Spin Art Booth Keeps Creativity Moving at Minnesota State Fair
Amid all the hustle and bustle at the Minnesota State Fair, there is a safe haven for creativity. The Spin-A-Painting booth, right by the DNR building, is just the spot.
“Especially some place like the fair where it’s a lot of just output of energy, output of money– it’s fun to get something back for it,” said Mayla Burnstein, who works at the booth. “And get to have something you can take home, and have something that’s really yours to keep and make completely your own.”
The booth was once owned by a New Hope man, but was since passed on to Leslie Ball of Minneapolis. It still has a northwest suburban connection though. Welna Ace Hardware in Robbinsdale provides the booth with its acrylic paints.
“James Welna and his hardware store, they really are proud supporters of Spin-A-Painting. They have been for the last many, many years,” Burnstein said.
By supplying nontoxic paints, the store is making the fun safe and possible for anyone at the fair. Including Burnstein, whose hands are constantly covered in paint from her busy fair shifts. Owner Leslie Ball is her aunt, so she’s been going to the booth since she was a kid.
One fairgoer adds paint to his spin art cardstock.
Taking a Spin
Spin art comes together simply: you put a piece of paper, frisbee or canvas on the spinner; press a button and then use the paint to make a pattern. Burnstein said there’s all kinds of ways to be creative.
“It’s really fun, because each one is super individualized. No card can ever be exactly the same!” Burnstein said. “I just really love that each one is different.”
One of the booth visitors said this is her favorite thing at the fair and she comes back every year. When asked why, her answer was simple:
“I don’t have one at home! I’ve wanted one forever—eventually I’ll get one!” she said.
Burnstein helps assist families as they make their spin art creations.
Burnstein said repeat visitors aren’t uncommon, especially since the booth’s been at the fair for more than 60 years.
“I had someone come up to me the other day and say that when they first did it, it was $1 to do a painting. It was something like 60 years ago,” Burnstein said.
Spin-A-Painting is located on the south side of Carnes Avenue, between Clough and Nelson streets at the Minnesota State Fair.
