You've heard the rumors and they're all true: Art-a-Whirl is madness and art combined into one intense weekend. If even the thought of venturing out to artists' open studios puts you on the brink of a panic attack, do not worry. There is another way to do this. Rather than waste your Fitbit steps going to random places, put these off-the-beaten-Art-a-Whirl-path events on your to-do list. (Tip: Lyft to northeast Minneapolis with a special discount code and take a free trolley around.)
In the "unofficial kickoff" of Art-a-Whirl, the Chaos Marching Band, the Magnificent Edison High School Alumni Marching Band and the Silver Lake Symphonic Woodwinds Walking Band (yes, they walk instead of march!) will battle it out to see who rules these arty streets.
Now in its second year, the event is organized by Minneapolis artists Alyssa Baguss and Andrew MacGuffie. Last year the winner was decided by audience applause. This time, three judges — including Smokey Bear from the National Park Service — will choose. The best band takes home a title belt created by local artist Donny Getinger.
7-8:07 p.m. Fri., Casket Arts Building, 1781 NE. Jefferson St.
The Craigslist personals section was once a bastion of cruising, sex work and weirdness. That all changed in March with the passage of a federal law to combat online sex trafficking, sending the personals into unending darkness.
Artist Alison Bergblom Johnson will host a weekend-long party and audio installation in her loft, honoring the life of Craigslist personals. "The stories I record for audio installations explore gender roles as relates to casual sex, and tell stories that are sometimes joyful, sometimes difficult and sometimes in between," she says.
Much of Berg-blom Johnson's work explores the links between bipolar disorder, hypersexuality and hookup culture. Visitors can write their own letter to Craigslist, marking the section's departure.
