Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

Reviews

Our dedicated reviewers offer 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.

Join us as we celebrate the diversity of expression and the powerful stories told through art in our communities, brought to you by the passionate voices of the MPR News Arts Team.

Critical DMs: ’I haven’t got a brain, only straw’ — Scarecrows at the Minnesota State Fair

Critical DMs: ’I haven’t got a brain, only straw’ — Scarecrows at the Minnesota State Fair

Arts editor Max Sparber and senior arts reporter and critic Alex V. Cipolle discuss the scarecrow display in the Minnesota State Fair’s Ag-Hort-Bee section.
by Max Sparber and Alex V. Cipolle

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Critical DMs: Minnesota-made comics

Critical DMs: Minnesota-made comics

Critical DMs are lightly edited Slack conversations by members of the MPR News arts team about Minnesota art and culture. This week, arts editor Max Sparber, senior arts reporter and critic Alex V. Cipolle and arts reporter Jacob Aloi discuss locally created comics.
by Jacob Aloi, Alex V. Cipolle and Max Sparber

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Critical DMs: We’re not just hotdish, or iconic but overlooked in Minnesota

Critical DMs: We’re not just hotdish, or iconic but overlooked in Minnesota

Critical DMs are lightly edited Slack conversations by members of the MPR News arts team about Minnesota art and culture. This week, arts editor Max Sparber and senior arts reporter and critic Alex V. Cipolle respond to the nation’s limited reference points for Minnesota by suggesting a handful of iconic but overlooked Minnesota cultural items.
by Alex V. Cipolle and Max Sparber

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Critical DMs: The brat and the brät, or the semiotics of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz

Critical DMs: The brat and the brät, or the semiotics of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz

MPR News’ Max Sparber and Alex V. Cipolle discuss the presidential campaign in terms of aesthetic and generational coding, highlighting how Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, though close in age, symbolize different generations — Gen X and Boomer, respectively — through their public personas and stylistic choices.
by Alex V. Cipolle and Max Sparber

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!