Art-A-Whirl® takes center stage this May, transforming the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District into a hub of open studios, hands-on artmaking, and unexpected experiences—from speakeasy cocktails to community-built sculptures and creative workshops for all ages. Beyond the whirlwind weekend, dive deeper into the District’s story with the new ORIGINS exhibit, or step inside the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis for a one-of-a-kind art experience with the art of Aldo Moroni—all part of a month packed with ways to explore, connect, and create.
City Stories Event: Aldo Moroni and the Minneapolis Fed: A Hands-On Experience May 4th and 6th.
Session 1: Mon, May 4 or Session 2: Wed, May 6
• Free Guided Tour from the Federal Reserve: 11:00 am to 11:30 am
• Moroni Studios Art Experience: 11:30am – 12:30pm
Step inside the Minneapolis Federal Reserve to discover the intersection of art and economics, showcasing the iconic artwork of renowned local artist Aldo Moroni inside one of the Twin Cities’ most recognizable modern landmarks.
This enriching 90-minute program combines a free tour of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis with an exclusive hands-on art workshop led by Moroni Studios. This welcoming, beginner-friendly workshop is perfect for curious creatives, design enthusiasts, and anyone looking to engage with the city in a new way.
Begin with a guided tour that recounts the story behind Moroni’s “This River, This Place” & learn how this remarkable installation represents the unique features of the Ninth Federal Reserve District. Gain valuable understanding of the Minneapolis Federal Reserve’s structure, leadership, and essential functions within America’s central banking system.
Inspired by the playful, sculptural work of Aldo Moroni, you’re invited to design and build your own ceramic “tiny house.” Guided by studio artists, you’ll experiment with form, texture, and storytelling.
All visitors must pass through security screening.
$49.87 per person, tickets:
Monday, May 4th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985331054628?aff=oddtdtcreator
Wednesday, May 6th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985331989424?aff=oddtdtcreator
Our latest Welcome Center exhibit ORIGINS: How the Minneapolis Arts Spotlight Shifted from Downtown to Northeast opens May 15th, 2026.
At the Arts District Welcome Center, a new timeline exhibit is taking shape—one that looks at how the Minneapolis arts community shifted from Downtown to Northeast.
What began as a simple effort to better understand that shift has grown into something more alive. As we’ve listened to artists, gallerists, writers, and others who were there, a more complex picture has emerged—one made not of a single story, but many overlapping ones.
We now have a name for the next exhibit: ORIGINS: How the Minneapolis Arts Spotlight Shifted from Downtown to Northeast. It feels right. Because what we’re uncovering isn’t just a timeline of events, but the conditions that allowed something meaningful to take root, grow, and eventually change.
Speakeasy at the Casket Arts Building during Art-A-Whirl®
The most widely known best kept secret is back during Art-A-Whirl®. Head to the basement of the Casket Arts Building, to find our Speakeasy. There will be all sorts of tempting cocktail options from 45th Parallel Distillery that will be sold as a fundraiser for the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District.
Volunteers will be waiting for you at the ticket table where your purchase will help support the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District. Pause for a group selfie by the Arts District sign and tag us once you post it on social media. The Speakeasy will be open the same hours as Art-A-Whirl® 2026.
Art-A-Whirl® weekend activities
A Homage To An Ash- Casket Arts Building, Studio 214 – Friday May 15th 5-8:30pm- Free
Climate based change and the prevalence of invasive species play a significant role in our changing landscape. In the next decade Minnesota stands to lose over a billion Ash trees to Emerald Ash Borer.
Join the Art-A-Whirl community in paying homage to an Ash tree by stopping by Casket Arts Studio #214 – Friday, May 15, 5-8:30pm where artist, Marjorie Fedyszyn invites you to leave a tribute to the Ash by writing some thoughts about our taxed environment, climate change, or just a plain old love letter to trees on a handmade paper shell cast in the likeness of an Ash tree. The “logs” will then be part of a procession at 8:30pm, down to the bonfire in the NE Sculpture Garden parking lot as a ceremonial send off to the humble Ash.
Abstract Collage- Flux Arts Building – Upstairs at ACW headquarters – Free
Sunday – May 17
1–4pm
Unique, handcrafted stamps, paints, and other collage materials–use all of these to create your own abstract collage full of whimsy and spring vibes. Bryce Mason will be offering this free activity at ACW Headquarters.
Community Canvas at the Solar Arts Building – Free
Stop by the Solar Arts Building Second Floor Lobby & make your mark on the “Community Canvas” all hours of Art-A-Whirl®
This is a fun self-directed community project where artists of all ages come together to add their touch to an amazing creation.
Community Sculpture Building- California Building, studio 113 – Free
Visit studio 113 in the California Building during Art-A-Whirl® and help build our community sculpture. Grab a block of clay to shape using provided tools and then add your tiny sculpture to the platform and watch the miniature city come to life. Free and open to all ages, we welcome you to add to the community sculpture all hours of Art-A-Whirl® 2026
Earth Pigments & Paintmaking Demo – Holland Arts East Gallery – Free
Saturday – May 16 · Sunday – May 17
2pm Sat/Sun
Join painter, material researcher and educator Elisabeth Heying for a 30-minute crash course on earth pigments & paintmaking! This interactive demo will begin with a brief overview on pigments, binders and paint. We will look at samples of mineral pigments, discuss what they’re made of, and how to identify them. Next, you will see a live demonstration on how to transform natural minerals into pigments for painting, and subsequently, how to turn those pigments into paint. We will conclude with a rapid fire Q & A. Part show and tell, part cooking show, part science class, this activity will leave attendees with an appreciation for the abundant natural materials in the world around us and a deeper understanding of the materials and techniques of paintmaking.
Things That Fly: Hands-On Clay Activity – Northrup King Building, studio 431 – Free
Things That Fly is a free, hands-on clay activity during Art-A-Whirl in Studio 431 in the Northrup King Building. Participants use clay to create their own flying form. Think birds, bugs, kites, planes, spaceships, or dragons. Cut out your shape, add texture and embellishments, and then decorate with ceramic paints.
Each project will be glaze fired and available for pickup at a later date. Information about pickup will be provided during the activity. All ages welcome. First come, first served.
Friday, May 15 from 6–9 pm. Saturday, May 16 from 1–3 pm & 5–7 pm. Sunday, May 17 from 1–4 pm
Make a Miniature Clay Turtle or Snail with Polymer Clay- Grain Belt Bottling House, 79 – Free
Make a polymer clay turtle or snail with colorful polymer clay. Learn to swirl the colors and make a miniature creature. Take it home to bake it. Kids especially welcome!
Friday – May 15 · Saturday – May 16 · Sunday – May 17
Fri 7-9pm; Sat 2-4pm; Sun 1-3pm
Find the full list of Art-A-Whirl® activities and much more at https://nemaa.org/art-a-whirl/
SURVEY | a group exhibition showcasing Holland Arts creators
Holland Arts is home to artists, designers and craftspeople working across all disciplines. One campus. Two buildings. In the heart of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District. For the month of May and in conjunction with Art-A-Whirl, Holland Arts creators are showcasing their work in a group exhibition titled: SURVEY. Come experience the breadth of creativity at Holland Arts, and plan out your studio visits and activities for Art-A-Whirl weekend, May 15-17.
SURVEY is on view May 1-31 in the Holland Arts East Gallery. The exhibition is open to the public during all Yellowbird Coffee Bar open hours: Monday to Friday from 7-5pm, Saturday and Sunday from 8-5pm.
SURVEY graphic design by Bruno Suarez Bango.
Friday, May 1 — Sunday, May 31
Holland Arts – EAST Building – Holland Arts East Gallery
639 22nd Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
Monthly Open Studios
Casket Arts Building, Saturday, May 9th from 11-4pm
Flux Arts Building, Every Saturday from 10am – 5pm
Northrup King Building, every Saturday from 12-4pm
Compiled by: Lisa Roy