Arts and Culture

MPR News has you covered with news and stories about local art and culture happenings across Minnesota.

Art Hounds: Art Hounds are members of the Minnesota arts community who look beyond their own work to highlight what's exciting in local art. You can explore arts events here, or become an Art Hound today.

Cube Critics: Stay up to date with our weekly art and culture chats with MPR News’ Jacob Aloi, Alex V. Cipolle, Max Sparber, Aron Woldeslassie and guests. Listen to or read Cube Critics here

Art Reviews: Our arts team offers insight on the latest in theater, music, visual arts and more. We explore the breadth of creativity and innovation found throughout Minnesota, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the works and artists shaping our cultural landscape. Read more here.

Art Friend: Everyone needs an art friend. Art Friend is a new segment with our arts team. Art spaces can feel exclusive and art can be confusing, obtuse, and even boring. But, especially with the right context, everyone can be a critic. So let us be your guide- your Art Friend. Listen or read Art Friend stories here.

Our arts coverage is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment's Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

October 13, 2023 2:07 PM

An art exhibition on 'Deconstructing the Minnesota Flag'

Minneapolis artist Luis Fitch’s exhibition “Deconstructing the Minnesota Flag” at North Hennepin Community College showcases his design explorations of the state flag, aiming to ignite conversation and inspire submissions for a potential redesign.

by Alex V. Cipolle

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October 13, 2023 1:30 PM

76-year old pleads guilty to stealing 'Wizard of Oz' ruby red slippers

Terry Jon Martin, who was charged with stealing a pair of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the film “The Wizard of Oz,” changed his plea to guilty at the federal courthouse in Duluth on Friday morning.

by Dan Kraker

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October 13, 2023 1:21 PM

Kate DiCamillo tells her own tale

DiCamillo's books melt the hearts of readers with her stories of can-do kids. She mixes joy with just the right amount of melancholy. The two-time winner of the Newbery Medal just published her latest book “The Puppets of Spelhorst.”

by Euan Kerr

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October 13, 2023 11:07 AM

Musician Dessa reflects on new album, live radio and Latin heritage

Multi-hyphenate talent Dessa has been busy with a new album release, radio hosting and touring. During Hispanic Heritage Month, she discussed with MPR News arts reporter Jacob Aloi her musical journey and how her Latina heritage influenced her work.

by Jacob Aloi

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October 13, 2023 10:49 AM

'Curlfriends: New In Town' reminds us that there can be positives of middle school

The first volume in author-artist Sharee Miller's debut YA graphic novel series reminds us of the many possibilities and excitements interwoven within the challenging years of early teenagerhood.

by Tahneer Oksman

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October 13, 2023 10:37 AM

Authors with banned books talk about protecting access to stories

To mark Banned Books Week, three young adult authors whose books have been banned join MPR News host Kerri Miller to talk about the importance of keeping a diverse selection of books available in public schools and libraries nationwide.

by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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October 13, 2023 6:18 AM

Man charged with stealing 'Wizard of Oz' slippers from Minnesota museum expected to plead guilty

A man charged with stealing ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the “The Wizard of Oz” from a Minnesota museum is expected to change his plea to guilty at a court hearing.

by The Associated Press

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October 13, 2023 4:00 AM

Cube Critics discuss 'The Exorcist: Believer' and 'Lessons in Chemistry'

Cube Critics Alex V. Cipolle and Aron Woldeslassie discuss “The Exorcist: Believer” and “Lessons in Chemistry.”

by Alex V. Cipolle and Aron Woldeslassie

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October 13, 2023 4:00 AM

Roots of the Dancing Debutantes: Artist Russell Sharon looks back

Now in his mid-70s, Minnesota-based artist Russell Sharon covered thousands of miles during a decades-long career. Once a figure in the New York art world, he's relatively unknown in the part of northern Minnesota where he grew up. But that could change when his exhibit “Roots: A Retrospective” opens this weekend.

by Mathew Holding Eagle III

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October 12, 2023 4:35 PM

'A Man of Two Faces' is a riveting, one-stop primer on Viet Thanh Nguyen

The Sympathizer author's memoir is cocky and riveting — self-consciously constructed as if written for a standup audience and serving as a generous, one-stop primer for his fiction and scholarly work.

by Thúy Đinh

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