Party Pictures and our Party Patrol bloggers take on the party scene in Minneapolis and St. Paul from mspmag.com

Cities 97 Sampler Volume 21 Release Party

By Maura Ryan | Photos by Maura Ryan | Event Date: November 18, 2009
Posted on November 20, 2009 | 0 Comments | Categories: Benefits + Fundraisers, TV Anchors + Media

Who: Cities 97 personalities, fans, and musicians
What: Cities 97 Sampler 21 Release Party
Where: Bayview Event Center, Excelsior, Minnesota
When: Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Why: To spread the love to Minnesota charities through the power of music

Party Patrol trekked ALL the way out to Lake Minnetonka Wednesday for the Cities 97 Sampler Volume 21 Release Party at Bayview Event Center. And it was well worth the ride, especially since we zipped out in a flash in the VIP lane on 394, to mingle in a place full of feel-good DJs, laid back musicians, and the sophisticated graduates of KDWB.

Maiden Minnesota

By Erin Gulden | Photos by Erin Gulden | Event Date: November 5, 2009
Posted on November 6, 2009 | 0 Comments | Categories: Fashionistas, Special Events

Who: Top-notch local female artisans, fashionistas, early holiday shoppers, and supporters of Free Arts Minnesota.
What: Maiden Minnesota Event
Where: Graves 601 Hotel
When: November 5. 2009

It was like a reunion right out of the pages of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine at the Maiden Minnesota event--this month's "Custom Made" covergirl Joy Teiken and fellow "Custom Made" star Molly Woodland of Apiary, stylemaker Kendra Lewis of Bebe Babble, the Hollywood Tape ladies, Penny Larson Munson, the Foat yoga sisters, Nelle handbags, not to mention numerous other artisans and businesswomen who have graced the pages of Mpls.St.Paul. All were peddling their fantastic wares to support Free Arts Minnesota, and guests of Maiden were treated to a killer swag bag, a glass of wine, and the chance to score special discounts from these fabulous vendors.

Ivey Awards Thank You Reception

By Christy DeSmith | Photos by Christy DeSmith | Event Date: Tuesday, November 3
Posted on November 4, 2009 | 0 Comments | Categories: Arts Scene, Special Events

Who: Theater artists, Ivey Award honorees, philanthropists, lots of a photographers, and the "in" crowd
What: A seemingly innocent reception to celebrate the successes of the 2009 Ivey Awards, held on September 21 at the State Theatre.
Where: The Eitel Apartments' top floor "Sky Lounge"
When: Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Why: To thank the folks who helped make the Iveys such a glamorous event, on track to become a Midwest version of the Tony Awards.

There's something so dignified about a reception posited to "thank" a group of well-intentioned people. But as it turned out, this reception was rocking, thanks to the smart, interesting, and conversational people it attracted. Also, thanks to the folks who got boozy, but I won't name names.

Opening Reception for the Vogel Collection at the Weisman

By Maura Ryan | Photos by Maura Ryan | Event Date: October 23, 2009
Posted on October 28, 2009 | 0 Comments | Categories: Arts Scene, Fashionistas, Openings

Who: Contemporary, minimal, and modern art buffs (OK, it's a niche crowd)
What: A 5-8 p.m. opening reception, compliments of the museum
Where: Weisman Art Museum
When: Friday, October 23, 2009
Why: If the Vogels can do it, so can you!

You don't have to be Ralph Burnet to have a world-class art collection. That's why I love the Vogels. Dorothy and Herbert Vogel are not your typical art collectors. She's a retired librarian, he's an ex-postal worker, according to Weisman Art Museum director Lyndel King, and they used Dorothy's salary to cover day-to-day expenses while Herbert's salary was used for art acquisition. Now that's passion people.

The Louvre and the Masterpiece Soirée at MIA

By Maura Ryan | Photos by Maura Ryan | Event Date: October 17, 2009
Posted on October 21, 2009 | 0 Comments | Categories: Arts Scene, Benefits + Fundraisers, Openings, VIPs

Who: The Circle members, plus heavy hitters and Marie Antoinette go-go dancers
What: The Louvre and the Masterpiece Preview Party
Where: The Minneapolis Institute of Arts
When: Saturday, October 17, 2009
Why: To celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime exhibit, right here in Minneapolis

Given our economic climate you would think the appreciation of art, which trickles to the top of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, would be a low priority today but that just isn't the case, and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts' party to celebrate the opening of The Louvre and the Masterpiece confirms it.