March 31, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact: Lory Sutton, news@nemaa.org, 612-875-0774
“30 Artists of Art-A-Whirl®” kicks off the festival’s 30th year
NEMAA introduces 30 hometown artists of various disciplines, representing its 1,400+ member artists
(Minneapolis, Minn.) March 31, 2025—The Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (NEMAA) is commemorating its 30th year by featuring 30 talented member artists who will participate in this year’s Art-A-Whirl®, May 16-18, in Northeast Minneapolis.
“Every artist has a story, an inspiration, a viewpoint to share,” said Anna Becker, NEMAA executive director. “It is our hope that by shining a spotlight on just 30 of our many talented artists, we will give people a new or renewed interest in the arts and everything artists bring to our community.”
The 30 Artists of Art-A-Whirl represent the 1,400+ artists who are members of NEMAA and will participate in Art-A-Whirl. They are of diverse backgrounds, work in a variety of mediums, and showcase the rich variety of Minnesota-created art on view and for sale at Art-A-Whirl, as well as at nemaa.org and through studio events held year-round.
“Art is a universal language that transcends barriers and allows us to connect with one another on a deeper level,” said Julie Burkhart-Haid, one of the 30 Artists of Art-A-Whirl who works in fine custom jewelry and modern micro mosaics.
Art-A-Whirl attendees will be treated to a wide variety of art forms, including jewelry, printmaking, glass, textiles, photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, wood working, ceramics, mixed media and more. Artworks will be at a wide range of price points, enabling everyone to take home a unique treasure.
The Art-A-Whirl open studio tour will encompass the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, as well as the welcoming neighborhoods of Northeast Minneapolis, chock full of music, activities, entertainment, restaurants, breweries and engaged local businesses.
Since Art-A-Whirl was first conceived in 1995, attendance has grown from a few hundred people to more than 120,000, making it the largest annual arts event of its kind in the nation, and helping to position Northeast Minneapolis as a destination for both tourists and local residents.
“If you track the growth of the arts community in Northeast Minneapolis, you can see that it has been a draw for restaurants, brew-pubs, makers of all kinds, and various creative industries,” said Katayoun Amjadi, one of the 30 Artists of Art-A-Whirl who works in ceramics and multimedia installations. “This, in turn, attracts visitors, and stimulates local spending, and in turn, creates more opportunities for arts and entrepreneurs.”
Quick details:
30 Artists of Art-A-Whirl: Find the list of 30 artists, bios, contact information, quotes and images here (web) and here (pdf)
Art-A-Whirl Dates: Friday, May 16 (5–10 pm), Saturday, May 17 (Noon–8 pm), Sunday, May 18 (Noon–5 pm)
Location: Northeast Minneapolis – at studio buildings, galleries, businesses and more.
Fee: Festival is FREE! All are welcome.
Art-A-Whirl Passport Challenge: To help visitors better navigate the growing festival, a new app will launch just prior to the event, with the added bonus of enabling visitors to earn points towards winning prizes as they visit a variety of participating studios and businesses and use sustainable transportation.
Commemorative Sculpture: A newly commissioned sculpture will debut May 16. Reminiscent of Art-A-Whirl’s iconic tornado, it will be on view at Holland Arts East during the festival.
About Art-A-Whirl® and NEMAA (Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association)
Centered in the vibrant Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, NEMAA supports the local artist community with events, promotions, education, artist resources and fellowship. With more than 1,600 member artists, galleries and businesses, NEMAA is best known for producing Art-A-Whirl: the nation’s largest annual open studio art tour. Held the third weekend in May, the three-day festival features artwork in a wide range of disciplines and price points. In 2024, Art-A-Whirl welcomed more than 120,000 visitors from Minnesota and beyond.
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