Art inspires. Art builds connections. Provokes. Promotes creativity. Art matters.
These are the themes that the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association is using to promote its popular annual event: Art-A-Whirl. If you’ve never been, a whirlwind is a good way to describe it.
For 19 years NEMAA has been inspiring visitors with what has now become the largest weekend-long open studio tour in the country. More than 500 NEMAA members will be displaying their work and demonstrating their craft at more than 60 locations throughout Northeast Minneapolis, which include studio buildings, homes, storefronts, galleries, businesses and restaurants. More than 30,000 visitors are expected to attend.
As for building connections, Art-A-Whirl provides an opportunity to not only see plenty of wonderful art, but also a chance to tour private artist studios and speak with the artists themselves abut their craft and technique. Of course you will be able to buy art directly from the artists themselves, too.
So set aside some time on your schedules next weekend:
Art-A-Whirl Dates and Hours:
Friday, May 16, 5:00-10:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 17, Noon-8:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 18, Noon-5:00 p.m.
The weekend’s events are free, and so is the Metro Transit Pass to make the trip. Pick up your Artist Directory and Guide before you map your route. Be sure to check out some of our magazine’s favorite up-and-comers as well.
P.S. If you are out and about that weekend, you may also want to stop by Minnesota Monthly‘s summer backyard cuisine kickoff event: GrillFest!
