We are thankful for the people who used the Give to the Max Day GiveMN platform to contribute to the work of Northeast Minneapolis Arts District.

We also heard from many who wanted to save the transaction fees and send us good old-fashioned checks. If you are motivated to do so, the address is Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, 2505 Howard St. NE, Studio A, Minneapolis, MN 55418.

Your contributions underpin efforts you read about year-round in these e-newsletters.

Speakeasy bartenders hard at work!

Thank you for the Speakeasy offered during the Fall Open Studios, which cheered many visitors and moved a lot of whiskey ciders, Old Fashioneds and other cocktails and beers in our partnership with Casket Arts Building and its artist community. The effort netted a few thousand dollars and lots of smiles.

Thanks to sponsors of both this Speakeasy and the Art-A-Whirl® version: 45th Parallel Distillery, Stray Dog Restaurant & Bar, Central Avenue Liquors (for beer) and Nan’s Naughty and Nice Bloody Mary Mix. 45th Parallel Distillery invites you to check out their Stillwater satellite distillery location, or tours and tastings at their New Richmond, Wisconsin location. Info at 45thparalleldistillery.com/tours-tastings-classes/

Fall Open Studios Speakeasy volunteers included: Tim and Eser Gaetz, Leslie Palmer-Ross, Sue Sjoselius and Sarah Bogenreif, Margo Ashmore, Tom Dunnwald, Sonja Peterson, Clara Dunnwald, Mary Lyon, Kristine Martin, Paul Ostrow, Kitty Stratton and Gary Schollmeier. Bartenders Kate Young,  Jamie Kubicek, Paige Sigfrinius.

And a big thank you to Taste of Minnesota for supporting the shuttles during the Fall Open Studios.