Art-A-Whirl round #21 took place this past weekend, leaving the city of Minneapolis in an art coma. Tens of thousands of visitors poured into the Northeast Arts District, where over 500 artists exhibited their work at over 50 locations (did we mention it’s the largest event of its kind in the country?). With more art to see and music to hear than hours in a weekend, every medium and style was represented: paintings, ceramics, sculpture, photography, furniture, illustration, jewelry, fashion, graphic design – I could continue…and then there’s the seemingly infinite lineup of bands and musical performances that were scattered throughout the bars, restaurants, local businesses, and alleyways of Northeast Minneapolis.
Art-A-Whirl serves, in many respects, as the kick-off to summer. It’s timed just prior to Memorial Day and has a history of reaching sweltering temperatures (the abundance of former warehouses turned artist studios that lack AC do not help either). Art-A-Whirl is the first event of the season to bring out the masses, instigating the excitement for another three months of outdoor fun.
We’ve rounded up just a few photos from the weekend, highlighting some of various events, studios, and talent found throughout the neighborhood.
Studio of Pete Driessen. Image Source: Public Functionary.
Inside the Northrop King Building
Inside Casket Arts. Image Source: Casket Arts
Inside the Northrop King Building
A-Mill Artist Lofts. Image Source: kallie_d.
Bad Bad Hats at Bauhaus Brew Labs. Image Source: Bad Bad Hats.
Emily Donovan in the Northrop King Building
Q.arma Building. Image Source: avecunparapluie.
Donna Bruni Cox in the California Building. Image Source: California Building.
Team Art Force with freezies and prints outside the Van Buren building
Studio of Abby Slawick, Maggie Griffin, & Tomi McLellan
Studio of Abby Slawick, Maggie Griffin, & Tomi McLellan
ON2 Gallery in the California Building. Image Source: California Building.