The annual Art Attack event last weekend enabled the public to explore, participate and be fully immersed in the rich tapestry of Minneapolis’ thriving art scene.
Located in the Northrup King Building in Northeast Minneapolis, Art Attack serves as a symbol of the city’s vibrant artistic community as well as a beacon for artists to showcase their work.
Painters, sculptors, photographers and textile artists coexist in a diverse community of creatives found in the Northrup King Building, an iconic industrial facility transformed into an artist refuge. With its expansive studios and galleries, this historic building draws both art connoisseurs and inquisitive visitors.
Peter Stohl is a drawer and painter who owns a studio with his wife Solvei, who is a photographer. He creates his paintings by starting with the detail in pen ink and then painting with watercolor over it.
“I have had this studio for several years,” Stohl said. “I moved back to Minnesota in 2013 and have lived in St. Paul ever since.”
The walls of Stohl’s studio were filled with his pieces alongside his wife’s photography. In the middle was an easel with a new piece he was working on.
Seeing the several studios housed in the Northrup King Building is one of Art Attack’s main attractions. Wandering through the hallways, visitors can find numerous artists. Every studio has a different story capturing the essence of the Minneapolis art scene.
Art Attack is about more than simply viewing art, it is about interacting with the artists themselves. Visitors can learn about their methods, sources of inspiration and motivation for creating art.
Sharon Herland is an artist who uses rubbing alcohol to create streaks in colored ink. She was an attorney for 32 years before quitting to become an artist.
“I had a vision of my art being sold on the wall. I have had this studio for five years and now my dream has come true,” Herland said.
Art Attack serves as a platform for outreach and community participation in addition to being an exhibition. Visitors of all ages can actively participate in the creative process through workshops, exhibitions and group projects. This approach upholds the idea that art is a common experience that inspires and unites people.
Kelly Marshall, a custom textile weaver, has been in the business for 31 years and has had a studio in Northrup for 20 years. She specializes in rug making but also makes tablecloths, pillowcases and bags.
Marshall’s studio had a back area filled with looms, with a small radio and CD collection near large windows that filled the room with sunlight.
“I think the event brings in a lot of people and exposes them to handmade arts and crafts,” Marshall said.
Through exploring artists’ studios, having talks with artists and taking in the exhibitions, Art Attack turns into a celebration of art, bringing Minneapolis residents together in a common appreciation of the creativity around them.
Northrup King Building will open its studios again May 19-21 as part of the Art-A-Whirl weekend.
