Spring for Art
“InSURGEncy,” 24 x 30, acrylic on canvas
In an era of when federal anti-“woke” initiatives are cleansing history and twisting the missions of some of our most treasured arts institutions (e.g., The Smithsonian, Kennedy Center), we can take some comfort knowing that we live in a state where the arts thrive, where public support and Legislative action guarantee years of funding. A new report from the National Association of State Arts Agencies notes that Minnesota leads the nation in total and per capita arts spending. Thank you Legacy Amendment!
That (gratefully) said, state appropriations and federal cuts to the NEA have decreased overall funding for the arts, even here in Minnesota. And at the grassroots level, the arts are struggling in 2026. When the economy is in a tailspin, “nonessentials” always take a backseat. Hamburger or a $50 concert ticket? Fill up the tank or replace that painting above the couch? A mortgage payment or dance lessons? For most of us, the choices are not so dire, but priorities rule. And what is often forgotten is that the majority of artists—musicians, dancers, actors, painters, printmakers—also make those choices every day. Hamburger or repair the guitar? Fill up the tank or pay studio rent? Again, everyday choices are not typically so dire, and our public and private funding in Minnesota offers more options.
But are the arts “nonessentials”? Certainly not to the artists! Or the institutions that support and promote the arts. What about the consumers of art? How essential is hearing that music, viewing an exhibit, watching the ballet or film to our wellbeing?Also a quick note about the “Art of Discovery” exhibit at the California Building’s On2 Gallery: Like Casket Arts, California is locked to the public (the lobby and MoJo Coffee Shop are open). However, our exhibit about artistic growth through mentorship has been extended through March, the reception is rescheduled to March 21, 2-5 pm; and the exhibit is also accessible to the public on California’s Second Saturday Open Studios event on March 14, 11 am – 4 pm. More information below.
My response to political and social upheaval has often appeared on canvas in one form or another. My style is well suited to chaos and rebellion no matter what point of origin. Since the start of the ICE invasion in Minneapolis, I have completed six “ICE Paintings” (see top and below), which will be on display in my studio for our upcoming March 14 Open Studio Saturday event. I doubt I am done; there seems to be an unending source of inspiration in the world order. But I am open to more celebratory themes—bring ‘em on.
NE Minneapolis Arts District
In particular, the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District has had a slow start in 2026. Winter weather always presents challenges but we are experienced dealing with cancelations and low attendance at winter events. But then came Metro Surge which directly impacted many artists (and consumers), and at least indirectly much of the Twin Cities. And then came old fashioned crime—serious break-ins and brazen jewelry thefts at Casket Arts, California and Northrup-King buildings in the arts district, leading to security changes and more cancelations and delays. As we head into April, it feels like we are just getting the 2026 arts season off the ground.
Not intending this “news” as a downer, I offer this as a context for my invitation to you to be part of the Twin Cities arts scene this spring and beyond! More than ever, we all need to feed our souls with one of Minnesota’s best resources—art! That doesn’t necessarily require spending a nickel—many galleries, private and public spaces present visual art, theater and music at little or no cost. Open Studios and art crawls (notably Art-a-Whirl) are free and open to the public—certainly you can spend (please do!), but there is much to see and enjoy at no cost, artists to meet, opportunities to learn.
So come over to Northeast. Casket Arts holds Open Studio Saturdays in April and May; the entire district will be blazing with activity for the annual Art-a-Whirl in mid May. Hopefully we have seen the last of ICE and snow. It’s time to rejuvenate!
Renew! Refresh! Open Studio Saturday April 11, Casket Arts, 11 am – 4 pm. After a long and difficult winter, it’s time for renewal! Browse and shop our studios for unique, new, even not-so-new artwork of all sorts! Explore our free “Art Materials Recycling” table in the main lobby for art supplies—discover something for your own art experiments! Ready to do some redecorating, reorganizing? Spring is a great time to “renew and refresh” with some new art—from jewelry, metal and wood works and photography to paintings, drawings, prints, and more! In Studio 218, I will highlight my new series of “ICE Paintings” (see top) as well as some new abstract landscapes. I will also have a few “artworks pots” for some new plantings! Open 11-4, 681 17th Av NE/1720 Madison St NE, Mpls; www.casketarts.com
“Isles, Lagoon,” acrylic on canvas, 30 x 24
And looking ahead:
Art-a-Whirl Preview, Open Studio Saturday, May 9, Casket Arts, 11 am – 4 pm. We know that many potential and previous visitors shy away from the crowds and traffic of Art-A-Whirl® weekend (May 15-17)—so we are excited to offer you a low-key alternative the Saturday before! Our Preview Saturday offers a calmer opportunity to view (and acquire!) new art and interact more personally with the artists. Plenty of on-street free parking!
Art-a-Whirl®, Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, May 15-17. The nation’s biggest outdoor art crawl, the 31st annual Art-a-Whirl® weekend offers a unique experience—open studios and displays of original art from all media, for all budgets. And all the makings of a weekend extravaganza with food trucks, live music, demos and more. Casket Arts offers live music in the 4th floor lobby, food trucks throughout the weekend, over 50 open studios and 100+ artists. Studio 218 will be open throughout the weekend. (More details next month or visit www.nemaa.org)
On Exhibit
I haven’t yet made it to MIA to see the German Expressionists exhibit but have heard some rave reviews. I’m also looking forward to seeing the nation’s first abstract painting/glass sculpture exhibit at one of the unique spaces in the Twin Cities—the Cafesjian Art Trust Museum in Shoreview, on now through July (www.cafesjianarttrust.org). Meanwhile, I am pleased to have work in these local exhibits:
Hopkins Center for the Arts Annual Members Show, April 6-May 17. This show has become so popular among Hopkins members that we are now limited to only one work each! My 24 x 36 acrylic abstract “OrcaFest” will hang with the rest. Opening reception April 11, 4-6 pm. Open daily. 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins; www.hopkinsartcenter.org
“OrcaFest,” acrylic on canvas, 24 x 36.
“Aesthetic Essence II,” Burl Gallery, April 4-May 30. The Burl Gallery in St Paul Lowertown hosts four juried exhibits each year with a generic theme. The theme for 2026, “Aesthetic Essence”, refers to “the fundamental qualities that give an artwork its artistic merit and unique identity, such as its emotional impact, beauty, or symbolic meaning.” My “Daffodils” seems timely! This is one of several works I produced in 2024-25 using Duralar, a clear plastic sheet material. My goal was to find ways to add depth to 2-d surfaces, in this case wood panel. After putting down a layer of acrylic shapes, I used a top layer of Duralar with latex drips to add some depth. Artists’ Reception on April 18, 6-8 pm. Burl Gallery, 308 Prince Street, St Paul; open Saturday and Sunday 10-4; www.burlartgallery.org
“Daffodils,” 24 x 18, acrylic on wood panel with Duralar
And a teaser for my upcoming show at the Robbin Gallery with Letitia Little:
“Expressions of Nature: Abstract Landscapes and Colorscapes” at the Robbin Gallery, June 5-28. My friend Letitia Little and I combine a collection of abstract paintings influenced by our response to nature and color, and often both. Reception Saturday, June 6, 2-4 pm. Gallery open Friday/Saturday Noon-5; Sunday Noon-4. 4915 42nd Av N, Robbinsdale. www.robbingallery.org
Let’s get out and enjoy spring! And if you want a private art experience, set up an appointment! You can check out our new doorbell system!
Andrea
612-501-8812
andreacanterartworks@gmail.com
Andrea Canter
Artist and Owner
andreacanterartworks.com
Andrea Canter Artworks
The Casket Arts Building
681 17th Ave NE, Studio 218
Minneapolis, MN 55413