“We Are Here To Stay” the California Building Story.

The exhibition is open to the public on Saturday afternoons from 1-5 PM, during Art-A-Whirl from May 16th to May 18th, or by appointment.

This immersive and interactive exhibition celebrates the legacy of the California Building, from the exodus of the downtown art scene to NE Minneapolis starting in 1991. The California Building became the first factory in Northeast Minneapolis dedicated entirely to workspace for artists. The exhibition focuses on a significant series that seeks to understand why artists moved to Northeast Minneapolis after being gentrified out of downtown Minneapolis in the late 1980s. The artists' experiences are told through a timeline showcasing when, what, and how the artists made Northeast Minneapolis an artists’ enclave. 

This exhibition is the first step in documenting the history of the arts community in Minneapolis and its ongoing accumulation of artists and artist workspace in Northeast Minneapolis. Its purpose is to record, communicate, highlight, and showcase the artists' stories, achievements, and work. The Arts District is working to ensure that artists are remembered for their contributions to the art scene and art history of Minneapolis.

Jennifer Young and John Kremer purchased the building in 1991, and their actions helped spark and transform Northeast into the nationally recognized arts district it is today. This exhibition honors the spirit and resilience of a supported artistic community. It features decades of archival images and personal stories from artists who have worked in the California Building.