Carmen Gutierrez-Bolger

How and why did you become an artist?

I have always been a creative. I started drawing when I was 6 years old.

How long have you been working as an artist?

25 years.

What medium(s) do you work in?

Oil on canvas and wood panel, collage, installation.

What are some of your biggest inspirations as an artist?

My parents used to draw when I was little and our whole family drew together for fun. My first big inspiration to paint was seeing Van Gogh’s painting: “Wheat Field with Cypresses” in a book, it blew me away!

How does Art-A-Whirl benefit you as an artist?

Art-A-Whirl has given me the opportunity to be a part of a community of artists that work hard at their craft and to engage with a huge number of neighbors, art lovers, friends and collectors; to show them my studio, share stories and sell my work.

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

In 2017 I created an interactive installation for AAW to celebrate Immigration in which I asked viewers if they were 1st or 2nd generation immigrants to write in chalk on my wall what country they were from. At the end of the three days, I counted 47 different countries of 1st generation immigrants and 48 different countries of 2nd generation immigrants. And, that was just those who came to my studio! I am in awe and humbled by how many immigrants are here in our Twin Cities’ metro area. 

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

I have always felt that NEMAA provides a consistent and huge marketing vehicle for members. It gave me such a feeling of community and supports many opportunities to meet and spend time with my fellow artists. That is also the reason that I joined the board and became President for a time. I am so happy that NEMAA now serves students and artists that are just starting out.

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

That they can buy affordable, quality artwork directly from the maker in their space without feeling intimidated. And, that they can make life-long friends with us. 

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

Early on there wasn’t the number of bands and beer breweries participating so AAW was more about going to see artists’ studios and the art. It became a big party. That also meant that many people stopped coming due to the heavy traffic and lack of parking. Having said that, there are still lovely people who enjoy the buzz of the event and love talking about art and the community, who are really supportive of me and the work that I do.

Why is art important in our community?

Art brings vibrancy, diversity, inspiration, friendship, loyalty, trust and a sense of belonging to our community.

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

I think there would be less of a sense of neighborliness and less vibrancy. Art brings us together and without it, we would be the North Loop or feel like a suburb.

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

I hope that we remain as funky and unique and cool as we are. I would love to see us have more galleries and community work spaces. I am always worried about gentrification and that we will lose ownership, so my hope is that NEMAA and the Arts District can hold on to what we have while making it easier for viewers to visit and appreciate our community.

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

Create more buildings dedicated to the artists for live/work space, and not just more apartments.

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

I love being able to create, to witness, to share my view of the world, my truths and what drives me. When I work I tap into my authentic self without expecting anything in return. It is like play. And it is that energy that connects us and that we all bring to the NE community.

What do you want to share that we haven’t covered?

I have always wanted to figure out a way to express the energy level that coalesces when we are all preparing for AAW. The “fire” and concentration that is collectively happening in our artists’ buildings, studios, warehouses, homes, offices, restaurants and bars. We are a hive of activity in the days and weeks leading up to that one weekend in May when we pour out our power and intense concentration and come together to celebrate who we are!

What is your connection to Northeast Minneapolis?

I have had a studio in NE since 2005 and am a former board member and board chair of NEMAA.