30,000 Pounds of Art

by Bob McClain

One of the most wonderful things about the world of art is the magically human characters that populate it. The last time I was at the Art Attack, there was an older gentleman wandering about the Northrup King building wearing a black beret, a black turtleneck sweater, sporting a goatee, and a much younger woman on his arm. A walking, talking cliché and he was only one of the wonderfully diverse crowd excitedly enjoying this once a year art affair.

The Art Attack returns this year on November 5th, 6th, and 7th. If you’re only interested in the art and prefer a quieter environment to study the various works and discuss them with the artist, I recommend Saturday the 6th or Sunday the 7th. There is also the option of beating the crowds with “First Thursday” on November 4th from 5pm until 9pm. If, on the other hand, you find interesting people and a good party as entertaining as the art itself, you’ll join me from 5:30 pm until 9:30pm on Friday night.

Friday night is special because most of the artists have been struggling hard to get new works finished for the show.  They’re ready to party. Many of them have friends and family around them, the wine will flow, cheese, fruit and crackers will be spread, and at least thirty stereos will entertain with everything from jazz to bluegrass. In addition, there are often live bands playing in the halls or in some of the studios.

This year, you can look forward to a splendid mix of painters, sculptors, photographers, metal, music, drawing, mixed media, multimedia, ceramists, printmakers, fiber artists, furniture designers, antique dealers, custom jewelers, and glass artists. I have gotten to know many of them through the Art Attack and my house has become a veritable gallery of their works. There is also, of course, the Project for Pride in Living store (PPL Shop) on the eastern end of the building. They are usually open for business during the Art Attack and offer unusual products from around the world in addition to their donated office furniture. The PPL Shop is a non-profit community service organization and a story in itself. A terrific combination of good deals and good deeds as my home office will attest.

Another reason to attend the Art Attack is the wonderful old Northrup King building itself. The building was constructed in 1917 by the Northrup King & Co. seed company. Sold in the 1980’s, it was converted into a creative center and rented to over 100 artists and 35 entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations. Almost a hundred years of hard working occupants and indifferent care have created a wonderful amalgam of weathered wood and concrete.

The Art Attack runs:

Friday, November 5th from 5:30pm until 9:30pm,

Saturday, November 6th from 12 until 5pm,

and Sunday, November 7th from 12 until they throw everyone out at 4pm.

For more information, click here.

Bob McClain is a local writer with ARTSNATION, The WaZoo! Show and Twin Cities Dining Guide. You can find out more about Bob at www.wordsmithbob.com and he can be reached at info@wordsmithbob.com or 612-226-7667.