Sarah Maricha White

How and why did you become an artist?

I’m not sure how to answer this, as it’s never seemed much like a choice.. more it’s the way I see, taste, feel, express in this world. I often feel if I COULD be something more consistent and stable, “Artist” may not be my first choice? But when I live without being an artist, it feels like my insides go dry and numb. I’m guessing it’s in my blood, as my father whom I share a birthday with, was a creative photographer, painter and played Saxophone around the house when I was growing up.

What medium(s) do you work in?

Photography, Painting, Energetics, Sound, Word.

How long have you been working as an artist?

I’d say my whole life, but more “professionally” around 20 years. Always growing and evolving in style and mediums, I often feel I get the opportunity so start anew as my passions shift, and resurface. As the world bends and grows, so do I.

What are some of your biggest inspirations as an artist?

Human Connection, Spiritual Elevation and Expression, All things Black and Afro-Futures, The way I feel laboring over a huge pot of curry with freshly rolled Roti, Resistance, Love, Liberation.

What is your connection to Northeast Minneapolis?

I have lived NE Minneapolis for the last 12 years! My children grew up in this neighborhood, and I had a studio in Northrup King Building for 3 years. Northeast Minneapolis is where I currently call home!

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

As a musical artist, I initially played with my band at many years of Art-A-Whirl, including The Anchor Fish & Chips, Centro, Indeed etc and also have Dj’d for different spaces – so it brought my music to an audience that may not have otherwise been exposed to me. As an artist, I always get an extra wind of excitement and inspiration after the weekend full of art!

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

One of my favorite memories was biking around with Tricia and Mike from Public Functionary, checking out music and art til the sunset years back. There were a lot of characters out, the sun was epic, and I just remember feeling like “this is one of those moments that will always bring a grin to my face”

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

There are tons of blooming Black and Brown creatives in the arts scene in NE that are inspiring and healing.

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

I have noticed slowly it is becoming more diverse and reflective of the fullness of the community that actually LIVES in NE.

Why is art important in our community?

It keeps us all connected and it’s a resource for our collective healing. Art creates a new world, shift paradigms and perceived limitations of the mind. Brings soul to our lives.

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

More access and representation for all! Youth programming and inclusion.

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

More access to art spaces and living spaces that are priced ethically.

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

I love being an artist because that means I can change and be whomever I dream. I bring embodied care, sweetness, fire, hard and deep questions about unsustainable systems and lots of joyous resistance.

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

I photographed 29 of the artists and loved getting to explore all of their spaces and get to know so many artists I have never seen before. Really inspired me even more to create, create, CREATE!