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Americana-loving portrait artist Stephanie Guidera has had her sights set on Lowertown since she was a teenager, and last year she took root in the community that inspired her. Her poignant yet inviting works depict real people in real situations; some haunting, some tinged with humor. We caught up with Stephanie this week to talk about her work, the Lowertown vibe, and what’s to come during the spring Art Crawl, happening this weekend, April 29th-May 1st.

How long have you been working in Lowertown and why were you drawn to the area initially?

I wanted to live/work in Lowertown since I was in high school and attended my first Art Crawl. I was initially in drawn to the architecture and layout of the individual studios. Also seeing the quality of work and community of artists was immediately something I was interested in. I’ve been living here over a year now, and love the location and vibe of the community – especially in the spring and summer!

How would you describe your work? What is your creative process?

My work revolves around the human form. Mostly, I do expressive portraits that illustrate contemporary life in America. In the past, my work has been very influenced by international travel. Since I graduated college, I haven’t been able to travel quite as much, and have turned my focus on America – the values and images of the culture. My current body of work is focused on illustrating stereotypes found in American culture. For these, I have chosen to have the composition (and sometimes pose) taken from formal portraits of art history. For example, a pose used to show Napoleon’s grandeur and power is used to show what I call “The Tool,” a joke of masculinity. The concepts keep me quite interested and my painting style – a sort of mix between realism and expressionism – keeps me challenged.

What do you have lined up for the Art Crawl? What can people expect to see at your studio?

I have quite a few new pieces from the above mentioned series that haven’t been seen before (except online). My roommate, Genevieve Mariani, will also be showing her wonderful watercolor illustrations. Together, we have quite a few pieces to show, so come with thirsty eyes!

What other artists or events are you excited about this art crawl?

One of the downfalls to showing your work in the crawl is that you don’t necessarily get a chance to check out others’ studios! I know my fellow Tilsner-ites will have great things on display. I also would always make sure to head next door to the Northern Warehouse. A to Z Gallery has a great variety, and make sure you go upstairs and visit the artists’ studios!

How do you see the area evolving over the next few years?

I think that the growth in terms of the light rail and a possible ball park could be really good things for Lowertown. As a community I think it’s getting there. With more shops, eateries and resources in Lowertown itself, it could be amped up to a new level. Downtown St Paul and Lowertown seem to have a bit of a divide as far as what kind of a city we want to be. Minneapolis has the night life sorted – so what about St Paul? Bringing more people down here could really help Lowertown become more of a destination. However, this may result in a loss of it’s small authentic feel. The gears are already in motion, so time will only tell what becomes of it!

For more info on Stephanie visit her site at www.stephguidera.com

For more info on the St. Paul Art Crawl visit www.stpaulartcrawl.com

Artist Tracy Olson a.k.a. T.Young has been proving her artistic chops in the Lowertown Art District since ye olde 2008. An artist whose work is one part abstract and one part tangible, the colorful infusions and urban landscapes she creates are a representation of a contemporary artist living in the city. Stop into Tracy’s studio in the Jax Building (studio 204) during the St. Paul Art Crawl, happening this weekend, April 29th-May 1st and get an eyeful!

We caught up with Tracy this week to talk about her art, Lowertown, and more…

How long have you been working in Lowertown and why were you drawn to the area initially?

In February 2008 I saw an ad for studio space for rent at the JAX Building. The minute that I walked into studio 204 I fell in love with the space. At that time I was one of four other artists there. I actually use the space as a gallery I have an in-home studio that I work from. I now share 204 with Tom Dunn a local photographer that I’ve known for many years. We both participate in Art Crawl and the ongoing monthly event Lowertown First Friday. The draw to Lowertown is a magic one for me. When I walk around Lowertown, I get the feeling of a close community. I feel really at home when I’m there.

How would you describe your work? What is your creative process?

My work is abstract in form using color as my texture and expression. I am generally inspired by the things I see and hear in my daily life. Music is also a very important part of my art process as I believe both create an atmosphere for me to express my thoughts from my minds eye to paper or canvas. I most often title much of my art after tidbits of conversation that I may have heard or a line in a song that strikes a particular chord (pardon the pun) with me.

What do you have lined up for the Art Crawl? What can people expect to see at your studio?

Well I like to entertain so this is my shining moment for that. Visitors will see a lot of art – I hang salon style so it’s pretty much a floor to ceiling explosion of color and movement. I have some new work that I am really excited about. There is paper, ink, oil pastel, acrylic paint and beeswax involved. Tom Dunn will be exhibiting new images from his Saint Paul collection. We also have a really fabulous musician that will be performing on Friday night for our opening reception. Chris Schuette who is a local piano player, composer and overall really funny and nice guy! It’s pretty rare these days that he performs past the doors of his studio so we are excited and honored that he’ll be entertaining us on Friday evening.

What other artists or events are you excited about this art crawl?

Unfortunately I won’t get a chance to get past the JAX doors this whole weekend (except to go home and sleep : ) to see other artists or events. I do plan to take some time to visit many of the JAX Building artists though. I am REALLY excited about this as this is a rare opportunity to get to say hi and chat with fellow artists. I am also looking forward to hang out an browse through the art of Malcolm Myers in Studio 304. Mr. Myers was a Professor of Studio Art at the U of M. He passed away in 2002. Only two times a year is his space at the JAX open, and that’s for spring and fall Art Crawl. I love to look at his work that spans about 60 years. And the best thing is they are for sale, one day I will own a piece of his art. The JAX also has some several new artists that I’m really excited to meet. There are five floors and 19 plus artists that will have their studios open at the JAX for the spring Art Crawl.

How do you see the area evolving over the next few years?

That’s a tough question – I see the area evolving and that’s pretty prevalent with the Light Rail construction and that excites me. As to the direction, I believe that the Lowertown area will continue to be an important hub for the arts community. As with anything, growth produces a change and sometimes change can be awkward and uncomfortable, that’s because there is an element of the unknown. I believe in going with the flow and I think the flow will be awesome!

For more info on the Saint Paul Art Crawl, running April 29th-May 1st, visit www.stpaulartcrawl.com.

For more info on Tracy Olson’s art visit www.tyoung.info.

Love the work of Lowertown favorite David Witt a.k.a. DWITT? Well, look no further than his brand new Big Cartel shop, where you can snap up a smattering of awesome art prints, posters, and original paintings. The DWITT Market is open for business, and you can use the coupon code SPRING11 at checkout to get 15% off your entire purchase through April 15th. Keep watching the DWITT Market for new prints exclusive to the shop.

Click HERE to shop online!

Make your way over to Nicademus art in St. Paul Saturday evening for the hip gallery’s first exhibit of 2011. Sure to be a pop culture-riddled, colorful affair, artists Biafra Inc. and Chris Williams takes over the gallery/frameshop’s walls, creating a vivid respite to our otherwise cold, gray situation. The collection of collaborative works stem from current projects from each artist that were then swapped and reimagined by the other, resulting in graffiti-centric, design-heavy eye-candy. Looking for an easy way to cancel out your Seasonal Affective Disorder? Look no further than Nicademus. The reception runs from 7-10pm and is free and open to the public. The exhibit runs through February. For more info visit www.nicademusart.com.

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It’s officially blanket season, and what better to kick it off than with an trip to the historic James J. Hill House for the new Contemporary Art Quilt exhibit. Opening this Saturday, October 2nd, you’ll be pulled into a time when quilt-making was a tradition, and finished pieces were treasured as family heirlooms.

In the new exhibit, you’ll see a range of contemporary quilts, from new school to 18th-century. The Minnesota Historical Society will pluck a handful of quilts from its collection of more than 350 to show off, while local quilt artists who’ve been working in Minnesota for the past 25 years will also present their work. The exhibit includes a special landscape piece made by  Thomas Myers in the 1930s. Myers was best known for building the Douglas Lodge at Itasca State Park but apparently his side-hobby of quilting proved quite unique in its style. In this exhibit expect to see unusual and colorful examples of creative quilting at its best. And who knows? You might even be inspired to try quilting yourself. Sounds like a great winter project to us!

Bonus: You’re already there, so why not take a spin around the grounds of the historic Hill House, a gorgeous manse with plenty of marvelous nooks and crannies to explore.

The exhibit opens this Saturday, Oct 2nd and runs through Jan 22nd. For more information click HERE.

10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. tours; gallery 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fee: Included in regular tour admission of $8 adults, $6 seniors and college students, $5 ages 6-17. Gallery admission alone $2. Free for MHS members.

It’s an arty party in Saint Paul! From Grand Ave to Lowertown to Midway, our fair city has lots to look at and appreciate this weekend. Want to make an evening of it? Check out our handy-dandy itineraries below!

Friday, August 27th

Beneath the Surface Closing Party

7-10pm / Free

Rhea Pappas Photo Studio / Northern Warehouse, 308 Prince St., Studio #411

The photography of one Rhea Pappas always takes our breath away – and not just because her subjects are submerged under water. The young shutterbug has made major “waves” in the art scene this year, showing her work in multiple locales and being accepted to the State Fair’s Fine Arts Competition. Her current body of work Beneath the Surface was displayed at the Icebox Gallery in Northeast Minneapolis over Art-A-Whirl. And for those of you who didn’t have the chance to cross the river this May, Pappas is offering a chance for you to peep the goods at her Lowertown studio this Friday – an unofficial “closing” party, if you will. Check out Pappas’ ethereally submerged lovelies and her ghostly, abstract light-play, meet the artist herself, sip some refreshments, nibble some apps and even tap your toes to live music a la Sarah Cotner. Click HERE to read an interview we did with Rhea earlier this year.

What to do after: After checkin’ out the art, pop into the Black Dog Cafe for a glass of vino and live music from the Fantastic Merlins. Or stroll a couple blocks down to Barrio and try one of their awesome margaritas and perhaps a couple happy hour tacos!

Friday, August 27th

Well Done Closing Party

7-11pm / Free

Nicademus Art / 225 N. Snelling Avenue

Burlesque of North America’s small but famed group of collaborators have whipped up beautifully designed posters for cool bands the world over and have sold their limited edition art prints far and wide. And what’s that you say? They’re based out of the Twin Cities? Yep, it’s true. And even if you didn’t make it to last month’s opening reception and BBQ, you’ve been granted one last chance tonight. Well Done is a collection of the collective’s favorite pieces, many of them in alternate color palettes than their original designs — making the prints on display truly one-of-a-kind. What’s more, is that the group has created a huge wallpaper installation in the gallery and will be selling off “wallpaper packets” to those interested in jazzing up their own abode.

What to do after: Jaunt on over to the nearby Turf Club to take in live tunes from Vaz (comprised of founding members of legendary local noise rock group, Hammerhead). Or for something less loud, make your way to the Blue Door Pub on Selby, a joint widely heralded for its perfect Juicy Lucy burger.

Friday, August 27th-Saturday, August 28th

Tri-Art Acrylic Event

10am-8pm Fri / 10am-6pm Sat / Free

Wet Paint / 1684 Grand Avenue

Okay, so this isn’t an art opening, but hey, we figure after all the above shenanigans you might be inspired to create art yourself! Head down to Grand Avenue’s staple art supply store, Wet Paint, for a weekend sale and some fun art-play! The shop will be offering a whopping 60% discount on Canadian-made, high-pigment acrylic paint line, Tri-Art. And Reps from the Jack Richeson Company (US distributor for Tri-Art) will demo the Tri-Art range and answer any questions you have about the line. They will also have samples of each of the Tri-Art paint lines found at Wet Paint on hand so you can test them out yourself – and you can forget doodling on little sheets of paper – this weekend’s even invites you to try out the wide range of products on a huge 5′x’10 canvas easel. Painters of all ages and skill levels are welcome. So, get inspired, grab some heavily-discounted supplies from Wet Paint and put your creativity to work!

What to do after: Since you’ll likely need some replenishing after a day of artsy shopping, stroll up the block to the Coffee News Cafe, a cozy spot that offers a great menu of sandwiches and soups…and yes, coffee. Or check out the Shish Cafe, where you can snack on Mediterranean delights and baked goods. Don’t forget to stop into some of the cute boutiques in the area while you’re at it!

It’s hard to imagine that Summer is almost over, but the silver lining is always the Minnesota State Fair! Enjoy the tail end of August with a few hundred thousand of your closest personal friends at the great Minnesota Get Together this year. The 651 will be bringing you our favorite tidbits previewing this year’s fair throughout the week, so stay tuned for entertainment picks, food picks, and more. The Fair starts on Thursday, August 26th and runs through Labor Day. Today’s bit will talk about the Fine Arts Building, one of my personal favorites!

Each year, thousands of Minnesota artists submit their work to the State Fair Fine Arts Competition, and only a little under 400 make the cut. The sprawling building on the corner of Randall & Cosgrove houses these fantastic works for the duration of the Fair, inviting all to take in the talent of our creative community. What’s different and more exciting about the annual competition, is that the works are selected from all over the state – from small towners to city slickers. Next to a modern, abstract work by a Northeast Minneapolis artist you may find a detailed country landscape created by someone from Owattona — the possibilities are pretty much endless. The Fine Arts Building is a mixed bag, and that’s just how we like it! See sculpture, painting, textiles, photography, drawing and oh-so much more in this unconventional, yet highly respected annual exhibit.

2010 State Fair commemorative art by Deborah Voyda Rogers

One of our favorite things? Watching all the pronto pup-eating looky-lous experiencing and talking about art. It’s a very rare thing to get so many eyes on such a plethora of local work, and we expect a number of those people end up being inspired to create or seek out more art on their own, away from the Fair. And that’s a wonderful thing! Bring your family, friends, and significant others to check it out — a little visual stimulation never hurt anyone (especially when you can bring your cheese curds into the gallery!).

BONUS:  Attention artists: The Fair hasn’t even kicked off yet, but the organization is already putting out a submission call for the 2011 Commemorative Art piece (the art that will rep the Fair throughout all the land next year!). The final piece should be the artist’s visual interpretation of the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Attend this year’s State Fair for inspiration. Application deadline is Friday, Oct. 1, 2010 by 3:30pm.

We’re kind of in love with whoever concepted and implemented the artist-friendly mecca on University Avenue that includes the Carleton Place Artist Lofts and its newest addition, Lyric Living. The Lyric also includes an actual performance space where we’re sure we’ll see more and more great events popping up. This weekend, however, you can get a taste for the Lyric by checking out A Night of Art and Burlesque brought to you by Urban Arts, a local instigator of performance-based art forms.

The evening will include a wide variety of work by over 30 visual artists of numerous mediums, as well as the resurgence of Burlesque troupe, Dr. Farrango’s Burlesque Theater, who have been on a break for the past couple of years. See saucy burlesque babes shimmy and shake amid awesome art in four 20-minute programs, presented variety-show style. Expect lots of glitz, glam, sequins, feathers, and possibly pasties as these gals perform the age old art of classic strip tease entertainment for an appreciative audience. One thing we especially love about burlesque are the costumes: beautifully made, sultry, and almost always sparkly – these custom-made garments (with easy tear-away access, of course) are art pieces themselves.

Also included in the night? Living sculptures including pin-up girls, mermaids, and more, plus live music, ice cold bevies and lots of pretty people. Come check out the Lyric space, and while you’re there, grab a brochure on their super-reasonably priced luxury apartments. We SO want to live there!

The event runs from 7pm-1am on Saturday, August 14th; burlesque showtimes are at 9:30pm, 10:30pm, 11:30pm, and 12:30pm. For more infomation call 763-229-7722 or visit www.UrbanArts-tc.com.

Lyric Living at Carleton Place, 765 Hamden Avenue South, St. Paul.

If you ask us, one of the coolest things to happen in Minnesota this past year was the inception of local arts-focused public television program, MN Original. Each episode focuses on a few Minnesota artists of any and all genres, mediums and career levels, making the title “MN Original” a truly accurate statement. Dancers, painters, sculptors, musicians, photographers, actors, designers — the list goes on and on. If you’ve yet to catch this dynamic and fascinating new program on the MN Channel or TPT Life don’t fret, you can watch each and every episode online on the MN Original website. And we certainly do recommend that you catch up on those missed eps, before this Friday!

To celebrate the successful launch of the series — which began airing in April of this year — the MN Original crew is throwing an all-out bash in Downtown St. Paul’s lovely Mears Park. What does this mean for you? Well, aside from one helluva good time it means free live music, art activities, food and drink and most likely the chance to immortalize yourself on film in some way, shape or form.

You’ll enjoy live music from local artists who have been featured on the show including the sweet, folksy toe-tappin’ tunes of Caroline Smith and the Goodnight Sleeps; the hipshakin’ sounds of renowned Latin jazz pianist, Nachito Herrera; the rotating-door jam sessioneers of the Mad Ripple Hootenanny. DJ Scott Stulen (who also just happens to be the director of mnartists.org!) flips wax between band sets and Suicide Commandos front man Chris Osgood (Who just so happens to be a major arts leader around these here parts!) emcees the evening.

Also on the bill is a drawing club with mnartists.org and local artists Calpurnia Peach, Andy Ducett, Doug Padilla, Mary Griep (materials provided), plus musicians and local artists selling their wares in the park, food for sale from Barrio, and remarks from MN Original executive producer, Dianne Steinbach.

MN Original’s Party in the Park happens on Friday, July 23rd in Mears Park in downtown St. Paul bordering 5th St., 6th St., Sibley, and Wacouta. The event is from 5-8pm and is free and open to the public – rain or shine. For more info visit www.mnoriginal.com.

Episodes of mn original air Thursdays at 7:30pm, on tpt2, with additional broadcasts statewide on the MN Channel and TPT Life.

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No, these boys don’t wear pasties and tassels — they are the nationally renowned screen print collective more formally known as Burlesque of North America! The small but famed group of collaborators have whipped up beautifully designed posters for cool bands the world over and have sold their limited edition art prints far and wide. And what’s that you say? They’re based out of the Twin Cities? Yep, it’s true. And this Saturday, St. Paul’s Nicademus Art and Framing is letting the group loose on their gallery walls for a new exhibit entitled Well Done.

But before you pigeon hole Burlesque as simply a talented group of “artists” think again. They have their fingers in just about every creative facet of the local arts community from music to art curating to event production. The arty smarties are the masters of their own space over in ye olde Northeast Minneapolis, with a full on screen printing empire as well as a brand spankin’ new gallery space entitled CO Exhibitions. They also regularly engage local music aficionados with hot n’ heavy DJ nights all over the cities, even putting out their own mix CDs and vinyl from time to time. How cool is that?

The show at Nicademus, which opens this Saturday and runs through August 28th, is a collection of the collective’s favorite pieces, many of them in alternate color palettes than their original designs — making the prints on display truly one-of-a-kind. Also on task for Saturday’s opening party is a BBQ behind the gallery for the first couple hours as well as fresh beats doled out by BRLSQOTHEQUE DJs. Art, food, music: the trifecta of awesomeness.

The opening reception for Well Done happens on Saturday, July 24th from 7-11pm and is free and open to the public. The exhibit runs through August 28th. For more information visit www.nicademusart.com. For more info on Burlesque of North America visit www.burlesquedesign.com.