Inaugural NoLo Art Fair Debuts December 4-5
A North Loop pottery artist is launching a new art fair featuring 20 metro-area artists for its inaugural event. The North Loop Art Fair will benefit Art from the Inside, a non-profit started by a retired Stillwater prison guard that features art created by inmates.
“One of the things I love about the North Loop is that people are very friendly and connected, and an event like this provides another space for that connection,” said Lori Burks, who approached Jason Vogel, owner of Itasca Wine and Spirits, with the idea.
Vogel’s liquor store has an event space in the back. “He was all in,” said Burks, “It all came together smoothly, as if it was meant to be.” Itasca Wine and Spirits will host wine tastings for visitors to enjoy while they browse the artists’ works in the event space.
There are currently 15 artists confirmed for the Art Fair, ranging from photographers, painters, jewelers, woodworkers and ceramic artists. “There will be a wide price range of art to choose from,” said Burks, “making it a great spot to buy holiday gifts.”
A charcuterie board from woodworker Taliesin Nyala, www.hungryworker.com.
Artist Jay Stuhr is inspired by travel and bright colors. Follow on Instagram @art.by.jaystuhr
Art from the Inside
Two of the artists come from Art from the Inside, a non-profit featuring art from people formerly or currently incarcerated. Jaik Elliott served his time and now has his own art business where he creates painted canvasses, clothing, furniture and also does commissions. Attorney General Keith Ellison commissioned Elliott to do a painting of Harriet Tubman, which now hangs in Ellison’s office at the State Capitol.
An example of Jaik Elliott’s art. Elliott often blends coffee with watercolors for a richer, deeper look.
Lennel Martin, who is currently serving time, will also have a booth at the fair, staffed by his mother. Martin creates “graphic drawings and realistic, intricate portraiture,” explained Burks.
Antonio Espinosa is a retired Stillwater Prison corrections officer who started Art from the Inside with his wife Jessica. When Espinosa’s friend and colleague was killed by an inmate in 2018, Espinosa wanted to create a way for the prison community to heal. What began as bringing outside educational and cultural events to the prison has now evolved to hosting exhibits featuring incarcerated artists’ work on the outside.
“Art gives people a way to reclaim their story. It turns pain into purpose, and isolation into connection,” said Espinosa.
Art from the Inside will have a booth at the fair, and all artist entry fees will be donated to the organization.
As of this writing, there are five more artist spaces available. The $50 entry fee covers both evenings of the fair. Interested artists can send an e-mail to NoLoArtFair@gmail.com.
The North Loop Art Fair runs Dec. 4 and 5 from 4 to 8pm at the Itasca Event Center, 706 N. 1st St. The event is free to attend.
By Mary Binkley, NLNA volunteer