Art-A-Whirl is like the proverbial blind man touching an elephant – depending on which part is touched, there can be a different impression. From my vantage point in the basement of Casket Arts, I was struck by how nice people were. There are some narrow doorways in the building, and people happily took turns passing, said excuse me, sorry, and thank you – in pleasant tones.
The weather was perfect for all three days, and one could see faces uplifted like the flowers that graced the NEMAA directory, soaking in the sunshine. Folks waited patiently for trolleys which seemed to run on time. Quincy Street and stubs of other streets (between Solar Arts and Q.Arma, west of Northrup King Building) were blocked to car traffic and people knew that – eliminating the ultimate frustration over vehicles.
Congratulations to Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association and the staff and vendors — the Member Directory/Art-A-Whirl Guide & Map, Dining & Brew Guides publication was well received and easy to use. Leftovers will be deployed throughout the year.
Sales? To many, that’s the measure of a successful event, and I’m guessing results and statistics varied event-wide. The number and concentration of visitors, particularly on Saturday, rivaled the State Fair. We can bet first-timers will return for lower-volume art events and the buildings will be ready for them. Purchasers of note cards and small works will eventually make bigger purchases. They’re ours to lose – or win in the long game. If it’s a game at all. Community with nice people also counts for a lot.
— by Margo Ashmore