And Yet Art Survives
“Because I Just Made It Up”, acrylic, newsprint, paper on canvas, 24 x 36
I feel like I was quite naïve at the start of 2026. I didn’t anticipate how quickly and how radically the world around me could change in just a few days. I live in the old Sears building in south Minneapolis (10th and Lake Street). This was the epicenter of the George Floyd aftermath. Now I’m one mile north, one mile east of the two ICE killings in the past few weeks. I am an old white woman and a very unlikely target of anyone for anything. But I am a Minnesota Democrat. And an artist. These days that probably puts me on one or more “lists.” It is (reasonably) safe in my 12th floor unit in a 24/7 security fortress directly attached to one of the biggest medical complexes in the state (Allina/Abbott-Northwestern). But the condos sit above the famed Midtown Global Market, a unique collection of food, art and clothing vendors from every part of the world, particularly our Hispanic, Asian and Somali communities. Some are closed, hopefully “temporarily.” Some are struggling to stay open with many workers afraid to leave home and far fewer customers.
My studio building in Northeast Minneapolis (once upon at time home to white central and east European immigrants, now a far more diverse community) is currently locked 24/7. We’ve had to cancel our Open Studio Saturday (February 14, see below). The opening of the three-artist show scheduled last week has been indefinitely postponed because the California Building and On2 Gallery are also locked 24/7 (see below). Relatively speaking, these are minor impacts, because I am an old white woman. I don’t have kids afraid to go to school, friends who still teach –now online or facing partially empty classrooms, or relatives afraid to leave their homes. I don’t have to carry my expired passport or birth certificate every day. And I really don’t need to leave my condo if things seem too dicey out there—art isn’t selling but my pension check still goes to the bank every month.
Maybe he who brought us this hell will soon be distracted by internal and external whims and move on to the next Greenland, next group, next target… and we might be able to breathe, work, even make art in the daylight again. I hope I can invite you to the studio soon. We all need a lot of community and at least a little art. And for centuries, art has survived the worst of times. So will we.
Open Studio Saturday Postponed—Come Visit on March 14. It would have been fun to celebrate Valentine’s Day with our friends and neighbors but…we’re playing it safe. Now we plan to hold our first Open Studio Saturday of the year on March 14, 11 am – 4 pm at Casket Arts. And we are very eager to welcome visitors again! In Studio 218, I have some new works (see “ICE Melt” and “April Thaw”) to kick off our open studio spring season. Let’s celebrate gathering together to celebrate art and community! 681 17th Av NE Mpls.
“ICE Melt,” mixed media 30 x 24
“April Thaw,” mixed media 24 x 24
On Exhibit
“Art of Discovery: Going Deeper Through Mentorship”, On2 gallery California Building, maybe through March. We were so disappointed to postpone our opening reception in late January, but it was necessary to keep visitors safe. This exhibit features the work of artist/mentor Deborah Foutch and two of her mentees, John Stumme and yours truly. Although scheduled through February, we are working on an extension through March, and rescheduling our reception/discussion. Stay tuned for a date. Meanwhile, contact me if you would like a chance to see the exhibit in person. Deborah is planning a special page on her website for a virtual exhibit—check www.deborahfoutch.com . California Building 22-5 California St NE, Minneapolis.
“The Mixed Effect”(Mixed Media Exhibition), White Bear Center for the Arts, Exhibition Hall, February 9-March 27; reception March 5, 6-8 pm. A new exhibit at WBCA, this one features a wide variety of work using “mixed media”—any combination of different materials and techniques. I work often with mixed media—for me that usually means combining paint with a wide range of papers, cardboard, newsprint and occasionally metal. Pleased that my “Missouri Waltz” was selected for this show. WBCA, 4971 Long Av, White Bear; open Monday-Saturday; www.whitebeararts.org
“Missouri Waltz,” 24 x 30, mixed media on wood panel.
“Aesthetic Essence I”, Burl Gallery, February 7-March 28. 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 “Mid-Term Elections” is a monochrome acrylic work originally referring to the 2022 midterms but perhaps more meaningful in 2026. Note reception on March 7. Burl Gallery, 308 Prince Street, St Paul; open Saturday and Sunday 10-4; www.burlartgallery.org
Don’t Miss! Dyani White Hawk’s “Love Language” at the Walker, closing February 15. For me this has been one of the most exciting exhibits at the Walker since I first visited the museum in the early 70s. Covering four galleries, the show serves as a mid-career retrospective, a cultural education, an exciting display of Native American themes presented through a unique integration of tradition and modern abstraction. I’ve been twice and plan at least one more visit. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis.
“Visiting” (detail), Dyani White Hawk (Walker Art Center, “Love Language”)
Visit the Studio—Make an Appointment!
Although we are still locked to the public, artists are inside at work, and I am happy to welcome you for a studio visit. Just make an appointment (email or text) and I will meet you at the door! It’s been relatively quiet in the Casket neighborhood, the walks are shoveled, the heat is on! And what better way to soothe your soul and distract your brain than surrounding yourself with art! And conversation---I have tea, cider, some goodies on hand. And of course look forward to our Open Studios in March.
Everyone welcome! Stay safe!
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