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

design by Christina Rimstad

ART
Certified

It's no secret that the Minneapolis College of Art and Design churns out some of the Twin Cities' most promising young artists, and tonight's exhibition proves it once again. Certified features work by Matt Van Ekeren, Molly Hein, Christina Rimstad and Catherine Grothe, all recent graduates of the Certificate in Graphic Design Program. Chat up the artists and check out the unique styles that these up and comers have both honed and expanded on during their time at MCAD. Make it a date night with a post-exhibit cocktail and platter of cranberry cream cheese puffs at Azia, just a hop, skip and a jump from the school.

6 p.m. to 8 p.m., MCAD Corridor Gallery, Floor 2, 2501 Stevens Avenue, Minneapolis, Free

FILM
Bicycle Film Festival

We're sure you've noticed by now that the Twin Cities has a pretty hardcore bike culture. Everywhere we look there are cyclists of all shapes and sizes pedaling their way to and fro in the name of the greener good. Celebrate your love for the two wheeled contraption known as "bicycle" tonight through July 12th during the annual Bicycle Film Festival. Held at multiple locations around town, the BFF not only features a slew of bike-related films, but also fun special events such as Bicycle Trivia at the 501 Club, a co-ed bike polo tourney, and awesome after parties at Grumpy's Downtown, the Nomad World Pub, and One on One Bike Shop. The festival programming includes work by such luminaries as Jorgen Leth, Mike Mills, Jonas Mekas, Blonde Redhead, Swoon and Michel Gondry -- just to name a few. So, jump on your 10-speed, mountain bike, lowrider bike, tall bike, or BMX and pedal your way to this filmtastic event! For a full lineup of events click HERE.

Wednesday-Sunday, Times and events vary, Various Locations, Minneapolis, prices vary

READING
West Bank Social Center Library Building Party

A couple weeks ago a very interesting new community center opened in the cultural mecca that is the West Bank. Equal parts "performance space, speakeasy & living room salon," the West Bank Social Center provides a creative platform and a cool hangout spot for local artists and community members. Tonight's festivities center around the expansion of the fledgling social center's library, with readings and storytelling by numerous writers and poets and a photo-documented book art project inspired by Nina Katchadourian's Sorted Books project. Hosted by local punk poet Paul D. Dickinson and comedian Mary Mack, we're positive that this event will be anything but dull. Bring some books to donate and an open mind!

7 p.m. to 11 p.m., West Bank Social Center (above the Nomad World Pub), 501 Cedar Avenue, West Bank Minneapolis, Free (book donations encouraged)