Arts | Southwest Connector

Director Patrick Coyle and cinematographer Greg Stiever consult over a scene in “Unholy Communion,” a murder mystery adaption by a novel by the same name written by Thomas Rumreich. (Photo submitted)

Adaption pushes local filmmaker in new ways

Twin Cities filmmaker Patrick Coyle has just completed his fourth film “Unholy Communion,” based on the book by the same title written by Scandia author Thomas Rumreich. The film about a … more

By Jan Willms | 12/11/24

Trace created the large painting on the side of the Seven Points mall parking garage. He opened a gallery space, Speshel Project, inside the mall. (Photos by Trace and Brian Gabrial)

Challenging the art status quo

When I met Trace at Speshel Project, L.L.C., his gallery at Seven Points mall, it was the day before Thanksgiving and on the eve of a straight, 30-hour drive to Miami Beach where he planned to show … more

By Brian Gabrial | 12/11/24

WACSO: Picnic.

Picnic. The newest food spot in Linden Hills buzzes on a Thursday night. (Illustration by WACSO) more

12/11/24

Aaron Blaser, owner of the Curioso Coffee Bar in Seven Points mall, said he has a “guarded optimism” about Uptown’s future. He believes in its potential “to be a real point of interest,” and thinks that having street construction wrap up will make a big difference.

Uptown: Reimagined

With significant street construction coming to an end along Hennepin Avenue from 31st to 28th Streets, Uptown is ready for a renaissance – French for rebirth. “I think we’re on the … more

By Brian Gabrial | 11/20/24

Lucinda Holshue plays Fiona – a part that was written for her. Holshue worked for 20 years as the resident vocal coach at the Guthrie and is still a professor at the U of M. (Photo submitted by Brad Hildebrandt)

Fulton house set for resident’s first film

Neighbors of Brad Hildebrandt must have wondered what was going on this summer at his house in the Fulton area. Bright lights, cameras, people coming and going, and the smell of lasagna wafting … more

By Jan Willms | 11/20/24

GreenRoom fellows practice dancing and performing together at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts on Friday, July 19, 2024.

Maia Maiden leads Ordway theater fellowship for budding artists

Tears streamed down 62-year-old Myra Curry’s face as she sat in a circle receiving praise from her cohort fellows. One after the other, people took turns telling Curry how proud, and inspired … more

By Talia McWright | 9/18/24

Hennepin History Museum’s staff welcome all visitors: (Left to right) executive director John Crippen, archivist Michele Pollard, and curator Alyssa Thiede. (Photo submitted)

Masks, puppets and plenty of free parking

Propped up alongside Sky, Prairie, Moon and Woods and with arms extended, River’s giant, blue face stares down at passersby, perhaps hoping one stops and hears stories about the Mississippi … more

By Brian Gabrial | 9/18/24

Howard Quednau Shepards and Charlatans, 2023 Wood, styrene, plaster, paper, acrylic

MCAD faculty biennial exhibit

The Gallery at Minneapolis College of Art and Design will spotlight the art and research undertaken by faculty in the 2024 MCAD Faculty Biennial. Some fifty faculty members are participating in an … more

9/18/24

Ezra Young, 17, of Roseville works in the SPRAYFINGER area next to the Uptown VFW during the LynLake Street Art Series on Saturday, July 13, 2024. “This is not just a grubby alleyway anymore. It’s art,” Young said. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)

From dirty alley to street art gallery

LynLake is becoming a destination for street art. Thirty-one new locations for artwork were added to building walls by 64 local and regional artists representing an array of cultural communities … more

8/21/24

Jackie Lannin planned to give buttons to friends and wear one to work.

Craftivism

On July 30, artistic members of Twin Cities Indivisible met at Sue Scott’s home in Edina for a Craftivism Happy Hour. Craftivism is the practice of using craft projects to support social causes … more

Terry Faust | 8/21/24

WACSO: Heffelfinger Fountain at the Rose Garden

Heffelfinger Fountain at the Rose Garden. I’ve been coming to this fountain since I was a little kid. We’re pretty lucky to have such cool places to hang out at in this city. … more

7/18/24

WACSO: Dog treats.

Dog treats. I’ve seen this guy handing out treats to all the passing dogs around Lake Harriet for years. I guess that makes him dog’s best friend. (Illustration by WACSO) more

6/20/24

Drew (at left) and Jacob Wesson explored public safety in Minneapolis in their award-winning documentary.

Washburn twins earn film award

By Tesha M. Christensen Creating a five-minute documentary about public safety in Minneapolis was “eye-opening” for a pair of 18-year-old twins from Washburn High School. … more

5/15/24

‘‘Thresholds’ is supposed to explain to multiple audiences how the autistic brain comprehends and takes in sight, sound, smell and touch as opposed to the non-autistic brain,” said Michael Wolfe.

Show combines neurodiversity, art and science

Anxiety, restlessness, being a superpower and feeling free and unchained are some of the emotions Saint Paul actor Michael Wolfe experiences while waiting for a bus. Wolfe, who identifies as a … more

By Jan Willms | 5/8/24

Anna Sharratt of Twin Cities Makers Circle remarked, “The way I studied craft in Sweden, it’s used to challenge gender stereotypes, and to talk about how you can make or repair things you might otherwise buy."

Get creative with Twin Cities Makers Circle

Longfellow resident, handcrafter, and entrepreneur Anna Sharratt is offering up all kinds of fun classes through her new business. In her Twin Cities Makers Circle (TCMC) classes, participants use … more

By Margie O’loughlin | 4/25/24

Reilly Tillman (at right) started filming over 18 years ago for his recently released film on Laurel Massé (at left). The documentary will be shown during this year's Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival April 11-25. (Photos submitted)

Musician focus of local filmmaker’s MSPIFF film fest entry

A film that has been long in the making will premiere during the Minneapolis Saint Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF) running April 11-25 at the Main Cinema, 115 SE Main in Minneapolis. … more

By Jan Willms | 3/27/24

Suzie Marty is an artist and curator at Everett & Charlie art gallery in Linden Hills. She is also an avid supporter of buying local, and a marketing specialist for the Southwest Connector. Contact her at ads@swconnector.com.

Meditative act of creating

Spending time in nature helps reduce stress. There are many scientific studies that have found it can help lower blood pressure, anxiety, and evoke a feeling of relaxation and positivity in us. … more

By Suzie Marty | 3/20/24

Lady Bear with her human pal, Meg Juedes, were a popular team on the ice during the Ice Shanty Projects at Lake Harriet on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024. The bear got into roaring contests with fest-goers. Juedes’ dress showed the decline of the polar ice cap by year.

ART ON ICE

After opening one week late to wait for ice to build on Lake Harriet, the 20th annual Ice Shanty Projects closed after only one weekend. “It’s sad for artists like us, who were … more

By Tesha M. Christensen | 2/14/24

Hear from Mark Rivard, creator of Do Rad Things, at 'Let's Connect' event in February

Every artist has an interesting origin story. But nothing compares with how Mark Rivard got started. Rivard began illustrating skateboards with Sharpie markers in the early 2000s. That led to an … more

by Eric Ortiz | 1/25/24

Dr. Joan Madden and Richard Baldinelli founded the 53rd Street Brass Quintet.

Bound by Brass

Musicians Richard Baldinelli and Dr. Joan Madden exude joy whether playing their trumpets in the 53rd Street Brass Quintet, looking forward or reminiscing. The two musicians capture the delight of a … more

By Jane St. Anthony | 1/24/24