Monday, April 20, 2015

St. Paul Art Crawl 2015

A sure sign of spring for the folks living in Lowertown is the Saint Paul Art Crawl. Taking place this weekend, April 24 - 26, the SPAC will bring thousands of visitors to St. Paul (around 20,000 to be more exact) in search of one-of-a-kind artworks, jewelry, sculptures, photographs, ceramics, and so much more. In fact, a new study recently released by Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (MCA) found that nearly 19 million people attend nonprofit arts and cultural events each year in Minnesota, generating $1.2 billion annually in economic impact. The study highlighted the SPAC as a national model for showing how "culture enhances our quality of life, brings diverse communities together, and makes our state a magnet for jobs and businesses." The artists showing their work at the SPAC do so as an effort to contribute to the city, in an interdependent relationship benefiting everyone involved.

In order to help you get involved, we've created a simple guide full of information, links, and helpful tips for this spring's Art Crawl. Take a look below before heading out this weekend. Happy art hunting!

Winner of this year's SPAC poster contest, Matthew Rucker.
Information For This Spring's Event:
When: April 24th, 6-10pm.   April 25th, 12-8pm.    April 26th, 12-5pm.
Where: Throughout St. Paul, mainly Lowertown. View locations here.
Who: Over 300 local artists! View participants here.

View photos from past events here.

Some highlights you will find at the 2015 Saint Paul Art Crawl

Home plates for the Saints!
Last year during the spring Art Crawl, the Saint Paul Art Collective partnered with St. Paul Saints to present the 'Art of Baseball' project. 108 baseballs were distributed to artists who were asked to decorate them. The baseballs were returned and judged before being displayed at Union Depot during the Art Crawl. This year's theme is a bit different: 100 wooden, regulation size home plates were distributed in early March. Artists then created their own version of home plate through any chosen medium. The home plates were returned for judging and will be displayed at CHS Field (in the Press Box) during the Art Crawl. The best part? Viewers can participate in a silent auction to bid on each home plate! View all entries here.
3 entries for this year's hone plate contest.
Shelly Losee and A=rt
A=rt is a nonprofit which seeks to heal through art. Art = Real Transformation exists to deinstitutionalize places such as state run hospitals, county detox centers, and homeless shelters by adding donated art to the normally drab walls of the healing centers. At this year's Art Crawl, A=rt will turn the 4th floor hallway of the Lowertown Lofts Artists Cooperative into a Monarch butterfly sanctuary art instillation filled with flower and butterfly inspired artworks which will be sold on a donation basis. Proceeds will benefit A=rt with a portion given to MonarchWatch.org



Paint Your Own Mini Canvas: 
What: Follow guided instruction from professional artists with acrylic paints.
When: During regular Art Crawl Hours
Where: Schmidt Brew House Paint Studio, Tunnel Level
Cost: Free, but will be charged a fee for the canvas.

Collaborative Painting Experience
What: Add your own flair to a pre-designed mural, from as little as one swish, to as much as a whole portion!
When: During regular Art Crawl hours
Where: Schmidt Brew House Paint Studio, Tunnel Level
Cost: Free

Buying Art 101
What: This year's Art Crawl poster contest winner Matthew Rucker will guide you through the complete process of buying part. From walking into a gallery to framing your new art, you will leave an informed art collector!
When: Friday, April 24th, 7:00pm.  AND  Saturday April 25th, 1:00pm
Where: Landmark Gallery
Cost: Free

What: Exactly what it sounds like, an art auction!
When: Saturday, April 25th, 6:30pm - 10:00pm
Where: Brew House Club Room & Performance Hall
* Cash bar available. This is a 21+ event.

Artistic Photography With Your Mobile Phone
What: Learn how to see the world as an artist and to capture moments using the camera that is in your pocket or purse more of the time. Be part of Schmidt's Instagram PhotoSafari @iseeart
When: Friday, April 24th, 8:30pm.  AND  Saturday, April 25th, 12:30pm.  And Sunday, April 26th, 12:30pm
Where: Pig's Eye Gallery
Cost: Free

Studio 462 at 11 Wells Distillery
What: Studio 462 artists Bianca Martinez, Kelly Fitzgerald, LindaManning and Beth Hansen will show at 11 Wells Distillery during the SPAC. Sample 11 Wells' spirits, check out the distillery, and see cool art.
When: During regular Art Crawl hours

What: An afternoon of dancing from Sendero Flamenco, Ballet Minnesota, and Kala Vandanam.
When: Saturday, April 25th, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Where: Bedlam Lowertown
Cost: Free

On-The-Spot Pet Portraits (residents of Pioneer Endicott will love this!!)
What: Bring photos of your favorite animal or pets and Tracie Thompson will use pencils, watercolor, and even pastels to create fast-and-loose drawings while you watch or enjoy the studio space.
When: Friday, April 24th, 6:30-8:30pm. AND Saturday, April 25th, 1:00-3:00pm & 4:00-6:00pm. AND Sunday, April 26th, 1:00-4:00pm
Cost: $20 - $60
* First come first serve.

Musical Performances at the Carleton Artist Lofts

Live Music, Food, and Artists
Throughout the Art Crawl at Tilsner Artists Co-Op and the Union Depot.

What: This project is a celebration of the symbiotic relationship between artists and the spaces where they live, create, and share their work. Over 175 portraits of Lowertown culture-makers will be displayed on the sides of buildings throughout Lowertown.
When: This project will be unveiled during the St. Pail Art Crawl.
Where: Throughout Lowertown.
photo source
MMAA Honors Art Exhibit
What: This exhibition is part of a collaborative partnership by the MMAA, the Saint Paul Public Schools, and the Ordway Center for Performing Arts to recognize the talents of high school students within the Saint Paul Schools. Honors will feature 60 artworks selected from works submitted by SPPS visual art teachers based on the criteria of artistic merit, execution, control of media, and originality.
When: April 23rd - May 3rd
Where: Minnesota Museum of American Art

Artist Highlights - Lowertown & Downtown:

Exactly Handmade: The artists of Exactly Handmade specialize in customizable art ranging from coffee sleeves and mittens to acrylic paintings and furniture. Check out their Etsy Shop here. Showing in the Rossmor Building, main hallway on 6th floor.

Chris Shockley: A mixed media artist specializing in personalized watercolor portraits. Showing at the Union Depot.

Advantage Glass: Individually crafted glass pieces from dinnerware to jewelry. Showing in the Tilsner Artist Lofts, 4th level.


Heather Matson:  Showing Polaroids made in Guatemala and introducing her new book "Born is the Animal Spirit." Showing in the Jax Building.

Marla Gamble:  Custom jewelry in gold and gemstones. Showing in Lowertown Lofts Artists' Co-op, 3rd floor.

Made By Kristi: Collage / Mixed Media. Also part of the Down Under collaborative art project showcasing at the SPAC. Showing in the Lowertown Artists' Co-op rooms 305 & 406.

Jella:World Artist Collections: Artworks and jewelry from around the world. Showing in the Tilsner Building, lower level.


Lesley Walton: Paintings and graphite drawings. Showing the Tilsner Artist Lofts, 5th floor.
photo source

Capital B Printing: As seen on HGTV!  Capital B Printing is made up of two St. Paul bestie who make screen printed goods. Showing at Union Depot.
photo source

Andrea's Art Gallery: Contemporary portraits and landscapes. Phone case, pillows, cards. Showing at the Union Depot.
photo source

Marcia Ward Richie Paintings: Painter of botanicals, landscapes, people, and other bright colorful shiny things. Scarves, artworks, and cards. Showing at the Union Depot.


Melinda Wolff and Brian Wolff:  Watercolor paintings, wood jewelry,  wood cutting boards and stained glass. Showing in the Rossmore Building, 2nd floor hallway.


EXTRAS

  • Get FREE rides to the Saint Paul Art Crawl via MetroTransit here.
  • Print out your coupon for Wet Paint here.
  • Print out your coupon for Tin Whiskers here.
  • Don't forget to pick up your SPAC Passport for your chance to win up to $400 worth of your favorite art! 



    Have fun!!


1 comment:

Unknown said...

Great write-up for the Art Crawl!
thanks Talia!!!

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