Christopher S. Nelson 
The 27th Annual Art-A-Whirl Weekend will take place from Friday, May 20 through Sunday, May 22. Visitors will be able to browse the galleries and studios of northeast Minneapolis in this Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (NEMAA) established as an arts district twenty years ago.
The event draws over 50,000 people to the city to connect with hundreds of artists, browse art demonstrations, make their own crafts, see live music and purchase original artwork in a number of Activities See you 60 pitches. This year, you can also choose to participate in online experiences wherever you are. Stop locally restaurants and breweries to fuel your artistic exploration.
Don’t let the daunting task of parking or getting around stop you. There are a variety of parking possibilities, including free parking for bike racks. NEMAA also provides free weekend subway passes, and there’s an Art District trolley route with 13 stops in a 30-minute loop.
Food and music:
If you need a weekend refresher, stop by Pryes Brewing Co. for their Pryes Arts & Crafts. The three-day festival celebrates local artists, live music and craft beers. May 20-22, 11am-11pm, Pryes Brewing Company
Indeed, Brewing has all the good vibes you need to get through the weekend. Tourbillon is back with food, beer and a great lineup of live music. Artist Chuck U will be sketching live in the dining room. May 20-22, Indeed Brewing
Bauhaus liquid zoo the event seeks to bring together all the artists, musicians and gourmands. Throughout the weekend there will be a dance party, a festival and an exhibition/art market. May 20-22, Bauhaus Brew Labs
Take a look at the members and artists of NEMAA Dogfish Media and the work of Melinda Wolff at 612Brew. The brewery will have live music in its outdoor amphitheater. May 20-21 612Brew
Practical activities:
Stroll through the woods and watch artist Jim Maki paint an outdoor landscape while drawing your own tree and discussing ways to save the environment. May 21, 11 a.m., Pierre Bottineau Library
Try your hand at metal stamping using metal blanks and stamps to create designs and words. All supplies are provided while you can have fun making your own jewelry. May 22, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Holland Arts East
Let your creativity run free with the clay game. Mix with colored baked clay to create patterns, add to a jar or frame to take home and bake at home. May 20-22, Flux Arts Building, Clay Squared to Infinity
If your favorite item of clothing has a hole in it, bring it over so Jules Niemi can show you how to patch or mend it in punk style. May 21, 2-5 p.m., Bitter North Workshop, #9A Holland Arts East Building
Art Demos:
Watch a live figure sketch session as artist Kendall Laurent sketches dancer Kaitlin Craven as she contributes movement and dance to her poses. May 21, 2 p.m., Casket Arts Building, Studio #309
Join the Foci Center in their glass blowing demonstration throughout the weekend. May 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m., May 21-22, 2-4 p.m., Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts
Watch an eco-printing demonstration, where artists spray textiles intertwined with plants, allowing natural pigments, acids and tannins to create unique prints. May 21, 2 p.m., Holland Arts East
Engraver, Emily Gray Koehler, will demonstrate printing woodcut maps with her engraving press. May 22, 1 p.m., Thorp Building, Studio 137
Art-A-Whirl hours of operation:
- Friday, May 20, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday, May 21, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday, May 22, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
