From Thursday, February 27, to Saturday, March 1, the Northrup King Building in Minneapolis will transform into a cultural hub celebrating the power and resilience of Black artists. For the Love of Blaq Art isn’t just an art exhibit—it’s an experience, a moment to honor and reflect on the dynamic creativity that thrives in the heart of the Twin Cities’ Black community.
The event kicks off on Thursday, February 27, with an evening of poetry designed to stir the soul. Headlined by A.E. Wynter, a Jerome Hill Artist Fellow (2024–2028), the poetry session will also feature Junauda Petrus, Minneapolis Poet Laureate; Ka’Ori Sun, Go Back & Fetch It Fellow; Kira, also a Go Back & Fetch It Fellow; and SeanGarrison, a writer and abstract painter. His unique voice as both a poet and visual artist adds an additional layer to the event. The night will transport attendees through the power of words, setting the stage for the weekend ahead.
Poetry Session Details
On Thursday evening, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.), these talented poets will share their raw, authentic voices. A.E. Wynter will captivate the audience with poetry that blends personal experience, social commentary, and poetic brilliance. Tickets for the poetry session are available for $20, and this intimate experience is sure to leave an indelible mark on all who attend. You can purchase tickets here: https://seangarrisonartist.ticketspice.com/fore-the-love-of-blaq-art-poetry.
The Exhibit Opens: Celebrating Black Artistic Vision
The exhibit officially opens on Thursday, February 28, showcasing the remarkable works of five visionary artists: seangarrison, Andrew Hammond, Karen Caldwell, Beverly Tipton-Hammond, and Jorie Engstrom. These artists, whose work resides in the Northrup King Building, invite you into their world through art that speaks to culture, resilience, and the strength of Black identity. Their work—ranging from thought-provoking portraits to mixed-media pieces—exemplifies storytelling at its finest, with each piece reflecting the artist’s experience and vision.
Gallery hours for the exhibit will be Friday, March 1, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., and Saturday, March 2, from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. The exhibit will run until March 8, giving attendees ample time to immerse themselves in the works of local artists who continue to redefine the narrative of Black art in the Twin Cities.
Art and Poetry: An Unbreakable Bond
For the Love of Blaq Art is a testament to the inseparable bond between poetry and visual art. Together, these forms create a powerful narrative, amplifying the voices of Black artists and poets who have long shaped the cultural landscape. This event underscores the vital role that art plays in community building, storytelling, and cultural preservation.
This is a one-of-a-kind experience—an opportunity to witness art that reflects the vibrancy of our community and hear poetry that speaks directly to the heart of Black life. For the Love of Blaq Art is not just an event; it is a movement, a celebration, and a call to honor the legacy of Black artists past and present.