We are the artists
of Schmidt Artist Lofts on West 7th in Saint Paul, Minnesota
Our unique concentration of talent generates a network for collaboration that inspires, educates, and expands our ability to create more art and artistic opportunities.
Something is always brewing at Schmidt
Our campus is a unique landmark on the Saint Paul skyline, with 147 years of brewing history and over a decade of artist occupation. The 2013 renovation of Schmidt from an idle brewery into an artist residence and workspace utilized funds for both historic preservation and affordable artist housing. The Brewhouse and Bottlehouse buildings were transformed into 247 residential units for non-student artists who meet financial thresholds. The facility includes creative space for artists to thrive, with studios for painting, ceramics, dance, and music, as well as galleries and impressive common space for events and social gatherings to serve this diverse artist community.
Schmidt ARTS was founded in 2017 by a group of residents seeking a protocol for managing public events and funding. This entity is neither incorporated nor a non-profit organization; However, through a fiscal sponsorship with the Community Reporter, Schmidt ARTS gains 501(c)(3) nonprofit status for grants and donations. Dominium (the owner and leasing company for Schmidt Artist Lofts) supported the creation of Schmidt ARTS and encourages its ongoing activities for its tenants. Members of Schmidt ARTS are dedicated residents who actively work to support the arts and artists of Schmidt Artist Lofts. They do not receive payment for their time or service on this committee. Residents who have volunteered for Schmidt events are welcome to apply.
Sub-committees organize all events and activities, and the Community Reporter manages all finances. A portion of donations and proceeds from large public events, such as Art Crawl, purchase equipment and supplies that residents can use for their private events or gallery shows (such as tables, tablecloths, tents, signs, and banners). Organizers can request funds for social events at Schmidt (e.g., National Night Out, Pride Picnic, Ice Cream Socials), as well as collaborative projects or certain studio needs.
MISSION STATEMENT
Schmidt ARTS exists to promote community, facilitate the success of the art and artists of the Schmidt Artists Lofts, and manage the Schmidt ARTS fund fairly and equitably.
Current Schmidt ARTS members (2026)
Facilitator - MaryBeth Garrigan (2019)
Treasurer - Jill Jappe (2021)
Communications - Matthew Philippe (2021)
Art Crawl - Carin Ekstrand (2021)
Designer/Curator - Frances Bates (2024)
Holiday Market - Rosie Johnson (2025)
Community Reporter - Robin Gilmer (2025)
Art & History Projects - Brady Johnson (2026)
Previous members
Sara Nogle (2021 - 2024)
Brad Menninga (2021 - 2023)
Lark Gilmer (2021 - 2022)
Daniella Buesgens Tirado, Lem Tirado
Deke Branchaud-Linsk, Reyne Branchaud-Linsk
Stephen Poling, Robin Ruocco Poling
Ben Ratzlaff, Rick Pirtle, Jill Kraemer