Art-A-Whirl: The Basics

What is it?
A celebration of art in the Northeast neighborhood of Minneapolis, brought to you by the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (NEMAA). With over 800 artists at more than 60 locations showcasing their work, Art-A-Whirl gives you a chance to meet and buy art from all types of different artists including painters, jewelers, photographers, and woodcarvers. This event is the largest of its kind in the country and includes opportunities to see private artist studios and galleries, demonstrations, mini-workshops, installations and special exhibitions. It’s free and open to public and includes unique events in coordination with local businesses throughout the area.

When is it?
May 20th - 22nd, 2022

Where is it?
Studio buildings, art galleries, home storefronts and local businesses in Northeast Minneapolis.

Shop Online
Check the online shop with thousands of artworks by hundreds of NEMAA members! Shipping and curbside pick-up are available.

What's open during Art-a-whirl weekend?
Use NEMAA’s map and listings to find artists & galleries who are open for Art-A-Whirl. Some sites are open by reservation or appointment only, so plan ahead! Be sure to wear a mask and socially distance.

Find an Art-a-Whirl Experience
Find special in-person activities and browse videos of art demos, studio tours, and performances by NEMAA members.

Find NEMAA Members
Use the online Directory to find members by type (artist, business, food & beverage, etc.), medium, location, and whether they are open for in-person visits or online only.

How to get around?
Art-a-Whirl provides free trolley rides that make stops at various artist locations throughout the NE Minneapolis Arts District. Check out the trolley schedule for exact times and locations. There are free parking lots near most artist locations and on street-parking, and Metro Transit is offering free bus rides throughout the weekend. Click here for information on how to get around.

I Bought Art Sticker
If you purchase original artwork make sure to receive an “I Bought Art” sticker. Participating local businesses will offer discounts to anyone wearing this sticker at Art-A-Whirl. See here for a list of deals.

Art Demonstrations

• Alcohol Ink Demo: A demonstration in using alcohol inks at Herland Art Studio. Location: Northrup King Building
• Botanical Printing Demo: Botanical printing (sometimes called eco-printing) is a form of dyeing where textiles are tightly bundled with plants and steamed; releasing naturally occurring tannins, pigments, and acids to create one-of-a-kind prints! Location: Holland Arts East
• Bra Printing: Bra printing is offered to Art-A-Whirl participants. Location: Casket Arts Building
• Glass Blowing Demo: 7 Stone Arch Studio glass blowers will be demonstrating on how to make wine glasses, art pieces & classic glass blowing techniques. Location: Stone Arch Glass Studio
• Plant Printing: Linda Snouffer will demonstrate basic leaf printing onto blank greeting cards, which viewers may take home at no charge. This demo explains botanical printmaking, which is the foundation of her landscapes. Location: Northrup King Building
• Punk Patching and Visible Mending: NE punks, Jules Niemi’s got you! Bring your favorite jacket, jeans or anything else you’d like to learn how to mend or simply attach a patch to, and she’ll show you how to do it! Free! Fun! And there’s beer! Location: Holland Arts East Building

See a full list of art demonstrations happening at Art-A-Whirl.

Interactive Activities

• Banksy Selfie Station: A rest-stop with free lemonade and water, Graphiti Wall, Banksy Selfie Opportunities, Free Ticket Raffle. Location: Lighthouse Immersive
• Permanent Jewelry: Everthine Jewelry will be offering Permanent Jewelry! These bracelets and necklaces are dainty chain that are welded closed creating a clasp-less, seamless accessory. Available in sterling silver and 14k yellow gold. Prices range from $40-$160. Location: Casket Arts Building
• Quick Water Color Portraits: Stop by Flashflood Portraits’ booth at Mercury Mosaics for a quick watercolor portrait! We are offering $30 solo portraits or add a friend for a $40 portrait. They take 10-15 minutes and while the paint dries, you can grab a coffee from Misfit and walk around the other 26 booths at Mercury Mosaics! Location: Thorp Building
• Open Studio Clay Play: Piles of colorful oven baked clay are ready for you to play and create. Some instruction but mostly just let your creativity go wild! Slice the colors to reveal amazing designs and add them to jar, frame, switch-late or other item to take home and bake in your own oven. Location: Flux Arts Building
• Moth Oddities: Moth Oddities is featuring local artists Rare Press, upcycled nmore, and Petek Trading Co. in celebration of Art-A-Whirl on Saturday, May 21st from 12-6. Plus the iconic MNice Cream Truck will be parked out front! Tons of $5-$10 vintage available. Add us to your list of ‘whirl stops! Location: Moth Oddities
• Moon Factory: Custom Art on the Spot: The MOON Factory is open for Art-A-Whirl: fill out a form with your personal details, pick your colors, and come back in a few hours to pick up your custom MOON! Location: Northrup King Building

Take a look at all the interactive activities going on during Art-A-Whirl.

Other Related Events to Check Out at Art-A-Whirl

1. Indeed Brewing Company: Whirlygig

Let’s get ready to Whirlygig! For the first time since 2019, we're getting the band back together. So squeeze into your party pants from two years ago (or go ahead and buy a new pair) and join us for a long overdue weekend of good vibes, food and beer galore, and a killer music lineup.

2. Casket Arts at Art-A-Whirl

Over 150 artists and art-based businesses inhabit the Casket Arts Community. During Art-A-Whirl get an exclusive look at 100+ artist studios as they open their doors and show off their beautiful work. Browse paintings, prints, sculpture, jewelry, apparel, accessories, books, and more. Food trucks will be available if you get hungry. For drinks, a speakeasy, sponsored by 45th Parallel Distillery and Red Stag Supper Club, will be set up in the basement.

3. Brew Bauhaus Labs: Liquid Zoo

This 3-day event put on by Brew Bauhaus Labs will feature different themed fun for each day of Art-A-Whirl.

Day 1: Dance party.

The energetic sounds of McNasty Brass Band will kick open the door to this epic weekend at 5:30pm, followed by local indie-rock vets The Alarmists at 7:00pm. Debuting new material alongside perennial fan favorites, this will be The Alarmists’ first show in over a decade. Closing out the night at 8:30pm will be the gravity-defying, genre-bending funk and rock superstars Viva Knievel. Local culinary favorites Brasa and Parlour Bar will be serving up a selection of their signature dishes adjacent to the stage while the critically-acclaimed Animales BBQ will be located on the covered patio.

Day 2: All day music festival.

Down In The Valley will be on hand slinging vinyl and other musical paraphernalia for the entirety of the event and Northmade will be selling rad Northern-inspired apparel. Partygoers can grab a commemorative Liquid Zoo tee or tank from Alchemist Printing Company as they live screen-print made-to-order tees. Brasa and Parlour will be serving up top-notch nourishment near the main stage while Animales BBQ sets up shop off of the patio. Multiple beverage stations will keep refreshments easy to find and quick to get your hands on.

Day 3: All About the Local Art

The weekend culminates on May 22nd with a Made By Hands Art & Crafts Extra-Vaganza from 12pm-6pm. Artists and craftsmen will be selling everything from paintings, jewelry, woodworking, sweets, knits, ceramics, and more! DJ Shane Kramer of Transmission Music will be spinning tunes all day while Animales closes out their weekend with an array of delectable eats. Walk out looking your Sunday best with haircuts and beard trims with barber Manny.

4. Food and Music at Northrup King

With over 400 Artists under one roof, food trucks, demonstrations, and more, the Northrup King Building is a creative and cultural destination. Mwago Kuria will be out in the NKB pocket park on Friday and Saturday evening playing his sweet guitar.

5. Art-a-Whirl Weekend at the 331 Club and Sheridan Room with Fair State Brewing

More than 20 musicians will hit the stage at the 331 Club and Sheridan Room during Art-a-Whirl. Friday kicks off with a tribute band night and the party continues on Saturday and Sunday with performances by Sugarhill Gang and Mele Mel & Scorpio from Grandmaster Flash & The Furious 5, Stranger Gallery, The Blend, Annie Mack, Humbird, and more!

6. Pryes Art & Craft

Pryes Art & Craft is a 3-day long outdoor brewery festival celebrating local artists, live music, and great hand-crafted beer. Stop by during Art-a-Whirl to check out some of the brewery's favorite local artists, and join a huge party to celebrate the kick-off of the summer season!

7. The Print Shop at WORKSHOP

For Art-A-Whirl weekend, WORKSHOP is transforming to The Print Shop: a space for commercial-leaning art. The event will celebrate the type of art that shows up on your walls, in your closet, or as a gift to someone special. Bold colors, pattern, typography are all welcome here. Posters, buttons, zines, patches, stickers, mugs, shirts, books, prints, cards…these items – and more – can all be found at The Print Shop!