There’s poetry to be found in the intriguing name--Soap Factory. Kinship of Rivers was recently invited to conduct an event at the Soap Factory art gallery in Minneapolis. The gallery is located in a large historic building, formerly the National Purity Soap Company warehouse. Kinship of Rivers was a featured art event on Saturday, October 8 during an open house. Soap Factory wants to attract attention during its bid for needed funds to continue restoration efforts. All the local historic sites hoping to receive money from the American Express Partners in Preservation Program held open houses this past weekend. The goal is to get folks to vote for their favorite historic site on Facebook.
The Soap Factory, located in the St. Anthony Main neighborhood was perfect for KOR because of its proximity to the Mississippi and because this art space devoted to the confluence of new ideas and new art conjures the spirit of the river. The galleries currently feature the work of artists Guo Gai, Meng Tang and Slinko.
Kinship of Rivers took over the building’s boardwalk entryway and tall airy foyer off of Second Street. Several hundred colorful river flags hung outside the building flapped in the breeze and welcomed visitors as they approached the entrance. People also encountered Kinship of Rivers musician Carleton Macy playing the flute along with music generated by his sculptural tree of wind chimes.
Inside, more flags festooned the high ceiling of the foyer and several tables were set up for activities. Ruthann had collected leaves and grasses from the area near the river to use in printing on the fabric flags. Lisa assisted as gallery visitors of all ages used paints, crayons and a wonderful new wooden fish stamp to compose river-inspired images and messages on cloth. The room was filled with the delicious aroma of dumplings being boiled as visitors helped prepare them with Ping and Samuel.
The brick and lumber Soap Factory space feels like an old piece of sturdy clothing shining with potential—it is a raw and useful space for art but could do with some mending and refreshing. If you agree, please visit the Facebook page and vote for the Soap Factory through October 12.
