Welcome to the Underground Arts Club – your gateway to the Cities’ hidden creative treasures. Consider it your personal guide to art that deserves your attention. We’re keeping it simple with one single event suggestion, a cool artistic discovery, and a short thematic ramble in each episode. We’re glad you’re here!
The first two episodes of the Underground Arts Club will be free articles available to everyone on Downtown Voices' website. After that, episodes will be sent through an exclusive newsletter to Supporter and Booster level members of Minneapolis Voices. If you'd like to receive them, you can sign up to become a Supporter or Booster member here.
THE MUST-SEE
Art Shanty Projects
The Art Shanty Projects are a bit different from the typical thing I will include in these episodes, but it really shouldn’t be missed!
Enter the lake by the Lake Harriet bandshell.
Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday until Feb. 9.
MY MUST-SEES
Opening the Black Box of Winter
See the poem below for more information on the dark beauty of winter.
FRO-GAHHH - Yoga for the Planet and People
When I say must-see, I mean that I must see other people doing yoga on ice while I stick to my hot yoga roots. This is the most Minnesotan thing at the most Minnesotan project.
Things to know:
- Parking: Public Parking available around the park
- Dining: Keeping in the spirit of the frozen lake, check out the ice bar at Rosalia Pizza! You can reserve an outdoor table and drink a variety of warm cocktails.
- Attire: It’s a frozen lake.
- Accessibility info: artshantyprojects.org/access *So impressed with Art Shanty for their thoughtful approach to getting everyone out on the lake!
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THE DISCOVERY
Uninterested in hanging out on ice in the cold? Put on your sweats, make some hot chocolate, and cozy up for Hidden Herald, a series of radio plays created by the amazing Wonderlust Productions. Herald, a pigeon from St Paul, hosts 31 episodes featuring stories from their hometown.
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FIELD NOTES
I spent most of my life in California, near the ocean. When I found this poem a couple of years back, it perfectly named what I feel when I think about California and Minnesota in the winter. Don’t let the title fool you - Minnesota beats California in this one.
I’M GOING BACK TO MINNESOTA WHERE SADNESS MAKES SENSE
Danez Smith
O California, don’t you know the sun is only a god
if you learn to starve for him? I’m bored with the ocean
I stood at the lip of it, dressed in down, praying for snow
I know, I’m strange, too much light makes me nervous
at least in this land where the trees always bear green.
I know something that doesn’t die can’t be beautiful.
Have you ever stood on a frozen lake, California?
The sun above you, the snow & stalled sea—a field of mirror
all demanding to be the sun too, everything around you
is light & it’s gorgeous & if you stay too long it will kill you
& it’s so sad, you know? You’re the only warm thing for miles
& the only thing that can’t shine.
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REMINDER: The first two episodes of the Underground Arts Club will be free articles available to everyone on Downtown Voices' website. After that, episodes will be sent through an exclusive newsletter to Supporter and Booster level members of Minneapolis Voices. If you'd like to receive them, you can sign up to become a Supporter or Booster member here.
