Burbfest Celebration Brings Summertime Joy
On Saturday, July 15th, the North Suburban Center for the Arts hosted Burbfest—our annual (& artsy) open house! Each summer, the art center invites community members to get creative and connect through a variety of activities, including crafts, live music, and collaborative mural painting.
For the event, the NSCA collaborated with several local partners. Emily Jensen of Wonderloon Party Co. brought colorful whimsy to the event with a balloon garland inspired by the NSCA’s rainbow palette.
Additionally, Coon Rapids-based taproom and brewery Alloy Brewing Company poured refreshing brews, including favorites like Orange Creamsicle and Blueberry Lime Laser Lips.
Twin Cities comedian turned ice cream vendor Maggie Faris served up nostalgia with her new business Extreme Ice Cream, which turned from dream to reality in May 2023. Push pop, anyone?
Local musicians played a vibey jazz set on the outdoor stage. Connor Bahauddin played keyboard alongside Jack Sonnabend on guitar and Chet Goldsberry-Hill on bass.
Outside of the art center, activities like beaded bracelets, community mural painting, face painting, and yard games provided fun for all ages while music filled the air.
Burbfest also marked opening day of the art center’s latest exhibition, a youth-focused show titled Mega(mini)sota. Featuring artwork from kids and teens 18 and under, the exhibition highlights Minnesota’s rising generation of artists with work ranging from a light up tree house to whimsical portraiture. Artist statements accompany nearly every piece, allowing visitors to have a better idea of each artist’s goals and process. One artist remarks: “These are rocks that are alive and painted.”
The exhibition is on view until September 10th, so visitors can go see and experience the artworks included in the show for the remainder of summer. The art center is open Fridays 10am-4pm and on weekends from 12pm-4pm. There is no entry fee.
Plus, special guest Rory, mascot for Minnesota’s women’s soccer club, Minnesota Aurora, stopped in to say hi, check out the show, and shop our newest additions to the makers market. Her favorites included a State Fair-inspired tee from Sweetpea & Co. and a groovy vase from Sidecar Ceramics.
P.S. You can shop these items (and more) 24/7 on our online shop! Or, stop in during open hours to shop!
Save the date! We invite you to join us next year for Burbfest on Saturday, July 13th! This is a free event, suited for all ages, because here at the NSCA we believe everyone’s an artist—no matter what!
Photography: Nina Perkins
Be sure to follow the NSCA on Instagram (@northsuburbanarts) and Facebook for more updates on community events, programs, and more!
To help the NSCA continue to offer accessible creative programs to the greater Twin Cities community, please consider donating to our organization.
Your support makes our work possible and keeps the arts alive in our local communities.