The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

ART
Text/Messages: Books by Artists

For the past 24 years, The Walker's artistic literary gate keeper, librarian Roesmary Furtak, has been carefully maintaining a treasured collection of books by artists, ranging from "a miniscule "volume" that's barely an inch square to large-format deluxe editions. Examples include a "book" whose text is woven on ribbon that's wound on a cardboard spool; the complete works of Marcel Duchamp in bible format adorned with gold-edged pages and leather cover; and Robert Gober's rendition of Joyce Carol Oates' short story "Heat" bound in a pair of locked diaries," just to name a few. Tonight head to the Walker for this special exhibit opening, which will showcase a collection that, in years past, has only been accessible through appointment. What's better? It's Target Free Thursdays!

5 p.m., Walker Art Center, Medtronic Gallery, 1750 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, Free

Extra: Pull a double header by also hitting up the MIA for their free 3rd Thursday event, which this month features holiday tours of the period rooms led by costumed guides, live music by Christine Rosholt, photographer Stuart Kipper, and a screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

MUSIC
iQuit Music Series

Listening to obscure electronic music in a really cool art gallery, surrounded by interesting people sounds like a perfect pre-weekend experience to us. The Rogue Buddha's popular IQuit music series is back with a joint set from electronic whiz jamespatrick and Spark Festival performer maiko, followed by a performance from solo bassist Chris Bates. Mingle with the techno/art set, sip a wine, and be entranced by these unusual sonic samplings. The IQuit music series pops off each third Thursday of the month and features an eclectic roundup of electronic, avant-garde, electro-acoustic and jazz music. Click HERE to download a free, tasty teaser from jamespatrick and maiko.

9 p.m., Rogue Buddha Gallery, 357 13th Avenue NE, Minneapolis, Free (Donations appreciated)

SHOPPING
Show (the) Love - Men

In our experience, men sometimes need a little help in the thoughtful gift-giving department. The time a boyfriend went all the way to Mexico only to bring us back a Hello Kitty thermos solidified that theory. Tonight the pros at StyledLife lend a helping hand to those gifting-challenged fellas! Stop in to either location for personal shopping assistance at a wide range of price points on accessories, fashion, music and more. Enjoy a complimentary glass of scotch, and even watch ESPN on 42" plasma screens while the StyledLife crew wraps your gifts for free. RSVPs are appreciated, but not required to info@styledlife.com.

5 p.m. to 7 p.m., StyledLife, Gaviidae Common II, 555 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
5 p.m. to 9 p.m., StyledLife, Galleria, 3635 Galleria, Edina