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Spin A Painting Competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 1st 2025 at 11:26 GMT by KSTP-TV
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Spin a Painting Competition: A Colorful Twist on Minneapolis’ Art Scene

On a crisp Thursday evening in early February, the downtown Minneapolis art district buzzed with anticipation as the “Spin a Painting Competition” kicked off its inaugural run. A blend of creativity, chance, and community spirit, the event—organised by the local television station KSTP in partnership with TCL Television—has quickly become a highlight on the city’s cultural calendar. Below is a look at how the competition unfolded, why it matters, and what participants and onlookers can expect in future editions.

The Birth of a New Creative Tradition

The idea for the Spin a Painting Competition came from KSTP’s long‑standing commitment to supporting local arts. “We’ve always looked for ways to make art accessible and fun,” says program director Maya Patel. “The ‘Spin’ format takes the pressure out of choosing a subject and adds an element of surprise that even seasoned artists love.”

TCL Television, a national broadcaster with a dedicated Minneapolis studio, lent both funding and media support. The partnership ensures that each competition is documented in high‑definition video, with live streaming on KSTP’s YouTube channel and a recap on TCL’s community‑centric social‑media feed.

How It Works

At the heart of the event is a large, custom‑made wheel that hangs on a wall of the 15th Street Gallery. The wheel is divided into 30 slots, each labelled with a prompt ranging from the mundane to the fantastical: “Red Bicycle,” “Moonlit Lake,” “Abstract Geometry,” “Your Childhood Pet,” and even “The Sound of Silence.” Contestants spin the wheel, watch the arrow pause on a prompt, and then have 45 minutes to complete a canvas of any size, using acrylics, oils, watercolours, or mixed media.

The competition is open to anyone over the age of 16, and there are no submission fees. All artworks are displayed on easels around the gallery, creating an informal “gallery walk” where attendees can view pieces in progress and ask the artists about their inspirations.

Judges and Prizes

A panel of five judges—three local artists, one art historian from the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and one high school art teacher—review each painting in the final 30 minutes. The judging criteria include originality, technical skill, emotional impact, and how effectively the piece responds to the prompt.

Prizes are awarded in three categories:

1. Grand Prize – a $1,000 cash award, a feature in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, and a 6‑month residency at the Minneapolis Art Center.
2. Best Use of Color – a $500 art supply voucher from the Minneapolis Artists Supply Co. and a solo exhibition slot.
3. Audience Favourite – a $250 gift card to a local coffee shop and a special mention in KSTP’s evening news segment.

The event’s website (spinapainting.com) lists past winners, and a “Gallery of Winners” section showcases their work. For the inaugural competition, the Grand Prize went to 28‑year‑old watercolorist Lisa Nguyen, whose swirling, moonlit landscape drew thunderous applause from the crowd.

Community Impact

The Spin a Painting Competition isn’t just about winning; it’s a platform for community engagement. As KSTP’s producer Daniel Ramirez notes, “The competition brings artists, students, and art lovers together in a way that gallery openings or art fairs rarely do.” The event is also a fundraiser for the Minneapolis Arts Foundation, with a portion of the event’s proceeds earmarked for scholarships for under‑privileged art students.

Participants reported a heightened sense of camaraderie. “I’ve never seen people so relaxed and open to sharing ideas while working under a time limit,” says high school art teacher Maria Alvarez, who was a judge that night. “It felt like a spontaneous studio session in a public square.”

Looking Ahead

The success of the first Spin a Painting Competition has spurred plans for expansion. In March, KSTP announced that the competition will now run twice a year—once in winter and once in summer—each edition featuring a new theme. The summer version will incorporate a “water‑based” twist, allowing artists to use water‑jet printers or spray paint, while the winter theme will focus on “Winter in the City,” with prompts such as “Snow‑Covered Skyline” and “Ice Sculptures.”

Additionally, a new online component is slated for the next competition. Participants will be able to submit a digital spin—an interactive spinning wheel hosted on the competition’s site—so even those who cannot attend in person can take part. The website will feature virtual galleries, live chat with judges, and a “fan vote” system that lets viewers across the country select their favourite pieces.

For Those Interested

• Registration: All contestants must register online via spinapainting.com. The registration deadline is typically one month before the event.
• Materials: Artists are encouraged to bring their own canvases and paints; however, the gallery will provide basic supplies for those who need them.
• Location: 15th Street Gallery, 2200 15th Street NW, Minneapolis, MN 55401
• Dates: Winter edition – February 17, 2025; Summer edition – July 20, 2025 (exact dates to be confirmed)
• Follow the Action: Live coverage will be streamed on KSTP’s YouTube channel, and highlights will be posted on TCL’s Facebook page.

Final Thoughts

The Spin a Painting Competition exemplifies how community‑based art events can ignite creativity, foster collaboration, and offer tangible opportunities for emerging artists. Whether you’re an art‑lover looking to witness spontaneous masterpieces, a budding painter eager to test your skills under pressure, or simply someone who enjoys watching a spinning wheel decide the next big subject, the Spin a Painting Competition is a must‑see.

With its blend of chance, skill, and community spirit, the competition invites all of Minneapolis to get involved—because art, at its best, is about turning a spin into a masterpiece.