From MPR News, Art Hounds are members of the Minnesota arts community who look beyond their own work to highlight what’s exciting in local art. Their recommendations are lightly edited from the audio heard in the player above.

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Strange Loop Project’s ‘Fresh Baked’

Anna Pinault is a dancer and choreographer in Minneapolis, and she recommends an innovative dance performance this Saturday from Strange Loop Project.

It’s the second installment in their “Fresh Baked” series, where four dancer/choreographers are given 24 hours to create a new dance based on a three-word prompt. Each dancer receives the same prompt, resulting in what Pinault says feels like a curated collection. The performance of these “fresh-baked” dances, which tend to average about 10 minutes each, will take place 8 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at 1629 Hennepin Ave. in Minneapolis.

Pinault performed in the first iteration of the series in February, and she described what the next four dancers are about to experience.

Anna says: You really have to let go and just give in to the freedom of creation. It takes a lot of trust in yourself as well, that you can show up in the studio, come up with something without over-editing yourself, because you don't have time to do that.

You just have to kind of push play and let the creative process go.

— Anna Pinault

Threshold Theater’s ‘More 4Play’

Freelance director Gretchen Weinrich of Minneapolis enjoyed seeing Threshold Theater’s new collection of four 10-minute plays by LGBTQ+ playwrights. A follow-up from their 2024 event, “More 4Play” continues at Bryant Lake Bowl in Minneapolis 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday, which tickets available in advance or at the door.

Though the plays center “the LGBTQ+ experience generally,” Weinrich says, they are diverse in story and style. She appreciated seeing the same small group of actors take on different characters in each show. As for the venue, Bryant Lake Bowl is one of Weinrich’s favorites.

Gretchen says: The food and drinks are great. They'll serve you right in your seat, and it makes for a fun uptown vibe.

— Gretchen Weinrich

Plains Art Museum’s Spring Gala

Eric A. Johnson of Hillsboro, North Dakota, is an artist and director of Fargo Moorhead Visual Arts. He’s looking forward to the Plains Art Museum’s Spring Gala this Saturday in downtown Fargo.

The event is a celebration of artistic talent in the Fargo-Moorhead area and beyond, as well as a fundraiser to support the museum. The swanky evening includes music, food, and a silent auction of art with the region's talent on display, which Johnson says feels like a juried art exhibition.

This year’s theme is “Nightmare at the Museum,” with themed costumes encouraged but not required. The Plains Art Museum is free and open daily.

Editor’s note: Johnson is one of more than 80 area artists who have donated work for the silent auction.