Midway Como Frogtown Monitor

Youth participating in ComMUSICation programs speak many different languages including Spanish, Hmong, Karen, Oromo, Somali, Thai, and Vietnamese. The common language they all share, besides English, … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 1/14/21

PPGJLI children’s book takes top award in Minnesota Author Project contest

The children’s book, “Justice Makes a Difference: The Story of Miss Freedom Fighter, Esquire,” has been selected as the winner in the first annual Minnesota Author Project … more

1/14/21

“Comets are amazing night sky objects to observe. They are relatively rare, and absolutely striking. Comet Neowise, pictured here, was the brightest comet seen from Earth in the last 20 years.” (Photo submitted by Mike Shaw)

In search of dark skies

Between the months of March-September on a clear, moonless night, it’s easy to find astrophotographer Mike Shaw. He will be in his car heading north.In August 2019, he was doing just that. … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 12/9/20

‘Mr. Rondo’s Spirit: a story of a man and his community’

According to Rondo resident, educator, and artist Ericka Dennis, most children she meets don’t know the real story of the historic Rondo neighborhood. Dennis currently works as a Family Liaison … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 12/9/20

The Creative Enterprise Zone’s new executive director Angela Casselton. The 18 murals that now grace the mostly industrial spaces of the CEZ are a great way to experience art, especially during the pandemic when museums are closed. View the map of where they are located on the CEZ website at www.creativeenterprisezone.org. (Photos by Margie O’Loughlin)

Creative Enterprise Zone hires new executive director

Angela Casselton was recently named executive director of the Creative Enterprise Zone (CEZ), a non-profit organization that attracts and supports creatives of all kinds to “make it … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 12/9/20

The art of improvisation

Mychal Batson (who goes by MycDazzle, or Daz, for short) is a young artist with a bucket load of skills, and a growing resume of projects anchored in St. Paul’s Central Corridor. His work … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 11/11/20

‘We did it!” says one sign as supporters celebrate the $2.4 million appropriation that Victoria Theater (825 University Ave.) has just gotten through the Minnesota Legislature’s Capital Investment Bill, which was passed in October. The push for the funds came through the governor’s office, which focused on equity-centered projects that are led by and serve communities of color and American Indians, as these organizations have not traditionally had access to state funds. (Photos submitted)

Victoria Theater Arts Center receives $2.4M

For over 10 years, community members have rallied around an abandoned silent movie theater at 825 University Ave. Their plans: to purchase and renovate the space into a community and arts center for … more

11/11/20

‘Profiles in Kindness’

Paul Kotz, a writer living in the Como neighborhood, knows that everyone at some time goes though crises. He is hoping his latest book, “Profiles in Kindness: Stories of Servant Leadership and … more

By JAN WILLMS | 11/11/20

Artist Suyao Tian with a basket of her Modern Cover mittens. She said, “Hands for me have always had a very special meaning. They symbolize universal friendliness, helpfulness, and connection.” (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

Hamline-Midway artist driven to ‘Do the most good’ with design

When Hamline-Midway artist Suyao Tian thinks back on her childhood, she remembers the freezing cold of winter. Tian grew up in a province of Northern China, near the border with Tibet. Her city, … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 11/11/20

New mural exhibition sustains fight for justice

A neighbor looks at the mural exhibit at 825 University Ave. (Photo by Tyler Olsen-Highness) Four murals created in the wake of George Floyd’s murder have been re-introduced to the public at 825 … more

9/18/20

My Funny Quarantine

In the last line of Frank Sinatra’s classic love song, “My Funny Valentine,” Old Blue Eyes sang, “Stay little Valentine, stay, for each day is Valentine’s … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 8/18/20

Through process, youth learn something and then teach the next person to do it

Lue Her (left), Marcellius Watley and Shadaria Brown build a chair. Through the Green Chair Project at Elpis Enterprise, youth who are homeless or who have been homeless learn woodworking … more

By JAN WILLMS | 8/18/20

Springboard for the Arts springs back

Executive director Laura Zabel stands outside the new headquarters for Springboard for the Arts in Frogtown. A second renovation is in progress, following extensive property … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 8/18/20

Micro theater series highlights women filmmakers

Moonplay aims to be radically generous, celebrate creative energy and feature do-it-yourself approach Jes Reyes has taken on a new hat as curator for Moonplay Cinema, a series of films by female and … more

3/20/20

COMO HIGH: Art curator, Youth in Government, JROTC service

Como cadets from the school’s JRTOC program volunteered six hours of their time at Toys For Tots on Saturday, Dec. 14. (Photo by Eric Erickson)[/caption] Como junior Audrey Power-Theisen was a … more

by Eric Erickson | 2/10/20