Every spring, Art-A-Whirl cracks open Minneapolis’ arts district for curious, self-guided browsing of “the largest open-studio tour in the country.” How big is it? More than 70 locations and over 1,200 participating artists, galleries, and businesses show off northeast Minneapolis’ bohemian character. This is the 28th year of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association’s sprawl. Check it out May 19-21 (and consult the online map for guidance).
Ahead of Friday, here’s one up-and-coming artisan to visit at this year’s Art-A-Whirl: Emma Remer, a candlemaker. (Stay tuned for more highlights this week.)
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Emma Remer // Burn Boss Studios
Emma Remer is a candlemaker and the Minneapolis mind behind Burn Boss Studios. She started out hand-pouring scented soy candles, each one occupying a secondhand vessel, with refills available. Since then, Remer has expanded focus to cozy space making in general: Burn Boss sources vintage home goods (furniture, glass ware, etc.), and Remer plans to curate interiors, too, according to her website. This will be her second year selling at Art-A-Whirl.
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Hailing from the small town of Omro, Wisconsin, Remer went to college in LaCrosse, student-taught in Prague, and nine years ago made her way to Minneapolis in search of a bigger city.
Where to find Emma Remer at Art-A-Whirl: Moth Oddities’ new studio (13 Fifth St. NE, Minneapolis), Friday-Sunday. She will also have a booth set up at Earl Giles Restaurant and Distillery on Saturday from noon to 8 p.m.
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- How did you get interested in making candles? My interest in candle making actually stemmed from my love of thrifting. I grew up going to estate and garage sales with my mom and grandma and have always been drawn to unique small goods and vessels. I began to think of how I could repurpose them in a new way and decided to learn more about candle making. I was quickly drawn to the creative challenge of crafting new fragrances and the overall process of how to make candles.
- Could you walk me through your creative process? While the candle making process itself is pretty precise and scientific, I find creativity in the fragrance blending and vessel sourcing. I find myself inspired to create a new scent as the seasons change and new smells fill the air. Or sometimes a specific vessel I find sparks the inspiration for a new blend.
- What is inspiring you right now? The colors and scents of spring. I love this time of year when everything comes alive again. I find so much inspiration in nature.
