MINNEAPOLIS — A holiday pop-up market located in the skyways of downtown Minneapolis is giving artists of color a voice during the holiday season

Inside this holiday market located in the IDS building skyway, the Roho Collective – in partnership with Chameleon Shoppes - is hosting an Artisan Holiday Market showcasing works of art and craft items by artists of color.

"We have one artist who does wood burning, and it’s amazing," said Cara Deanes.

Deanes works alongside her husband with Roho Collective. She says their goal is to create a space for artists of color to grow and thrive.

"We are in prime real estate, downtown Minneapolis in the iconic IDS building, and there’s not a better place to be in to expose our artists to a different audience," said Deanes.

Deanes says during the height of the pandemic and the murder of George Floyd, they held events across the Twin Cities. She says art became a way for people to communicate and connect.

"Just such a great conversation starter to talk about art and what it represents," she said.

In the back of the shop, there’s a selfie museum, where people can tag themselves using a hashtag on social media – taking a photo with these powerful works of art.

Cara says while the space is open just for the holidays, she’s continuing to give local artists of color exposure, while demonstrating how art can be a powerful force for unity, empowerment and change. 

"We want people to come and just hang out as a family and to see and experience their important work,” she said.

The shop is open Thursday thru Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the IDS Building Skyway in downtown Minneapolis until Dec. 23.

For more information on more Roho Collective events, visit their website here.

To learn more about the Chameleon Consortium, visit their website here. 

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