Curiocity: Xcel's MN-Made Gifts For Lady Gaga
When national touring artists stop at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, they leave with a little reminder of our Minnesota Nice. This series examines the locally made treasures given to these celebrity visitors.
When a performer like Lady Gaga stops through town, there's plenty of pressure to ensure the gift she's given is as unique and creative as the pop singer herself. Add in the fact that this is her third time performing in St. Paul and there's the added challenge to find something outside-the-box and new.
In her previous tour stops at the Xcel Energy Center, Miss Gaga's been given a Lady Slipper-inspired jacket from local designer Emma Berg and a pair of hand-painted "Queen Bee" stiletto heels from Hourglass Footwear (owned by MN's Kira Bundlie).
For her upcoming May 20 performance, Public and Media Relations Senior Manager Jora Deziel Bart said they were inspired by Lady Gaga's love of tea. It's apparently her beverage of choice.
But instead of throwing a few tea bags in a gift box and calling it a day, Xcel took things one step further -- they actually asked husband and wife duo, David and Lily Duckler (of Verdant Tea in Minneapolis) to create a one-of-a-kind custom "Gaga Tea Blend."
The tea is a blend of Minnesota wild rice, juniper berries, saffron and more.
And of course, what would your own custom tea be without something fabulous to drink it from? Xcel worked with local artist Marnette R. Doyle to create a tea set fit for a star.
Doyle took inspiration from Lady Gaga's ARTPOP album and created a tea set complete with a leather cuff tea pot, creamer and two little teacups.
If that wasn't enough, students currently studying the art of wheel-throwing pottery at Creative Arts High School in St. Paul were given an exciting assignment to create Lady Gaga ARTPOP-inspired pottery to be shared with local media to help promote the upcoming show.
Lady Gaga will bring her artRAVE: The ARTPOP Ball Tour to Xcel Energy Center on Tuesday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
