Hot glue, big imaginations, and superheroes—join us!

Be an Art Buddies Mentor

Do you remember what it felt like to create without limits? To dream up a superhero, build something with your hands, or create a creature with markers, feathers, and pom poms?

That’s the magic of Art Buddies—and this fall, you can experience it again through the eyes of a child.

As an Art Buddies mentor, you’ll be matched one-to-one with a student to connect, encourage, inspire, and create together. Expect joy and endless imagination. You don’t need any art experience, just a willingness to laugh, get a little creative, and encourage your little buddy’s imagination.

Volunteer at a Minneapolis school near you:

  • Mondays: Hall STEM Academy (North MPLS)

  • Tuesdays: Lucy Laney Elementary (North MPLS)

  • Wednesdays: Bancroft Elementary (Powderhorn MPLS)

  • Thursdays: Whittier International Elementary (Uptown MPLS)

Spots are limited, so sign up now to claim yours: artbuddies.org/be-a-mentor

In just one to two afternoon hours, one day per week from October to December, you can connect with your inner kid, make a difference, and help a child see themselves as a superhero.

🎉 Art Buddies Fall Mentor Registration is OPEN! 🎉

Want to be a hero in your community? This fall, you can!

Art Buddies is looking for caring adults to mentor elementary students as they bring to life their own superhero characters.

Be an Art Buddies mentor this Fall

  • Programs run from October to December

  • Just 1-2 hours, once a week

  • No artistic skills required—just bring your kindness and creativity

Volunteer at a Minneapolis school near you:

  • Mondays: Hall STEM Academy (North MPLS)

  • Tuesdays: Lucy Laney Elementary (North MPLS)

  • Wednesdays: Bancroft Elementary (Powderhorn MPLS)

  • Thursdays: Whittier International Elementary (Uptown MPLS)

When you sign up, you’ll be matched one-to-one with a student who needs a cheerleader, a role model, and a creative buddy. Together, you’ll make something magical!

Spots are limited—reserve yours today at artbuddies.org/be-a-mentor

Donate to Art Buddies

🎨 Upcoming Art Buddies volunteer opportunities 🗓️

Art Buddies at Midtown Global Market

We’ve got some exciting volunteer opportunities coming up at Art Buddies this season

And we’d love for you to be part of the fun!

Whether you’re a longtime volunteer or just looking to get involved for the first time, these events are a great way to connect with our community, share your creativity, and make a big impact.

Check out what’s coming up and sign up to connect and create with us:

Art-a-Whirl - Quincy Hall
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, May 16 - 18, noon - 4:00 p.m.
Join Art Buddies as we make Super Sculptures from found objects. Learn more about how you can Connect, Encourage, Inspire, and create with Twin Cities kids!

Midtown Global Market: Midtown Arts & Music Festival
Saturday, May 17th, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Join Art Buddies at the Midtown Arts & Music Festival, where we will connect with over 100 kids and families through hands-on art activities, enjoy incredible music, and create a joyful environment for everyone at the festival.

Andersen Middle School: Community Project Day of Service
Friday, May 23, 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Help us connect and create with students at Andersen Middle School through a social justice-oriented art project. Students will use their project to raise awareness of and identify solutions for causes that matter to them.

American Craft Council - Craft Fest St. Paul
Saturday, June 28, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 29, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Join Art Buddies at American Craft Council - Craft Fest St. Paul for a weekend full of creativity and community! We’ll be leading hands-on art activities for kids and families, celebrating local makers, and sharing the joy of self-expression through art. Join us for an hour, two hours, or the whole day on Saturday or Sunday.

Nellie Stone Johnson Summer Program - North Minneapolis
Friday, July 18, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Friday, July 25, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Join Art Buddies in an exciting creative project (TBD) with kids from first -12th grades.

Ready to join us?
Sign up today at artbuddies.org/outreach

Art Buddies Gallery at Barbette Restaurant

Art Buddies is excited to announce our new gallery at Barbette Restaurant in Uptown Minneapolis!

We are proud to feature art by Suyao Tian, Sander Kolodziej, and more! 100% of proceeds go directly to our creative mentorship programs.

Visit Barbette (1600 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408) or artbuddies.org/barbette-art-gallery to see what is currently for sale, and keep an eye out for future shows and events!