Recent content from Jenna Ross
10 best things our critics are watching this week
From Oprah's 'Delilah' to Aubrey Plaza's 'Black Bear,' here's what we're tuning into right now.
With a grand opening this week, Black Table Arts, a hub for artists, celebrates a permanent home
With a grand opening this week, Black Table Arts celebrates its first permanent home.
Duluth woman debunks conspiracies, promotes facts on viral Instagram account, CNN, the 'Daily Show'
With plain language and silly accents, Sharon McMahon has become Instagram's civics teacher.
'The Bachelor' meets Minnesotan Michelle Young's students, parents
Star Matt James said he'd be "open" to moving to Minnesota, should the pair work out.
Minnesotan Michelle Young makes final four on 'The Bachelor'
Finalists nabbed roses during episode that aired amid controversy over host Chris Harrison's comments in interview.
Minnesota Orchestra plays with tigers and bears for its first TV children's concert
The Minnesota Orchestra enlisted new on-camera talent for its first-ever televised children's concert.
Minnesota Orchestra reports $11.7 million loss, its largest ever
The deficit is the largest yet reported by a Minnesota arts institution. The financial results for fiscal year 2020 capture the first few months of the pandemic, which shuttered theaters and concert halls across the country.
Amelia Brown, Minneapolis arts activist who saw artists as emergency responders, died at 41
After the killing of George Floyd, Amelia Brown started a petition to declare racism a public health emergency. She also seeded art.In just six days,…
One of the two Minnesotans has been booted from 'The Bachelor' after spreading rumor
Anna Redman, one of two Minnesotans on this season of the ABC reality show, left the show on Monday.
Minnesota elementary school teacher stands out on 'The Bachelor'
Michelle Young, an Edina resident looking to change the world, was once a Woodbury High School basketball star.
With the Great Northern fest, Minnesota winters just got a little cooler
Great Northern Festival expands its reach, even in a pandemic year.
Minnesotans discover that art can offer a cure for loneliness in the pandemic
Minnesotans combat the pain of isolation with projects big and small.
A force behind Minnesota's Legacy Fund, arts advocate Sheila Smith retires after a quarter-century
Sheila Smith championed state funding for cultural programs.
Despite COVID-19, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra reports $74K surplus for 2020
Cancellations cut its season short, but the real test will come next year.
Minnesota Orchestra to continue livestreaming concerts through March
The pandemic forced another round of cancellations of in-person concerts.
KARE anchor Julie Nelson off the air after testing positive for coronavirus
She thought it was just "a nasty cold."
Richard Cisek, who helped put the Minnesota Orchestra in the big leagues, dies at 92
Cisek oversaw the construction of Orchestra Hall, the creation of Sommerfest and the hiring of sought-after guest conductors.
Minneapolis artist documents the pandemic with brush and ink
Every day, from March to November, a local artist responded to the pandemic with brush and ink.
St. Paul Chamber Orchestra suspends livestream concerts due to 'rampaging' COVID
The move comes two weeks after the nonprofit canceled a performance after someone directly involved with the livestream tested positive for the virus.
This CSA box will contain art, not veggies, as St. Paul nonprofit revives pioneering program
Springboard for the Arts revives pioneering artist-share program.
For famed Minneapolis artist Alec Soth, the mail delivered an unlikely friendship
A correspondence with a prison inmate yields a book, and much more.
People's Laundry volunteers wash and mend clothes for people living in Minneapolis encampments
For months, the People's Laundry has had a simple aim: to wash clothes for folks who could use the help.
Meet the artist behind an iconic George Floyd mural and Prince's gold star
George Floyd's death reframed the life of longtime Minneapolis artist Peyton Scott Russell.
In Minnesota study, U's engineers try to orchestrate a return to concerts
The University of Minnesota is working with the Minnesota Orchestra to study aerosols, with hopes of getting musicians back on stage.
Author Sarah M. Broom made childhood home into something much bigger in 'The Yellow House'
Talking Volumes guest rebuilt "The Yellow House" as a metaphor of America.
Minnesota Orchestra musicians agree to 2-year contract extension, 25% pay cut
Two-year contract extension reverses cuts after a year if whole orchestra begins performing for a full audience.
Ramsey County jail inmate died of apparent natural causes
Nurses and correctional officers tried lifesaving measures, but paramedics pronounced the 38-year-old dead.
Minnesota artists rise to meet a daunting challenge
Facing the uncertainties of the pandemic and mounting demands for social justice, artists are finding novel ways to connect with audiences.
These 143 historic boathouses offer a peek into Minnesota's past
A collection of boathouses on Lake Vermilion, built by miners, hint at the area's work-hard, play-hard past.
![Protesers marched past First Avenue Saturday night. ] aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com The 10k March for a “Free North” began outside US Bank Stadiu](https://stmedia.stimg.co/ows_4eff89af-c208-40bf-ae12-00cb0af016dc.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
These 5 civil rights leaders changed Minnesota — but not as much as they hoped
For decades, these leaders marched and protested, rallied and fought against injustice.
Black MPR classical music host says he was fired after switching up playlist
Radio execs say he was warned several times about copyright concerns in changing playlists.
Staff shakeup at Walker Art Center aims to raise its 'public voice'
In a staff shakeup, the Minneapolis art center tries to refocus on "what matters to people."
Minnesota woman builds elaborate mini State Fair in her backyard
Some devoted State Fair lovers are crafting backyard homages, with classic booths and foods.
Even without a State Fair, Minnesota's crop artists are in full flower
There will be a virtual version of the beloved contest, with no winners declared. But these artists don't do it for the blue ribbon, anyway.
As Minnesota arts groups struggle during COVID, controversy brews over Legacy money
Artists and arts leaders are calling for broader changes, saying the State Arts Board has focused too much of its funding on big institutions.
St. Paul Chamber Orchestra cancels all concerts for the rest of the year
Orchestra had planned to start a scaled-back season in September.
Hothouse festival in northeast Minneapolis this weekend is all about poets and filmmakers of color
Saturday's Hothouse celebrates poets and filmmakers of color.
U of M's Northrop plans a return to live dance concerts in February
Fall season will mainly focus on virtual events.
Federal dollars help keep Minnesota arts groups afloat during pandemic
But the crisis is far from over, and many organizations say they may not survive.
Grand Rapids arts center brings people together with drive-ins, boat-ins and 'polka pods'
A Minnesota arts center finds ways to gather people in the pandemic — with drive-ins, boat-ins and "polka pods."
Minnesota Orchestra swaps big concerts for free summer shows
In August, the orchestra will play 24 free chamber music shows outside on Peavey Plaza for concertgoers with tickets to the nixed indoor concerts.
Radio host agitates for change while elevating Black artistry
Garrett McQueen knocks a few "old, dead white men" off their pedestals while elevating Black artistry.
After George Floyd, Minnesota fights racism with free books and films
Minnesota libraries, publishers offer anti-racist titles.
Two Minnesota book artists get a boost from a new $25K award
With a new award, the book arts — which involve printing and stitching and folding and binding — are getting their due. Minnesota artists Paula…
Zooming into an uncertain future, Minnesota's arts leaders forge a new alliance
The on-screen boxes multiply and suddenly, there are dozens of directors of Minnesota arts organizations in a single Zoom room. It’s an unlikely group. Museum…
Twin Cities museums aim to reopen as soon as next weekend
Bakken plans to open June 20 while Minneapolis Institute of Art and Walker Art Center are aiming for mid-July.
Bill Gossman dies at 67: An artist in clay, he left his fingerprints on the town of New London, Minnesota
Bill Gossman had a way with clay. Whistling, he’d dig his thumbs into a big hunk of it and, in minutes, form it into an…
Springboard for the Arts is saving Minnesota's arts scene, $500 at a time
The St. Paul nonprofit uses "lots of little" to make big change in a crisis through its emergency relief fund.
Has summer been canceled? Minnesotans in mourning as cancellations add up
Minnesotans mourn as cancellations take a toll on our short, sweet season.
Reversing decision to postpone, Twin Cities Pride will go online with a virtual parade
Twin Cities Pride is moving its parade, party and booths online. It’s hoping crowds will follow. The nonprofit will announce Friday a…
![Landmark's Uptown Theatre in Minneapolis. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ • cgonzalez@startribune.com – Minneapolis, MN – March 23, 2020, Photos of Minneapoli](https://stmedia.stimg.co/ows_158748330043714.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Uptown Theatre may be closed, but its marquee keeps delivering the jokes
Even shuttered, the Uptown Theatre continues to reflect its quirky community via its marquee.
Shift in state funding worries Minnesota artists hit by the coronavirus crisis
State Arts Board is scrapping some grant programs with the aim of providing "more flexible support."
Minnesotans get practical, and creative, with their face mask designs
It's not only about protection. It's also a personal expression.
Minnesota director's debut movie is called 'Tuscaloosa' but it was filmed right here
Philip Harder has made videos for Prince, Low and the Foo Fighters, and ads for Apple and Target. He filmed his dream project entirely in Minnesota, including in his own Minneapolis backyard.
6 Minnesotans who were voices of inspiration in 2019
As the year draws to a close, let's be inspired by people who aspire to connect, heal and support their communities.
As Minnesota artists struggle, state leader says: 'We'll come back'
Sue Gens talks about what the State Arts Board is doing to alleviate the current crisis.
Minneapolis costumers sew to save lives, making coronavirus face masks
Artists and theater costume makers are turning their talents to making coronavirus face masks.
Minnesota Orchestra cancels summer tour to Vietnam, South Korea
The Minnesota Orchestra has called off its tour to Vietnam and South Korea, set for late June, due to coronavirus pandemic."We wish to be exceedingly…
Campfires, s'mores, canoeing and booze: Welcome to summer camp for adults
This summer adults-only getaway takes campfires and s'mores up a notch with drinks and gourmet fare.
With shrines to Prince and polka, the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame draws fans to this small city
The state's Music Hall of Fame honors our legends of all genres, from polka to Prince.
To an empty hall, the Minnesota Orchestra plays a goodbye — for now
Across Minnesota and beyond, people were listening.
'It's going to be devastating': Minnesota arts, artists brace for coronavirus fallout
Amid a flurry of cancellations, Twin Cities arts groups and artists brace for a major financial hit.
Famed landscape photographer Lynn Geesaman dies at age 81
She photographed the gardens of France, the parks of England, the canals of Belgium. But her favorite location was the darkroom of her Edina home.
New boss wants Mpls. Institute of Art to welcome tough conversations: 'Art is never easy'
As she settles in at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Katherine Luber is educating herself on issues — big and small.
Bells will ring across Minneapolis for Minnesota Orchestra's new summer festival
The orchestra will play a free concert on Peavey Plaza as part of the reinvented four-week event.
Don't get Beethoven? SPCO's new artistic partner can break it down for you
Rob Kapilow brings Beethoven down to earth in his new role with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra.
In plays, shows and podcasts, Minnesotans are hearing about Native land
The goal of the growing practice is to make audiences aware of the people who once called — or still call — the land home.
University of Minnesota's Eville Gorham, 'the grandfather of acid rain research,' dies at 94
His discovery of acid rain soaking remote bogs led to cleaner power plants, to the Clean Air Act Amendments in 1990.
6 Minnesotans are 2019 Artists of the Year
Meet the Minnesotans at the heart of the year's most groundbreaking show.
St. Paul Chamber Orchestra finishes year with a surplus for its rainy-day fund
Donations hit a record level as the orchestra tackled future financial challenges.
Looking to expand, Minnesota's Great Northern winter fest hires a music innovator
Liquid Music founder Kate Nordstrum will lead an expansion of the Twin Cities midwinter festival.
Inside the University of Minnesota's secret meat and cheese market
A small shop on the U's St. Paul campus has been selling dairy and meat at bargain prices for decades.
Minnesota Orchestra reports biggest deficit ever, but says it's fiscally 'strong'
A strong year for fundraising built its endowment, but provided less support for day-to-day operations than expected.
Former poet laureate Tracy K. Smith rediscovered poetry's power while crisscrossing rural America
Smith, who might be poetry's most generous ambassador, will discuss that love Nov. 21 in St. Paul as the final guest of this year's Talking Volumes series.
Minnesota singers welcome South African choir into their homes
Singers from South Africa and Minnesota raise their voices together again.
