Welcome Back to Open Studios
“ICE Storm,” mixed media on canvas, 24 x 30
We’ve had an onerous, scary, often incomprehensible start to 2026, and things are far from “normal” as we head into March. But there are signs of hope as it becomes more and more clear that our neighbors, our legislators, our global citizens are not looking to close our eyes and just “move on.” It’s not just “business as usual” at the corner market, state houses, or even the Supreme Court. Or in the artists’ studios. At Casket Arts, it was a particularly grim winter. Our head custodian feared ICE encounters over his immigration status. Two adjacent jewelry studios fell victim to an intricately and successfully planned burglary (not reasonably connected to ICE but more likely to the change of focus in neighborhood protection). The campus lockdown meant canceling our February open studio event and limiting access to potential clients and buyers. And no doubt that some of our artists faced personal and family crises. But spring is coming. Midterms are coming. Maybe sanity is coming. Our campus remains locked but will reopen for our special events, and will soon have a new security and entry system that should benefit everyone.
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.
“Resistance and Resilience,” mixed media on canvas, 24 x 36
Open Studio Saturday, “Come Together With Art”, March 14, 11 am – 4 pm, Casket Arts. Yes, welcome back to the Casket Arts campus! We are happy to be open to the public again, if just for our special events. You will notice one change—we will have two or more of our campus artists stationed in the first floor lobby of the main building, offering a proper artful welcome to a day of open studios reflecting a wide range of original artworks. In Studio 218, I will showcase my “ICE Paintings”, along with my usual array of abstract works, notecards, flower pots, small and not-so-small prints. And another opportunity to enjoy the jazz and Brazilian guitar of Joan Griffith, playing in the studio from about 1-2:30 pm. 681 17th Av NE; www.casketarts.com
Joan Griffith riffing in Studio 218
On Exhibit
It’s a particularly busy period , at least for me, with works scattered in exhibits across the Metro.
“Art of Discovery: Going Deeper Through Mentorship”, Rescheduled through March at the California Building On2 Gallery, Reception and Discussion March 21, 2-5 pm. For the past 5+ years, I’ve participated in an art mentorship with Deborah Foutch. This exhibit in the On2 Gallery at the California Building showcases work by Deborah and two mentees—me and John Stumme. We had to postpone our original opening reception/discussion due to ongoing concerns with ICE. The building beyond the lobby remains locked to the public, but we have rescheduled the reception for March 21, 2-5 pm, with our discussion at 3 pm. Greeters will give you access to the On2 Gallery (enter from the east side through MoJo Coffee.) To see the exhibit at another time, contact me and I will arrange it! Or visit the California Building during Second Saturday on March 14, 11 am – 4 pm—building open to the public.2205 California Street NE, Mpls.
Minnesota Artists Association Spring Juried Exhibition, Hopkins Center for the Arts; through March28. This marks the 89th annual spring exhibition from one of the oldest (or the oldest?) arts organizations in Minnesota. Juried by Jim Clark (Hopkins Center for the Arts), this show includes the work of over 60 member artists representing a wide range of styles and media. My mixed media landscape “Arctic Retreat” is included. 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins; www.hopkinsartcenter.com; open Monday-Saturday.
Minnetonka Center for the Arts Members’ Salon Show, through March 20. It’s great to have this exhibit back on the center’s schedule after a few years. This nonjuried exhibit celebrates “the varied interests and artistic achievements of MCFTA members by providing opportunity to exhibit their work” in the center’s main gallery. I submitted by mixed media work, “Classified Documents,” for this show. 2240 North Shore Drive, Wayzata; www.minnetonkaarts.org ; open Monday-Saturday.
March Madness, Robbin Gallery, March 7-29. This annual show of work from Robbin Gallery members reflects a wide range of media. Opening reception March 7, 5:30-8 pm. Pleased to have “Manhattan” included this year. Gallery open Friday and Saturday 1-5 pm and Sunday 1-4 pm. 4915 42n Av North, Robbinsdale; www.robbingallery.org
“Manhattan,” acrylic on canvas, 30 x 40
“The Mixed Effect” (Mixed Media Exhibition), White Bear Center for the Arts, Exhibition Hall, through 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
“Aesthetic Essence I”, Burl Gallery, through March 28; reception March 7, 5- 7 pm. 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. Burl Gallery, 308 Prince Street, St Paul; open Saturday and Sunday 10-4; www.burlartgallery.org
Hope both the political and late winter climates allow you to spend more time enjoying our thriving arts scene in the Twin Cities—or wherever you are. While our campus remains locked to the public aside from special events, all you need is an appointment and you can have private moments with artwork in Studio 218. You are most welcome to visit just for tea, chocolate and conversation as well! (Call, text or email to set up a time!) And I hope to see you on March 14 for our first open event of 2026!
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