Art Hounds: Michael Crouser, Edgar Varese, and Crimes of the Heart

Posted at 7:45 AM on May 24, 2012 by Chris Roberts (1 Comments)
Filed under: Art Hounds, Events, Galleries, Music, Photography, Theater

"Dog Run #60" by Michael Crouser (Image courtesy of the artist)

This week's hounds direct us to a Minneapolis/Brooklyn photographer who develops his own pictures, a 20th century French composer as interpreted by the SPCO, and a play about dysfunctional, impulsive southern passion.

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Minneapolis photographer Bernadette Pollard calls Michael Crouser an increasingly rare breed of photographer, who still shoots on film and develops images in his own darkroom. Bernadette says it's resulted in a strong, clear artistic vision that distinguishes Crouser as a craftsman. His work is the subject of the exhibition, "Michael Crouser: Mid-Career Retrospective," on display at the Minneapolis Photo Center through June 16.

Everyone knows about Mozart, but St. Paul composer Justin E.A. Busch says what about the adventurous 20th century French composer Edgar Varese? Both are getting the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra treatment this weekend, but Justin is especially excited about the Varese works on the SPCO program. They include what Justin calls a musical exploration for strictly solo flute with no other accompaniment. The concerts will be held on May 25 & 26 at 8pm at the Ordway in St. Paul and on the 27th at 2pm at Ted Mann Concert Hall in Minneapolis.

"Crimes of the Heart" drew freelance director and actor Joshua James Campbell to the Bloomington Civic Theatre recently, and he was thoroughly charmed and captivated. It's a play that delves into southern culture by focusing on the lives of three dysfunctionally emotional sisters. Joshua says it's directed by Minnesota theater institution Wendy Lehr, and he could feel her imprint on the production.

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