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Articles by Diane Meyer
The Rebel Loon Archive Is Preserving History in Real Time
Erica Helander never considered herself an artist or a writer. Before she founded the Rebel Loon Archive and envisioned the art anthology The Rebel Loon Archive: Art Against Operation Metro Surge, what she hopes will become a textbook of protest art for future generations, Helander was a new mother struggling to find a way to help her community. She sat up late every evening in January during Operation Metro Surge wondering, “What is happening to my neighbors?
‘Merciless’: Indigenous Lands Since 1776 Opens at the Weisman Art Museum
A new exhibition at the Weisman Art Museum, ‘Merciless’: Indigenous Lands Since 1776, celebrates Native resistance and futurity, with a critical examination of the Declaration of Independence and an active exploration of the enduring relationships between Indigenous communities and the land: Bde Óta Othúŋwe, or Minneapolis. Deep, sustained connections with ancestry and the earth enrich each of the installations by Natchez Beaulieu, Marlena Myles, and Missy Whiteman.
Minneapolis Home Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright Listed for $2.5 Million
Looking out onto Cedar Lake from under its distinctly low-pitched roof, a residential home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright just hit the Twin Cities real-estate market. The rare opportunity to own one of Wright’s singular creations of interior space is priced at $2.5 million and listed by Stickney Real Estate, a brokerage branch of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury based in Wayzata. With Wright’s refined sense for serenity and deference to natural light, the Frieda and Henry J.
The Great Northern Announces Lineup
The Great Northern festival is all about uplifting our uniquely Minnesotan winter culture during the coldest time of year, “serving as an intentional reclaiming of the season,” according to the press release. From Jan. 27–31, the festival will welcome visitors around St. Anthony Main’s winter wonderland, celebrating the bold theme “winter is a verb” for its tenth anniversary, with help from local artists, businesses, and neighbors from across the state.
Can You Master the Loon Call?
A loon’s call is a rare sonic experience: Sacred and sublime, the piercing sound gently sweeps through wind and water with haunting, mournful power. Attempting to imitate such a noise is a fool's errand—for most. In partnership with the National Loon Center, the Minnesota United is hosting an official Loon Call Contest to celebrate the beloved state bird and bestow the title of grand champion upon Minnesota’s true master of sonority.
Olivia Miles Named WNBA Rookie of the Year
The vote was unanimous: Olivia Miles is Rookie of the Year, receiving all 74 votes from a panel comprised of sportswriters and broadcasters nationwide. The WNBA announced the news today, and it’s no surprise to anyone following the No. 2 draft pick’s ascent into all-star status. Miles has set the season on fire, shaking up basketball’s history books with a slew of smashed records.
5 Questions with Actor Antonio Teodoro
Ask the academics how to understand Antonio Teodoro’s character in Waiting for Godot, Samuel Beckett’s mysterious, mythic play, and they’ll waffle about his very existence: Is the boy even alive? Is he just a dream? A symbol? Unnamed and unsure of his own place in the world, the boy appears twice to Estragon and Vladimir (played by Jimmy Kieffer and David Strathairn, respectively), prolonging their waning hope for Godot’s arrival.
New Exhibition Reimagines the Mississippi River at the Walker
The soundtrack of running water and dense wildlife calls to mind a wooded river ecosystem instead of the polished one-room gallery at the Walker Art Center. It’s the first solo exhibition of the artist Olalekan Jeyifous, and the fictitious archive of the Mississippi River (otherworldly and fascinating, yet strangely familiar) is meticulously installed.
Who Is the Funniest Person in St. Paul?
If you popped into Gambit Brewing Company on any Tuesday evening this summer, you’d find a boisterous crowd banding together to find the funniest person in St. Paul. Not to be confused with Acme Comedy Company’s annual competition to crown the funniest person in the Twin Cities, Gambit’s contest cuts deeper than comedy. “It’s culture,” says Jesse Ellis, the host and producer of all things comedy at Gambit, and a St. Paul resident for 26 years.
St. Paul’s Historic Hills House Tour Welcomes Visitors Inside Classic Homes
High above the Mississippi River, the streets of St. Paul’s historic Ramsey Hill and Summit Hill neighborhoods feature some of Minnesota’s oldest mansions and richest bits of history. An old-world opulence emanates from classic brick and stately turrets, whispering to passersby: Don’t you wish you could get closer than the sidewalk? On September 27, the Ramsey Hill and Summit Hill neighborhood associations will extend the invitation to ooh and ahh from inside 21 of their best-preserved homes.
An Exhibition of the State Fair’s Rejected Art
Douglas Flanders and Associates Gallery is encouraging artists to find pride in an experience that others may deem failure, transforming rejection into a stamp of approval. Hosting the third annual Minnesota State Fair Reject Show, the gallery is showing art by artists spurned by the State Fair’s Fine Arts Competition through Oct. 10. Gallery executive director Syril McNally says that the philosophy of showing rejected artwork started in Paris in 1863.
The Great Minnesota Bake-Off
A story about baking with heart and intuition, a knowing pinch of salt, and an indulgent shake of sugar would be nice.
Animal Adventures
Autumn Mushing Tours The snow-happy huskies of Ely are gearing up for winter, and you’re invited to join their thrilling training sessions in the woods. A tour with Chilly Dogs Sled Dog Trips includes the opportunity to meet the mushers and their teams as you warm up around the fire with hot cocoa and conversation about the rich culture of dogsled racing. Limited availability October through mid-December. Email for specific days and times.
In Pursuit of a State Fair Blue Ribbon
At the intersection of Cosgrove Street and Dan Patch Ave., there is a time-honored mid-afternoon ritual that awaits in the Minnesota State Fair Creative Activities Building. An air-conditioned maze rewards those who have braved a morning spent in the animal barns and scarfed down their chosen fried-food-roulette-of-a-lunch. What lies within the depths of this crocheted, knitted, and sculpted treasure trove of arts and crafts?
Roon’s Savories Reimagines Waffle Cones for the State Fair
While the rest of us sleep away the last of our lazy summer days, there are some among us preparing for “the dream of perhaps every food vendor in Minnesota,” according to food entrepreneur Roon Johnson—the Minnesota State Fair. He is setting out to do something he never could have possibly imagined when he worked at Adele's Frozen Custard as a teenager: Roll 30,000 waffle cones. It’s a difficult feat for the average person to conceptualize. How many waffle irons does it even take to pull that off?
Where to Find Coffee at the State Fair
The Anchor Coffee House: Try the cold brew lavender shandy for a surprising blend of coffee and lavender lemonade, or stick to trusty standard cold brew coffee and iced lattes with vanilla, caramel, mini-donut, and mocha-flavored flair. Beans and Beignets: New at the fair last year, these honey-forward coffee offerings attract a buzz.
Midwest Black Book Fair Launches in North Minneapolis
Since acquiring Black Garnet Books in 2024, Dr. Terresa Hardaway has nourished a creative community dedicated to supporting Black literature. The associate professor of graphic design, director of Design Justice at the University of Minnesota, and Blackbird Revolt design studio owner, along with lead organizers Madyson Sklar and Terra Brister, is now launching the inaugural Midwest Black Book Fair on Aug. 22.
Drag Is Coming to the State Fair
Crafts of all kinds abound at the Minnesota State Fair, but the jaw-dropping art of drag has long been left off the list—until this year. Power: Drag Revue will close out the first two days of the Arts A’Fair program, celebrating their distinction as the first drag production company selected to perform at the fair. The variety show's four performances at 3:30, 4:30, 5:30, and 6:30 p.m. on August 27 and 28 will a unique blend of comedy, dance, and music.
The Future Is Within Reach at Plot Gallery
Is the future something tactile: bedazzled, quilted, or rough around the edges? Will it still contain cardboard cut-outs and analog film? Is it a fortune told in stop-motion animation? Or can it barely be seen with the human eye, visible in a tiny altar affixed to the wall; a window into a watercolor universe?
Encounters: A Story of Healing, Resistance, and Solidarity at the Bockley Gallery
Seemingly transfixed in space, three shawls with gently dangling ribbons can be seen through the window of the Bockley Gallery: “Ghostly,” artist Maggie Thompson says. Each is constructed from a fabric made up of hundreds of small rectangles stitched together. The words “I Can’t Breathe” appear in the center of each, repeating again and again.
Minneapolis Independent Music Venues Generate $2.2 Billion but Face Financial Challenges
Last year, the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) published a national research study assessing the unique strengths of the independent live entertainment industry and exploring the challenges to its sustainability.
What to See at the Minnesota Fringe Festival
The Minnesota Fringe Festival is back with more than 100 locally produced theatrical shows from Aug. 6–10. Performances at the 33rd annual fest include a Batman-Shakespeare mash-up, a Beach Boys drag-puppet show, and a Minnesota-themed take on Casablanca. Artists are selected by an un-juried and un-curated lottery process, giving any theater artist a chance to put their passion on the stage, and shows are less than 60 minutes in length.
A Meatless Guide to Twin Cities Restaurants
Local vegetarian and vegan restaurants are putting second-thought Impossible patties to shame. Twin Cities kitchens innovating by making their own plant-based offerings from scratch means that going meatless can be both dignified and delicious, whether the dishes are vegetable-forward or decidedly gluttonous (shoutout to the vegan tater tot hot dish from Stray Dog).
New Exhibition at the Walker Asks: What Is Love?
What is Love? is a question (and an exhibition on view at the Walker Art Center until Aug. 23) with many entry points (three to be exact). Walking into the gallery, curator Taylor Jasper meditates on this conscious subversion of chronological journey.
The State Fair Announces Almost 100 New Beverages
Hopefully by now you've perused the Minnesota State Fair's new food list for 2026, which is stacked, like usual, with all things salty and sweet—so you'll need some drinks to quench your thirst. From a Pickle Lemonade Cider to an Espressotini Frozen Seltzer, here's the state fair's new beverage lineup, including more than 70 alcoholic drinks and 23 nonalcoholic options.
Landmark Center Celebrates 50 Years of Restoration
It is semiquincentennial summer, and the party has just begun at the Landmark Center in St. Paul. An icon of architectural significance, the Landmark Center is capitalizing on the cultural moment with an exhibition dedicated to its restoration on view now through September 13.
Bria Hammel Interiors Collaborates with Pottery Barn Kids
Sky blue or soft pink cotton covers to be clutched tight during bedtime stories; delicate wooden details that won’t bend to change but accommodate it: Bria Hammel Interiors for Pottery Barn Kids takes children seriously, imbuing bedroom furniture and décor with the brand’s signature sophistication.
Scenes from the Trader Joe’s vs. Aldi Rave
Oh, no! I should have brought my grocery bag: This was my first thought entering First Avenue on Friday night. No, I wasn’t in the atrium of my local supermarket surveying the shopping carts and realizing every scatterbrained errand-runner’s favorite mistake. I was in the Mainroom, taking cover as a beach ball soared overhead in time to the beat drop of a Paul Simon remix backed by a giant video of Angry Orange (I forgot about him! No, not Paul Simon–Angry Orange).
5 Questions with Wicked Actress Aline Mayagoitia
Aline Mayagoitia recalls the shock of learning she would be cast as Elphaba in the Broadway tour of Wicked. The iconic starring role once seemed impossibly out of reach for her, and the 31-year-old Mexican American actress professes that for a long time she felt confined to side-character roles: Most recently, she played Katherine Howard in the national tour of Six: The Musical, and Paulina Paz opposite Jennifer Lopez and Diego Luna in the 2025 film Kiss of the Spider Woman.
Walker Art Center Announces Inaugural Design Triennial
The Walker Art Center will debut its inaugural design exhibition The Walker Design Triennial: Beyond Materialism this fall.
Singer-Songwriter Carey Marshall Releases Her Second Album
Carey Marshall continues to develop as a singer-songwriter while becoming more and more confident in herself. “It is an accomplishment to take nothing and make something,” she says. Photo: Fawn & the Flame Twenty years ago, Minnetonka-based singer-songwriter Carey Marshall had no idea she could sing. It must have been kismet when, at 30, she picked up a guitar and discovered her passion.
Travel Ready With ”The Thoughtful Travel Podcast”
Whether you’re a seasoned solo traveler, beginner backpacker or perfectionist planning the next family vacation or honeymoon, The Thoughtful Travel Podcast, hosted by Amanda Kendle, tackles travel challenges and triumphs while staying grounded in humility and cultural acumen. Episodes covering a wide range of topics, such as letting go of expectations, meeting kind strangers and walking the world, offer advice, encouragement and inspiration for new and experienced travelers alike.
Run, Bike and Swim Into Summer With the Tonka Youth Triathlon
Photos: Minnetonka Community Education Center Minnetonka youth gear up for an exciting tri-sport extravaganza. The Tonka Youth Triathlon invites adventurous young athletes to swim, bike and run their way to the finish line. Scheduled for 8:30 a.m. May 16 at Minnetonka Middle School East, the morning promises to be one of fun and fitness.
“Lost Time” Penned by Local Author
Minnetonka’s Holly Trost dreamed of being an author. Prior to writing her first novel, she was early in her content marketing career and enjoyed posting her poetry on social media. “I was maybe in my mid-20s, and I really wanted to write a book,” she says. “But I had a young son, and it just wasn’t good timing. I didn’t think I would be capable until I was older and a more confident writer,” Trost says. Trost found her spark one morning when she woke up with the idea for a time-travel story.
Go Green at the Annual Luck O’ the Lake
Photos: Emily John Photography St. Patrick’s Day tradition promotes light-hearted competition and community celebration. The festive Luck O’ the Lake 5K and 1-mile races and the 0.5K (all the fun without the run) is back for another year of St. Patrick’s Day fun on March 21. Races will start and end on Water Street in Excelsior.
Mush Magic at the Klondike Dog Derby
Lake Minnetonka Magazine: Lead Dog Sponsor. Photo: Kate Evans Photography Gather with the community to experience a true winter extravaganza in the heart of Excelsior. Embrace winter adventure at the annual Klondike Dog Derby February 13 and 14 by participating in prerace events and cheering on world class mushers and dogs.
Minnetonka Preschool Hosts Open House
Families are invited to learn about programs at the Minnetonka Community Education Center. Community members are encouraged to attend the Minnetonka Preschool open house from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. January 31 at the Minnetonka Community Education Center, 4584 Vine Hill Road, Deephaven. Navigating preschool and childcare options can be a big step for families, and the open house offers a plethora of resources.
Raising Her Voice With Angelica Cantanti
Local singer set to take the Ordway stage with Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs. How many performers dream of looking out at an audience from the stage at the Ordway? Madeleine Schroeder—only 12—already had her chance. Madeleine, a seventh grader at Minnetonka Middle School East, started singing with Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs, based in Bloomington, as a soprano when she was 7 years old.
BOOK: The Life of Helen Hoover in the Northern Woods
The wilderness of northern Minnesota has inspired generations and rooted diverse communities in a deep and timeless relationship with the land. Affecting a unique legacy of naturalism and literature, the search for human connection with the environment has inspired local authors and readers alike. As cycles of human-exacerbated environmental threats persist, literature offers a reflective opportunity to learn from the past and consider challenges we face today.
Gather, Glow, Give at Light Up the Lake
Light Up the Lake, Wayzata’s annual holiday spectacular, welcomes the community. Connect with neighbors and celebrate the beginning of the holiday season as lights shine and sleigh bells ring once again on Lake Street. The City of Wayzata will host its annual Light Up the Lake event from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. November 21, inviting event-goers to gather and revel in holiday magic and community.
Cathy Johnson: From Classroom to Unexpected Lobbyist
In their relatively quiet rural community, 30 miles south of the Twin Cities, Cathy Johnson and her husband Gary enjoy a naturally beautiful neighborhood nestled among farmlands and protected park reserves. She confides that she and Farmington neighbors who have gathered around her have become unlikely activists.
DATA CENTER SERIES: The Impact on Minnesota Waters
Editor’s note: This article is adapted from a version published Aug. 27, 2025 by the Minnesota Women’s Press Minnesota is poised on the brink of a precedent-setting situation as it comes to the future of the state’s water. A hyperscale data center is currently in construction in Rosemount, and projects are in various stages of approval in cities such as Apple Valley, Cannon Falls, Farmington, Hermantown, Lakeville, and Pine Island.
DATA CENTER SERIES: The Impact on Minnesota Waters
This content is underwritten by Valvoline Instant Oil Change across Northern Minnesota, a woman-owned business supporting women and families across the region. Minnesota is poised on the brink of a precedent-setting situation as it comes to the future of the state’s water. A hyperscale data center is currently in construction in Rosemount, and projects are in various stages of approval in cities such as Apple Valley, Cannon Falls, Farmington, Hermantown, Lakeville, and Pine Island.
DATA CENTER SERIES: The Impact on Minnesota Water
This content is underwritten by Valvoline Instant Oil Change across Northern Minnesota, a woman-owned business supporting women and families across the region. Minnesota is poised on the brink of a precedent-setting situation as it comes to the future of the state’s water. A hyperscale data center is currently in construction in Rosemount, and projects are in various stages of approval in cities such as Apple Valley, Cannon Falls, Farmington, Hermantown, Lakeville, and Pine Island.
My “Bystander” Education in Community Organizing
This content is underwritten by Valvoline Instant Oil Change across Northern Minnesota, a woman-owned business supporting women and families across the region. I sat down in the last open chair in Cathy and Gary Johnson’s dining room in a house full of 15 Farmington neighbors for a Wednesday night meeting. As a summer intern for Minnesota Women’s Press, I had previously interviewed the Johnsons and neighbor Mo Feshami about data centers and the challenges of community organizing.
EXPLAINER: What Minnesotans should learn about data centers
“We’re Up Against Billionaires” This year’s bill HF16 — a budget deal finalized by Minnesota legislators on June 9 — is primarily focused on incentivizing the development of new hyperscale data centers in Minnesota. The bill includes uncapped sales tax breaks for technology companies and data center developers. Development is set to cost the state $137 million in potential tax revenue for the 2027 budget and $219 million in 2029, according to the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
Allison Lussier’s Death: Minneapolis City Council Hears Long-Standing Criticism of Police Response to Domestic Violence
Thanks to Minneapolis Foundation for enabling us to continue deeper content and discussions about gender-based violence. June 10, 2025 – On Tuesday June 3, the Minneapolis City Council heard presentations by community leaders and the city’s Domestic Violence Working Group. This follows the council’s decision in February to request an independent after-action review investigating the Minneapolis Police Department’s (MPD) handling of Allsion Lussier’s death in February 2024.
Reunion — Hand-Embroidered School Class Portraits - Photographs and text by Diane Meyer | LensCulture
Most recently, I have been working on an ongoing series of hand-embroidered photographs based on found elementary school class pictures from the 1970s. This project continues my interest in the relationship between photography and memory and grew out of an earlier project, Time Spent That Might Otherwise Be Forgotten, an archive of embroidered personal and family photographs.
Hereford Thrives In Uncertain Year
Despite the challenges of 2020, the American Hereford Association reports breed growth. In a year that was anything but predictable, Hereford breeders and the American Hereford Association (AHA) continued to add value to Hereford genetics. Year-end reports shared during the Association’s recent annual meeting show their efforts paid off.
Recruitment considerations for dental short-term missions relating to the holistic development of dentists
Abstract Background The universal need for dentistry persists and short-term missions (STMs) with dentists can make an incalculable difference to the participants and the recipients when charitable dental treatment is offered to underresourced people.
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