In the Twin Cities art scene this weekend, explore the intersection of art and activism with exhibits tackling social justice and environmental issues. Get hands-on with Jamaican musical instruments crafted from everyday objects, or immerse yourself in the massive celebration of local and national talent at the Edina Art Fair.
Found objects become musical instruments
The Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center is showcasing the work of Jamaican American musician and visual artist Douglas R. Ewart in the show “We See, We Feel, We Know, We Unite!” The exhibit includes paintings, found-object sculptures, and interactive musical instruments.
Ewart’s artistic practice centers around repurposing discarded items — such as tennis rackets, skis, film canisters, pot covers, bells, wheels, and various containers — into unique instruments and sonic sculptures.
Ewart’s exhibit, two years in the making, features playable musical instruments, including the “George Floyd Bundt Staff” and the “Trayvon Martin Rainstick.” The bundt staff is symbolic of the resilience and unity of the Black Lives Matter Movement following George Floyd’s murder in 2020 and makes rhythmic sounds when interacted with. The rainstick, constructed from found objects, evokes the lingering impact of Martin’s murder in 2012 on the movement for racial equality.
While the Chicago Fire Arts Center specializes in fire-based art forms, it aims to make art accessible to the community through classes, public art projects, and artist residencies.
“We want to create a safe space for artists to learn and use specialized equipment without the significant investment usually required,” said Jhyle Rinker, the gallery’s coordinator.
Additionally, the center is hosting a “Hearth to Heart” talk with Ewart on June 21, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about his creative process. The talk will be held in the exhibit space, with chairs arranged in a circle to foster an intimate, conversational atmosphere.
“I don’t like museum culture or snobby galleries,” Rinker said. “I never want it to feel that way here. I want it to feel like we’re around a dinner table and just getting to know each other.”
Date: Thursday, May 30 to Friday, June 21
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Location: 3749 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit cafac.org.
Edina Art Fair showcases over 250 artists
Edina’s annual art fair returns this weekend, featuring over 250 artists, two beer gardens, eight culinary artisans, nine live music performances, and over 30 food vendors.
The fair’s theme, “Metamorphosis,” is reflected in a diverse range of works on display, including watercolor and Chinese ink paintings by Chilean artist Tomás Araya depicting Indigenous resistance, acrylic nature paintings by Rosa Chavez, traditional Chinese ceramic pieces by Wayne Gao and Michelle Chang, outer-space-themed pop art by Oriana Gerez, and photographs capturing Minneapolis lakes by Lebanese photographer Omar Ghrayeb.
The Culinary Artisan Marketplace offers candles, hand-blended spices, contemporary clothing, and alcoholic beverages from Lovejoy’s and Summer Lakes Beverage. Family-friendly activities include screen printing, chalk mandala and henna art, and blackout poetry workshops.
Food vendors include Tibetan Family Momo, Indian-inspired dishes from Muddy Tiger and Infuzn Foods, KCM EggRolls, Fair Faves, Baja Smoothies, and more.
Date: Friday, May 31 to Sunday, June 2
Time: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Location: 50th and France, Edina
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit 50thandfrance.com/art-fair.
Exhibit paints city life in bloom
Don’t miss the closing weekend of the “I See Flowers” exhibit by Chicago-based Korean artist Duk Ju L. Kim, which explores the ramifications of urbanization and industrialization.
Hosted at NE Sculpture, a nonprofit arts organization in northeast Minneapolis, the exhibit showcases a series of paintings and drawings reflecting the architectural elements of Chicago. Kim integrates the city’s layout — streets, windows, doors, exposed pipes, plumbing, and wiring — into her artwork, juxtaposing these mechanical features with natural elements such as limbs, eyes, and blood. The exhibit invites viewers to find moments of humanity even within urban environments.
Date: Thursday, May 30 to Saturday, June 1
Time: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 1720 Madison St. N.E., Minneapolis
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit ne-sculpture.org.
