Twin Cities-based Artspace, a non-profit housing developer for artists, is celebrating the completion of the first new building in downtown Minot, North Dakota in 30 years. Artspace Lofts is a four-story, 34-unit mixed-use building that includes a gallery where the Turtle Mountain Tribal Arts Association will exhibit and sell work by Chippewa, Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara and Sioux artists, including regalia, beadwork, quillwork and baskets. Other tenants include the Children's Music Academy of Minot, which specializes in music education for kids, and the Minot Area Council of the Arts.
Why Minot? The oil boom has reduced the supply of affordable housing in the area and the problem was compounded by the 2011 floods, which severely damaged more than 4,000 homes.
If you're up for the driver, the Minot Artspace Lofts grand opening is Friday with an opening talk at 3 p.m. and a "wine walk" that will start at 5 p.m. There will be free entertainment and refreshments, and the event is open to the public. Plus, you'll have a chance to tour several of the artists' live/work spaces. The event is sponsored by National Equity FundTM and Wells Fargo.
Click here for more information about the project.
