Beatrix*Jar (Jacob Aaron Roske, Bianca Janine Pettis)

How and why did you become artists?

Jacob: I like to make things and I’ve always been hyper creative.

Bianca: My mother is a painter so I grew up around art and found my expression in theater as a teenager.

What medium(s) do you work in?

Sound, Art, Video, Public Practice(Painting, Screen printing, Fabric Sculpture, T-Shirts).

How long have you been working as artists?

Jacob: 20 years.

Bianca: Since I was a teenager.

What are some of your biggest inspirations?

Jacob: Street Art, The Fluxus Art Movement.

Bianca: There are too many to name – I think life is inspiring – dedicating my life to art means my life gets woven into my work. I also have a curious mind – I like to learn and research new things.

What is your connection to Northeast Minneapolis?

We live in Northeast (Marcy Holmes).

How does Art-A-Whirl benefit you as artists?

Jacob: It creates connection and exposure.

Bianca: We’ve done Art-A-Whirl for almost 20 years – each year feels like we get to present new versions of ourselves. Our first Art-A-Whirl was a concert at the California Building, we’ve sold handmade birds and cats at Solar Arts Building – we moved to A-Mill and we sold paintings, t-shirts and screen prints. Art-A-Whirl also contributes to our creative income.

Any good stories or memories of an experience at Art-A-Whirl that you can share? What stands out?

Jacob: Someone purchased one of my handmade cats at Art-A-Whirl and returned years later to tell me a story of how they had left their cat on the airplane – they were so attached they went back and got it. 

Bianca: When A-Mill first hosted Art-A-Whirl it was a wild time. Also, one year we turned our front living space into a gallery – people were invited to tour our building – that was cool!

What has being a NEMAA member meant to you? What do you value most about membership?

Jacob: NEMAA makes us feel like we are a part of an artistic community. The website is really great as well. 

Bianca: I love getting artist notices and learning about the happenings in NE.

What do you wish more people knew about the arts scene in Northeast Minneapolis?

Jacob: The diversity and different styles of art. 

Bianca: The scene is really special – like that cool brunch spot that only a few people know about – and you kind of want to keep secret because if the world knew you’d have to wait longer.

Art-A-Whirl and NEMAA turn 30 years old in 2025. Can you believe it? What changes have you witnessed?

Jacob: The reach and momentum feels like more people are participating. 

Bianca: Bigger musical acts, more community and participants.

Why is art important in our community?

Jacob: Art Saves Lives.

Bianca: It’s a reflection of our community an expression of who we are and where we are in this moment in time.

Can you imagine a world WITHOUT the arts community in Northeast Minneapolis? How would the community be different?

Jacob: It would be very sad.

Bianca: I cannot imagine.

What are your hopes and dreams for Art-A-Whirl, NEMAA, and/or the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District in the next 30 years?

Jacob: Everyone levels up.

Bianca: A bus that takes people around to different buildings – larger crowds, food trucks and music. A Big Festival of Art! More videos and web presence

If you could make one change in Northeast Minneapolis, no matter the cost, what would it be?

Jacob: It would be cool if there was an art space open and active all year around – a gallery/retail for Northeast Artists.

Bianca: A big cool sign that says “Northeast Minneapolis” and a guaranteed income for artists.

Tell us again why you love being an artist and what your work brings to the community.

Jacob: I love being a curious artist and making discoveries and sharing those with the public. Art saves my life and it’s very therapeutic. 

Bianca: It’s hard for me to imagine being anything else. I love being an artist because it’s who I am – my core identity. Our work brings joy, play – happiness – fun – excitement and expression.