The Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF) turns 35 this spring, and its impressive plans for celebrating show that some things do get better with age. MSPIFF is the largest premier film event in the region and one of the longest-running film festivals in the nation. It has traditionally been held at the St. Anthony Main Theatre, but this … [ Read more]
The Cowles Center gets a $3 million Christmas present
Dance fan and philanthropist Caroline Amplatz has donated $3 million to help the Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts rehab its Arts & Education Wing, reports the Star Tribune. The eight-story building, on the corner of Hennepin Avenue and 6th Street in downtown Minneapolis, is home to 28 nonprofit arts groups, including James … [ Read more]
Arts MN: The Fall Saint Paul Art Crawl is This Weekend
In the 1970s, Lowertown St. Paul was turning into a ghost town. Empty warehouses abandoned by businesses going under or fleeing downtown Saint Paul fell into disrepair. The affordable rent of Lowertown warehouses attracted artists and soon the area had become the de facto center of the St. Paul arts scene. In 1977, the loose drift … [ Read more]
Arts MN: Blooms of Summer
Summer is in full swing and so too are all things that bloom. Therefore, it’s only fitting that you get out of the house this week to enjoy the sunshine, as well as the scents and sounds of summer, and to attend the events featured below. The events were all chosen because they represent or … [ Read more]
Arts MN: Northern Spark 2014 and the Green Line Kickoff Party
By Naomi Crocker This week, the stars will align to bring us two of the Twin Cities’ most anticipated events of 2014. First, the Metro Transit Green Line officially opens June 14 and will offer free rides for the entire day, as well as into part of the day on Sunday. Second, June 14 will … [ Read more]
Arts MN: The Wizard of Oz, Craft Cage Match, and a Fire Tiger
By Naomi Crocker LIMINAL /ˈlimənl/ adjective: Occupying a position at, or on both sides of, a boundary or threshold. This week’s events all have a bit of the liminal in them due to their relation to transitional stages of various processes. First up is the namesake for this week’s theme: an exhibition featuring the work … [ Read more]
Arts MN: Saints & Sinners, a Victorian Carnival, and Making Your Own Beer Stein
Whether the current streak of summer-like weather has awakened your long-dormant night owl, or if it simply has you feeling at peace once again, this week’s edition of Arts MN presents a spectrum of events that are sure to fit any disposition. For those of you wishing to embrace your wild side, we’ve highlighted both … [ Read more]
Arts MN: Audubon’s Birds, Volcanic Puppet Theater, and Emerging Printmakers
Seeing as it’s set to hit 75°F on Tuesday, this week’s events were chosen because of their connections to nature, their ability to get people outdoors, or because they reflect the type of verdant beauty that the spring weather has brought with it. It’s everything from Audubon bird prints to an original play that explains … [ Read more]
Arts MN: Nora Ephron’s new play, Throwing Clay, and Lowertown First Fridays
By Naomi Crocker Here’s to “firsts,” all things fresh, and new beginnings in honor of spring! Meet artists in their creative environments at First Fridays at the Lowertown Artist Lofts, learn a new craft for the first time through engaging introductory classes, witness “fashion firsts” by attending your first ever fashion-related event, support overseas artisans … [ Read more]
Arts MN: Ukuleles, Goldsmiths, and the Saint Paul Art Crawl
Spending last week on St. Simons’ Island, Georgia definitely readjusted my internal temperature index. Thus, upon returning on Sunday to Minnesota and finding spring-like temperatures, I’ve decided to focus this week on all things warm. The warm sounds of a Hawaiian tune and its ability to evoke thoughts of palm trees swaying in the breeze… … [ Read more]
Arts MN: A Dead Man’s Phone, Danish Dancing, and CRAFT Beer
By Naomi Crocker With the feud between winter and spring that has been taking place these past few weeks, one cannot help but consider transitions, conflict, and various other contrasting concepts. Fittingly, the events featured in this week’s Arts MN will help extend your thoughts on such notions by forcing you to ponder the changing … [ Read more]