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Art-a-Whirl 2013 in Northeast Minneapolis

By Matt Dowgwillo - May 9, 2013

The 18th Annual Art-a-Whirl kicks of in Northeast Minneapolis, Friday, May 17th at 5pm at the Casket Arts Building and runs through 5pm on Sunday, May 19th. This event showcases some of Minneapolis’ most talented artists, as well as a host of food, snacks, drinks, and concerts a nearby venues. Here is ThriftyHipster’s top picks for events during this 2013 Art-A-Whirl Season:

Thursday Night Art-A-Whirl (May 16, 2013)

Honey hosts a Art-A-Whirl pre party with Live Art & Canvas Collaborations and Live Music. It’s $5, but lots of artists from the weekend will be there.

Friday Night is the Official Kick Off (May 17, 2013)

And the public reception; Kick off Party/Silent Auction is the place to be to get great art, listen to KFAI DJ’s and get a preview of the different studios… The auction opens tonight and ends at 5pm on Sunday (also HINT: Stop in on Sunday to place your last bid!) At the Northrup King Building #332
We’ll for sure be at the Solar Arts Building where Liminal Phase (Adam Levy’s experimental band) is teaming up with visual artist Chris Park for a special video installation (711 15th Ave NE).
The Newest party on the block is at 612 Brewery, where they’ll feature bands Friday and Staurday, as well as Food Trucks and the art of DWitt.

Saturday, May 18th, 2013 – Art and Parties all Day!

Grumpy’s NE is always one of our favorites! The lawn and patio open to an all day party will be their 15th year of Art-a-Whirl shenanigans, this year featuring L’Assassins, Ol’ Yeller, Pennyroyal, Seawhores, and more.

Another popular stop off is the 331 Club, where their free concert series keeps getting better each year! Shows start at noon outside, and moves inside after 10pm. Featured acts daytime include Parlour Suite, Marijuana Deathsquads, STNNNG (ep Release) and more. At Night, don’t miss the 12am show with Story of the Sea. Prissy Clerks and Sleep Study open.
Dog Lovers should check out Psycho Suzi’s for a patio party and puppy kissing booth, including the 1st Annual Puppy Fashion Show (2pm). Costumes for your pets encouraged (register your pet: 612-788-9069)

Check out below for resources, ThriftyHipster’s top gallery picks, and more…

Sunday, May 19th, 2013 – Parties end at 5pm

Make sure you stop over to the Northrup King Building #332 to put your final bid in, 5pm the Silent Aution Ends!
The 331 Club keeps the party rocking with Sunny Era, Night Moves, and more all day!

Art-A-Whirl Resources

Don’t miss the Rivard Art Gallery, which will have custom designed skateboards, $10 prints, and usually is a great scene/party for those looking to enjoy art and a drink. (2205 California St NE building, #514)

Also, Northrup King Building is hosting the MCAD MFA Thesis Exhibition, with over 20 graduates and their works for a steal! Open all weekend, but the party goes down at 6pm – 9:30pm Friday night.

At Night, you might plan to head closer to St. Anthony Main, where you can visit the Fox Tax Gallery and then stick around for happy hour at the Red Stag, who will have music Friday and Saturday night

Download the Art-A-Whirl Map (pdf)
Art-a-Whirl Artist Directory
Free Bus Pass (good Sat & Sun)
NEMAA – for all the rest of the info

Some of Rivard Gallery’s Skateboards

Meet Matt Dowgwillo

Matt Dowgwillo is one of the original ThriftyHipster.com founders. He is also an avid foodie, amateur chef, part-time yogi, dog-lover, world-traveler, moped-driving-lunatic, and beer enthusiast who has lived in Minneapolis on and off since 1997. Matt started this site to help people explore the city and live like kings on a budget. He is now a Food-tourist, traveling the world, sampling street food or drinking with local riffraff in between his investigations of the Twin Cities. He helps upkeep this blog by writing about his favorite restaurants and some of the cooler, more underground or beer events.