Scenes from Northern Spark 2018

Article by Brianna Ojard, Photos by Ryan Ojard

The theme of this year’s Northern Spark, an all-night art festival that lights up Minneapolis with art installations, was “commonality”. A fitting theme for a time in our country that would make you believe that we have more that divides us than we have in common.  But one thing all Minnesotans have in common, whether you are brand new to the state or have lived here your entire life, is an appreciation for nice weather.  And that commonality was evident by the thousands of area residents that came out this weekend to take in a multitude of art exhibits and support our local art scene.

As a first time attendee I wasn’t expecting the experience to be so interactive.  (Northern Spark started in 2011, I can’t believe it took me this long!) Many of the exhibits had some way to interact with the art, but it was still enjoyable for the person that likes to hang back and take things in.  Another thing I wasn’t expecting was how beautiful it was.  I loved the performance of “Smart Wars: Mni Wiconi Alliance” by Wakemup Productions as the sun went down, and then watching the lights of the art exhibits begin to glow as the darkness settled in.  It was also beautiful to see the mix of people all enjoying a shared experience.

I’m glad I finally made it out to Northern Spark.  My first experience definitely won’t be my last.  If you’ve been meaning to partake but haven’t yet, put it on your to-do list for the summer of 2019.