A weekend's worth of spelling, songs and sweaters パリ

This week on Art Hounds, art inspired by the weather, an alternative alphabet and folk tunes.

Writer Susan Koefod enjoyed exploring "Weather Diaries," the exhibition currently up at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. Koefod says it's a wonderful melding of nature, art and fashion, focusing on the weather's influence on culture in Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Koefod says it made her think of how landscapes — including those found here in Minnesota — inspire a style distinct from what you see in the big cities. On view through July 2.

Comic actor and improv artist Jim Robinson recommends taking your kids on an alternative tour of the alphabet. Who needs "A is for alligator" and "Z is for zebra" when there are such rarities as acouchis and Zenkas to choose from? Robinson says "The Alternative Animal Alphabet," a book written by comedian Joshua Will, was developed out of songs he wrote, and inspired in part by Will's strange obsession with chinchillas.

Heidi Jeub was in St. Cloud recently and took in a musical event like no other she'd ever experienced. "Night of the Round Table" is hosted by folk musician Charlie Roth. On the third Thursday of each month, he invites two other musicians to join him at the Veranda Lounge. They all stand at a table in the middle of the room, facing each other, and take turns singing and talking about their music. Jeub says the result is an intimate, entertaining evening that has stayed with her. Tonight, Roth will be joined by Michael Shynes and Adam Herron.Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/plus-size-formal-wear | www.marieaustralia.com/red-carpet-celebrity-dresses