At the heart of the California Building Timeline Exhibit is a simple truth: it’s the artists who make the building what it is. And now, their voices are front and center. Dozens of quotes gathered from tenants form a powerful tapestry of reflection, insight, and gratitude. Each quote reveals a different facet of life inside this creative haven.
Joyce Lyon, who has rented a studio at the California Building for the last eight years, shared:
“It’s a wonderful place to work—the atmosphere, the size of my space, the light from the windows, the view overlooking the neighborhood and Lowry Bridge. And there is such good community when I want it.”
Joyce’s positive impact on the community is echoed by many tenants. Her support and mentorship have been deeply appreciated by fellow artists. Susan Armington, a longtime tenant, reflects on the sense of community that has shaped her career:
“For 19 years, this space has supported my art and storytelling. It’s where I learned to mix art with life.”
She also emphasized Joyce Lyon’s influence on her creative growth, especially during her first grant-funded project—“Map of the Heart”—which Joyce helped shape through thoughtful guidance and encouragement.
Lisa Roy expressed gratitude for both the building’s location and its owners, John Kremer and Jennifer Young, as well as the supportive artist community she calls home. One of her most memorable moments was attending the grand opening of Aldo Moroni’s last studio in the
building—now her own studio. After Aldo’s passing, Lisa stepped up to continue his vision through the Legacy Makers Place, a community-centered initiative dedicated to honoring Aldo’s life work and fostering the creative spirit of collaboration.
This exchange of energy between artists, past and present, illustrates the building’s unique legacy: artists learning from, supporting, and building upon one another’s contributions. Painter Patricia Canney, who has maintained a studio in the building for 25 years, noted:
“It’s more than a workspace—it’s been a home for my creative journey.”
Beyond her personal practice, Patricia plays a vital role in the building’s “Buzz Club”—a tenant-led group that promotes events and ensures volunteers are present during open studios, like Art-A-Whirl—the largest open studio event in the country—and Dog Day, a local favorite that encourages visitors to bring their canine companions along for the tour.
None of this would be possible without the thoughtful, long-term stewardship of Jennifer and John. Over the past year of interviews and surveys, many artists echoed this sentiment. Musician Charlie Maguire shared:
“I want to emphasize the hard work of the maintenance team (Avdo, Tim, Ken), and the office team (Stacy, Jennifer, John, and others), and the goodwill and empathy of Jennifer and John. Thanks to those people, I feel just as much a caregiver to the building as they do.”
Other artists, like Christopher Harrison, reflected on the opportunities the California Building has provided:
“Having studio visits with curatorial teams from the Walker Art Center and the M Museum has been an incredible honor.”
These moments speak to the success of John and Jennifer’s original vision when they purchased the building in 1991: to create a stable, affordable, and vibrant space where artists could truly flourish. Newer tenants, like Bradley Davis, are equally enthusiastic:
“I love the community of professionals working alongside artists, organizing, and publicizing.” And just “the general vibe of the building.”
For many, it’s the safety, serenity, and focus of the space that makes the California Building special.
Alyssa Bagus shared:
“The California Building is a fantastic place to create, offering a peaceful and focused atmosphere that allows me to fully immerse myself in my work.”
Photographer Richard Fleischman put it simply:
“The California Building gave my business room to grow. There’s a magic in these walls that fosters both solitude and synergy.”
These heartfelt statements—displayed throughout the timeline wall and featured in digital media—give visitors a direct window into the lived experience of creating inside the California Building. More than just history, they are an invitation to the present: to listen, to feel, and
perhaps even to participate.
Written by: The Timeline Team: Remo Campopiano, Melanie Bethke, & Katherine Boyce
Learn more:
🌐 northeastminneapolisartsdistrict.org/programs/arts-district-welcome-center