‘Arts Off 84’ Hosts Annual Art Crawl Between Pine River and Longville

From August 31st to September 1st, art fanatics were all over Highway 84 between Pine River and Longville for Arts Off 84’s 17th annual Art Crawl. Spread across six different sites along the highway, all attendees needed was a car to see the many different works that central Minnesotan artists have to offer.

While many will travel from the Twin Cities or even from out of state for the art crawl, the two-day-long event embodies Arts Off 84’s mission to promote the works of local artists.

“There’s a lot of people here with a lot of talent, and if you didn’t have an event like this, how do people know about what they make?” said artist Wendy Hightshoe. “And it’s good for the community. It brings in a lot of money for the community and it’s good for all the different businesses, the food people and housing, cabin areas and that, it’s good for them, too.”

What makes the art crawl so unique is not only the unconventional methods art enthusiasts take to view the art, but also the many unconventional art forms up for display.

“Two booths here to the left of me … they make – use junk, recycled metal to make objects like robots, spiders, frogs, whatever,” explained Arts Off 84 organizer Jan Stadtherr. “And people buy it because you don’t see that type of art around that much.”

And it’s not only those in attendance intrigued by the abstract art pieces. Even the artists find themselves amazed in what styles their counterparts use and the works they create.

“I have actually changed my site five times so that I can see what other artists make. So I’ve moved around just in order to be able to go and see what other people make,” Hightshoe added. “I guess I’m just in all over a lot of people and how professional their stuff is. It’s amazing what people can do.”

The artists also appreciate the unique pieces on display, as many of them will take time themselves to see the various media. But what the artists love the most about the art crawl is seeing those in attendance show appreciation for their crafts.

“When everybody tells me that it looks good, I’m like, ‘Oh, that just makes me feel really good that I can make other people happy when other people see my art,'” explained artist Meadow Hightshoe. “So that’s why I love coming here. Everybody get to see my art or have it as their own. I love it.”

There were 100 artists showcasing and selling their work at the art crawl during the Labor Day weekend.