Urban Mode at the 1st Blu Dot Summit

September 07, 2013

Urban Mode at the 1st Blu Dot Summit

Urban Mode at the 1st Blu Dot Summit
September 7th, 2013

As one of Blu Dot’s exclusive Dot Spot retailers, we had the privilege of attending the very 1st Dot Spot Summit. Held in Minneapolis where Blu Dot was founded by John Christakos and Maurice Blanks. Blu Dot’s goal is to bring good design to as many people as possible by creating beautiful modern furniture and accessories.  We had an awesome time.

The 1st item on our agenda was an Architecture and Design Tour of Minneapolis. Minneapolis – who knew? The tour was 2 and a half hours and was not long enough. Our tour guide – Medora Danz – was exceptional and too funny. We saw some of the most beautiful architecture – both commercial, residential and museums.

Guthrie Theater

Guthrie Theater

Mill City Museum

Our tour included driving around all of the lakes in the middle of Minneapolis. Our last stop on the tour was the Lakewood Cemetery. They have recently added the Garden Mausoleum – a series of very modern buildings that are all connected.  A long rectangular reflecting pool and a set of exterior steps are just part of the lush landscape. The Lakewood Memorial Chapel  is another amazing building at this cemetery.

Lakewood Cemetery Garden Mausoleum

Exterior Steps outside the Garden Mausoleum

Myrlene at Lakewood Cemetery

The Lakewood Memorial Chapel

After the tour, we had dinner at Marin Restaurant. The food was great and we all had a great time getting to know each. The next day we spent the day at Blu Dot’s headquarters.

Blu Dot’s Reception

The 2 sculptures in the photos above and below are from the Blu Dot Swap Meet. Blu Dot is known for their sense of fun and the Swap Meet certainly was an interesting and exciting project.

Blu Dot’s Headquarters is an old airplane parts factory. As you can see from the pictures, their space is inspiring.

Just inside the front door at Blu Dot

Blu Dot’s Space

Who wouldn’t want to work here?

We had a series of sessions and we were introduced to the designers and to see how their design process worked.

We also got a peek at some of the new designs they are working on. There are some very cool pieces coming in the future. All of Blu Dots design are created in house.

Warren is one of the designers at Blu Dot

Brad is another designer at Blu Dot

Our lunch was a surprise and a real treat. The Hola Arepa Food Truck is very popular in downtown Minneapolis where it is normally parked. They make tasty arepas. One of the best meals we have ever had. Yummy!

Lunch at the Hola Arepas Food Truck

Lunch Line Up!

We spent the rest of the day in sessions, learning and laughing.

We then had a private tour of the Walker Art Center. The exhibit called Painter Painter has some beautiful artwork.

If you are in Minneapolis, we recommend that you make time to see the Walker.

Art by Sarah Crowner at the Walker Art Center

Claus Oldenburg Sculpture outside the Walker Art Center

After a very full day, we were invited to dinner at John Cristakos’s house. John has a beautiful modernist house on a hill overlooking downtown Minneapolis. It is furnished with iconic vintage furniture and beautiful modern art. The food was amazing and all of us were truly blessed to be there.

Dinner at John’s house

The view from John’s house was breathtaking!

Dot Spotters

We want to congratulate and thank Blu Dot for creating and hosting all of us on their very 1st Dot Spot Summit. We also want to thank the 601 Graves Hotel for their hospitality. Their hotel is gorgeous and we would highly recommend this hotel if you are ever in Minneapolis.

Thank you Blu Dot for an amazing Experience!

Myrlene and Mary Frances