Kari Maxwell

How and why did you become an artist?

Without sounding at all dramatic, I believe art can and does save lives (at least souls/spirits). I believe in the therapeutic act of creating (in all and any form), the power of experiencing art and the act of engaging in passionate discussions with other people who are passionate about expressing themselves through creative acts – anything that causes their eyes to light up. There is a ripple effect that consistently shifts energy for the better. 

What medium(s) do you work in?

Painting, primarily acrylic.

How long have you been working as an artist?

20 years.

What are some of your biggest inspirations as an artist?

The creative process, the act of emptying and refilling, an artist’s evolvement, noticing patterns. Because writers WRITE about their creative process, I read on this topic ALL THE TIME. However, more recently, I am very influenced by the book, Ninth Street Women by Mary Gabriel. I am intuitively inspired so when something I’ve journaled about (I’ve also written every day for over 20 years) and something I’ve recently read or studied aligns with an experience I have (in most cases, with an animal), I HAVE to express this and I feel fortunate EVERY day I get to do this.

What is your connection to Northeast Minneapolis?

My partner of over 30+ years grew up in NE Minneapolis! When we moved to Minnesota in the late 90s, this is where we lived. I soon became involved in the art community there. 

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

Art-A-Whirl is steeped in richness. It is inspiring to be a part of an event where so many people have the opportunity to express themselves. In addition, every time I’ve participated, I’ve met another life long friend or fellow creative. 

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

I just love exhibiting at the Bottling House. It feels like another home to me. 

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

Being a member of a large and fruitful community.

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

ART IS EVERYWHERE. It’s so much fun to travel the nooks and crannies of Northeast. If you’ve visited one building, you have only experienced the tiniest percentage of this creative community. 

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

There was a change I witnessed where in one era of Art-A-Whirl, the event itself became more about the parties and less about the art. This was a very short stint over the course of the 30 years. I am so grateful to have witnessed and experienced a return of focus. I feel like more “events” and performance art has brought the focus back. 

Why is art important in our community?

Back to my previous answer: art saves lives.

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

It’s difficult to imagine. 

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

More juried group exhibitions of Art-A-Whirl participants where viewers would be able to experience a wide variety of work in one location. Scholarships for new artists, spotlight for new artists. 

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

I love connecting the dots no matter how far fetched they may seem. Everything is so much more closely related when we pay attention and THIS is life/living. An artist/creator needs to pay attention. When what is expressed by the creator is the catalyst for a response from the viewer, there is magic. SO MUCH can be felt by experiencing creative expression.