Over 150 participants enjoyed a fun-filled evening that included great food and drinks, a private opening of the Intimate Apparel gallery show, as well as sophisticated jazz from pianist Dan Chouinard and vocalist Debbie Duncan. The event was enhanced by the presence of Walter and Joan Mondale and hosted by William Mondale with his daughter Charlotte. A runway show of exotic artwear by artists Maggie Dayton, Carolyn Halliday, Brittany Hughes, Lauren Koehne, Nancy MacKenzie, and Margaret Mousley rounded out a sparkling and scintillating evening at the Textile Center.

Hot Art Cool Jazz is a principal fundraiser for the Textile Center Joan Mondale Gallery, and the generous contributions of our participants raised $9,000 toward a goal of $15,000 goal. We are approaching our goal, and every contribution brings us closer to funding the marvelous gallery exhibitions that educate and inspire us all. Please help us reach our goal! Send a check or click on http://www.textilecentermn.org/contribute.asp to help keep a full schedule of exhibitions at the Joan Mondale Gallery. Every dollar makes a difference!

Special thanks to Steve Bye for photography. We would also like to thank our generous sponsors: Northwestern Foods, Park Midway Bank and Wellington Management.

"This weekend, I'm rather embarrassed to admit, I paid my first-ever visit to the Textile Center in Minneapolis. Just as Open Book is a center for all things literary, the Textile Center is a hub for all activity that involves thread, yarn and fabric. That includes weaving, quilting, knitting, sewing, needlework, lace making, basketry and beading."

Marianne Combs from MPR visited the Textile Center. Read all about it on the MPR State of the Arts blog.