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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.

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.

'Lost Letters' lead to new love — and hard choices — in this YA romance

'Lost Letters' lead to new love — and hard choices — in this YA romance

Hannah Reynolds new YA romance “The Summer of Lost Letters” follows teenaged Abby's quest to learn more about her grandmother's past — and a possible love affair captured in mysterious letters.
by Alethea Kontis

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Ned Beatty, indelible in 'Deliverance,' 'Network' dies at 83

Ned Beatty, indelible in 'Deliverance,' 'Network' dies at 83

Ned Beatty, the Oscar-nominated character actor who in half a century of American movies, including “Deliverance,” “Network” and “Superman,” was a booming, indelible presence in even the smallest parts, has died. He was 83.
by The Associated Press

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Ask a bookseller: 'Honey Girl,' a charming story about finding the love you deserve

Lauren Nopenz Fairley has seen a surging interest in romance novels during the pandemic at her bookstore, The Curious Iguana, in Frederick, Md. She said her whole staff fell in love with the queer romance novel, “Honey Girl,” by debut author Morgan Rogers.
by Emily Bright

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'Mercury Rising' explores treacherous U.S. attempts to control space

'Mercury Rising' explores treacherous U.S. attempts to control space

In Mercury Rising, historian Jeff Shesol recalls the early days of the U.S. space program, when Cold War fears ruled and no one was sure John Glenn would survive America's first orbital flight.
by Dave Davies

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'He just made you feel like he was completely there': An appreciation of guitarist Billy Franze

'He just made you feel like he was completely there': An appreciation of guitarist Billy Franze

Billy Franze, who passed away in April, thrilled cheering bar crowds with Dr. Mambo’s Combo for more than three decades. He’s being remembered as an extremely talented musician and a good-natured soul who helped many other musicians get a foothold in the Minneapolis music scene.
by Brandt Williams

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Former longtime Split Rock Lighthouse keeper on what the job was really like

Former longtime Split Rock Lighthouse keeper on what the job was really like

Lee Radzak was resident site manager at Split Rock for more than 30 years, and is out with a new book about the experience: “The View from Split Rock,” written with Curt Brown.
by Cathy Wurzer

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An emotional play on adoption expands its reach as a graphic novel

An emotional play on adoption expands its reach as a graphic novel

The final product of a successful theatrical script is usually a play — but not always. A St. Paul theater's deeply emotional show about adoption will live on as a 300-page graphic novel.
by Euan Kerr

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Art Hounds recommend visual art that explores science, spirituality

Art Hounds recommend visual art that explores science, spirituality

Nature photographer Nicole Zemple takes “otherworldly” pictures of the forest floor, Fawzia Khan’s embroidery and sculpture celebrate women’s stories, and Anne Pryor paints with scents and her breath.
by Emily Bright

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