State of the Arts Blog

Lila Downs sings for her father
In a concert Sunday at the University of Minnesota's Ted Mann Concert Hall, Mexican singer Lila Downs will celebrate the life, art and career of her father, Allen Downs, who taught for more than 20 years and started the university's first international study program. After the show, an exhibition on her father's work will be held at the Katherine E. Nash Gallery.
Robert Hedin wins Kay Sexton Award
Hedin, the founding director of the Anderson Center in Red Wing, will be honored at this year's Minnesota Book Awards for his contributions to Minnesota's literary community.