Art-a-What? Art-A-Whirl (kind of) returns for 2021
More than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, Northeast Minneapolis’s Art-A-Whirl art crawl is returning—sort of. Technically, the official AAW event is once again taking place online, but many artist buildings are offering open studios IRL with their artists and makers with limited capacity (and in some cases, advance registration) and masking required. Here’s a rundown of some style-oriented highlights, followed by non-AAW shopping and style events for this week.
The EC Design studio at Northrup King Building (courtesy EC Design)
EVERYTHING ART-A-WHIRL
FRIDAY–SUNDAY:
Virtual Art-A-Whirl:
Find hundreds of member galleries and shops online during the virtual edition of Art-A-Whirl. There’s a full NEMAA online shop with thousands of artworks by hundreds of NEMAA members. Explore NEMAA’s 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. You can also find a listing of in-person activities and browse videos of art demos, studio tours and performances by NEMAA members. Explore more at nemaa.org/art-a-whirl
Northrup King Building:
The biggest building of them all will be hosting Open Studio Hours all weekend, opening 250 free advance reservations every hour. There will be some limited flexibility for walk-up registration. Each studio has its own capacity limits based on square footage. Hours: Friday 12–8pm, Saturday 12–8pm, Sunday 12–5pm @ 1500 Jackson St NE, Minneapolis. Register @ www.eventbrite.com/e/open-studios-may-14th-16th-reservations-required-tickets-146991586793. Highlights:
⭐️ Strey Collective: The collaborative fashion studio and retail space will have new spring collections available for sale from its makers, include a “big summer top drop” featuring one-of-a-kind tops by designer Rebekah Anne starting at $45, many of which are made from vintage fabrics. Other makers include Strey Designs, Joeleen Torvick, Create Laser Arts, Vikse Deigns and J.Lux Designs. @ Studio #179, www.instagram.com/streycollective
⭐️ ACG & ILO Studio: Fashion designer and painter Anna Chambers-Goldberg is hosting open hours with her new pieced zero-waste poufs, new paintings, clothing designs and hand-dyed textiles. Studio mate Lily Kavanaugh of ILO Jewelry will also be there all weekend with her latest collection. @ Studio #373, acgmpls.com, ilompls.com
⭐️ Celina Kane: This is a great chance to preview the local milliner’s hotly anticipated, as-yet-unreleased spring 2021 “Femme Perennial” collection, which revisits and updates some of her favorite past designs, like her Cenote Sombrero, inspired by 1950s and ‘60s hats and driving scarves. Open Friday & Saturday noon–5pm only @ Studio #225, celinakane.com
⭐️ Makwa Studio: The celebrated Ojibwe weaver and knitter will open her studio on Friday & Saturday with new inventory. Friday & Saturday only @ Studio #358, www.makwastudio.com
⭐️ Larissa Loden: The jewelry designer’s studio will be open; stop by to check out new collabs with Ashley Mary and more. Open Friday & Saturday from 12–5pm @ Studio #265, larissaloden.com
⭐️ Tessa Louise: The slow and ethical fashion brand of modern, versatile knitwear is having a studio closing sale this weekend, with discounts on all items during AAW only. (The designer will still continue to sell her brand on her website, post-studio closing.) Hours: Friday 12–8pm, Saturday 12–6pm, Sunday 12–5pm @ Studio #375, www.tessalouise.com
⭐️ Alison Wendy Designs: The jewelry maker, who uses metals and natural stones in organic, modern shapes, will have open hours throughout the weekend. @ Studio #428, alisonwendy.com
⭐️ EC Design: EC Design jewelry is having a 50–75% in-studio-only sale this weekend only on rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. The sale also includes their silver and beaded jewelry collections, soon to be discontinued. @ Studio #254, ecdesignstudios.com
⭐️ True Ethic: This retail store specializes in artisan-made, fair-trade goods spanning the globe, plus some locally made goods from its in-house line. @ Studio #238, trueethic.com
⭐️ Excelsior Candle Co.: The boutique candle maker will have $5 candles while they last, plus guest artists Create Laser Arts (laser-crafted goods and jewelry) and Karma Stacks (handmade jewelry). @ Studio #206, www.excelsiorcandleco.com
⭐️ A.M.F. Gallery: The gallery features a range of artists and makers, including Everart Designs jewelry and Fringe and Fettle Ceramics. @ Studio #152, amfgallery.com
⭐️ Tres Leches Art: Find the latest jewelry collection from Solid Design Studios as well as other local artists at this gallery. @ Studios #171 & #173, treslechesartgallery.com
⭐️ A MANO: The local ceramics favorite will not be open, but she is launching a new collection of her handmade goods on her website. Friday at 7pm @ weshopamano.com
Solar Arts Building:
The Solar Arts Building will be open in person during Art-A-Whirl all weekend. Registration is not required, but capacity will be limited and masks are required per current COVID-19 restrictions. There will also be live music on the 2nd floor all weekend, and while you’re there, you can stop by Indeed Brewing’s patio for a pint. Open Friday 5–9pm, Saturday 12–8pm, Sunday 12–4pm @ 711 NE 15th Ave, Minneapolis, solarartsbuilding.com
Casket Art Building & Carriage House Studios:
The Casket Arts campus will be closed to the public; if you wish to visit studios or galleries, contact individual artists directly to make an appointment. @ 681 17th Ave NE, Minneapolis. Learn more at www.casketarts.com
⭐️ LaLunette Jewelry: The jewelry maker will be hosting 20-minute appointments on Sunday to shop their new collection (released on their website on Friday at 10am) and limited-release pieces available exclusively during Art-A-Whirl. Sign up on their website. Sunday only @ Casket Arts Building #413, www.lalunettejewelry.com
⭐️ Everthine Jewelry: The jewelry maker is offering 30-minute shopping appointments, where you can shop her latest collections, plus limited-edition and one-of-a-kind pieces. Sign up at her website. Friday & Saturday only @ Casket Arts Building #202, everthinejewelry.com
⭐️ Kim Heidkamp: The paper sculptor will have new, colorful paper art installations available for purchase. (They make great wall art!) @ Carriage House Studios, 1720 Madison St NE, kimheidkamp.com
⭐️ Chapman Metals: The jewelry maker will be open all weekend by appointment for private shopping. Sign up at her website under the events section. @ Casket Arts Building, www.chapmanmetals.com
Thorp Building:
The building will be open all three days of Art-A-Whirl. @ 1620 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, nemaa.org/sites/thorp-building
⭐️ Fair Anita: The locally owned ethical, fair-trade jewelry and accessories brand will have its studio open with its latest spring collection. @ Studio #156, fairanita.com
⭐️ Third Daughter, Restless Daughter: Created to mimic their grandmother’s Hmong embroidery, sister duo Youa and Wone create humorous needlepoint crafts. @ Studio #156, 3drdcrafts.com
Q.arma Building:
The building will be open but mostly ouside, with a few studios open on the lower level only. Find tents outside of Q.arma and Q.armalita buildings. Friday 5–8pm, Saturday 12–6pm, Sunday 12–4pm @ 1224 & 1300 Quincy St NE, Minneapolis, www.instagram.com/q.armabuilding
⭐️ Studio Okok: The ceramics maker and painter (a personal favorite) will be popping up outside in front of WORKSHOP next to Q.arma Building. @ studiookok.com
California Building:
The California Building is currently closed to the public. Patrons that wish to visit studios or galleries must make an appointment with individual artists through their websites. Learn more @ www.californiabuilding.com
Holland Arts Building:
⭐️ Julie Meyer Leather Goods: The local handbag and leather goods maker will be have open studio hours on Saturday. Check back to her Instagram for hours. Saturday only @ Holland Arts West, 607 22nd Ave NE, Minneapolis, www.instagram.com/juliemeyerleathergoods
Curiosity NE Boutique:
The Northeast shop (located across from Young Joni and Dangerous Man) will be open throughout Art-A-Whirl weekend. The shop sells furnishings, home goods, clothing and gifts by local and small makers, many of whom will be dropping off new items in time for this weekend. Tbsp Liège Waffles will also be popping up outside of the shop on Saturday from 11am–1pm. Hours: Friday 12–8pm, Saturday 10am–8pm, Sunday 12–4pm @ 1228 NE 2nd St #3, Minneapolis, curiosityhomedecor.com
SATURDAY ONLY:
Northeast Farmers Market Opening Day
The Northeast Farmers Market is back for the summer season, just in time for Art-A-Whirl weekend. Makers highlights include Artifacts of Joy by Lauren Strom (original art, prints, jewelry and stickers), Idler Wild (crochet jewelry), Kobi Co. (Black woman–owned self-care products and candles) and TeeKae Handmade (indigo-dyed goods). The market will be open every Saturday through October 16, rain or shine. 9am–1pm @ St. Boniface Church parking lot, University Ave & 7th Ave NE, Minneapolis, www.northeastfarmersmarket.com
SUNDAY ONLY:
Vintage + Makers Market
A whole slew of top local vintage vendors and Minnesota makers are coming together for an afternoon of outdoor, flea market–style shopping in the heart of Northeast during AAW weekend. Look for vintage vendors Kollektiv, Tandem Vintage, Audrey Rose Vintage, Salty Vintage and Mom and Pop Vintage, plus makers like Larissa Loden jewelry, Bekah Worley art, Cactus in a Can and Run Clay Studio jewelry. You can also grab a beer from Able Brewing while you shop. Free. Sunday from 12–5pm @ Able Brewery parking lot, 1121 Quincy St NE, Minneapolis, www.instagram.com/kollektivmpls
NON-ART-A-WHIRL
THURSDAY:
Billy Reid opens at Nolan Mains
Billy Reid, an Alabama-based men’s and women’s apparel brand, is opening its first Minnesota store location this week at Nolan Mains at 50th & France. The designer, who has described his clothing as “lived-in luxury” and "broken-in luxury,” is known for his classic styles in high-quality fabrics, expertly crafted clothing with unique details and a Southern influence. The 1,800-square-foot store will sell men’s and women’s apparel along with premium-leather goods by Moore & Giles, a luxury heritage leather goods manufacturer based in Virginia. Opening Thursday @ Nolan Mains, 3945 Market St, Edina, www.billyreid.com
Alice Riot Virtual Spring Trunk Show
Minneapolis-based brand Alice Riot is known for partnering with women artists from Minnesota and around the world to bring art to your wardrobe. They’ve recently pivoted to offer 100% hand-rolled silk scarves featuring the artists’ work, along with limited-edition prints and original contemporary works. They’re debuting some new designs at this virtual studio visit. Thursday 7–9pm. Register for your free spot to attend at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/alice-riot-trunk-show-tickets-148956788765
SATURDAY:
Mill City Farmers Market
A summer mainstay since 2006, the market features over 120 local farmers, food makers and artisans with a goal of building a local, sustainable and organic food economy in a vibrant, educational outdoor marketplace. This weekend’s artisan highlights include pottery from Christy Wetzig Ceramics, ArtAndes textiles and Tribal Delightful Concoctions jewelry. The Mill City Farmers Market is now open every Saturday through October with extended hours. Saturday from 8am–1pm @ Mill City Farmers Market, 750 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, millcityfarmersmarket.org
Vegetable Plant & Glass Art Sale
Shop for glass housewares, jewelry and gifts as well as vegetable starter plants for urban growers in this event presented by Foci - MInnesota Center for Glass Arts and Growing Lots Urban Farm. An outdoor, self-guided tour of the farm will also be available along with fresh produce for purchase. Free. Saturday 11am–4pm @ 1915 E 22nd St #3, Minneapolis, www.facebook.com/events/449364159495414
BE ADORNED at June
Designer resale boutique, June, is hosting its first event at its new 50th & France location, featuring Milana Stile Atelier Jewelry. The local brand was born out of owner Milana Tolins’s private collection of bijoux de couture curated over the years. Pieces are made from the finest materials, like natural stones, gilded metal, pearls, Swarovski crystals, cameos, enamel, lucite and Italian leather, and with the same workmanship techniques employed for fine jewelry. Saturday, 10am–4pm. NOTE June’s new location: 5027 France Ave S, Minneapolis. www.facebook.com/events/367228811380172
Wright County Swappers Meet
The WCSM is a farmers market, art fair, antique mall, garden center, sporting goods store and garage sale in South Haven, MN. This large outdoor market features 150-250 vendors on an average weekend with 300+ vendors holiday weekends. Open every Saturday of April through October plus Fridays–Sundays on Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day). Hours: 6am–1:30pm, weather dependent. @ 13594 100th St NW, South Haven, www.facebook.com/AnnandaleFleaMarket
SATURDAY & SUNDAY:
Arb May Markets
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is back with a weekly market, happening every weekend in May. Peruse nature-inspired art, handmade pottery, jewelry, artisan food, spa-worthy bath and body products and more from local makers. Browse the one-of-a-kind wares of 40 local vendors and stroll through seasonal blooms in the Arboretum’s 1,200 acres of formal gardens and natural areas. Market entry is included with gate admission (free for Arb members, $15 for non-members and free for kids 15 & younger). Reservations are required to ensure social distancing. Saturdays & Sundays through May, 10am–4pm each day @ Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaka, arb.umn.edu/content/may-markets
Wadena Flea & Craft Market
This seasonal indoor and outdoor market has four buildings filled with unique finds. It’s filled with vendors selling everything you can think of including farm fresh produce, toys and games, antiques, apparel, home decor, glassware and more. Open Saturdays & Sundays every weekend through September plus Memorial Day and Labor Day from 9am–5pm @ 13560 US Highway 10, Wadena, www.wadenafleamarket.com
CONTINUING:
Winsome Goods Closing
After an impressive 7-year run, local, sustainable apparel brand Winsome Goods announced Wednesday it will be shuttering its apparel business, including both its e-commerce site and its standalone Store + Studio in the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood. They will take visits by appointment until the sample sale, and you can also shop online. The brand’s run culminates with a big sample sale running June 25–27 (details to come). Learn more about the closing on my blog. Shop now @ winsomegoods.com
Citywide Garage Sales
Garage sale season is officially in full swing. This weekend, check out sales in cities across the Twin Cities metro area and outstate Minnesota. Select days Thursday–Saturday. Learn more @ thriftyminnesota.com/2021-minnesota-city-wide-garage-sales-list
Now open: Curly Girl Boutique
The Standish neighborhood in south Minneapolis has just welcomed a new women’s clothing and accessories store, Curly Girl Boutique. The store began as an online retailer in 2018 by Emily Deutschman, a former theater teacher and school counselor. In the years since, Emily built a loyal following, thanks to her personal styling skills and mission to help others express themselves. The new store will be open to the general public two days a week and on Saturdays; on other days, you can book a personal shopping appointment with Emily by yourself or with a small group. Hours: Thursdays 12–7pm, Fridays 11am–4pm, Saturdays 11am–4pm on 2nd & 4th Saturdays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays by appointment. Now open @ 2705 E 38th St, Minneapolis, curlygirlboutique.com
Spring Collections at Max’s Jewelry
Located at Excelsior & Grand in St. Louis Park, Max’s Jewelry is home to an ingenious, eclectic mix of artist-designed jewelry, home decor and specialty chocolates. The store has just introduced its spring collections from its roster of independent artisans and small jewelry brands from across the U.S. and the world, like Ray Griffiths, Sirciam Jewelry and Jamie Joseph. I recently collaborated with Max’s to feature some of my favorite pieces from the store’s spring collections, styled with vintage dresses from my personal collection. Among the designs are pieces from designer Ray Griffiths and Jamie Joseph, who will be featured in a trunk show at Max’s May 20–22, coinciding with the store’s 15th birthday. Check out our collaboration featuring images I styled on myself with vintage dresses from my personal collection. Available now @ Max’s, 3826 Grand Way, St Louis Park & stylebymax.com
Now open: Leo Footwear
Two neighboring Selby & Snelling shop owners have come together to found a new shoe boutique with a sustainable focus. Leo Footwear was the brainchild of Kristie Case of Teeny Bee Boutique/Peregrine Kidswear, and Jill Erickson of women’s sustainable fashion shop, Spoils of Wear. The new footwear shop is located just a couple of storefronts down from Teeny Bee and features Brooklyn-based shoemakers Stivali and the Spanish artisan–made Pons Arvacas. You can also shop the store online. Now open @ 1554 Selby Ave, St Paul, leofootwearstpaul.com. For updates and hours, follow @leofootwearstpaul on Instagram.
Now open: Bread. A Unique Pop-up Market
What began as a holiday pop-up market over the holidays is returning to Maplewood Mall as a more permanent fixture. Created by local entrepreneur Marsha Magdalene as a shared opportunity to help small businesses market and scale their businesses, Bread features a mostly BIPOC group of locally owned brands and goods from local makers, including Marsha’s son’s brand, Ice Cream Bow Ties. For Thursday’s grand reopening, the store’s brands will be joined by Maplewood Mayor Abrams, MN State Rep. John Thompson and St. Paul City Council member Nelsie Yang, and there will be raffles and refreshments. Hours: Monday–Friday from 12–7pm and Sunday from 12–6pm @ Maplewood Mall, 3001 White Bear Ave N, Maplewood, www.facebook.com/breadpopup
Now open: Community Commons at Mall of America: Last fall, the Mall of America debuted Community Commons, a new, rent-free space dedicated to businesses struggling due to the pandemic or displaced due to civil unrest over the summer. Following its first run, the store has reopened with a fresh mix of local businesses owned by people of color. New vendors include Arway Bags, clothing brand Love Disorder, Bogaballoons, Silk Road Wellness, LEVELS apparel and more. The storefront is also acting as a launching pad for some brands—Herbal Alchemy, a former Community Commons vendor, has just opened its own storefront. Community Commons is now open at Level 2, South, Mall of America, Bloomington, mallofamerica.com/directory/communitycommons
On view: Papier at American Swedish Institute
A juncture between art and fashion, Papier is an international touring exhibition showcasing artist-designer Bea Szenfeld’s striking paper couture—dresses and other sculptural fashion items made entirely from paper and worn by such pop icons as Lady Gaga and Björk—united with artist-author Stina Wirsén’s evocative and colorful illustrations. Papier has made its Midwest debut at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis (in one of only two U.S. stagings). Get a first look and read more about my visit to the exhibit on my blog. On view through July 11. Hours are Thursday–Sunday, 10am–4pm; advance, timed reservations are required to visit the museum and can be made at www.ASImn.org or by calling 612-871-4907 during museum hours.
Now open: LEGACY
After designer resale shop June announced its move to 50th & France, we wondered what was coming to its former storefront near Lyndale & Lake in Uptown. The secret’s now out: The storefront is now home to LEGACY, a vintage clothing and home shop run by June owner Daune Stinson’s daughter, Ruby, who recently moved back home from NYC after over a decade working in the fashion and retail industry. June’s little sister store features a fresh, more casual mix of brands, more vintage goods, and a lower price-point than June, similar to that of most vintage stores. Now open. Hours: Wednesday–Saturday 11am–5pm @ 3406 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, 612-545-7470, instagram.com/shoplegacystore
Now open: Dugo & Scout at Nolan Mains
Dugo, the locally owned, special-occasion retailer that recently closed its longtime Galleria storefront, has set up shop at the new Nolan Mains development at 50th & France with a tighter, more focused selection of dresses and evening separates and accessories. St. Paul maker-oriented, queer-owned men’s and gift store Scout also opened a second location at Nolan Mains. Now open @ 3919 Market St, Edina, dressupgoout.com, scoutstp.com
Check out my new Minnesota Vintage Directory, a curated listing of vintage stores and online sellers across the state for both clothing and home.
SUBMIT your upcoming shopping news and events to jahna.peloquin@gmail.com