While summer is the season for socializing and soaking up the sunshine, that doesn’t mean that the creative landscape hibernates until winter. Thanks to Minnesota’s rich arts community, enjoying the finer things in life isn’t solely reserved for rainy days. Here are the top 5 ways to experience the Twin Cities arts scene this season.
Hit the Exhibits
On days you need to beat the heat, you can take refuge inside a museum and enjoy incredible collections in the cool confines of the galleries. The Minneapolis Institute of Art is currently showcasing the Baroque masterpiece “Judith and Holofernes” by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. And ReVisión: Art in the Americas is a can’t-miss exhibit that shares a compelling narrative about the formation of the Americas through ancient and contemporary works.
Enjoy the Outdoors
No one likes to stay cooped up inside during the beautiful summer days. Fittingly, the Walker Art Center offers exceptional outdoor programming for your enjoyment — from the fan-favorite Skyline Mini Golf to the annual Sounds for Silents music and film experience. If these events don’t suit your fancy, a walk through the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden paired with drinks on the Cardamom patio always fits the bill.
Support Local
Neighborhood galleries really shine when it comes to showcasing up-and-coming talent, and we’re lucky to have an abundance of them across the Twin Cities. A few that deserve a spot on your must-visit list this month: All My Relations Arts, Dreamsong, Night Club, Rosalux, Squirrel Haus Arts and Soo Visual Arts Center. An afternoon spent gallery hopping and admiring works across various mediums is sure to leave you feeling inspired.
Do-It-Yourself
Taking an artist-led class is an ideal opportunity to add a little creativity and play into your life. Minneapolis studio Cry Baby Clay offers fantastic workshops and take-home clay kits. Curiosity Studio’s classes cover everything from edible art to printmaking. And Potekglass has a great lineup of glasswork courses for all experience levels.
Deck Your Walls
What better way to support local artists than to shop directly in their studio? The Northrup King Building hosts Open Studio Saturdays all year long, creating weekly retail hours for visitors to stop in and find new treasures. Plus other local studio destinations — like Holland Arts and St. Paul Art Collective — let you discover new artists and snag their latest and greatest works. The best way to personalize your home is with art you truly love.