The Argus printed this today, but not with the cartoon.

By Scott L. Ehrisman, founder, Sioux Falls Artists for Public Responsibility

I’ll admit I’m a skeptic, especially when it comes to a ton of dough being thrown around. But like most Sioux Falls residents, I am willing to look past where T. Denny Sanford’s wealth came from. It is no doubt his gift will be positive for most of us who live in this prairie village. We heard the news stories: population growth, economic development, higher-paying jobs, the list goes on. Finally, our future is looking very promising. Almost metropolitan?

The local news has been oozing with stories about all the great things that will happen in Sioux Falls due to our new metro status.

But what really makes a city metropolitan? Chic shops and restaurants? Sure.

World-class researchers, doctors and scientists moving to town? Getting warmer.

What distinguishes a metropolitan city from just another stop on the interstate is its arts and culture community. Don’t get me wrong. To the protest of some, we already have built the facilities and started programs we need to put on world-class arts events and exhibits, so the base is there. But before we start calling Sioux Falls ‘metro,’ we need to replace our arts community’s stodgy and crusty leadership with young, progressive, creative minds that want to push arts and culture in our community forward. This means we need to give up some stuff, too, like art organization dictatorships, censorship, secrecy and back stabbing.

Art in a metropolitan community should be challenging, engaging and exciting for all ages and walks of life, not just those who collect Franklin Mint statues and NASCAR memorabilia. It should be willing to take on new dimensions and go down uncharted paths, and it always should be fresh, original and edgy. This means new arts leadership that is willing to take chances and not be afraid of the public but also involve them in the transformation with truthfulness and patience. Honesty always will be appreciated by your constituents.

So the next time someone says Sioux Falls is going to be the next metropolitan arts mecca, ask them if they are ready for regime change. I know I am.

Thank you to T. Denny Sanford.

Next month will be the 4th anniversary of the supposed liberation of Iraq. March 19, 2003 to be exact.

In an effort to bring some awareness to ending this conflict someone has asked if I would be interested in participating in an art exhibit Sunday March 18th. The theme is obvious.

If anyone else is interested, let me know:

fb.art@sio.midco.net

 

The Sarah Silverman Show has got to be my NEW favorite show. In the 2nd episode last night Sarah started an AIDS awareness group (even though she never got her test results back yet).

During testing she told the nurse that she had anal sex the same number of times she had vaginal sex, then said “I’m OCD like that.”

I hope it lasts. It has a few characters from Mr. Show on it, so that may be the kiss of death, time will tell.

9:30 Thursday Nights.

I got hassled into waiting tables this year for Valentine, but it wasn’t bad. At least no one yelled at me. It was the normal, midwestern, young crowd. 7% tips. Luckily there was good volume to make up for it.

A few things I do not understand about VD:

– Why go to a restaurant that serves alcohol if all you are going to drink is Diet Coke?

– Hey buddy, don’t blow all your money on a gift for your HOT, HOT girlfriend, buy a big dinner, sit for two-hours then tip me 5% (This punk did this to me, and if I ever see him again . . .

– And most importantly, aren’t you out to enjoy each other’s company? Not the waiter? Besides, I’m not that fun anyway.

Thank god I only have to see these people once a year.

 

 

Ok, I don’t listen to much popular music, so I don’t watch the Grammy’s. Well last night every freaking TV station had something crappy on, I guess they didn’t want to compete with it. So after a 4 year hianeous, I watched it.

Weird.

Mary J. Blige thanked Jesus for her award (I wasn’t sure if that was her manager or boyfriend).

Today everyone said it was way to ‘Political’ and ‘Liberal’ because the Dixie Chicks won some awards. Huh?

But I had to grab the toilet bowl after I watched Carrie Underwood BUTCHER a Bob Wills classic. And just when I thought the heaves would end she does a cover of the Eagles ‘Desporado’ with Rascal Flats.

I went to bed after that.

This year I am NOT waiting tables on V.D. It is pure Hell. I have agreed to host and bus tables though. If you have ever waited tables on V.D. you know the horror. You get people who 1) NEVER eat out accept on V.D. 2) or never been to a family-owned, fine dining restaurant, so they expect 20 different people to come by their table while they are eating. Dumb.

Last year’s experiences:

– One lady said I would have been better suited to work at Chucky Cheese.

– Another girl (who was with her boyfriend) left me a note on the receipt that said I could have been more attentive. They ordered a meal and water. No wine, no desserts (even though I asked repeatly). I guess she wanted me to come over and ask her how her ‘water’ was every 5 minutes.

– Another lady was upset that I didn’t ‘ask questions’. Whatever that means. Apparently people think a waiter is a psychitrist.

I think the franchise restaurants have spoiled people, they focus on attentivness and less on product. This shit bugs me. I want a beer and my food, and I want to enjoy the company I’m with when eating out. Stop asking me questions, I have been to a restaurant before, if I want something, I’ll ask. That’s why I like Sushi Masa, the food is ALWAYS great, but the server’s aren’t always ‘Attentive’ that’s fine with me – keep it up.

V.D. Advice to my single friends:

Always breakup with a girl before Christmas and get back together after V.D., you will save a TON of money.

 

Alt-rock act Modest Mouse will return to Sioux Falls for a March 18 concert at the Ramkota Exhibit Hall.

Aside from the expectations of new music, fans of the ’80s Brit rock band The Smiths may find some extra intrigue in this show. Former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr officially joined Modest Mouse last fall as a full-time member.

He’s expected to be on this tour performing with the band.

The Smiths are one of my favorite bands, this will be well worth seeing. I’m not a huge fan of Modest Mouse, but went to their last show because Camper Van Beethoven was opening. I will be in the front row yelling out Smith’s songs until they throw me out.