Alana, Author at Arts Midwest

Two rows of pastries on trays sit behind a class window on a white counter. There are hand pies and galettes for $3. There are also Éclairs, croissants, and turnovers.

A Tiny Bakery Thrives In This Rural Minnesota Community

For 10 years, a 100-year-old store stood empty in the little hamlet of Newburg. Now, it is home to an authentic French bakery where crowds of customers wait patiently for the two hours a week the small batch operation opens its doors.

Signage atop a building reading, "State Fair, Aug 22 - Sept 2"

Everything’s on a Stick at the Great Minnesota Get-Together

The Minnesota State Fair is in full swing, and there's still time to stop by the Great Minnesota Get-Together for your share of crop art and deep fried ranch dressing.

A person in a white tank top spins with their arms up facing away from a person in a black t-shirt as their hair flies in a spiral with the motion.

The Meteoric Resurgence of Brazil’s ‘Forbidden Dance’ is Inspiring Iowans

Brazil’s Zouk dance was almost stifled out of existence at the end of the 20th century. Now a nascent community of dancers in Iowa is propelling its resurgence.

A person in a bright yellow sweatshirt sits on the ground painting a mural on the side of a low wall. In the unfinished scene two people stand close together on bright green grass in front of a bright blue sky. The painter wears a headset with attached microphone.

Ojibwe Descendant Artist Creates Safe Space for Empowerment, Exploration of Stories

The 2024 Bush Fellow led the Chief Buffalo Memorial mural project in downtown Duluth, and is currently exhibiting a new collaborative project.

A person with a white beard wearing a bright orange backpack and bright blue helmet rides a bike standing up along a narrow dirt trail against a backdrop of deep green trees.

Pedaling to the Beat of His Own Drum

A rebel with a punk rock attitude, Kiko Silvelet competes in hardcore mountain bike races on a used BMX bike he bought for $150 bucks. And he almost always finishes last. Why does he do it?

A black and white photo of a person wearing thick glasses staring into the distance with their hand resting on their temple. The photo is overlaid on two book covers. One reads "Goodbye My Lover," and the other "Longhorns," both are by Victor J. Banis.

Small-town Ohioan Finally Getting His Due as the ‘Godfather of Gay Pulp Fiction’

Victor Banis, who grew up in Preble County, Ohio, redefined LGBTQ+ literature and captured a global audience.

Cozy library room with wooden shelves filled with colorful books, a wooden table with four chairs and button making supplies.

Recipes, Doodles, Magazines: A Vibrant Archive of Iowa's Queer History

At LIAL, a hodgepodge of letters, diaries, doodles, recipes, magazines and 'GAY ART' is an ever-growing archive of distinctly Iowan queer materials.

This Minnesota Museum Draws in SPAM Lovers from Around the World

Did you know that this SPAM-tastic museum is free to visit and less than two hours from the Twin Cities?

A person plays the cello with their eyes closed in the middle of a room scattered with tables and chairs. In front of them. is an audience with their backs to the cameras.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Refugees Bring Immigrant Stories to Life with Music

For one night, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Refugee Coalition turned inspirational immigrant stories into a musical journey to bring awareness of the current migrant crisis.

A group of people, some of whom wear orange and blue jumpsuits, sit in a half circle around a large wooden table. On the white brick wall behind them are large pieces of paper written on with colorful market. In front of them on the table are cups, water bottles, notebooks, and glasses. One person is writing, the rest are turned towards someone on the right side of the table who is speaking.

Two Detroit Activists Met at a Prison Writing Workshop, Now They’re Providing a Pathway for Returning Citizens

The Entry Points artist residency gives former juvenile lifers housing and exhibition opportunities.

Author: Alana