Longfellow Nokomis Messenger

"You really put yourself out there when you make public art," remarked Lomgfellow resident Taylor Tinkham. "Mostly people are great, but I’ve been hassled by the police. I’ve been yelled at by passersby, I’ve had people comment on my body when I’m drawing. As I approach a space where I’m going to chalk, I’m anxious – but as soon as I start chalking, I feel good.”(Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

Longfellow chalk artist creates mindfulness messages on pavement

Taylor Tinkham has been chalking on neighborhood sidewalks for the last two and a half years. She said, “The idea came out of a mindfulness meditation class I was taking as part of my masters … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 10/1/21

Film maker Paul Irmiter in his Longfellow studio, surrounded by photos and news clips of John Wesley Donaldson. Irmiter said, “From the outset, I knew this story had to be told. I was fortunate to be able to partner with some of the Twin Cities’ most experienced Black actors, producers, and crew. I got to be the director, but I couldn’t have done any part of the film without our team. One of the best things that came out of this project was these new, strong relationships.” (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

Local pride surrounds release of documentary

John Wesley Donaldson may be the greatest American baseball player you’ve never heard of. Born in 1892 in the tiny town of Glasgow, Mo., the young African American ball player went on to become … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 10/1/21

BareBones Extravaganza 2021 Co-Directors (left to right) Xochi de la Luna, Adriana Cerrillo and Mina Leierwood at Powderhorn Park in September. (Photo by Jill Boogren)

BareBones Extravaganza 2021 returns Oct. 31

Shaped from sticks, torn pieces of brown paper bags, newspaper, and paste, bones were in the making at Powderhorn Park in September as artists and community members gathered to prepare for BareBones … more

By JILL BOOGREN | 10/1/21

Dancing together through a pandemic

On Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021, Ballare Teatro dance instructor Molly Breen (at left) and her Cardio Funk dancers gave a live performance every 15 minutes through the early evening.They danced against a … more

by Margie O'Loughlin | 10/1/21

THIS IS WHAT I SEE

Art by Sarajea “Star” Martin, George Floyd Square community member, foundbysara@gmail.com featuring Jay Webb, aka The Gardener. more

Sarajea 'Star' Martin | 10/1/21

“For me, this is the most peaceful place on earth," explained Dr. Remi Douah, who is a listening presence at the "Say Their Names Cemetery" near George Floyd Square. "I can easily spend eight hours a day here. It’s not a chore; it’s not an intervention. It’s my way of life now. It’s what I structure my days around.” (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

Learn to listen

Dr. Remi Douah is a listening presence at the “Say Their Names” Cemetery near George Floyd Square, just off East 37th Street between Chicago and Columbus avenues. He spends hours there … more

By Margie O’Loughlin | 9/3/21

Classics Lost ‘n’ Found Theater Company announces fall and winter 2021 season

Following their successful summer production of William Shakespeare’s "Twelfth Night," Classics Lost ‘n’ Found Theater Company is pleased to announce the remainder of its 2021 … more

9/3/21

Open Streets is back

Open Streets Minneapolis events give communities a chance to experience their streets in an exciting, car-free environment. This year, events are back on three routes:• West Broadway Ave, from … more

9/3/21

Artist Anita White (right) with art student Henry Holdsworth, in White’s garden. (Photo courtesy Hillary Oppmann)

LoLa artists weekend

The LoLa Artists Weekend this month will include Katie Cameron at Cry Baby Clay, her newly opened shop and studio on Minnehaha Avenue. “I’m super excited to have my studio up and running … more

by Sharon Parker, LoLa | 9/2/21

Ten Thousand Things Artistic director Marcela Lorca said, "This is a very difficult time, but it has required all of us to learn many new things." (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

What is role of artists in community?

Marcela Lorca is the artistic director of Ten Thousand Things (TTT), a theater company whose work has been grounded in practices of inclusion, equity, service and accessibility since in its founding … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 7/28/21

Photographer Patience Zalanga's billboard is of a moment she captured of a father reading to his son on a bench at George Floyd Square, a book he chose from the community's free library.(Photo by Jill Boogren)

Billboards at George floyd square show connection, unity

Two new artist-created billboards are up on the rooftops at George Floyd Square. Part of the Social Justice Billboard Project, “La Conneccion,” by Maria Cristina “Tina” … more

By JILL BOOGREN | 7/28/21

Alan Berks (left) and Leah Cooper (right) are co-artistic directors of Wonderlust Productions. Their 2016 play about the experience of adoption has been adapted into graphic novel form. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

In my Heart: the Adoption Story Project

Seven years ago, Wonderlust Productions co-artistic directors Alan Berks and Leah Cooper (both former South Minneapolis residents) began inviting people from the adoption community to share their … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 7/28/21

Recognize someone making a difference

Know someone making an impact in the community?A new web docuseries called INVOLVD by Minneapolis company ADX is highlighting people making outsized contributions in their Twin Cities communities, … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 7/28/21

"To live in Minneapolis is to know its history and be accountable for it as a citizen and go forward. For me, as a writer and journalist, I have had all this in the forefront for a long time," said South Minneapolis resident Jim Walsh. "It's my home, but I have a critical eye for it as well." He recently wrote, "Folk Song for George Floyd." His new book draws from some of the article he wrote for City Pages, The Southwest Journal, the Downtown Journal, the Pioneer Press and MinnPost. (Photo by David Tanner Photography)

‘Fear and Loving in South Minneapolis’

Jim Walsh has spent much of his life as an observer. The Minneapolis writer, journalist, columnist and song writer’s most recent book, “Fear and Loving in South Minneapolis,” is a … more

By JAN WILLMS | 7/28/21

LoLa atists are back!

Find LoLa art and artists again during the Longfellow Artists’ Weekend, a low-key neighborhood art crawl organized by the League of Longfellow Artists (LoLa). "Our artists are eager to greet … more

7/28/21

MNHS Archaeology uncovers new stories at Historic Fort Snelling

Archaeologists under the direction of the Minnesota Historical Society have recently identified artifacts and stone foundations around Historic Fort Snelling, including items that show Native … more

7/28/21

Don Larsson and Stephen Greenhalgh in 12th Night

Classics Lost 'n' Found Theater presents Shakespearean comedy outside

Classics Lost ‘n’ Found Theater Company is pleased to announce their Summer 2021 production, 12th Night by William Shakespeare. The story focuses on a Viola and Sebastian, separated, so … more

5/26/21

See "Summer of Soul" at an outside event taking place at Como Pavilion on Thursday, May 13. (Photo by submitted)

40 years for International Film Festival

In a year that has seen its share of trauma with the ongoing pandemic and the tragedies of George Floyd and Daunte Wright, the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF) has reached an … more

By JAN WILLMS | 4/27/21

Cy Dodson's film includes footage of the mural being painted on the side of Cup Foods – the mural that is now recognizable across the globe. (Photo submitted)

Cy Dodson was there with a camera

Cy Dodson was just there with his camera. The Emmy-nominated Longfellow area filmmaker has recently completed a short film capturing the days surrounding the death of George Floyd.“A day after … more

By JAN WILLMS | 4/27/21

Library services are limited at Hennepin County Libraries, but they are open to visits. East Lake Library Supervisor Sarah Connolly answers questions and helps folks find materials. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)

East Lake Library reopens

The East Lake Library has reopened.The library had been closed since fires and unrest tore through the neighborhood during the last week of May 2020. Prior to that, the library had only been open for … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 1/27/21