Spring St. Paul Art Crawl begins April 25

Held over three weekends

By Jake Spitzack | Staff Writer | April 2025

One venue that has picked up considerable steam in recent years is F-O-K Studios at 106 W. Water St. on the West Side. It resides in the historic Farwell, Ozmun, Kirk & Co. factory building that was transformed into artist studios many years ago and recently has been the cornerstone of a new housing district dubbed Farwell-on-Water. During the art crawl, F-O-K visitors will be able to explore three floors of artist studios and a gallery space, getting the chance to meet more than 50 resident and guest artists who specialize in everything from painting to ceramics, photography to woodworking, and much more. Musicians will perform on the third-floor stage every day, starting with Ken Takata Ensemble, 6-7 p.m., and Nathan Hanson Trio, 8-9 p.m. Additionally, the Egg Roll Queen food truck will be onsite all weekend and Boca Chica will be providing free chips, salsa and guacamole beginning Saturday at noon. Complimentary sparkling water, coffee and other drinks will be served, and free parking is available during the event in the FOK building lot and the adjacent All Inc. lot. Hours are 5-9 p.m., Friday; noon-8 p.m., Saturday; and noon-5 p.m., Sunday.

“The West Side is such a vibrant community,” said F-O-K site coordinator Christy Dickinson, noting that the art community there is sometimes overshadowed by the Lowertown art district in downtown St. Paul. “I love its history. The immigrants that are here and how it’s really a great multicultural community…. It’s growing, and it’s great to see all the residential and other developments that are happening and bringing a new light and new energy. I think it’s the next great place to be.”

Dickinson has been an artist in the St. Paul area for more than 30 years and has had a studio at the building for more than two. She’s an abstract painter who creates large pieces ranging from 6- to 30-square-feet and will be premiering 10 works during the art crawl. She was quick to credit Buhl Investors – the developers of the Farwell-on-Water district – with centering their development around artists, and said it’s the most supportive artists community she’s been a part of, having a good mixture of new and established artists. Among them are the historic Old Town artists, a group that originally was in Lowertown but moved to F-O-K when their buildings were converted to residential use. In addition to upgrading the FOK building to create artist studios, education space, a lounge, stage and gallery, Buhl Investors recently created the Harbourline and Essex apartment buildings at Farwell-on-Water.

On the first Friday evening of every month, F-O-K artists curate work in the gallery space and open their studio doors, and musicians take to the stage. Dickinson encourages people to attend the May 2 First Friday to purchase works they saw there during the art crawl and to join the Crawl Afterparty beginning at 9 p.m. and featuring local band Wooly Mac.

“To be able to see working studios is really important because you get to see behind how you typically see an artist,” said Dickinson. “It’s just a great opportunity for people to converse with artists directly and to buy directly from artists and know that 100% of the money is going to the artist…. You can get some really great pieces and it’s a really great way to build or start a collection.” She added that she’s in discussions with some Lowertown sites who also want to start hosting First Friday events.

Holding the art crawl across multiple weekends allows artists to support their fellow creators in other areas of the city and makes it possible for the public to visit more districts rather than choosing one or two. This will be the first Crawl that F-O-K will compete with other larger venues in Ward 2, including Schmidt Artist Lofts on West Seventh Street and a handful of sites in Lowertown.

For a full lineup of performances, visit fokcreatives.square.site.

Art Crawl venues

Here is a list of all participating sites. All venues were given multiple chances to provide details, and information was accurate as of press time. The art crawl has been organized by the St. Paul Art Collective since 1977. For more information, visit stpaulartcollective.org.

Art Crawl: Ward 2
Art of Counseling, 275 4th St. E.; April 25, 5-10 p.m., and April 26, noon-8 p.m. Twelve artists displaying paintings, photography, chalk pastel, ink, encaustic art, fiber arts, wall hangings, sculpture, assemblage and more. “Reflections of the Self: Art and Inner Harmony” art show in Suite #301. The site also features a rummage sale by artists, featuring artwork, handmade goods, art supplies, used studio gear, books and more.

Burl Gallery, 308 E. Prince St.; April 25, 6-10 p.m.; April 26, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; and April 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. “KALEIDOSCOPE II” exhibit featuring 70 pieces of art created by 70 local artists. Free admission. Artist celebration reception held 5-8 p.m., April 26.

Calendula Gallery, 275 E. 4th St.; April 25, 6-9 p.m.; April 26, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; and April 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Discover the work of 23 artists displaying paintings, pottery, mixed media, woodwork, photography and digital art in the gallery and neighboring dining hall.

Erta Ale, 308 E. Prince St.; April 25, 6-9 p.m.; April 26, noon-9 p.m.; and April 27, noon-6 p.m. This Ethiopian restaurant will display paintings by two Ethiopian born artists.

F-O-K Studios, 106 W. Water St.; April 25, 5-9 p.m.; April 26, noon-8 p.m.; and April 27, noon-5 p.m. More than 50 artists showcasing paintings, jewelry, sculptures, mixed media, photography and more, from open studios and gallery space. Live entertainment all three days. Free chips, salsa and guacamole from Boca Chica starting at noon on Saturday, and Egg Roll Queen food truck onsite all weekend. Complimentary refreshments also provided. Free parking available in F-O-K Studios lot and adjacent All Inc. lot. 

Friedli Gallery, 943 W. 7th St.; April 26, noon-7 p.m., and April 27, noon-5 p.m. Five local artists selling paintings, ceramics, textiles, book arts and more. Also includes the gallery’s 4th Annual Book Arts Exhibition. Located one block West of the Schmidt Artist Lofts.

Lost Fox, 213 4th St. E.; April 25-26, 8 a.m.-1 a.m., and April 27, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. This coffee shop, restaurant and bar will feature works of two artists, and possibly live music.

Lowertown Lofts Artists Cooperative, floors 3-5, 255 E. Kellogg Blvd.; April 25, 6-10 p.m.; April 26, noon-8 p.m.; and April 27, noon-5 p.m. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, approximately 35 artists will display paintings, ceramics, mixed media, textiles, jewelry, home goods and more from galleries and artist studios. Music and performances will take place. Enter through the alley connecting Wall and Wacouta.

Nine Lives Thrift, 1165 7th St. W.; April 25-26, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and April 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. This thrift shop will display work from two photographers, and offer a live photo shoot 6-8 p.m. on Saturday. Wine available all weekend.

Owl’s Eye Art Collective, 340 N. Sibley St.; April 25, 6-10 p.m.; April 26, noon-8 p.m.; and April 27, noon-5 p.m. Eight artists will showcase printmaking, painting, photography, ceramics and jewelry. Includes opportunities to make your own intaglio print and create a personalized gemstone bracelet. Wine and appetizers on Friday. Entrance is behind the Sibley/4th Street Gold Line Bus stop.

Pig’s Eye Pottery, 1163 7th St. W.; April 25, 5-8 p.m.; April 26, noon-8 p.m.; and April 27, noon-4 p.m. Five artists will show ceramics, painting and jewelry in a gallery. Complimentary refreshments and free street parking.

Schmidt Artist Lofts, 900 7th St. W.; April 25, 6-9 p.m.; April 26, noon-7 p.m.; and April 27, noon-5 p.m. More than 80 artists will show paintings, illustrations, graphic design, collages, printmaking, photography, ceramics, fiber art, jewelry, comic books, children’s books, wood furniture, handmade brooms, botanical displays, dried floral wall art, shadow boxes, suncatchers, candles, magnet art, sand art and more. Art will be across five floors in common areas, galleries and studios, as well as in the tap room and the rooftop atrium. Open Palette live art demonstrations will happen on the rooftop and walk-in dance lessons are offered 1-3 p.m., Saturday. Food trucks will be onsite. Free street parking. Enter at Door 1.

Tilsner Artists Lofts, 300 Broadway St.; April 25, 6-10 p.m.; April 26, noon-8 p.m.; and April 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Twenty artists will showcase mixed media, draping and fashion, paintings and more, from artist studios and hallway spaces. Pop-ups in the back lot of the building, weather permitting. Will host performance artists and offer opportunities for karaoke and open mic sessions throughout the weekend.

Union Depot, 214 4th St. E., April 25, 5-9 p.m.; April 26; 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and April 27, noon-6 p.m. Shop local artists including painters, photographers, mixed media artists, jewelry designers and apothecary creators.

Art Crawl: Wards 1, 3 and 4
E&L Bindery Building, 708 Vandalia St.; May 9, 6-10 p.m., and May 10, noon-8 p.m. Ten artists will display paintings, drawings, photography, bookbindings and stone carvings. E & L Bindery will be open on the first floor with artists, and open studios will be on the third floor. Snacks and beverages available, and a tarot card reader onsite. Park in the lot or on Vandalia Street and enter next to the loading dock.

DOW Gallery, 2242 University Ave. W.; May 9, 5-9 p.m., and May 10, noon-8 p.m. Forty artists will showcase painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, wood working, notecards, and jewelry. Complimentary refreshments. Free parking on the street and in the Wright Building lot. Not handicap accessible.

House of heART 2, 763 Holly Ave.; May 9, 4-9 p.m.; May 10, noon-8 p.m.; and May 11, noon-5 p.m. Find 28 artists displaying paintings, photography, ceramics and mixed media across three floors of an Airbnb home, and outside, weather permitting. Complimentary refreshments and solo music performances throughout the weekend.

Midway Clay, 1708 University Ave. W.; May 9, 4-8 p.m.; May 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; and May 11, noon-5 p.m. More than a dozen artists will showcase ceramics as well as some 2D art from a gallery and studio space. Light refreshments available. Street parking.

Open Art Space, 2147 University Ave. W.; May 9, 6-9 p.m.; May 10, noon-8 p.m.; and May 11, noon-5 p.m. Ten artists in gallery, hallway and studio spaces will showcase wax paintings, photography, collage and mixed media, ceramics, pastel drawing, greeting cards and more. Light refreshments available and a family friendly art activity will be held Saturday and Sunday. Parking in the lot behind the building.

Spatial Effects, 1759 Selby Ave.; May 9, 4-6 p.m.; May 10, noon-6 p.m.; and May 11, noon-5 p.m. Nearly 30 artists in two gallery spaces will display paintings, drawings, photography, stone and metal sculpture, ceramics, glass paintings, mixed media, carved gourds and more. Also showing furniture by Third Street Studios. Refreshments available all days and live music by the Joel Shapira Jazz Trio 2-4 p.m., Saturday.

Springboard for the Arts, 262 University Ave. W.; May 10, noon-4 p.m. More than 40 artists with prints and printmaking art in the first floor community hall and on the front lawn. OG Za Za Pizza Trailer will be onsite and interactive artist led activities from Street Corner Letterpress will take place. Free street parking.

St. Paul Neighborhood Network, 550 Vandalia St.; May 9, 6-8 p.m.; May 10, noon-4 p.m.; and May 11, 1-5 p.m. Short documentary screening from first-time filmmakers on Friday, with food available. Photography, art and storytelling exhibits, including works by 10 youth, on Saturday and Sunday. Park in the lot.

University of Minnesota Goldstein Museum of Design, level 2 of McNeal Hall (room #241), 1985 Buford Ave.; May 9-10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and May 11, noon- 5 p.m. An exhibit featuring historical and contemporary letterpress prints, advertising posters, wood type artifacts and graphic design pieces created using traditional printing techniques. Includes an interactive 2-color block printing installation. The site also has a window exhibit featuring clothing and textiles that use letters and numbers as design elements, reflecting their evolution from rare decorative motifs to bold statements in fashion and branding.

Virginia St. Church, 170 Virginia St., May 9-11. More than 20 artists will exhibit paintings, mosaics, quilting, ceramics, art glass, collages and drawings. Live music by Blues Stratum and other bands, and Liz Zini will play waltzes, tangoes and the chicken dance on her accordion. Food available.

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