Maple Grove Fall Arts Guide

The fall foliage may soon be flaunting its colors, then slowly dying, but the Maple Grove autumn is alive with the arts. Here’s a guide to area art shows, fairs, concerts and plays for September through November.  Maple Grove Autumn Art Fair September 17 and 18 Enjoy the wonderful cool air of late summer at this 11th annual event featuring artists, entertainment and food. While listening to live, open-air music, you can roam the 50-plus juried artists from a variety of genres including ceramics, photography, jewelry, painting, glass, wood carving, printmaking and more. Don’t miss the family-activity tents. One features hands-on educational activities and art demonstrations. The other hosts special guest artists conducting activities in their area of expertise. Art Fair, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. September 17 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. September 18. The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, interstate 94/694 and Hemlock Lane; 763.494.5984; maplegroveartscouncil.org Yellow Tree Theatre: Steel Magnolias September 23–October 23 The place to hear the latest gossip in a small Louisiana parish is the local beauty parlor, and you can get an earful from the six ladies who regularly gather at Truvy’s salon, in Robert Harling’s play, Steel Magnolias. “The show has a small town, community feeling and shows the importance of friendship,” says theatre founder Jason Peterson. Alternately hilarious and touching, this play will leave you laughing through your tears. Grab a girlfriend and share the gossip, memories, joy and grief of these strong, southern women. “Harling has given his women sharp, funny dialogue…The play builds to a conclusion that is deeply moving.” —NY Daily News. Steel Magnolias, Thursday: $17, Friday and Saturday: $23, Sunday: $20. Students, seniors (60 and older) and groups (10 or more) receive a $3 savings. All tickets are general admission and reservations are encouraged. Yellow Tree Theatre, 320 Fifth Ave. S.E., Osseo; 763.493.8733   Maple Grove Arts Center: 99 Paintings on the Wall September 23–October 2 Catch the first annual 99 Paintings on the Wall fundraiser for the Maple Grove Arts Center, which will be filled by one-foot-by-one-foot pieces of art that are donated by area artists. You’ll find a variety of paintings, drawings, 3D wall images and sculptures—no larger than one cubic foot—all with an affordable price tag. Ninety-nine percent of the pieces will sell for just $99. Awards will be given to the artists with the best works and their pieces will be auctioned off during the opening night. Enjoy wine, music and hors d’oeuvres at the opening reception and auction from 7 to 9 p.m. September 23. Maple Grove Arts Center, 7916 Main St.; 612.418.0114   Maple Grove Arts Center: Pink Show October 3–November 17 The Pink Show is a “realism” exhibit called “pink” because October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year’s Pink Show will depict all realism art, and not just about women. Reception is October 28. Maple Grove Arts Center, 7916 Main St.; 612.418.0114; check website for gallery hours   Maple Grove Senior High Musical Theatre: The Drowsy Chaperone The Drowsy Chaperone pays homage to American song-and-dance musicals of the 1920’s. Ripe with dream sequences, tap dancing, spit takes, an English butler and mistaken identities, it’s a show-within-a-show told by an aging theatre fanatic. The Broadway production won five Tony awards, and Maple Grove’s show will win your heart. The Drowsy Chaperone, 7 p.m. November 4, 5, 11, 2 and 7 p.m. November 12; $8 adults, $6 students/senior/child; crimsonchoir.com.