Art Hounds: Hip Harlem, Toys in the Attic and a night of dance

The hounds follow their art-sensitive noses to a show by, for, and about toys, an exploration of the Harlem Renaissance led by a centenarian and a nonagenarian, and an unforgettable evening of dance.

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Custom toys and toy-inspired posters will fill Gallery 122 in Minneapolis on Friday, December 3 and Chris Cloud couldn't be more excited. Chris, the executive creative director of MPLS.TV, says his childhood flashes before his eyes when he takes in the annual Toys in the Attic show. It features 50 print-based artists and celebrates both the joy and the darker side of toys and toy culture. It's also a benefit for Toys for Tots. Bring a toy and get in free or contribute five dollars.

Judith Brin Ingber is a dancer, teacher and writer in the Twin Cities who has very high regard for "Take Me Back to Hip Harlem," Dec. 4th and 5th At Intermedia Arts in Minneapolis. It features local dancer Ida Arbeit, who'll be turning 101 on Saturday the 4th, and 91-year-old tenor saxophonist Irv Williams, leading the Kairos Dance Company in an exploration of the movement and music of the Harlem Renaissance.

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Performance artist and director Melissa Birch says members of the Twin Cities dance scene are holding an all-day party at the Southern Theater on Saturday Dec. 4th for a very important cause. It's a benefit to raise money for longtime dancer and mentor Krista Langberg and her husband Terry Chance. Both have been diagnosed with cancer in the last two years and have two daughters. The event will feature live music during the afternoon from Adam Levy and friends, and a concert that evening showcasing the finest in Minnesota modern dance, including members of Zenon Dance Company, Morgan Thorson, Hijack, Matthew Janzceski and Mad King Thomas.

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Photo of Chris Cloud taken by Robb Long.