This award-winning traveling exhibit explores the quest to understand what animals see. Divided into five hands-on areas, it answers questions about whether dogs and cats see as humans do, why some animals have good night vision, how a starfish sees, and how the location of an animal’s eyes can help it to survive. Through September 2.

333 East River Road, Minneapolis, 612-625-9494. Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission is free.

More than 20 Minnesota artists who approach their work with wit, humor, or irony come together for this show. The artists represent a wide range of ages, media, and intentions, with some works commenting on social issues, while others are whimsical, fantastical, surreal, or disturbing. July 21–October 21.

The Weisman showcases a new series of paintings by one of Minnesota’s most beloved elder artists: Malcolm Myers. A faculty member in the art department for more than 50 years, Myers established the printmaking program at the University. August 11–October 14.

244 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Ave., St. Paul, 612-624-7434. Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1:30–4:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Part of a University-wide celebration of Finnish culture, this exhibition features the work of textile and clothing company Marimekko. In addition to apparel, the company’s innovative approach to design and its business acumen are highlighted. Through August 26.

Northrop Auditorium Plaza, 84 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, 612-624-2345, www.northrop.umn.edu. All concerts are free and take place from noon to 1 p.m. unless otherwise noted. In case of rain, events will be moved inside.

A tradition on the Minneapolis campus since 1954, outdoor concerts continue into August and feature eclectic musical performances on the newly renovated Northrop Auditorium Plaza.

July 23: Axis Mundi, innovative world-beat jazz guitar trio

July 24: Boys of America, old-time Finnish brass band

July 26: Triplicate, modern jazz trio

July 27: Tim Sparks Trio, multicultural guitar with Gary Raynor and Jay Epstein

August 1: Prague-24, traditional klezmer instrumentals

August 13, 8 p.m.: Rokia Traoré, from Mali, is surrounded by traditional African instruments and sings cool, modern songs mainly in her native Bamanan language about such topics as respect for women, seizing the moment, gratitude, and true love. Bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating.

Sponsored by the Children’s Literature Research Collections and the University Summer Sessions, national children’s literature experts visit the Elmer L. Andersen Library for annual summer forums. On August 2, Minneapolis author Kate DiCamillo speaks on "Why We Write: Right Reasons and Wrong Reasons." DiCamillo recently won the Newbery Award for her book Because of Winn Dixie. On August 9, Keiko Hori, a doctoral student in Japan who received media attention when she discovered striking similarities between a popular Japanese book and an English-language story published earlier. She discusses her findings. Presentations take place at 2:15 p.m. in room 120 of the Elmer L. Andersen Library, 222 21st Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612-624-4817.

The Carlson School of Management presents lunch and a top-level executive as the keynote speaker the first Tuesday of every month. The August 7 speaker is Thomas Staggs, senior executive vice president and chief financial officer of the Walt Disney Companies. The September 4 speaker is Steve Sanger, chairman and CEO of General Mills. The October 2 speaker is Barbara Mawry, former chairwoman and CEO of Requisite Technologies. The August 7 event takes place at the Holiday Inn Metrodome on the West Bank. All others take place at the Radisson Hotel Metrodome on the East Bank. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.; lunch is at 11:45 a.m.; the event concludes at 1 p.m. The cost, which includes lunch and parking, is $18 until the Thursday before the event and $23 after that day. Call 612-626-9634.

The University’s long-standing association with the Minnesota State Fair is celebrated August 26 at the fairgrounds. Two stages in Carousel Park will feature "edutainment" from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with University experts. At 2 p.m., the 300-piece University marching band leads a parade. And at 3 p.m., Gopher cheerleaders and athletes lead a pep rally. Fairgoers are encouraged to wear maroon and gold that day and to stop by the University building on Dan Patch Avenue.