Art-A-Whirl® Weekend @ Studio Six

For the first time, the community television network and film collective will be opening their doors to the public to share their award-winning work and that of some of their favorite visual artists, filmmakers, musicians and more. Explore a professional film and television studio, learn more about the dynamic Studio Six collective, and take in numerous forms of creative output and artistic mediums — all in one location, 1229 2nd St. NE. Hours: Friday, May 18 – 5:00-10:00 pm, Saturday, May 19 – Noon-8:00 pm, Sunday, May 20 – Noon-5:00 pm. (Special event times vary – see listings below)

From Studio Six: “Studio Six is a one-of-a-kind video production house located in the heart of the famed Northeast Minneapolis Arts District. Inside its walls you’ll find a collective of multiple Emmy-winning producers, directors, DP’s and editors, as well as artists, weirdos and creative misfits. In late 2017, members of Studio Six took control of the building and of cable station MCN6, which is the largest non-profit, non-publicly funded cable channel in the country — reaching 1.8 million viewers in the Twin Cities area. For 30 years, MCN6 sustained itself through partnerships with public access producers, which truly only scratched the surface of its potential. In 2018 and beyond, Studio Six is dedicated to creating thought-provoking, boundary-pushing content through television development; benefitting the community through programming and collaborations; expanding technological capabilities and space for creatives; and producing client-driven content to create revenue streams that sustain and enhance their mission.”

Activities throughout the weekend:

– Pop-Up Art Gallery featuring works by visual artists Michael Thomsen (mixed media), Caitlin Karolczak (painting), Scott Seekins (painting), Lori Erickson (painting), Isaac Kidder (mixed media), Todd Cameron (glassblowing), Andrew Thompson (glassblowing), Jeff Sorensen (glassblowing), Asa Hoyt (metalworking) and more to be announced.

– Short film screenings from local, independent filmmakers, as well as work from the Studio Six collective. Featuring work from Damian Kussian, E.G. Bailey, Michael Thomsen, Phil Harder and other renowned local filmmakers.

– Kids art activity with Mindful Art Exploration Inc. Create your own art with paint, paper, yarn or leather supplies and take it home with you! Mindful Art Exploration seeks to encourage children to explore art and creativity through exploration events as well as workshops throughout the Twin Cities. ($5 suggested donation per project)

– Take your pic in front of the Studio Six photo backdrop, created by assemblage artist and filmmaker, Michael Thomsen.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Friday, May 18 Studio Six & Profession Confession Comedy Party, 7pm to 10pm / Free (Mature content, not kid-friendly). Stop in for some laughs with a side of art at Studio Six, curated by CityPages 2018 BEST PODCAST winner and iTunes top 200 charting podcast “Profession Confession” with Gabe Noah. This adult-oriented experience will include pop-up performances of standup, oddities and questionable taste, capped off with a live taping of “Profession Confession.” The taping will feature a panel of guests (both old and new) who will be subject to the cast’s repertoire of cringeworthy questions, inappropriate jokes and impromptu audience questions.

Saturday, May 19: Live Music in the Studio 2pm to 4pm / Free Local bands including jazz-rock fusion purveyors, Tortuga (2-3pm) and punk rockers Ahem (3:30 – 4pm). More .

Saturday, May 19 Cock E.S.P. Retrospective Fashion Show & Performance In the parking lot / Late afternoon (TBD) / Free. Since 1993 Minneapolis-based noise/performance art group Cock E.S.P. has confused, shocked, amused, annoyed and inspired. Through brief and chaotic live vignettes, the troupe has arguably achieved the ultimate cocktail of punk rock spirit, avant garde artistry and cutting edge fashion.

Unfortunately as a result of the nature of their shows, costumes which have taken days or weeks to create tend to be ripped apart on stage in seconds with little more than blurry phone photo snapshots or dim and shaky video footage to document them. This retrospective fashion show and performance art piece will offer a rare chance to appreciate some of Cock E.S.P.’s wonderful stage wear — intact and in broad daylight. Featuring both original costumes as well as newly re-worked creations inspired by the 25-year history of Cock E.S.P.