Appreciating Local Artists

As the winter months progress more and more people experience cabin fever. What better way to beat those blahs then to get out of the house and add a little color and excitement to the day. While Hollywood and Broadway are miles away from Minnesota, there are still plenty of talented local artists worth checking out. The following list of websites is a wealth of information for exhibits and performances occurring all over the state.

• First up is The Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Their collection of art spans mediums, cultures, and time. They also offer classes for adults, youth, and families. One Sunday a month they have a free event for families and "the young at heart". The third Thursday of the month is tailored towards an adult crowd, taking place during the evening. The festivities include programs, music, drinks, and more. Admission to the museum is free everyday and there is even free parking located nearby. Some of the events and special exhibits do have a fee for nonmembers. There are even online resources for viewing artwork from home.From their homepage you can learn all about their calendar of events, fees, show times, exhibits and more.

• At MNartists.org their goal is to improve the lives of Minnesota artists and provide access to and engagement with Minnesota's arts culture." The site offers resources for artists and the public alike. Artists have a community to turn to of their peers for help and the public has a way of learning more about the artists in their area. From the home page you can click on the link to their calendar. Once there you can see current and upcoming exhibits. It also breaks down the genres of art. You can search by the date, region, venue, category or discipline. Once one of those items are selected a short description is given for each item. Click on the headline and you will be able to read more info, see show times, price, location, contact information and links to the event that are available.
  

• If you are searching for something closer to home and you don't live near the Twin Cities you may want to try the Minnesota State Arts Board. By clicking on "regional arts councils-regional map" you will be able to choose the website for the arts council in your area. Minnesota is divided into 11 regional arts councils. Each councils website is different, some list the resources for artists while other also include a calendar of events.
  

So no matter where you are and what discipline of art you prefer, chances are that the sites above will lead you to an event to help fight the winter blahs.