by access+ENGAGE   August 23, 2006

access+ENGAGE Issue 8.1: Real Minnesota Flavor

Here at a+E HQ, I swear we can already smell the Pronto Pups and cheese curds frying. You know what I'm talking about: we're about to complete a cherished rite of passage. Each August, mnartists.org packs up a table of goodies and heads out to the Minnesota State Fair. And every year, the best part of the Fair (aside from the fried Oreos and funnel cakes, of course), is the chance for all of us to get together, say howdy, and maybe rub elbows at the mnartists.org booth. To whet your appetite for the Fair, this issue's Point of View features a few tidbits from some of the fabulous artists you'll meet at the mnartists.org booth this year. For an unexpected, but equally authentic taste of real Minnesota flavor, explore our Zoom In artist, Kao Lee Thao's moving homage to the Hmong refugee experience. And while you're looking over this issue's eclectic sampling of arts events, download the songs in Sampler and give a listen to the smooth North country blues of Jeff Ray. And if you're not too busy, come on by the mnartists.org booth and visit us at the Fair. (We'll be the ones in the natty new t-shirts.)