Tracker Pixel for Entry

Fostering Community with Parachigo

Culture | April 18th, 2023

By Sabrina Hornung

sabrina@hpr1.com

The High Plains Reader had the opportunity to catch up with artist, musician and community builder Anjali Karna about Parachigo, Fargo Moorhead’s newest and most exciting creative space and all-ages venue.

High Plains Reader: Can you tell us a bit about Parachigo?

Anjali Karna: There are three spaces on the main floor that come with sinks, counters, and doors! They are larger spaces and will functionally be storefronts for private artists. There are 10 spaces on the top floor that range in size — some are cubicles, some are lockable, and are larger rooms. We have 18 renters total at the moment.

On top of that we have two community rooms. One on the main floor that will be designated for community events like open mics, private events, community meals, etc. Upstairs we have a stage for music that we hope to move to the basement once we evaluate how possible adapting that area into a venue would be.

The main floor also has a large room that will be a storefront on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. All local artists are welcome to submit art to sell in this space and it will be open to the public.

HPR: How did the name come to be?

AK: I am Indian and in my family's village language the word 'Parachi' is slang for "loudmouth" or "little stinker". Parachigo is the way you say it plurally, so it basically means "a group of little stinkers". I thought it was suited because the Fargo art scene thrives on its outwardness and open expression.

HPR: How long has Parachigo been in the works and how did it come into fruition? I know the FM music scene has been pining for an all-ages venue for a while!

AK: Parachigo happened kind of quickly! Initially I was hunting for a location for the non-profit I work for, Plants for Patients, but it became clear that it could serve the art community pretty fast. We fully solidified the plan in February and it's been a really enjoyable sprint from there.

HPR: What is the capacity of the venue?

AK: It depends on the space! I'd say 30 is the ideal amount but I'm sure it could fit more and also wouldn't feel empty with less. If we can get the basement space up and running (no promises, but fingers crossed), that is a huge game changer and greatly expands our capacity.

HPR: How successful have your calls for volunteers/materials been – I imagine folks are excited to get involved!

AK: It has been so easy to get supplies. Our paint was fully crowd-sourced, our tools have been so far. I ordered our cleaning supplies but elsewise we're going strong. We're definitely still in need of some help with music supplies and the material calls will continue to be posted, but we really haven't been concerned about missing any ingredients for the space, thanks to the people donating horizontally.

HPR: How did your involvement with Red Raven shape your vision for Parachigo?

AK: I grew to love community in my time at the Raven. I got to understand what people enjoy and what people need. I learned my own love for community. It has made me believe in people and care.

HPR: Can you tell us a bit about the Sleep Talk ZIne? I understand the grand opening is also a launch for that as well?

AK: Sleep Talk Zine is made by Sleep Talk Skate, who is an F-M initiative with affiliation to “Skate Like A Girl.” Every Monday they host a free ladies and queers skate at the Hawks Nest. They also do great things for the community and function on similar principles. It seemed apt to team up!

HPR: Is there anything else you'd like to add? Are there any other big events coming up that should be on our radar?

AK: If you sell art, we want you to sell it with us! Tune into our socials to learn how. Our first show was on April 20 and was a fundraiser for us. Next show is Tenci on April 25. Opening Day for the shop is the big one and that is on May 5– It's also our birthday party so it will have lots of treats in store.

We’re excited to see everyone fill the space with all of the F-M’s rampant creativity!

_______________________________________________

YOU SHOULD KNOW

Parachigo is located at 512 1st Ave N, Fargo, ND 58103.

Recently in:

By Laura Simmonslaurasimmons2025@u.northwestern.edu Dr. Stephen McDonough researched why North Dakota had the highest COVID death rate and cases in the fall of 2020. His investigation accumulated into a 1,000-plus page book titled…

By Michael M. Miller michael.miller@ndsu.eduOne of the most important books published about the Germans from Russia in North Dakota is “Along the Trails of Yesterday: A Story of McIntosh County” by Nina Farley Wishek, published…

photo credit: Jessica GavinSeptemberOktoberfest: Now-October 3Wurst Bier HallStein-holding competition, happy hour Mon-Fri from 4-6, wear your dirndl or lederhosen, German music.https://wurstfargo.com/Papa’s Pumpkin…

By John Strandjas@hpr1.comOur Opinion: Thank you, Reader readers, for 29 fulfilling yearsChugging along, The Little Newspaper That Could commences its 30th volume and year with this issue. Simply getting here speaks volumes. Just…

By Ed Raymondfargogadfly@gmail.comEighty Million Eligible Voters Did Not Vote in the DSA in 2020. Why Not?In the first week of February, 2023, Deborah Daub, 59, shot and killed her husband James Daub, 62, Morgan Daub, their…

We are looking for 55-gallon plastic food grade barrels, do you have ideas or connections?We use these barrels to teach our resilient yard workshop series including Make Your Own Rain Barrel and Make Your Own Compost Tumbler. If…

By Rick Gionrickgion@gmail.comMy new venture as a master’s degree student has got me thinking…again about food. Although I’m in an online program with the University of North Dakota, I thought it would be handy to list and…

By John Showalterjohn.d.showalter@gmail.comThe Melvins formed in 1983 Montesano, Washington, founded by singer/guitar player Buzz Osborne. The group is known for its heavy sound mixed with a dose of punk, forming its own subgenre.…

By Greg Carlsongregcarlson1@gmail.comFilmmaker Jacqueline Castel’s “My Animal” premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival in January, but its vibes are better suited to the rising blood moon of autumn’s spooky season. Now…

By HPR Staffsubmit@hpr1.comThe Fargo Moorhead Visual Artists’ much-lauded neighbor lovin’ Studio Crawl is just around the corner – October 7 and 8, noon to 6pm. During the free event, the people who add culture and vibrancy…

By Eric Dallmanericd@hpr1.comWe recently watched “The PROM” at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, and it was an experience that left a lasting impact on us. The story, a heartwarming yet familiar one, follows a group of Broadway stars…

By Annie Prafckeannieprafcke@gmail.com AUSTIN, Texas – As a Chinese-American, connecting to my culture through food is essential, and no dish brings me back to my mother’s kitchen quite like hotdish. Yes, you heard me right –…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comNew Jamestown Brewery Serves up Local FlavorThere’s something delicious brewing out here on the prairie and it just so happens to be the newest brewery west of the Red River and east of the…

By John Showalter  john.d.showalter@gmail.comThey sell fentanyl test strips and kits to harm-reduction organizations and…

JANUARY 19, 1967– MARCH 8, 2023 Brittney Leigh Goodman, 56, of Fargo, N.D., passed away unexpectedly at her home on March 8, 2023. Brittney was born January 19, 1967, to Ruth Wilson Pollock and Donald Ray Goodman, in Hardinsburg,…

By Faye Seidlerfayeseidler@gmail.com On the first day of the month I ask people to thank a journalist they know or someone who contributes to papers in some meaningful way. When I grew up, my best friend's father was a journalist…