The Upper Minnesota River Meander artists are hosting an online art auction to replace the in-person Meandering event that takes place the first weekend in October. For 16 years, the Meander has showcased the region’s creativity and homegrown, top-quality art and this tradition will continue this year with a virtual event, viewable around the globe. Instead of hopping in a car with friends and following the Minnesota River scenic byway to art studios, Meander participants will be able to interact with 31 local artists by bidding on items starting Friday October 2 and running through Sunday October 4. The items up for auction will be viewable starting September 21.
“It was a heart-wrenching decision to postpone the in-studio visits,” said Meander spokesperson Kristi Link Fernholz. “But knowing that those studio spaces can crowd up and not wanting to have repercussions from our event, we chose to go with the virtual Meander auction,” she added.
Each of the 31 artists participating in the auction will post up to three items on the Meander website. The highest bidder at the end of the weekend will win the item which can then be shipped to their home. Many artists will be selling other items on their individual websites as well and customers can contact artists to visit them individually online or by appointment.
Interested buyers can look for details about the Art Auction on the Meander Facebook page and the artsmeander.com website after September 21. Participants will be able to view the artwork, sign up to be a bidder (it is free to sign up and bid) and ask artists questions before the bidding starts on October 2.
New to the Meander this year are multimedia artists Adam Preuss and Jess Gorman of Granite Falls and ME Fuller of Montevideo. Mark Mustful, a potter originally from Ortonville who was part of the Meander years ago, has returned to offer his wares this year.
“It is an unusual year, but we are making the best of it and intend to be back in full force next year,” said Fernholz. “We hope our loyal Meander customers will see this as a kick-off to their holiday shopping season and support the artists of our region.”
A free brochure detailing the locations and websites of Meander art studios can be obtained by calling 1-866-866-5432. The brochure can also be downloaded at: artsmeander.com. More information can also be found on the Meander Facebook page.