Another successful Art-A-Whirl®! Congratulations to Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association, member artists, organizations, businesses, supporters and sponsors for their roles in the May 17-19 event. Though as they say “results may vary,” from the perspective of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District as measured by our fundraising Speakeasy, it was awesome.
A couple of hours of rain Friday night kept some folks exploring whatever building they landed at before the storms. Saturday felt even more busy than 2023.
45th Parallel Distillery donated the spirits for the Speakeasy, thanks so much! Central Avenue Liquors provided the beer, and by the way, is one place people can buy 45th Parallel’s products. Mixed drinks served at the Speakeasy showcased 45th Parallel’s Midwest Gin, Midwest Vodka, and Border Bourbon. We personally highly recommend the tour and tasting experience at their New Richmond, WI event center, and look forward to checking out their Stillwater distillery.
Thanks also to the owners and artists of the Casket Arts buildings for the venue. Thanks to the bartenders Kate, Pauli and Jamie who gave up much of their weekends. Thanks to the ticket-selling volunteers including some delightful first-timers who inspire us to continue engaging with the community when we truly need all hands on deck.
The photos are images from a climate change themed exhibit that was up only for Art-A-Whirl in the Northrup King Building third floor gallery, coordinated by Margaret Carroll. Perpich Center for Arts Education students and “power grandmas” were among the contributors to the exhibit. A dance performance was described as “hopeful,” and kids had opportunities to make seed bombs and color or draw in their own little corner. NOAA by Susan Hensel incorporates digital embroidery, found and mixed media. Stepping Stones by Sage Broenen, a Perpich student from Cannon Falls, used recycled materials for the underwater coral reefs, seaweed and stones, and acrylic paint with a diluting medium for the underwater effect of a bug’s eye view of child and mother.