Art-A-Whirl: Swap Meet showcases Black and Brown artists

The Northeast Minneapolis Art Association held its 29th annual “Art-A-Whirl” throughout various locations in Northeast Minneapolis. Over 1,300 artists, galleries, and businesses participate in what has become the largest open studio tour in the country.

At the Northrup King Building, one particularly newer mainstay of the Art-A-Whirl festivities stands out as a genuine labor of love–The Swap Meet.

Hosted by the Tangible Collective, the third annual Swap Meet is a physical articulation of values for the Black femme-led collective. 

“For us, we’ve always wanted to do a ‘grandiose’ community gathering” says Ricki Monique who, alongside her best-friend Za’Nia Coleman, started the Tangible Collective in 2017 with a commitment to uplifting underrepresented and underserved voices by providing a platform with opportunities and resources for artists and creatives.

Elizabeth Abraha, founder of That Curly Haired Stitch and a vendor at this year’s Swap Meet, noted the larger social impact of events like The Swap Meet.

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“It’s rare to feel like I’m a part of the majority and not the minority for once. It’s great to be in a space that celebrates folks’ work in ways you typically don’t see,” she said.

Another vendor, Candida Gonzalez of Las Ranas Jewelry, added, “This is my third year doing Swap Meet, and I really love being able to do Art-A-Whirl in a space that centers and nourishes Black and Brown artists.            

“It was really important to us to have a space that can promote spending money within our own community” Monique stated. “We’re showcasing Black artists throughout the community in a way that highlights how creative folks can be when given the space.”

The colorful adornments enveloping the space immediately draw the eye to the shimmering disco balls hanging over the hand-built “conversation pit.”

Complete with a living room design that is perfectly in-line with the overall Black 70’s theme of The Swap Meet, handmade signage and earth-toned backdrops all play together like visual jazz. Both Monique and Coleman, alongside support from building consultants and artists at the Public Functionary, cut each piece of wood and hung every piece of fabric to properly execute their vision.

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Each booth is divided by hand-painted wooden slats to promote a sense of openness in the space. “A lot of contractors would tell us that some of the things we wanted to build would not be possible,” Michael Bishop of Public Functionary explained. “The photos of the Swap Meets in L.A. that Ricki would show us would have these builds that would be way too expensive to buy, so we just built it ourselves.”

This project draws inspiration from trips Monique took to the many outdoor markets in Los Angeles, CA. She recalled being blown away by the way folks would express their unique cultures out loud in those spaces, and sought to re-create some of that energy here.

“We wanted to create a space that would be visually inspirational and literally build little spots and pockets for each person,” Ricki said. “We’re so grateful that Public Functionary shared their talents and resources with us, and since we were given space it’s important for us to pass on that love.”

This year’s Swap Meet featured handcrafted ceramic goods from Addis, Melanated Affirmation Decks and burning essence incense from The Melanated Remedy by DejaJoelle, handcrafted art and jewelry from Candida Gonzalez of Las Ranas Jewelry, mirror art from That Curly Haired Stitch by Elizabeth Abraha, hand-made, hand-marbled, and hand stitched goods from Natasha Malmberg, rugs from Kiara the Creator along with an opportunity to sign up for their rug-making class “The Tuft Experience”, crocheted art and clothing from Arame’s Creations, and nails and fragrances from Almost Heaven.

Tangible Collective is fiscally sponsored by Springboard for the Arts and hosts regular events around the community to uplift and highlight valuable experiences that often get overlooked.Those interested can support their work at www.givemn.org/story/Tangiblecollective.

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