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 17-19, 2024

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

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.

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

Art Demonstrations

• Glass Blowing Demo: Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts will be doing live glassblowing demonstrations at the California Building during Art-A-Whirl! Join us to witness the magic of glass art in motion and learn more about the work we do as a creative nonprofit!
  California Building, May 18 & 19, noon-4pm
• Pop Art Printmaking: Inspired by the King of Pop Art Andy Warhol, we will be making Campbell’s Soup Can Prints big and mini. This is a fun deal with a take away!
  Casket Arts Building - Studio 119, May 18, 2-4pm
• Travel Sketching with Patricia Canney: Travel sketches have been the best way of capturing a sense of place for Patricia over the years. Her oldest sketches go back 50 years and have included, West Africa, Paris, the south of France and her local neighborhood! Whether you want to save memories from a trip, a day at the lake, the perfect flower or cappuccino…a unique drawing is perfect!
  California Building - Studio 406, May 17 (5-6pm), May 18 & 19 (noon-1pm)
• Sock Machine Demo: See how socks are made on a hand-cranked circular sock machine! While our machines are newly manufactured, they are based on machines that were manufactured in the early 1900’s or before. This type of machine was used during both world wars to make socks for the troops to keep feet dry and prevent trench-foot.
  Quincy Hall, May 18, ongoing

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

Interactive Activities

• Beaded Ring Class: Learn how to use beaded peyote stitch to make a perfectly sized beaded ring. This class is taught by Erin Peña and is open to anyone who feels comfortable working with small beads. Participants may draw their own pattern or use one of the available pre-made patterns.
  California Building - Studio 207B, May 17, 5-9pm, $30
• Polymer Clay Make and Take: Choose an item to cover with colorful polymer clay like a jar, a tin box or a light switch cover. Learn how to attach the clay to your item and take your creation home to bake in your oven.
  Flux Arts Building, May 17-19
• Craft Your Own Magnet Masterpiece: You’ll shape, design, and personalize a magnet creation. Hand it over for oven-curing, glazing, and in just 20 minutes—or by show’s end (timing on pick up is up to you)—it’s yours to take home, safely wrapped for the journey.
  Northrup King Building - Studio 151, May 17 (5-10pm), May 18 (noon-8pm), May 19 (noon-5pm), $7

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

Ten years ago, Indeed Brewing threw their first Whirlygig during Art-a-Whirl weekend. A full decade later, it is now a full-blown music festival. Brimming with art, music, and beer, and the place to be!

2. Brew Bauhaus Labs: The Liquid Zoo

Brew Bauhaus Labs' Liquid Zoo is back! Taking place during Art-A-Whirl weekend, Liquid Zoo showcases the Twin Cities' finest restaurants, artists and performers. Popular local performers are lined up for each day, and an epic dance party will close out the weekend Sunday, May 19.

3. Food Trucks at Northrup King Building

Over 400 Artists and Guest Artists on Four Floors of this historic, century old warehouse will be sharing their art and processes with you. The building will also feature food trucks, live art demonstrations and artist talks, interactive activities for the family, and more!

4. Art-A-Whirl at Sociable Cider Werks

A market with over 30 vendors and local artists, live music, delicious food and, of course, beverage galore is popping up at Sociable Cider Werks. The best part? It's all Art-A-Whirl weekend long, May 17-19.

5. BŪCH Gardens

Head to BŪCH Fermentary & Taproom Art-A-Whirl weekend for their signature hard kombucha and some fun! Steps away from the Solar Arts Building, BŪCH Gardens will put you right in the middle of the action.

6. Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative

Come by and discover amazing local talent when Broken Clock Brewing hosts a diverse lineup of artists in their taproom! Curioso Coffee Bar will be open Friday at 7am for those who want to get a jump on the weekend ahead. Drinks and food open at noon.

7. Earl-A-Whirl at Earl Giles

Head to Earl Giles during Art-A-Whirl Weekend! They'll have food, drink, music, art, and much more!

Friday, May 17: 4pm to 10pm
Saturday, May 18: Noon to 11pm
Sunday, May 19: Noon to 6pm

8. Art-a-Whirl Weekend at the 331 Club

Several musicians are gearing up to hit the stage at the 331 Club during Art-a-Whirl. Friday kicks off with Bands on Vans, Hastings 3000, and music trivia, and the party continues on Saturday and Sunday with performances by All The Pretty Horses, Diane, Socktopus, The Beavers, Switchyard, and more!

9. Doors Open

Doors open is a unique opportunity to tour Minneapolis in a way you've never seen it before. From theaters to business hubs, sacred spaces to private clubs, sports complexes to engineering wonders, historical gems to not-even-open-yet buildings, Doors Open Minneapolis will give you a free behind-the-scenes look at dozens of exciting venues. This year, it's the same weekend as Art-A-Whirl!

Check back soon for more events!