Weekend What's What: Art-A-Whirl Special Edition

WHIRL ME, BABY, ONE MORE TIME

It's here! The art-crazy weekend we wait for all year is back again and better than ever. Every spring we think it couldn't possibly out-do itself, but Art-A-Whirl proves us wrong time and time again. This year's neighborhood-wide art extravaganza goes above and beyond with big outdoor events, gallery shows, hundreds of open studios, live music, food, drink and pretty much every manner of awesomeness you can imagine. Our listings below highlight the events and shows that we plan on hitting, but for even more info on AAW, including a map, an online artist directory, trolley stops and additional special events, visit www.nemaa.org. Regular AAW hours this year are Friday 6-10pm, Saturday Noon-8pm, and Sunday Noon to 5pm.

Happy whirling!

THURSDAY MAY 19TH

No Hard Feelings

@ Nomad World Pub

501 Cedar Ave

Minneapolis

9 p.m. / Free before 9 p.m., $5 after / 21+

Kick of a weekend of Art-a-Whirl p(art)ies with not one, but two floors (and hopefully a patio) of shenanigans at the Nomad. Created by Tarnish & Gold Gallery and Bloodtime (mixed media duo Jesse Draxler and Justin James Sehorn), No Hard Feelings will feature a killer musical lineup featuring Mike Mictlan, Spyder Baybie, La Manchita, Alicia Steele, and Human Bear Trap, not to mention DJ sets all night long. And since it is Art-a-Whirl eve, after all, oodles of visual artists, including Miles Mendenhall, Jesse Draxler, Garrett Perry, Nick Howard, Daniel Luedtke, the Bloodtime boys and more, will also have some arty tricks up their sleeves for us. No hard feelings if you don’t go, but really, you’d be silly not to.

Click HERE for the Facebook event

FRIDAY MAY 20TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Curio: A Michael Thomsen Retrospective

@ Rogue Buddha

357 13th Ave NE

Minneapolis

friday 5-10 p.m., saturday noon-8p.m., sunday noon-5 p.m. / free

Curiosity may have killed the cat and TLC shows may scold the hoarders, but in the case of the artist, indulging your knack for “junk” scavenging is just another way to heighten the creative process and produce a highly interesting, eye-catching span of works. For Art-A-Whirl weekend, the Rogue Buddha proudly celebrates the 20-year art career of sculptor/installationist, Michael Thomsen. Curio highlights Thomsen's best from past years while debuting brand new pieces from the artist. Merging antiquities into the personal, Thomsen's sculptures and mixed media pieces often include trinkets, old-timey miscellanea and relics he obtained during an aberrant childhood filled with carnivals and live auctions, surrounded by a family of clockmakers, violinmakers and painters. More fanciful than a thrift store and more magical than a flea market, Thomsen's multifarious “retrospective” is not to be missed for lovers of all things unusual.

Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com

FRIDAY MAY 20TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Art Form 1040: Mission Accomplished

@ Fox Tax

503 1st Ave NE

Minneapolis

5-10 p.m. / free

As we say “adieu” to the “oughts decade” – yes, that is what we were calling the 00's – virtually every opinion peddler has something to critique. “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” And with all the antithetical prattle going around between politicians, these days we're more interested to know our artist's commentary. As part of this week's blooming Art-A-Whirl, Fox Tax owners Mark and Alyssa Fox commissioned local artists to create dual artworks conveying their stance on the “ought decade” aka: the season of the Bush. From photography and collage to screenprinting and painting, check an eclectic and often disparate collection of original works from locals Nicholas Golfis, John Diebel, Colin Kopp, Melissa Loop, Aniela Sobieski and David Hansen. Like what you see, señor? Ten signed and numbered prints of each work will be on sale and available for purchase – via printer master, The Lab Digital's Eric Recktenwald – for a mere $40 each. Thus the cheeky 10:40 reference. Get it? Let the animadversion begin!

Click HERE for the Facebook event

FRIDAY MAY 20TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Future Presence II

@ Future Presence Gallery Space

1126 2nd Street NE 55413

Minneapolis

Fri: 5-10 p.m., Sat: 1-8 p.m., Sun: 1-5 p.m. / Free

Now here’s a sequel to actually get excited about (no, really, we’re so excited we decided to sponsor it): Future Presence II, a group art show by some Minneapolis faves , including colorful creature creator Chuck U, comic book artist/genius Chris Park, light art maestro Bryant Locher, vivid and lovely painter Kate Burgau, and many more. Even better? This second installation is in the group’s shiny new NE gallery space, located a hop, skip, and jump from Shuga Records and Matchbox Coffee. Your future: be present at this show.

Click HERE for the facebook event

FRIDAY MAY 20TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Czeslaw's Loop: The Final Opus

@ Mississippi Mile Marker 856.2 / Behind the Sample Room

2124 Marshall Street NE

Minneapolis

Fri: 6pm (performance at 8), Sat: Noon-10pm (performances all day, and starting at 8pm), Sun: Noon-5pm

You may recall from Art-a-Whirls of yore, the Creative Electric Boat Project at Mississippi River mile marker 856.2 (local bands playing on the river and an artily decked-out houseboat behind the Sample Room, anyone?) You may not recall Czeslaw Janecki, a late 1960s electronic composer whose final opus was never performed. But what you definitely will recall some day in the future, misty eyes and all, is Czezlaw’s Loop: The Final Opus, the event that bridges these two strange happenings together, produced by Permanent Art & Design Group (of which our own Editor in Chief holds the position of Creative Director). This weekend, some of Minneapolis’ core artists and musicians have signed on for a four-act opera split over a three-day period. For example: Act One: Desire, will be conducted by Gayngs’ Ryan Olson and P.O.S.’ Stef Alexander and will feature members from Marijuana Deathsquads, Martin Dosh, a fleet of drummers and musicians from local bands, electronic overtures, and large-scale projections and light visuals. Saturday night's phantasm will be conducted by legendary local producer Chris Strouth with a little help from his friends, including punk icon Tom Hazelmyer (AmRep Records, Halo of Flies), members of The Time and The Family, Paul Robb (Information Society), soprano Maria Jette (you seriously don't want to miss the finale), and oh-so many more. During the day on Saturday and Sunday be entranced by the experimental sounds and artworks of John Keston, Ben Garthus, Ostraka Performance, and Sean Connaughty. Performances and shenanigans run all weekend, and trust us, you’ll want to catch them all.

BONUS: Can't make it? Implex will be live-streaming the Friday and Saturday night performances HERE.

Click HERE for the Permanent Art & Design Group site

Desire (ACT 1) from Permanent Art and Design Group on Vimeo.

SATURDAY MAY 21ST

Johnstock

@ 2800 Block of Johnson St. NE

Minneapolis

10 a.m. – 7 p.m. / Free

While it may not change rock n’ roll history, Johnstock definitely marks a pivotal moment in the Minnesota calendar: block party season! Head to the 2800 block of Johnson Street Saturday and Sunday for an exposition of music, food, and arts and crafts in the sunshine (er, hopefully, it’s still Minnesota after all). Bands include ECID, Static Kill, These Unknown, No Man’s String Band, Vanessa Bray, and a Sunday afternoon dance party with DJ Riley. Eats are courtesy of the Johnson Street businesses Hazels, Amici, The Coffee Shop Northeast, and Jungs. Can’t hold off celebrating ‘till Saturday? “Tangled” will be playing outside Friday at dusk next to Hollywood Theater. Kids and kids at heart equally welcome.

Click HERE for the Johnstock Facebook

FRIDAY MAY 19TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Art-A-Whirl at Humans Win! Recording Studio

@ Humans Win Recording Studio

1423 29th Ave NE

Minneapolis

Regular Art-A-Whirl hours + party on Saturday 8pm-1am / Free

Humans Win! Recording Studio has decided to get in on the art-tastic action once more with an arty party and weekend-long exhibit. On top of hosting a late night party on Saturday (starting at 8pm), the studio which has recorded artist such as P.O.S., Dearling Physique, Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles and more is raising the bar starting Friday as they line the walls with new works from seven Midwest painters, illustrators, computer artists, sculpters and drawers - Dennis Conrad, Serita Hewitt, Jon Quijano, Lance Conrad, Josh Journey-Heinz, Alex Molitor, and Ben Nylen. Be sure to pop in after 8pm on Saturday for a late night soiree complete with snacks and music (of course!).

Click HERE for the Facebook event

FRIDAY MAY 20TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

The Best and Worst of Frank Gaard & BRLSQ Garage Sale

CO Exhibitions

1101 Stinson Blvd NE Suite #2

Minneapolis

Friday until 8pm / Sat Noon-8pm / Sun Noon-5pm

The Art Institute of Chicago, MoMA and the Smithsonian may house some of his works, but Minneapolis is where art vanguard Frank Gaard calls home. And by golly if we aren’t just bursting with pride about it - especially so throughout all of our Art-A-Whirl shenanigans. CO Exhibitions has jumped on Frank Gaard by putting together a best and worst (more best than worst, of course) exhibit entirely in his honor. But, instead of getting worse, things just get better! In addition to the Gaard goodness, the Burlesque of North America boys will be holding down the fort with an Art-A-Whirl fire sale, shilling prints, t-shirts, old-school records, mags and books as well enough beef jerky to break your jaw.

Click HERE for the CO Exhibitions site

FRIDAY MAY 20TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Hoolie Fest 2011

@Shuga Records

165 13th Ave NE

Minneapolis, MN

4 p.m. / $1 per day, $2 for the weekend / AA

Shuga Records is once again bringing the rock—for three days, with over 75 bands on both indoor and outdoor stages! Does it get any better? Rogue Citizen and Chuck U will be creating original art all weekend in honor of Art-A-Whirl, and you can pick up some fresh screenprinting from Intrepid Minneapolis and Andy Mcinnis. On Saturday night, Anonymous of Wide Eyes will be hosting Hoolie’s hip hop lineup from 5-10 p.m., and on Sunday night, there will be mini-trivia happening between sets with free beer for trivia-ers and prizes.

Click HERE for the Hoolie Fest site

FRIDAY MAY 20TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Art-A-Whirl at 331 Club

Friday through Sunday

10 p.m. Friday

Noon to 10 p.m. outside Saturday

10 p.m. to 2 a.m. indoors Saturday

1 p.m. to 9 p.m. outside Sunday

It would appear that this Art-A-Whirl, the 331 snuck in first and grabbed up all the finest bands in Minneapolis for their bill. We would run out of breath slash our hearts would explode if we listed them ALL here, but here’s a snippet: Friday features Gospel Gossip and the Blind Shake; Saturday at the outdoor stage it’s Blue Sky Blackout, Dosh, Satellite Voices, Crescent Moon is in Big Trouble, and Grant Cutler and the Gorgeous Lords; Saturday inside it’s Charlie Parr; Sunday inside it’s the Pines, Zoo Animal, the Goondas, Matt Latterall, and Bella Ruse. Plus more. Plus all the goodness that is the 331. Plus… oh, c’mon, just go already. You don’t need another excuse.

Click HERE for the 331 site

SATURDAY MAY 21ST

Grumpy's NE Art-A-Whirl BBQ Rock Show

@ Grumpy's NE

2200 4th Street NE.

Minneapolis

All Day / 21+ / Free

In the last few years, Art-A-Whirl has become like our own little artcentric SXSW - hopping from studio to studio, eating street food, seeing everyone you know, and of course drinking all day. This year promises to be the biggest yet, with epic parties such as Grumpy's annual Art-A-Whirl BBQ, which in past years has been one of the staple cant-miss events. Hosted by Ian Rans of Drinking With Ian, Grumpy's has thrown together all the ingredients for quite the grand shindig: an excellent line-up of music featuring the Huckleberry's, Pink Mink, the Seawhores, and a special secret guest (!!!) BBQ and booze galore, PBR-A-Gami, and even an Evil Magic Show. Once you've made your Art rounds, this is the place to stop for all your rock & roll needs.

Click HERE for the Facebook event

SATURDAY MAY 21ST

Art Treasures

@ Kingman Studios

1901 Grant St NE

Minneapolis

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. / Free

One man's art is another man's...treasured art. Today, prepare your paws to sift through tons of awesome, locally-crafted art during Kingman Studio's multi-artist sale. Kingman, whose wild late night art parties are legendary in the Twin Cities, announced this week that he has given up his multi-year battle with the city to keep entertaining, so this Saturday's sale will include a slew of party-centric items and must-have nostalgic Kingman artifacts. Who knows whether you'll discover a decadent piece of art, a kick-ass accoutrement for your living room, or your own secret after party starter kit! Check original poster, paintings, mixed media and more from artists Kara and Hal Lovemelt, Silvia Yordanova, Dan Craker, Carolyn Kopecky, Brant Kingman and many more!

Click HERE for the facebook event

SATURDAY MAY 21ST

The Erasers

@ Soap Factory

518 Second St SE

Minneapolis

7-11 p.m. / free

In the French mystery novel, The Erasers, a detective attempts to solve a series of small town murders by searching for a made-up piece of evidence – an eraser – he may or may not have actually encountered in his past. In his fixation over the intangible eraser, the detective gets lost in a tangled web of past meets present. In the spirit of this time warp confusion, Berlin-based curator Corinna Kirsch heads a national and international exhibition where culture, origin and imagined pieces take on the physical shape of the past. In this exhibit, the artists take inanimate objects and explore how they emphasize and express human relationships, culture and language. Like “things washed ashore on a beach belonging to someone's else's past,” the artist examine whether time really erases the past or whether the past – people, events, experiences – form a web of interconnectedness, a shadow for the next generation.

Click HERE for this art event and more at mplsart.com

BUILDING SPOTLIGHT: THORP BUILDING

@ 1618 Central Ave

Minneapolis

For being the official birthplace of Art-a-Whirl, the Thorp holds an extra-special place in our hearts. Well that, and for still being the life of the party fifteen years later. This year, the snazzy Thorpians are again hosting a giant opening night party in the big space, from which you can expect even more beer, art, music, and tom-foolery than last year’s. Woot! Also be sure to check out one of the many live music and dance performances happening throughout the weekend, the

special art shanty exhibit, as well as open studios with l’etoile faves Carrier Pigeon and Needle & Black.

Click HERE for the Thorp site

BUILDING SPOTLIGHT: NORTHRUP KING BUILDING

@1500 Jackson St NE

Minneapolis

Known as the heart of the NE arts district, The Northrup King Building is a spectacular story of antiquated space reinvented, refurbished and re-envisioned, starting out as part of a complex 10

buildings built in the 1917. Originally designed to house and ship seeds across the United States, the building was uniquely renovated in the late '80s as a creative hub/art annex that houses over 190 artists, art-related businesses + non-profit organizations. Throughout the year, the Northrup building plays host to tons of locally-derived apparel and furniture shows, not to mention the building throws open its doors for both Art Attack and Art-A-Whirl. This Saturday, browse through the open houses of three vast, labyrinthine floors of artist studios featuring everything from painting, mosaics, jewelry, sculpture and clay & including the studios of Frank Mazzacco Photography, Icebox Quality Framing & Gallery, Danish Teak Classics, and more.

Click HERE for the NKB site

BUILDING SPOTLIGHT: GRAINBELT BOTTLING HOUSE

@ 77 13th Ave NE #203

Minneapolis

Another architectural advocate for the arts community, the historic Grainbelt Bottling House

became home to local artists, painters, sculptors, dancers and other members of the art scene in the 1970s when finding and retaining affordable live/work space forced peeps to gravitate to the industrial neighborhood. Throughout the various stages of development, the Grainbelt building has stayed true to its commitment to support the growth of local artists and boost community economics. This weekend take a tour of the variety of open studios from Grain Belt artists and residents including a semi-annual open studio from l'etoile fave, Caitlin Karolczak featuring new works and special deals on original drawings, studies and paintings. Plus, all weekend long enjoy special events like music and dance by Mandragora Tango, an ancient encaustic painting demo from Jeff Hirst, handmade papermaking techniques taught by Amanda Degener, James Kleiner and Amy Pleticha, soldering techniques demonstrated by jeweler, Linda Koutsky, Argentine Tango lessons and much more.

Click HERE for the Facebook event

BUILDING SPOTLIGHT: Q.ARMA BUILDING

@1224 Quincy St NE

Minneapolis

If you're familiar with NE's First Fridays, you already know the gems the Q.arma building quarters. Home to many artists and even a gallery, not to mention the print+apparel studio of Anthem Heart and the epic Worn to Be Wild parties--you may have just shook your stuff while enjoying live screenprinting and live tunes in this charming warehouse. From art gallery fave, Altered Esthetics to the studios of graphic design & print hounds, Lovelympls, the talented stylists at Maude Salon and more, Q.arma boasts an eclectic space bursting with creativity, local skill and artistry. During Art-A-Whirl weekend, pop through all the studios under the Q.arma roof including Kris Drake Photography, Yarbi Design, Look Art Below, Stephen Filla, Freeze-Dry Production Service and many more!

Click HERE for the Qarma site

BUILDING SPOTLIGHT: CALIFORNIA BUILDING

@ 2205 California Street NE

Minneapolis

Like most of us, the California Building – at least the arty hub we’ve come to know and love – was born in the 80s, when both emerging and established artists began to rent studio spaces in the former grain mill. Currently 80 artists call the building home, including Minneapolis mainstays Robyne Robinson, Susan Opitz, and Aldo Moroni. Stop in this weekend to explore six floors of artists working in glass, oil painting, jewelry, sculpture, mixed media and more, making sure not to miss Amy Toscani’s latest sculpture, “Jackalopes,” an ongoing photobooth in Studio 600 (the best of the best go on Facebook), and live figure drawing in Studio 103 on Sunday. After all that, re-energize with something delicious from the Mill City Café, celebrating “Brat-a-Whirl” all weekend long.

Click HERE for the California Building site

BUILDING SPOTLIGHT: CASKET ARTS/CARRIAGE HOUSE

@ 681 17th Avenue NE

Minneapolis

Up until 2005, the Casket Arts building served the exact purpose its name would imply: a casket

manufacturing plant. Now it houses more than 100 artists, not including the dozens of other furniture makers, jewelers, painters, sculptors, and fiber artists (to name a few) who work in The Carriage House, the Casket’s eclectic sister building down the street. Some of this year’s AAW highlights include Franconia in the City, where the folks at Franconia Sculpture Park will install a satellite sculpture park in Northeast; and Sunday’s book release and signing of “Memory of Trees,” Minneapolis writer Gayla Marty’s story of growing up on a farm in the golden triangle (Bonus: her husband Pat Mavity will also be on hand playing some classic fiddle tunes).

Click HERE for the Casket Arts Building

Editor in Chief: Kate Iverson // Contributors: Juleana Enright, Tara Sloane, Natalie Gallagher, Kate Iverson, Robyn Lewis, Jahna Peloquin, Lauren Gantner

In review: "The Death of Red Shoe"

by Beth Hammarlund

Art-A-Whirl weekend kicked off with a fashion show in the Thorp Building with a retrospective of local fashion veteran Kerry Riley's work. "The Death of Red Shoe" commemorated her successful clothing line Red Shoe Clothing Co., and also gave the designer a chance to publicly announce that she is relaunching her designs under the new label Needle & Black.

As is an issue with many retrospective-style shows, the presentation felt slightly disjointed as it veered between the dramatic and the casual, the wearable and the couture. However, the looks provided an engaging summary of the designer's history in The Twin Cities. Riley's unique leather harnesses punctuated the collection, while her infinitely wearable jersey dresses in stripes and solids highlighted the chic accessibility that the designer has made her signature.

Riley's breezy summer dresses can be easily dressed up or down, and as the models sauntered through the open-air venue, I couldn't help but imagine spending the summer biking around the lakes in a Kerry Riley dress, wedge-heeled sandals and a straw fedora.

Red Shoe's swan song culminated with an ethereal dress that fluttered in the breeze as the model floated down the aisle on a summery swing. The finale gown's cathedral-length train danced as it caught the air, a suitability dramatic closing for such a successful local line.

Ever the gracious host, Riley closed the show with a few words about the line and many thanks to her family and friends. I was reminded of something that I often take for granted in the cities: Though plenty of our talented local designers continue to have great success, through and through, they are a humble and kind-hearted bunch. It's our very own version of "Minnesota nice."

[All photos by Stacy Schwartz]

Art-A-Whirl 2009 Special Edition

WHIRL ME, BABY, ONE MORE TIME

OMG! It's here! It's Art-A-Whirl Weekend, our FAVORITE time of year! The whole of Northeast Minneapolis will be a-buzz with artsy excitement x 100 all weekend long. This annual neighborhood-wide open studio crawl is the largest in the nation, with scads of buildings and hundreds of artists throwing open the doors to their work spaces and galleries to show off the amazing work they've been creating over the past year. Use this week's edition of l'étoile to plan your itinerary; you'll need to be organized to get the full experience, trust us. We've got the skinny on all the coolest special events, art parties, gallery openings and more. Pick up the official 2009 Art-A-Whirl catalog at info booths and buildings all over Northeast for a full listing of artists and a handy-dandy map that will help you traverse the art district with ease. Happy Arting!

Art-A-Whirl 2009 is co-sponsored by l'étoile magazine!

BONUS: In un-Art-A-Whirl related news, we're giving away two pairs of tickets to Friday's Solid Gold show at 1st Avenue! See our Friday listing below on how to enter to win!

To see the rest of the pics from our AAW shoot and find out where you can see the art pictured, click HERE.

Photo by Stephen Stephen's for l'étoile



THURSDAY MAY 14TH

Crank It

@ Club Jager
923 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis

7pm-11pm / Free

Ok, Art-A-Whirl doesn't start until Friday, but that doesn't mean you can't have a lil' fun on Thursday. As if participating in the 300-mile Red Ribbon bike ride isn’t enough, Team Milkshake is also hosting tonight's silent auction for AIDS/HIV nonprofit organizations and research. Dance it up, bid on a treasure, and enjoy special performances by Audra Tracy, The North High Beaverettes and Jaime Carrera w/ MC Go Go Pimp Tif and DJs Ajent Orange and Brad Wrolstad.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR TEAM MILKSHAKE PAGE



ART-A-WHIRL ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: ANTHEM HEART

Where would Twin Cities' fashion punks, streetwear junkies and hipsters be without the colorful apparel of design collective Anthem Heart? Thankfully, we don't have to think about that dark, alternate reality. With their recent explosion of popularity and success, it would almost take effort not to have noticed the screenprinting heart throbs of Anthem Heart. Born from the creative minds of Nick Ulrich, Dennis Evert and Ken Hannigan, AH has been a prominent force in the local fashion community, teaming up with poster artist and fellow screenprinter Mike Davis (of Burlesque of North America); creating commissioned designs for local superstar DJs The Moon Goons; interfacing with local boutiques Robot Love and Cliché; and rocking the runways of recent fashion shows, like Avoid the Grey where they collaborated with Voltage designer Maritza Ramirez. During this year's Art-A-Whirl, catch Anthem Heart in their studio (Q.arma Building, 1224 Quincy St. NE) for a live and interactive t-shirt printing process where they will be sharing another vibrant print that pays homage to our infamous city skyline. T-shirts will be selling for $8-15, or bring your own blank tee and get a homegrown print on it for only $5.

We met up with active Anthem Heart member and local DJ Ken Hannigan for a few deets on how it all started and future projects:

l'étoile: How did Anthem Heart come to be? Who is involved?

Ken Hannigan: Anthem Heart consists of Nick Ulrich, Dennis Evert and myself. We all met at the University of Wisconsin Stout in the early 2000s. Nick was the lead singer of a band called Regimen Rong. In 2005 and he came to me with an idea and a name for a clothing line to sell at his shows and to go on tour with. We learned quickly that we needed to print the line ourselves if we wanted to do have control over the process, so we bought a small used press and some screens. In short, the tour never materialized and we moved into a studio space on Lake and Lyndale and landed some printing accounts for a salon and some bands to pay the studio rent.

l'étoile: Your studio is in the Q.arma Building, what do you think about the communal vibe of the building and the Northeast art scene in general?

KH: We like it much better than being in the Calhoun Building in Lyn-Lake. Don't get me wrong I love Uptown and miss that rooftop, but the rent is cheaper here and you can't beat Art-a-Whirl!

l'étoile: Your design work has evolved a lot since we first met. How do you keep on top of trend while still maintaining originality?

KH: I am as much a consumer as anyone else. A
lot of it has to do with music and blogs, although I should probably read more fashion blogs than I do. In a quest to do something different, I rejected small illustrative prints and began working with bigger more repetitive and geometric prints, many based on a framework of something appropriated. For our show at VS Social Standard we commissioned and licensed some designs from local heroes such as Mike Davis, Eric Inkala, and John Grider. There is still so much potential for the graphic T as a means of expression.

l'étoile: What's your favorite thing about Art-A-Whirl? And aside from your studio, what would you personally recommend people see?

KH: When we were chatting with the owner of the Q.arma Building and poised to sign the lease, he mentioned the company in the studio next to us were screen printers as well. It turned out to be some more friends from Stout - a pure coincidence! The company is called Lovely Mpls, so be sure to check them out when you come to visit us!

l'étoile: What will you be doing this Art-A-Whirl at the Anthem Heart studio?

KH: Remember that Minneapolis Skyline shirt we did last summer? This year we are doing an interactive homage to our beloved
city. We will be printing live during Art-a-Whirl. Pick and choose from various screen stencils, shirt styles and colors to create your own version of this years' design. The t-shirts will be selling for $8-$15 depending on the t-shirt style. Or raid your closet for a blank t-shirt and we'll print on it for $5. The design is top secret until Friday, and the only way to get one is to visit our studio!

l'étoile: Where else can people purchase Anthem Heart Clothing?

KH: Cliche has been a huge supporter of ours from the beginning. Robot Love and VS Social Standard have given us great opportunities to showcase our work as well. All of our work is currently sold out or pulled from the retail shelves, and is available only at the studio for Art-A-Whirl. We've actually been working on a new online store for a couple years, off and on, but we are poised to relaunch Anthem Heart into the retail realm after our new website is actually ready.

l'étoile: Top albums to screenprint to?

KH: George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic / Self titled
The Dead Kennedy's / Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegatables
Smif-N-Wessun / Dah Shinin'
Ghostland Observatory / Paparazzi Lightning

Visit Anthem Heart this Art-A-Whirl Weekend at the Q.arma Building, 1224 Quincy Street NE, 2nd Floor.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ANTHEM HEART SITE
Photos by Stephen Stephens for l'étoile/Clothing by Anthem Heart



FRIDAY MAY 15TH

Gallery Grooves: Art-A-Whirl Edition

@ Mpls Photo Center
2400 North 2nd Street
2nd Floor
Minneapolis 55411

6-9pm / Free

Our besties at Secrets of the City and Jazz88 team up with the Mpls Photo Center and the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (NEMAA) for a special edition of Gallery Grooves! Come explore the extensive galleries of the beautiful photo center, spanning two floors. See the Pinhole Photography Exhibit as well as work by Mpls Photo Center members, plus bid on work from NEMAA artists in the silent auction. Enjoy refreshments, live music from cute folk-pop group Bla Bla Blacksheep (which features l'étoile's own Lacey Pripc-Hedtke and French jazz guru Robert Bell, and experience the good-time Art-A-Whirl vibe that will be taking over Northeast Minneapolis all weekend long!

Sponsored by Secrets of the City, Jazz88, MVP Wines, Miel y Leche, and Mpls Photo Center

BONUS: The Photo Center will be open regular Art-A-Whirl Hours through Sunday!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOTC SITE



FRIDAY MAY 15TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

NEMAA Silent Auction

@ Northrup King Building
1500 Jackson Street NE
3rd Floor Gallery
Northeast Minneapolis

Friday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday Noon to 8 p.m.
Sunday Noon to 3 p.m.

Any seasoned Art-A-Whirlee knows that the Northrup King Building is THE biggest stop on the map. Over 150 professional artists inhabit this sprawling arts warehouse, where one can spend hours meandering and falling in love with piece after piece of fantastic art. Our favorite stop in the NKB is definitely the NEMAA Silent Auction, held each year in the 3rd floor gallery space (#332). See over 100 pieces of art by NEMAA member artists -- a vast representation of Northeast Artists all in one room. Not to mention, you can catch a deal on cool art AND support the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (NEMAA) -- as proceeds go to benefit this super awesome non-profit arts organization.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE NEMAA SITE



FRIDAY MAY 15TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

More Is a Four Letter Word

@ Fox Tax
503 1st Ave. NE
Minneapolis

Friday Reception 6-11 p.m./ Free
Regular AAW Hours Sat-Sun

“More” usually isn't a word grouped in the category of negative four-letter words, and believe us when we say we know just about all of them. But it seems these days when everyone is being entreated to want less, the desire to “want more” can leave us feeling just as helpless as a Dickens character. Exploring this concept, Fox Tax gallery proudly presents a show curated by mplsart.com's, Emma Berg, entitled More Is a Four Letter Word. The work from artists Tynan Kerr & Andie Mazorol, Zach Pearl, Alex Kuno, and Garrett Perry is an exhibit of sharp colors, bleak imagery and abstract pieces conveying the struggle for a balance between a healthy hunger for knowledge and power and one that is destructive. Tonight's opening reception is a must-see stop on your Art-A-Whirl tour. On view until June 15th.

More is a Four Letter Word will be open regular Art-A-Whirl hours throughout the weekend.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE FOX TAX SITE
Art by Andie Mazorol & Tynan Kerr



FRIDAY MAY 15TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Dreamwhirl

@ Gallery 122 at Hang It
122 8th St. SE
Minneapolis

Friday Reception 7pm-10pm / Free
Saturday Noon to 8 p.m.
Sunday Noon to 5 p.m.

Sweater people, strange animals and figurative abstracts make up Gallery 122’s second annual Art-A-Whirl show. Wisconsin fiber artist Amy Arnold uses recycled sweaters to create Peepwool-little wool people. Our own Jennifer Davis paints fantasy creatures, and Iowa painter Chris Vance works with color and composition. Through June 22nd.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE GALLERY 122 SITE
Art by Jennifer Davis



FRIDAY MAY 15TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

One Equals Two: A Tribute to Ramon Muxter

@ Thorpe Building
1618 Central Avenue
Suite 222
Northeast Minneapolis

Friday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Seeing this show is one of our top Art-A-Whirl recommendations! l'étoile friend and cohort Ramon Muxter passed away in 2007. He left behind a legacy of amazing photographic work, as well as a notorious history that spanned from coast to coast. From the wilds of the West Bank to the shiny New York City art scene, Muxter's work equally captured the glitz and the grime. Off the cuff shots hint at epic stories, and stark imagery speaks honestly of the life and times of this artist and his unconventional cronies. See a number of his photos, borrowed from the personal collections of friends, along with written stories and observations from his subjects and pals (including l'étoile editor, Kate Iverson). The show will be open to the public over Art-A-Whirl weekend, but will also be open by appointment through June 13th by emailing shackway1@gmail.com.

CLICK THE IMAGE TO SEE MORE OF MUXTER'S WORK



FRIDAY MAY 15TH (THROUGH SUNDAY

Fleischer/ Nusz/ Stulen

@ SELLOUT Gallery
1500 Jackson St., Studio #456
Minneapolis

Reception 7-10pm / Free
Sat-Sun Regular Art-A-Whirl Hours

The anti-pretentious conceptual art space, SELLOUT gallery, kicks off their official 2009 exhibit schedule with new works from gallery founders, John Fleischer, Ruben Nusz and Scott Stulen. Featuring Fleischer's hybrid structures constructed from used materials; a haunting painting and sculpture series from Nusz, which revisits the drowning of actress, Natalie Wood; and an experimental examination of how disappointment shapes identity illustrated by Stulen's dinosaurs, rest stops and family vacation paintings. Not to mention, l'étoile has mad "talent crushes" on all three of these artists so you know it's good!

CLICK THE SELLOUT SITE



FRIDAY MAY 15TH (THROUGH SATURDAY)

Don’t Sleep On It / BRLSQOTHEQUE

@ California Building
2205 California St NE
Minneapolis

Kick-off: Friday, May 15, 6pm
Closing: Saturday, May 16, 8pm

Budding artists are invited to embrace insomnia and bathe the walls of the California Building in paintings, drawings, collage, photos, and videos with help from a rotating list of local artists including Erik Burke, Mike Fitzsimmons, Andy Ducett, John Grider, Hardland/Heartland, Liz Miller, Kristina Mooney, Chris Pennington, Brett Smith, Erin Smith, and Scott Stulen in this 24-hour art making marathon. Stay awake with help from music provided by our pals from BRLSQOTHEQUE, who implore you to jam with them using your own flashing lights, cowbells, drumsticks, airhorns, shakers, glowsticks, and anything that lights up or makes noise. They even plan to fashion a massive mosaic mural made out of LP jackets!

Check out this promo video the Walker Teen Council did with absolute favorite artist collective, Hardland/Heartland:




FRIDAY MAY 15TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Creative Electric SS Infinite Regress

@ Behind the Sample Room on the Mississippi River
2124 Marshall Street NE
Minneapolis

Friday 7pm – Sunday 3pm / Free

The legend of the abandoned houseboat found floating down the Mississippi is a little clouded, but one thing is for certain: It makes for one hell of an art project. Survivalist Dennis "Kiddie" Cramer left behind all sorts of things on the boat - candles, gas-burning lamps, logbooks, journals, ceiling maps, self-defense weapons, Homeland Security instructions and a bunch of other useless crap. Creative Electric Studios transformed the houseboat into an interactive gallery, debuting it at last year’s Art-A-Whirl. This year, Creative Electric invites you to take a strange voyage on the SS Infinite Regress. For a $5 donation, visitors will be asked to don a white hazmat suit (provided) and walk amongst video-projected walls, a mirrored room, and other bizarre spectacles. Add in some live music on a free floating raft, and you’ve got a truly unique Art-A-Whirl experience not to be missed.

The musical line up beginning Friday at dusk will include Gay Witch Abortion and Knife World; Saturday music will run all day featuring an acoustic coffee time set by Jon Olson & Caveman, Adam Wirtzfeld & friends in the afternoon, and White Map and Allison LaBonne of the Owls at dusk. Sample Room will be hosting a BBQ at the docks, $5 gets you A Beer and A Brat!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CREATIVE ELECTRIC SITE



FRIDAY MAY 15TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Who Made Who Open Studio

@ Who Made Who
158 13th Avenue NE
Minneapolis

Friday 5-10pm / Saturday 12-8pm / Sunday 12-5pm

l’étoile fave Miss Amy Jo is the kind of rockstar artist that most people only dream of being. One of the leading ladies of the burgeoning rock poster world, Amy Jo has carved out her niche creating pieces that are daring, visually arresting graphic exclamation points for musicians as varied as Of Montreal, Joan Jett, and the Melvins. If you've paid even the slightest attention to the local music scene these past several years, you've undoubtedly seen some of her work. Make a pit stop at the storefront gallery she shares with fellow artists Tooth and Lonny Unitus for a sampling of limited edition silk-screened posters, fine art prints, handmade merchandise including greeting cards, calendars, books, t-shirts, stickers, and toys. They’re even offering a sweet raffle and delicious mini cupcakes!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE WHO MADE WHO FACEBOOK



FRIDAY MAY 15TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Johnstock 2009

@ Johnson Street Merchants NE
29th & Johnson St. NE
Minneapolis

Friday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Woot, woot! Party on Johnson Street! Friday night, watch Lady Hard On and Noise Quean Ant play for the Zak Sally art opening, then stick around for the Muppet Movie screening in the parking lot! On Saturday and Sunday, 35+ craft and art vendors hawk their wares like gypsies on the streets, accompanied by live music, kids activities and plenty of yummy food!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE JOHNSTOCK MYSPACE



FRIDAY MAY 15TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Accumulated Art-A-Whirl

@ Thorpe Building
1618-1620 Central Ave NE
Suite 07
Northeast Minneapolis

Friday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday Noon to 8 p.m.
Sunday Noon to 5 p.m.

An accumulation of painting, sculpture, photography, craft and mixed media collage is on show at Accumulated Objects’ new gallery. Work by Sherri Dahl, Aaron Hinkel, Ric Hinkel, and James Jones keeps you company while you snack, sip wine and listen to music.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO
Art by Sherri Dahl



FRIDAY MAY 15TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Art-A-Whirl at the Grainbelt

@ Grainbelt Bottling House
79 13th Avenue NE
Northeast Minneapolis

Friday Reception 5 p.m. to Midnight (w/ live music)
Saturday Noon to 8 p.m.
Sunday Noon to 5 p.m.

Artspace Projects and The Grain Belt Artists present a free multimedia event featuring resident and guest artists working in film, music, performance art, painting, mixed media, clay, sculpture and photography. See the work all weekend long but be sure to pop in Friday night for the official opening reception, with live music until Midnight!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE NEMAA SITE
Art by Lynn Speaker



FRIDAY MAY 15TH (THROUGH SATURDAY)

Art-A-Whirl at Stasiu's

@ Stasiu's Place
2500 University Ave NE
Minneapolis

Friday 10 p.m. / $5 / 21+
Saturday 10 p.m. / $5 / 21+

You’ll get more than your daily required dose of art this weekend, but what about your music needs? Stasiu's has it covered. You don’t even have to leave the neighborhood to rock. Thanks Stasiu's!

Friday 10 p.m.: The Hostages, Bastard Sons Of Bukowski And Little Irvy
Saturday 10 p.m.: Buildings, Nina And The Pinta, Red Daughter And Power Of 2

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE STASIU'S MYSPACE



FRIDAY MAY 15TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Art-A-Whirl at the 331 Club

@ The 331 Club
331 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis

All Weekend / Free

This Art-A-Whirl weekend, Northeast’s favorite bar the 331 club is going balls out with weekend long of festivities assembling the some of the local music scene’s best bands. Kicking things off on Friday night are Daughters of the Sun, Sicbay, and France Has The Bomb. Saturday, beginning at noon and running all the live long day will be Lookbook, Mystery Palace, One For The Team, Skoal Kodiak, and Lucy Michele & Velvet Lapelles. Moving the party inside at 9pm, All the Pretty Horses and Luther the Devil will wrap things up. Sounds like a pretty spectacular bash to us!

BONUS: Our pals at Vita.mn have commissioned local artists Marshall LaCount and Tynan Kerr to create a 12-panel mural that will cover the University Ave wall of the 331 Club where it will stand for the year until next Art-a-Whirl! Stop by during the day on Saturday to see the artists creating their masterpiece, live!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE 331 CLUB SITE



FRIDAY MAY 15TH

Solid Gold w/ Lookbook

@ First Avenue
701 1st Ave N
Minneapolis

8pm / 18+ / $10

So this post is not exactly Art-A-Whirl related but we just can't help but give mad props to one of our fave local bands who are on their way to top! Like a rite of passage into the big leagues, Solid Gold will play their first ever headlining show at the big daddy of local clubs, First Avenue this Friday night with openers Lookbook. Poised for a national breakthrough, electro-pop trio Solid Gold continues to ride high on the wave of success brought by the release of their debut album Bodies of Water. See them rock out the tunes you’ve been humming along to on the Current, and be a part of this truly exciting local happening. And if you’re still on the fence, their sexy cover of Chris Isaak’s Wicked Game should be reason enough to get you in the door.

Hey, we’re so excited we’re giving away 2 pairs of tickets to the show! Send us your favorite Solid Gold experience or story about the band and not only will you get on the old guest list, we’ll also publish your tale right here on ye olde L’etoile blog next week! E-mail kate@letoilemagazine.com with your story AND your e-mail and phone number to be entered to win. Winners will be contact early Friday afternoon.

BONUS: Don’t forget to hop up to the VIP after the show for Honeymoon, providing you with party rockin’ beats to dance until the wee hours of the night. RSVP for a $3 admission.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SOLID GOLD MYSPACE



BUILDING SPOTLIGHT: Q.ARMA BUILDING

@ 1224 Quincy St. NE
(Broadway & Quincy)
Northeast Minneapolis

Friday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday Noon to 8 p.m. (Movies and bonfire after dark)
Sunday Noon to 5 p.m.

The always-rockin' Q.arma Building boasts 30 artists, spanning 3 floors! See sculpture, woodcarving, painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, architecture, and more. Stop in to see our pals at Altered Esthetics Gallery, where the "I Heart Northeast" show is currently on display, or head up to the second floor to score a limited edition screen printed "Minneapolis" shirt from Anthem Heart. Live music will rock the parking lot all day on both Friday and Saturday, including some of our local faves Quist and the Hats (Friday 6:15pm) and The Nightinghales (Saturday 5:45pm). See live bronze casting by Yarbi Design in the yard on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.; or see woodwork artist Kevin Showell do a live chainsaw carving from 2 p.m.. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Stick around after dark on Saturday night for movies projected on the wall in the yard, grilled treats and a raging bonfire.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE Q.ARMA SITE
Print of Q.arma Building by Adam Turman



SATURDAY MAY 16TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Svedberg Studio

@ 3359 Tyler Street NE
Northeast Minneapolis

Saturday Noon to 8 p.m.
Sunday Noon to 5 p.m.

This off the beaten path must-see is not a gallery, nor is it a warehouse art studio -- it's the home of artist Laurie Svedberg. One of the most bright and sassy ladies we've had the pleasure of meeting, Svedberg's home mirrors her colorful personality to a T. This story-book property is surrounded by greenery and eccentricities that scream ART LIVES HERE, loud and clear. Filled with a myriad of murals, hand painted furniture pieces and odd ball objects de art, this unique spot and its inhabitant are one of a kind, and definitely worth the short trek off beyond the Art District's borders.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SVEDBERG STUDIOS SITE



SATURDAY MAY 16TH

PICTURES/ FILM/ SOUND

@ Stephanie Colgan's Studio
Casket Art Building
681 17th Ave NE, Studio 115
Minneapolis

11am-4pm / Free

The Pictures/ Film/ Sound exhibit is exactly what the name implies - a multimedia exhibit featuring photos by Stephanie Colgan and Edison High School students, a film screening of animated shorts, and live DJ set from Estate, plus performances from Aby Wolf and The Idle Hands. Feel free to browse the other Casket studios including a “Sculpting with Chemistry” and Dollmaking demonstration in the Carriage House, but be sure to stick around. The Casket Arts Silo Outdoor Rock Show starts at 8pm with sets from local bands Poor Weather Club and Marvelle.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE STEPHANIE COLGAN SITE



SATURDAY MAY 16TH

Freight Sessions

@ Historic Thorpe Building Freight Elevator
1618 Central Ave NE
Minneapolis

Saturday 12-8pm / Free

The Historic Thorpe Building brings a whole new meaning to elevator music. Since Art-A-Whirl began, the Thorpe Building has presented local singers in their freight elevator. This year the tradition continues with a variety of diverse performances presented by founder Mean Larry, beginning at noon on Saturday and continuing all day. Seating is limited but the sound carries throughout the building, so while you are buying art you can hear folks like Slim Dunlap, Robert Wilkinson, Craig Teiken, Stacy K, Alicia Corbett, Molly Maher, Gabe Barnett, Mean Larry and more.

Can’t make it? Freight Sessions Radio Show can be heard Sunday May 10th 6pm on KFAI 90.3 / 106.7fm, hosted by Mean Larry with very special guest Stacy K performing in the studio, as well as performances recorded in the freight elevator.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE THORPE WEBSITE



SATURDAY MAY 16TH

Grumpy's NE Art-A-Whirl Party

@ Grumpy's NE
2200 4th St. NE
Minneapolis

Noon – 10pm / Free

There's nothing like a pre-bash of liquor and local tunes to get you in the mood for a night of Art-A-Whirl-ing. Join NE hot spot, Grumpy's as they celebrate AAW the best way they know how – with an all-day party! Featuring a neighborhood barbecue and a live, “artsy” musical showcase with sets from Guzzard, Gay Witch Abortion, Awesome Snakes, Lady Hard On, Bastard Saint, and tons more. Today's shindig is guaranteed to get you pumped for arting!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE GRUMPY'S SITE



SATURDAY MAY 16TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Big Shots

@ The Lab
Thorp Building
1620 Central Ave. NE, Suite 130
Minneapolis

Noon-8pm / Free

Eric Recktenwald knows that to make a big impact sometimes you need to stop, collaborate and listen. For this exhibit, Recktenwald (owner of the digital imaging/ print studio, The Lab), has elicited the help of 20 of the top local photographers to create an exhibit of photographic prints that are as largely noteworthy as they are in literal size. Displayed on paper, canvas and metal, the prints will range from 30''x40'' to 60''x90'' and feature many never-before-seen images. The exhibiters include Tom Arndt, Laura Crosby, Mike Dvorak, Vance Gellert, David Goldes, Stewart Klipper, Colin Kopp, Chris Larson, Anthony Marchetti, Scott Nedrelow, Justin Newhall, Steve Ozone, Josh Quigley, Paul Shambroom, Mickey Smith, Sean Smuda, Alec Soth, Angela Strassheim, Katherine Turczan, JoAnn Verburg. Yes, REALLY. Can't get down to The Lab tonight? The studio will be open to the public on Sunday as well, from noon to 5 p.m.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE LAB SITE



SATURDAY MAY 16TH

Rock Show and Live Art

@ Casket Arts Building
681 17th Ave NE
Minneapolis

8pm / Free

Local bands Poor Weather Club and Marvelle rock the Casket with their electric violin, bass and drums while canvas painter Linnea Doyle makes live art. Real! Live! See it here!

EXTRA: The Casket Arts Building, which houses dozens of artists, will also be open to the pubic throughout Art-A-Whirl Weekend!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CASKET ARTS SITE



SATURDAY MAY 16TH

IMAGO

@ Rogue Buddha Gallery
357 13th Avenue NE
Northeast Minneapolis

Saturday Reception 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. / Free
Open Regular AAW hours through the weekend

The Rogue Buddha and l'étoile magazine invite you to celebrate Art-A-Whirl with us! Saturday's reception will feature delicious food from Chowgirls as well music from Michael Cina and jamespatrick. As the Rogue Buddha Gallery celebrates its 10th year of business, we are proud to sponsor this exhibit of three artists whose work captures the spirit of the RBG and whose artistic maturity, not unlike the Rogue Buddha itself, has come to fruition. See the amazing work of Michael Thomsen, Kyle Fokken, and gallery owner Nicholas Harper -- three of our absolute favorites!

Sponsored by l'étoile magazine

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ROGUE BUDDHA SITE



SATURDAY MAY 16TH

Let's Dance

@ Red Stag
509 1st Avenue NE
Minneapolis

11pm / 21+ / Free

There's plenty for you to do this Art-A-Whirl weekend, but after a long day of bustling around Northeasy, take a load off at the Red Stag for Familia Skate Shop’s monthly throw-down Let’s Dance. You know the deal - Millions Billions and Tendercakes will be holding down the tables all night, playing all your favorite crunk hits. So tell a friend to tell some friends to come down and get down. Expect food and drink specials dancing, singing, high-fiving, kissing and general shenanies.

BONUS: Head down to the Stag early for an Art Car workshop in the parking lot!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE RED STAG SITE



ART-A-WHIRL BUILDING SPOTLIGHT: CALIFORNIA BUILDING

It's hard to imagine the NE Arts District as anything other than the central and respected hub of the local art scene, but before the plethora of studios popped up, there was a building that started it all – the California Building. A former grain mill turned studio space, the California Building is known as the first art building in the NE neighborhood and has been home to a diversified group of local artists since the 1980s, including the 80 artists who currently call the building home.This weekend make the historic California Building a necessary stop on your Art-A-Whirl tour! Some highlight's this year at the Cali Building include the much buzzed about Walker Teen Art Council's "Don't Sleep On It" 24-Hour art making extravaganza; visiting artist Sean Smuda, whose commissioned portraits for Minneapolis Mosaic will make their debut this weekend; and any and all of the numerous artists of all shapes, sizes, and mediums that you'll find while exploring this historic arts building!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING SITE



SUNDAY MAY 17TH

Gastro Non Grata

@ The Modern Cafe Parking Lot
337 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis

11am-6pm / Free

It’s Sunday Funday, Art-A-Whirl style! The insanely popular food and music themed affair Gastro Non Grata will be invading the parking lot behind the Modern Café for a day long celebration packed with pig roasting, art showing, beer drinking, rocking out and getting tan! The musical entertainment will include the symphonic stylings of Les Ourses, the Modern Café's own That’s What You Get, followed by the brooding noise of Hunting Club. To put a rock cherry on the top of this music sundae, hard chargin' Private Dancer and free-wheeling Chooglin' will see if they can't muster up a noise complaint or two before the sun sets. Two Brothers Brewing will be on hand to sample beer with the crowd, and St. Paul wine distributor Bourget Imports will supply the wine to pair with the swine, making this event a true grand finale to the biggest and best Art-A-Whirl weekend yet.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR GASTRO NON GRATA MYSPACE



SUNDAY MAY 17TH

Sean Smuda and Jacob Gossel Opening

@ Barbette
1600 W. Lake Street
Uptown Minneapolis

3 p.m. to 6 p.m. / Free

If you feel the urge to escape Northeast, and are in the mood for french fries with a side of awesome art, head to Uptown's Barbette! Hot photog Sean Smuda and graf maestro Jacob Gossel share the wall space this month, so get thee to Barbette for a relaxing afternoon of complimentary apps, good conversation, and a few glasses of vino with the artists and their lovely curator, Teri Anvid!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE BARBETTE SITE



ART-A-WHIRL FASHION GUIDE

We all know MNfashion Week ended a few weeks ago and that Art-A-Whirl is all about the art. But here at l’étoile, we like to think that the things we wear can be art, too. Northeast happens to be home to many of the Twin Cities’ artwear designers. We’ve compiled a list of l’étoile-approved clothing and jewelry designers opening their studios this weekend for your convenience. Happy shopping!

Clothing

Cat House Fashions

Cat House Fashions will be hosting an open house and fashion show featuring their one-of-a-kind, DIY-styled clothing and accessories at their Quincy Street studio. The line’s designers Greta Herman and Saira Huff are longtime staples of the underground fashion community, but occasionally appear above the radar. The duo joined up in 2006 when Herman began helping Huff sew the tour costumes for FAGGOT (in which Huff plays bass), and the rest was history.

Fashion show: 7 p.m. Sat. Quincy Street Studios, 1330 Quincy St. NE. 4th floor, Mpls.

Anthem Heart

L’etoile BFFs Anthem Heart have been experimenting with live screen-printing their original t-shirt designs over the past year, and now they’re taking it a step further. You can select your own print, t-shirt style and color, and for a mere $8-15, you can have your own one-of-a-kind Anthem Heart shirt. Better yet, you can bring in a shirt of your own and they’ll print on it for 5 bucks. Anthem Heart collaborator Forest Bash will be showing his latest art and DJ Real Talk Radio will provide stylish beats throughout the weekend.

Q.arma Building, 1224 Quincy St. NE. #225, Mpls. www.anthemheart.com

Betty Scagnetti

Betty Scagnetti’s line of one-of-a-kind clothing made from artfully-combined, re-purposed vintage fabrics will be selling her spring line at her Northrup King studio. The designer currently sells her line at Design Collective and her etsy shop, but expect to run across some pieces that aren’t available anywhere else.

Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St. NE. #350, Mpls. www.bettyscagnetti.com

Foat Design

Find hand-knit yoga wear, casual tops and dresses by eco-friendly line Foat Design. Owned by sisters Kaja and Zoe Foat, both trained yoga instructors, the line has been evolving since its earliest inception in 2002. Since then they’ve sold their line at Design Collective and added a more sophisticated off-shoot of their line, Foat Couture.

1828 Marshall St. NE., Mpls. www.foatdesign.com

Rewind Vintage

The recently-expanded Rewind Vintage will be open per usual, as well as participating in the annual Johnstock! flea market this weekend. Owner Sarah Hoese tells us that the store will be having its grand opening soon, but in the meantime be sure to swing by and check out their amazing selection of vintage accessories and expertly-edited ‘70s and ‘80s-era clothing.

2829 Johnston St. NE., Mpls. 612-788-9870 www.rewindminneapolis.com


Accessories & Jewelry

Carly Stipe

Duct tape accessories may not seem like anything new, but chances are that Carly Stipe was making them before anyone else. The designer, who once created prom looks out of duct tape for an Anna Lee-produced fashion show at the Walker, will be selling her eclectic assortment of duct tape accessories throughout the weekend, including brightly-colored handbags, clutches, wallets, and hair accessories.

Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St. NE. #386, Mpls., www.carlystipe.com

Karin Jacobsen & Adrienne Grahn

Jewelry designer Karin Jacobson and handbag designer Adrienne Grahn – both of whom were featured in Voltage 2009 – are opening their studios up to sell their latest offerings, including their Voltage lines as well as the fringed leather cuffs, necklaces and anklets Grahn created for the recent kjurek couture solo show.

Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St. NE. #288, Mpls., www.adriennegrahn.com www.superkarin.com


EC Design Studios

To get all your jewelry needs covered in one studio, check out the open house of five local metalsmiths. Emily Johnson of EC Design, Britta Lynn Design, 3 Jäg Design, Susan Frerichs Metalworks, and Rare Bird Jewelry will be selling their metal-cast, organic-inspired designs. Johnson tells us she’ll be taking 30-50% off her discontinued items, in addition to showing her latest collection.

Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St. NE. #435, Mpls. www.ecdesignstudios.com

Rox Boutique

A studio opening at Robyne Robinson’s jewelry studio is always full of a who’s-who of the Minneapolis arts crowd, so Art-A-Whirl should be no different. She’ll be selling her latest pieces for her line ROX, which includes the jeweled cuff bracelets she created for Voltage and necklaces, bracelets and earrings made from bold, semi-precious stones and sterling silver.

California Building, 2205 California St. NE. #403, Mpls. www.roxmpls.com

Johnstock Crafters

Finally, be sure to swing by the aforementioned Johnstock! for its flea market-style craft fair, which features handmade goods from 40+ crafters and designers. Our top picks: Lilluxe’s bold baubles crafted from vintage jewelry into new and modernized combinations, and hand-knit sock monkey-adorned kids stuff by Hazel and Melvin’s Room – it’s so cute we want to buy the stuff even though we don’t have kids of our own! (10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun. Free.

2800 block of Johnson St. NE., Mpls. www.myspace.com/northeastjohnstock


Art-A-Whirl hours: 5-10 p.m. Fri., Noon-8 p.m. Sat., Noon-5 p.m. Sun.

FOR MORE GENERAL INFO ON ART-A-WHIRL VISIT WWW.NEMAA.ORG


What's What Editor: Kate Iverson
Contributing Writers: Juleana Enright, Lacey Prpic Hedtke, Robyn Lewis, Kate Iverson, Jahna Peloquin, Beth Hammarlund

CONTENT © L'ETOILE MAGAZINE 2009