Cooler but still well above normal this week

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The Fargo Theatre, home to art films and live performances

So I just got back from spending three days in Fargo-Moorhead, checking out the local arts and culture scene.

Three days was not enough time to explore the scene in depth, but it was enough to give me a sense of just what I'm missing. For instance, if I - or you - were in Fargo-Moorhead today, this is just 

First stop: because you're going to need to fuel up for your uber-active day, head in to 

 for a coffee and a pastry. Wonder at the array of french-style desserts, and remind yourself to come back after dinner.

Nichole's pastries look like they'd be at home in a Parisian patisserie

Head over to Broadway, the hub of cultural activity in Fargo. Stop in at 

which features the work of Jon Offut (glass blower), Mary Pfeifer (painter), Robert Kurkowski (potter) and Kay Ornberg (watercolorist, photographer and seamstress).

Just a few blocks down from Art Connection is 

, run by brother and sister team Mark and Brenda Weiler. Mark runs the gallery, Brenda runs the yoga studio in back (she's also a 

The gallery represents a whole host of local artists; currently on show is the work of young Cole La Rocque, whose work deals heavily with his time serving in Iraq.

Now, on to The Plains Art Museum, located in a beautifully refurbished turn-of-the-century warehouse. You'll be glad you had a good breakfast, because you have three stories of art exhibitions to check out, including a show of photography by Fargo-Moorhead native 

and his friends (you may have heard of some of them: Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, Andre Kertesz...?). The photos were just given to the museum by Scheel's family, and it's a beautiful collection.

On the second floor is a show that was inspired by The Beatles' White Album. Museum Director Colleen Sheehy worked with FM art students to select works from the Plains' permanent collection that pair well with songs such as "Dear Prudence" and "Rocky Raccoon." While on the second floor don't forget to peek into the 

Head up to the third floor for some really edgy work by Minneapolis artist 

 The exhibition, titled "Vore," explores the relationship between predator and prey in a series of large, multi-paneled pieces that are gripping - and sometimes disturbing - to behold.

With all this climbing stairs, you've probably worked up an appetite (although after Carlson's show you may be contemplating vegetarianism). Stop in at Cafe Muse on the ground floor of the museum, and enjoy the installation piece "

Brad Bachmeier's ceramics, on display at the Rourke Art Museum

 is open (1-5pm, Fri, Sat, Sun), so head on over to Moorhead to check out the stunning ceramics of Brad Bachmeier. Then wander through the Rourke's eclectic art collection upstairs, with everything from Pop art to West African masks and Chinese pottery. Don't miss the collection of wood block prints by Birger Sandzen. The experience is made that much more pleasant by the fact the museum is located in the old Moorhead Federal Post Office, built in 1913.

, with its Viking ship and Stave Church. Watch the video about Robert Asp, a guidance counselor at Moorhead Junior High School, who had the vision to build the Viking ship, and how, after Asp died, his family fulfilled his vision of sailing the ship to Norway. Then head downstairs to check out the exhibition of prints from the St. John's Bible project, currently on loan.

Feet hurting yet? Need a break from all this walking? Head over to the 

, with its art deco decor, which is dedicated to presenting independent and foreign film, as well as hosting concerts, plays and other live events. Now showing: Never Let Me Go, starring Kiera Knightley and Carey Mulligan.

on 4th street, where chef Andrea Baumgardner's menu changes daily. Tonight you'll notice the menu is decidedly french - coq au vin, madeleines, a Normandy tart served with St. Andre cheese - that's because several area restaurants are creating menus to accompany the Fargo Moorhead Symphony concert season "

Now on to North Dakota State University for the 

, including works by Berlioz, Saint-Saens, Bizet and Ravel. Tonight's featured performer is violinist Tai Murray. Oh and see that silver-haired lady in the string section? That's Mary King - she's 99 and still playing strong.

Feeling energized by all that great music? Time for a post-show discussion, or maybe even some more music at the HoDo lounge, which is filled to the brim with artwork by regional talent. If you're lucky you've made reservations for a room at the HoDo (short for 

), where each room features the work of a different artist. So once you've finished your recap of the art-filled day, you can just head upstairs for an art-filled night.

An art lover’s day in Fargo-Moorhead

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