Live Painting at Art-A-Whirl

Minneapolis-based muralist and longtime Indeed collaborator, Chuck-U, will be back live-painting throughout the weekend of Whirlygig 2026 (May 15-17) and allowing passers-by to bid on the piece in real time. At the invitation of Chuck-U, Indeed is also excited to be featuring a second live painter this year, renowned California-based graffiti artist, Ewok. He will be spray painting on a large shipping container across the street from Chuck in the lot on 14th Ave NE and Quincy St. The shipping container, unfortunately, is not for sale. 

Chuck-U and Indeed 
It’s fair to say that Indeed Brewing Company has always had a distinct visual identity. The complex line work and elegant creatures that adorn Indeed’s can designs and taproom walls have been a large part of the brewery’s success and staying power since the NE Minneapolis taproom first opened its doors in 2012. The artist behind this striking, surreal art style is Minneapolis’ own, Chuck-U. Outside of his collaborations with Indeed, Chuck’s work can be found on the sides of buildings, album covers, and the walls of print collectors all over the world. Learn more about Chuck-U at https://www.chucku.com/. 

About Ewok
George Thompson (aka Ewok) is a California-based muralist, graffiti artist, graphic designer, and illustrator with decades of experience in his craft. His graffiti style is incredibly detailed, reminiscent of classic New York-inspired letter structures but with an original flair of complex color theory and textured shapes. Thompson was born in Memphis, grew up in Milwaukee, attended college at The University of Minnesota, where he earned a BFA in the 90s, and has since relocated to California. He is a founding member of the midwest graffiti crew HM (Heavy Metal) and has been an integral part of other world-renowned graffiti crews like MSK (Mad Society Kings) and AWR (Art Work Rebels). Learn more about Ewok at https://www.mrewokone.com/. 

More about Whirlygig 2026
In addition to live painting from Chuck-U and Ewok, Whirlygig will feature a weekend full of live music, an expanded selection of beer and THC—including Brightside Sea Salt & Lemon Lager, Easy League Light Lager (brand new!), Pink Burst THC seltzer and lots more—and food from local favorites like Pizzeria Lola, iPierogi, Que Tal, KCM Eggrolls, Smashies and Frankies, Chef Shack and Aki’s.

Indeed is also hosting a wide variety of local art vendors, a Legacy Glassworks glass blowing demonstration, an activation from the artist collective, Flavor World, DJs, and spectacle entertainers throughout the three days of Art-A-Whirl. Rest assured, there won’t be a dull moment!

Entry to this event is free and open to all ages (must be 21+ to drink beer and THC beverages). Whirlygig will be held rain or shine. The event is cash only, both inside and outside, with ATMs on-site.

Whirlygig coincides with Art-A-Whirl presented by NEMAA, the largest open studio tour in the country. There will be artwork from nearly 1,000 artists in every medium at more than 60 locations, including the Solar Arts Building. Indeed is lucky to share Solar Arts with some seriously talented creatives whose studios will be open to Art-A-Whirlers on the second and third floor.

Image:
Left - Chuck-U live painting at Whirlygig 2025
Right - Ewok spray painting, via B&A