Kaitlyn Luhm

How and why did you become an artist?

I’ve always been creating! Any excuse I had to draw or sculpt for an assignment I took! We didn’t really have an arts program in my middle school until my social studies teacher took it on! I am fortunate that my teachers from elementary to high school and college were encouraging of my artistic endeavors growing up whether it was in my writing or physical works!

I became an artist because I love working with my hands and various supplies in physical media. I gained a lot of product knowledge from personal exploration and researching products for customers during my time in art store retail and felt the desire to try a bit of everything!

What medium(s) do you work in?

Polymer clay / mixed media.

How long have you been working as an artist?

I’ve been working as an artist on and off since high school! I would work at the art store after school and then set up with my dad at various flea markets on weekends and sell online. 

I eventually branched out to doing art markets/shows and learning about consignment with local businesses and galleries! I also discovered different art collectives and organizations such as Otherworldly Arts Collective, NEMAA, and the International Guild of Miniature Artisans where i found many talented friends and opportunities!

What are some of your biggest inspirations as an artist?

The real world.

“My work is heavily inspired by the cooking of real people and local restaurants in Minnesota. When working in mostly realism, imperfections are the key to making it look the most real and authentic. Even in my sketchbooks I carry around, I am basing my sketches on what is around me!

Honestly anything creative is inspiring! Looking at books i read as a kid I can still remember thinking i want to illustrate like that or write a story on that topic. While it’s different from what i create now, it still lead me down the creative path to make my own discoveries!

What is your connection to Northeast Minneapolis?

Almost all of my artistic endeavors in local art markets, galleries, shows, and studio take place within NE Minneapolis!

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

Art-A-Whirl brings in the largest crowd of people seeking a fun day! It is one of the best events to put your work in front of a large group of people! As an artist, it’s an opportunity to find new artist friends and meet with people you may have initially only interacted with online! I’ve met a lot of online clients in-person for the first time at Art-A-Whirl!

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

My favorite memory was last year!

I hosted an activity in our studio where people had a chance to make a realistic polymer clay charm of either a corn dog , hot dog, or ice cream. People that claimed to not be artistic walked away with something they actually liked! Especially kids seeing how capable they are! There were some very talented kids there that i hope to see selling their own work in a future Art-A-Whirl!

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

One of the best membership opportunities is not only Art-A-Whirl, but the emails of artist opportunities all in one spot of shows, grants, and opportunities! I’ve made a lot of my friends from opportunities found through NEMAA including finding studio space with my talented studiomates within the Northrup King Building and events at 2010 Artblok where I had my first Art-a-Whirl as a participating artist!.

NEMAA had reshared my post of some silly earrings of bagged marinating chicken on an instagram post that got the attention of local media and the foodie community where I got some awesome opportunities and requests!

Why is art important in our community?

Art is a communication tool derived from expression. When you have those things, you can find commonalities and find your community. When you have community you have conversations, and those conversations lead to a better understanding of each other which leads to connections that we all need!

The connections between Mutual aid and Artists is strong in Minneapolis. When you support your local artist, you support their various causes. Artists are constantly coming together to support organizations for social change, whether it’s donating partial profits or creating a design specifically for their cause!

Especially now with funding for many things being slashed more as time goes on, all we really have is each other. Create what makes you feel good..and if you happen to make money from that, put that back into your community when you can and volunteer!

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

My hope is that Art-A-Whirl continues to grow and expand beyond the arts district! There are plenty of artists beyond this area that could bring this same enthusiasm! My hope is that arts organizations and the community continue to stand in support of diversity in all aspects despite what the current political administration is trying to diminish.