New McKnight blog, valentines items, and we quote the shit out of you

The McKnight Foundation rolled out a new blog this week called “State of the Artist” focusing on conversations with and about artists. With an organization as high profile as the McKnight Foundation they’ll probably include some influential voices and being an organization that funds a lot of artists it’s worth keeping an eye on this blog for reasons of professional development. State of the Artist ___ State of the Arts blog posted a round up of 6 things to do on or around Valentines Day. I’m particularly interested in the Victorian Poetry Slam taking place at the James J Hill House in St Paul on Tuesday, February 14th. It promises to be off the Dickensian hook. Kindle Some Romance ___ Twitter has proven to be a good source of snapshot reactions to local theater performances. @krosent said: “@IllusionTheater Ballad of the Pale Fisherman was amazing! Continually overwhelmed by the talent in the #mnpl theater community.” @MarketingMama said: “So inspired by @stagestheatreco last night - the children actors were fabulous & my kids had a great time!” @GuthrieTheater said: “Stellar writing on @CakeIn15 blog: "Sex, Drugs, Booze and Death at the Guthrie" Sharp insights into Cat and Rainbow. goo.gl/rpoGx” We follow a large and growing selection of local theater companies and art appreciators on Twitter. Here’s our list: MN Playlist follows ___ The all-night art crawl/party/event Northern Spark is in need of funding and has launched a Kickstarter campaign. TC Daily Planet has a little info here: TC Daily item Or you can head straight to the Kickstarter page: Northern Spark Kickstarter ___ There’s a series of conversations and workshops about Hennepin Avenue’s theater alley and how it should look starting in March. “Earlier this year, Hennepin Theatre Trust (nonprofit owner of the State, Orpheum, Pantages and New Century theatres, therefore a major stakeholder) received an NEA "Our Town" grant to develop plans to reinvent the oldest street in Minneapolis in partnership with the Walker, Artspace (owner/operator of the Cowles Center) and the City of Minneapolis.” Go to MinnPost to read more about this series: How should Hennepin Ave look? ___ Last week we asked “What group, performer, technician, director in the TC performing arts isn't getting enough attention?” We got a lot of fantastic responses: The Krohnies said: “we've been really impressed by YAI (young artists' initiative) - they're struggling...can you help?” Teresa Rowell Walker said: “Rob Sutherland, artistic director of Ashland Productions in Maplewood,Mn has an amazing program called ACT. This year, over 850 children from area schools will experience theatre by taking the stage with a production they were taught through the ACT program. For many students, it is life changing. Hard work,dedication and self esteem come together as they perform on stage!” Megan Fae Dougherty said: “Tigarlion Arts. Many people in the arts know of them and their shows. But they rarely get any media or public attention. Currently they are involved in a residency program based off the show they are currently producing at the Southern. They will be working with thousands of Minneapolis and Robbinsdale youth teaching them about music and puppetry.” Joel Raney said: "John Zeiler. I've given up acting for approximately 24 hours every single time I've seen him onstage (which was awkward, since at least one of these times I was in production for another show). Heartfelt. Hilarious. Most importantly Natural. I'm not even sure he knows he's an actor. Catch him." Eric Powell Holm said: “Transatlantic Love Affair - Isabel Nelson and Diogo Lopes and their always astonishing team.” There were heaps of other artists and organizations mentioned and we shall make an effort to take more notice of some of these underrepresented artists and highlight them. ___ Do you know of an artist or organization that deserves more attention or accolades? Do you know of any that deserve less? We’d love to hear from you. -Levi