the world she lived in.

“I hope this inspires our youth to realize that Black history is everyday history,” Yarbrough said. “The inventions featured are things we use everyday and a lot of people probably don’t even know they were invented by a Black person.”

Community organizations will showcase inventions at different stations. Highlights include the guitar, presented by Walker West Music Academy with Prince music; the electric microphone, presented by Commusication with a karaoke station; and hair care products, presented by Wyld Chyldz Hair Studio, teaching kids how to make their own natural hair care products. Additional key innovations such as the traffic light, fire extinguisher, and video games will also be featured. The event will also feature a fashion show with clothing by Broken Robots and a Black history game show. 

“We’re in spiritual welfare,” Yarbrough said. “People are going into spaces, but they’re staring at their phones, watching other people live their lives and they’re not really in the present moment. I’m very intentional on creating events where you’re not even thinking about your phone because you’re having such a good time. I love seeing these kids happy again. They’re dreaming. They’re believing.”

Navigating life in the shadows

Catch the final weekend of “Sanctuary City,” a play by Martyna Majok that explores the intersecting struggles of DACA recipients, also known as “Dreamers,” and LGBTQ+ individuals. The story follows G (Stephanie Anne Bertumen) and B (Clay Man Soo), two teenagers brought to the United States as children, navigating life in the shadows of undocumented status. 

The play unfolds in two acts: the first reflects the confusion and urgency of living under the constant threat of deportation, while the second offers a look into the characters’ lives and relationships. As G gains citizenship, the two plan to marry in hopes of securing B’s future and providing him with a chance to stay and pursue his dreams. 

Presented by Frank Theatre, “Sanctuary City” confronts the harsh realities faced by undocumented young people, while celebrating their resilience in the face of an uncertain future.

Step into the dream of Ojibwe art

The Gamut Gallery is hosting “Sovereignty of Joy,” an exhibit featuring 10 new paintings by Ojibwe painter Jonathan Thunder. His work explores personal memories and Ojibwe mythology, each piece unfolding like a dream sequence — fluid, symbolic, and slightly off-kilter.

“When I think about meaningful stories and things that have given me a place to stand in this world, I fall back on Ojibwe storytelling. It’s where I found my aesthetic as an artist,” said Thunder, who was born on the Red Lake Indian Reservation in northern Minnesota.

One of the standout pieces in the exhibit, “Searching for Pagok,” draws inspiration from Ojibwe lore.

“Pagok is like an Ojibwe boogeyman,” Thunder said. “It’s a story about a man who falls in love with the wrong woman and goes insane because of it. I painted this coffee shop scene with a donut, and then I thought about how to incorporate Pagok’s story. That’s when the skull appeared.”

Thunder’s creative process often evolves as he works. “It’s never linear or literal,” he said. “I start with an idea but as I paint, I figure out what it means to me. It’s more like exploration.”

In  acrylic paintings like “Blueberry Pie,” he explores themes of intimacy in relationships. He also incorporates recurring motifs, such as a character playing pool as a symbol of togetherness in “Shark in the Water” and “One More Game.”

“I just paint what I like,” Thunder said. “I want people to feel good energy and maybe come up with their own story.”

Join him for an artist conversation Thursday, February 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. to learn more about his artistic practice and the themes that drive his work.

Local comedians compete in laugh battle

Good Camel Comedy is hosting the “Oasis Laugh-Battle” every third Thursday at Lush Lounge and Theater. Each month, a different class of comedians takes the stage. One performer is selected to bring a guest — someone with no improv experience — who assists their partner in earning points and engaging the audience. 

This Thursday, catch comedians Dorian Beal, Karyn Wilson, Neco Pacheaco and Steph Callaghan as they compete for laughs and audience votes. 

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