The Whirl Less Traveled: Art-A-Whirl Highlights You Don’t Want To Miss
Published May 17th, 2017 by Juleana Enright
If you feel like exploring all that Art-A-Whirl has to offer this weekend, use this handy guide to go beyond the studio buildings for art, craft, food, dancing, and puppies. That’s right: puppies.
Burlesque of North America/CO Exhibitions + Art-A-Whirl
Friday, May 19th - Sunday, May 21st, free
Always an excellent spot of Art-A-Whirl fun, CO Exhibitions and Burlesque of North America will be hosting a BRLSQ and Friends big to-do. Plenty of paintings and prints will be on display from the BRLSQ crew and their pals. Plus t-shirts, sticker packs, DJs, vinyl records for sale, and more! Featured artists include Wes Winship, Mike Davis, Ben LaFond, NMPH, Jennifer Davis, Greg Gossel, Michael Cina, Rudy Fig, and more.
Friday, May 19th, 6-10pm, free
A personal Art-A-Whirl favorite, Rogue Buddha Gallery is the studio home to the macabre-loving, darkly fantastical artist and owner Nick Harper. They’ll be hosting a group show featuring the works of Michael Thomsen, Alex Kuno, Rudy Fig, and Harper, described as an exhibit which “attempts to cut through the blasé and find that which is worthy of adoration in compositions that elicit comparison to the ceremonial.” Enough said!
Art -A-Whirl Artists Hosted at FOOD BUILDING
Friday, May 19th - Sunday, May 21st, free
Home to Red Table Meat Co. and Baker's Field Flour & Bread, and a big supporter of the arts and local creatives all year round, the FOOD BUILDING is another good Art-A-Whirl bet. Presented by NEMAA, the FOOD BUILDING will be hosting 14+ local artists and featuring live music and snacks from Baker's Field Flour & Bread and Red Table Meat Co. throughout the weekend.
Art-A-Whirl with Wanderlust Vintage Market
Friday, May 19th - Sunday, May 21st, free
With an art-fair-meets-craft-fair feel, Wanderlust Vintage Market will be showcasing artwork and performance from some of their favorite artists and makers. Includes live music from The BarRoom Clowns, D a N C E B U M S, Todd Sisson, and The Haws, plus a vintage caravan featuring works from jewelry artist City Stone Studio, high-quality shaving and bath soaps from Cooper & French Soapmaking, wild vintage fashion finds and bold prints from local fashion curator Double Peace Studio, and more.
Psycho Suzi’s Art-A-Whirl Outdoor Waterfront Festival
Saturday, May 20th - Sunday, May 21st, free
If you find yourself in art overload mode and need a little break from intellectual stimuli, head over to punk haven Psycho Suzi’s for their 5th annual puppy fashion show. The event features live music from The Soviettes, The Rope, Blinds, and The 99ers, plus a Transmission Dance Party with DJ Jake Rudh. Sip down tiki cocktails while you watch people go apeshit over puppies during the puppy pageant.
Aphotic (Late Night Art-A-Whirl at PF)
Saturday, May 20th, 9pm-1am, $5
If art hypes you up, you may be looking for some additional party action to soothe your soul after the studios and breweries close up shop. Never fear; Public Functionary has you covered. Presented by PF & CMND+CTRL, “Aphotic” is a late night, post-Art-A-Whirl event featuring live production from Psymun and Devata Daun, special performances from David Maxwell, and DJ sets by DJ Just Nine, Frank Castle, and Ms. Lakesha. Plus live projections from Nolan Regan Morice, Psychographics, Art by Mixie, and Michascopes. Bonus: Head back the following day for a special party for Zuluzuluu to raise funds for their upcoming tour.
For more info about all of the participating artists and events open to the public this weekend, please visit nemaa.org.
Banner image: Alex Kuno, whose work can be seen at Rogue Buddha Gallery this weekend.
We can't do it without you.
Help keep independent arts journalism alive in the Twin Cities.