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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.

Brush up your Shelley with 'Frankenstein: The First Two Hundred Years'

Brush up your Shelley with 'Frankenstein: The First Two Hundred Years'

Christopher Frayling's new celebration of "Frankenstein" is half art book, half scholarly study, tracing the famous monster's path from page to stage to screen, just in time for his 200th birthday.
by Genevieve Valentine

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When Tommy James covers dominated the charts

"Mony Mony" by Billy Idol was number one on the Billboard pop chart 30 years ago today. It was the second straight cover of a song first recorded by Tommy James and Shondells to top the charts. The previous week Tiffany had a number one hit with the Tommy James song "I Think We're Alone Now." Ritchie Cordell had a hand in writing both of them. He says the title for this one was inspired while he was in Manhattan and saw the Mutual of New York building. It was adorned with the company's initials: M-O-N-Y.
by MPR News Staff

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Prince Harry, actress Meghan Markle to marry next spring

Prince Harry, actress Meghan Markle to marry next spring

Harry, 33 -- the fifth-in-line to the British throne, and Markle, 36, had been dating for 16 months and became engaged earlier this month, according to a statement released by Prince Charles.

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A book about the "small acts that can turn friends into family"

A book about the "small acts that can turn friends into family"

"I didn't want it to end. I tell you, anyone who reads this book is going to fall in love with Arthur Truluv, and with his new family as well," said bookseller Vivien Jennings.
by Tracy Mumford

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When making books was as much of an art as writing them

When making books was as much of an art as writing them

The Larkspur Press in Kentucky is two years behind schedule, with no plans to catch up. Printer Gray Zeitz sets each letter of the book by hand and then prints on a press from the early 1900s.
by Noah Adams

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Thread Book Hour: Stephen Greenblatt and Mark Bowden

Thread Book Hour: Stephen Greenblatt and Mark Bowden

Thread Book Hour featuring Stephen Greenblatt on "The Rise and Fall of Adam and Eve" and Mark Bowden on "Hue, 1968."
by MPR News Staff

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Again this year, state parks open for free on Friday

Again this year, state parks open for free on Friday

The DNR is making it easier to burn off those Thanksgiving dinner calories. The $7 entry fee for vehicles at all Minnesota State Parks will be waived this Friday.
by Laura Yuen

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