Racquel Banaszak

How and why did you become an artist?

I’ve always been drawn to the creative process as a way of understanding the world ever since I can remember. My earliest memory was painting with my cat in my parent’s kitchen. I attended MCAD and studying abroad at OCADU’s Indigenous Visual Culture program in Toronto and realized that I was part of a long legacy as well as a real active present rooted in Ojibwe thought, history, language, and culture. Visual art allows me to navigate between the past, present, and future simultaneously.

What medium(s) do you work in?

Mixed media, graphic design, illustration, mural.

What are some of your biggest inspirations as an artist?

I find inspiration in my children’s artwork (always colorful and full of big, bold movement) as well as in the idea of Indigenous futurisms- where I can explore Indigenous world-building rooted in kinship both human-to-human as well as with our more-than-human relatives.

What is your connection to Northeast Minneapolis?

I have lived, worked, and raised my family here for 10 years.

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

I attend every year and am constantly blown away by the breadth of work that is made here. It is like a whirlwind of creativity that fuels my spring-summer season when I am usually the most productive.

Any memories of an experience at Art-A-Whirl that you can share that stand out?

A few years ago I saw a Nirvana cover band at the 331 and loved dancing alongside others.

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

I really appreciate the opportunities it has given me as well as being part of a large, creative community in my home. I love being part of the creative energy that is Northeast Minneapolis.

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

There are so many little gems you can find when just taking a stroll, from tiny mouse doors and statement stickers to the incredible amount of big, beautiful creative studio spaces.

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

Art-A-Whirl has definitely grown in size, but it also seems like it’s been warmer these past few years – which means more time to walk around and soak it all in.

Why is art important in our community?

It connects us to one another through the messages of joy and hope as well as grief and longing for something more. Art lets us feel life together.

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

No, it is such a visually intricate place. Without art it would be more like the suburbs where you can get lost in all the sameness.

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 to see more opportunities for public art that can evolve with the times that reflect the histories, cultures, and languages that make up this place. Also more connections to this place as Dakota homelands.