Minneapolis Art Fairs

By Lisa August 5th, 2013

Its summer and besides the season of road construction it is also the season of art fairs.  My husband and I spent Saturday strolling around Loring Park and perusing the multitude of amazing pieces.  I have a creative job and I love using the right side of my brain but if it weren’t for CAD drawings they would never come to life.  The talent these people have staggers, impresses and slightly intimidates me!

I had recently read an article in HERLIFE magazine suggesting ways to include original art in your home.  The author mentions art fairs as a place to find emerging artists with pieces that are well priced.  Well I’ve been to art fairs where the prices still were out of my range but I have to say that at Loring this year I did find some really good deals.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Near and Far Photography:   James Rudolph takes fabulous photographs of Twin Cities and Minnesota landmarks.  I was looking for a specific location and when I asked him if he had photographed that area he replied that he had not but would before the next fair and would let me know!  It is just great to speak directly to the artist – who knows what wish may come true!  Check out his website at www.nearandfarphotography.com.

Warm Glass Transitions:  Irene Sherman creates some neat art glass pieces ranging from usable tableware to wearable art to display pieces.  One of my favorites has both a keyboard and a guitar and since my two sons play piano and guitar together I loved this!  She can be found at www.warmglasstransitions.com.

Patrick J’s Imagination:  Patrick Plautz is one of those artists whose philosophy seems to drive his ouput.  They are beautiful works of wood, both furniture and cabinetry.  The wood speaks in each piece and makes you want to touch them.  Really neat!  You can’t touch, but you can see at www.patrickjsimagination.com.

Kwang Cha: Kwang Cha Brown is a multimedia artist that had beautiful oil paintings on display.  Most were studies in flowers that grow in her garden and she had stories about all of them.  Childhood memories, her daughter’s favorite, why she planted what she planted (so she could paint it, usually!); all provided a story for the art that made it personal.  Ultimately, I had to buy one!  Her website is www.ccagallery.com.