Arts | Southwest Connector

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

One of Heid E. Erdrich’s favorite spots in the neighborhood is the Kenwood School Stone Poem Rain Garden.

A people’s poet

This month, Southwest resident Heid E. Erdrich became the ﬁrst poet laureate for the city of Minneapolis. “We need poetry, even if we don’t know we do. There’s a human … more

By Cam Gordon | 1/18/24

Grace Trinity Community Church hosted “The Technicolor Truth” art exhibit Sept. 16-Nov. 18, 2023.

Real hope is messy, edgy, and freeing. It’s what we need right now.

On Dec. 3, 2023, more than two billion Christians around the world celebrated the first week of Advent, which is honored by lighting the first of four Advent candles. For Christians, Advent is a time … more

By seanphillips & Zac Calvo | 12/14/23 | 1 comment

Potter Bob Arnoldy is behind @potteryinthegrotto and free items in his curbside pottery grotto.

Pottery in the Grotto: Building Community

Potter Bob Arnoldy has created a treasure in Linden Hills with his curbside pottery grotto. He explains the concept of the grotto and how the community has embraced it. Q: So, tell us what pottery in … more

By Suzie Marty | 11/30/23

Homegrown talent rocks the Cedar

When I heard that Dial Tone was having an album release party at The Cedar Cultural, I was like, “What? Didn’t these kids just meet? How can they have an album already? And how can they … more

By Larry LaVercombe | 11/30/23

Dancer Performs at State Theatre

“Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy,” Minnesota Dance Theatre’s (MDT) cherished holiday tradition, returns to the State Theatre Dec. 16-23, 2023. Geneva Higgins Whiteside of … more

11/30/23

Arnée Martin said that as a Black, queer artist that their art is for everyone, but does not tailor towards a White audience.

Guaranteed income for artists

Arnée Martin wanted 100 rejections. “The worst they can say is no,” Martin said. As an artist applying for grants and scholarships, the TikTok trend of … more

By Talia McWright | 11/16/23

WACSO: Sonny’s ice cream

Sonny’s ice cream should absolutely be on every list of best patios in the city… and they serve wine. more

11/16/23

Performers from Yirií Dance Studio, Evolución Latina Dance Company and Keri Simonson Dance celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with a flash mob showcasing Salsa and Bachata dancing in the streets.

Flash Mob

More than a dozen dancers took their show on the road, literally, Oct. 8, 2023, by bringing a flashmob to Open Streets Lyndale. In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, performers … more

By Jill Boogren | 11/2/23

WACSO: Pumpkin patch

Why go to the pumpkin patch, when the pumpkin patch will come to you? Serious display of pumpkins on 50th and James. (Illustration by WACSO) more

11/2/23

Brass Solidarity performs in Boston during HONK! Oct. 6-8, 2023.

George Floyd Square’s Brass Solidarity goes to HONK!

“Throughout the country and across the globe, a new type of street band movement is emerging — outrageous and inclusive, brass and brash, percussive and persuasive — reclaiming … more

By Larry LaVercombe | 11/2/23