Minnesota Arts

Smashing: The artists behind the pumpkins at the Minnesota Zoo
The Minnesota Zoo hosts an annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, where local artists carve intricate designs into thousands of pumpkins. Managed by Brian Christensen, the workshop produces up to 8,000 pumpkins each year, with a focus on wildlife themes.
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.
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.
'In the North' – Minnesota’s first independent Indigenous museum opens in an 'ironic' location
The former Enbridge-occupied building in Park Rapids, Minn., where activists once protested the Line 3 pipeline, has been transformed into Giiwedinong, an independent museum highlighting Indigenous perspectives on treaty rights and environmental justice.
Art Hounds: Pine City blues
This week, Art Hounds recommend the play “The Pavilion” at Lyric Arts in Anoka, the Afro-Atlantic Playwright Festival at Illusion Theater in Minneapolis, and Owen Brown's interactive exhibit “Myriorama” at the Veronique Wantz Gallery in Minneapolis. 
Art Hounds: Two MCAD grads
Art Hounds recommend two annual fall events this weekend: the Sogn Valley Art Fair in Cannon Falls and the Iranian Culture Festival, “Mehtegan: A Persian Celebration of Love, Kindness and Hope” in St. Paul. Roshan Ganu and Ivonne Yáñez each shine with solo shows at the Rochester Art Center. 
Minnesota teen impresses music judges on season premiere of NBC's 'The Voice'
Sixteeen-year-old Joslynn Rose of southwestern Minnesota turned the chairs of three out of four of the music-star coaches on the season premiere of NBC’s “The Voice” on Monday.