This summer, The Polka Dot House will offer Social Saturdays from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at 468 Third St., Excelsior. The venue has also hosted floral workshops with Jess Bruggink of Excelsior’s AlmaRose Floral, a watercolor class, a book signing with Erin Gleeson of The Forest Feast and multiple art openings. Photos: Nick Wang
An artist showcases her work and welcomes others to share the spotlight.
Joy reveals itself in a multitude of ways. And for passersby along Third Street in Excelsior, an intentionally painted building is meant to offer happiness to all who come into view of its—polka dots. “I love polka dots—though I’m very picky about them too—and thought the idea of putting them on my building would bring people joy as they’re driving by,” Kelly Carámbula says. “Just a little something to knock you out of your regular routine and make you smile.”
Kelly Carámbula hand painted polka dots, which hold meaning to her, on the exterior of the Excelsior site that is home to her studio, two galleries and public creative spaces.
When Carámbula moved with her husband, Aaron Carámbula, and daughters, Claire, now 13, and Quinn, now 10, in 2023 from San Francisco to Minnetonka, she was in search of a studio space, which she found
in Excelsior. “I walked in and instantly knew it was perfect,” she says. She turned the space into a studio and gallery, launching in 2024, but she discovered that the venue was capable of so much more, eventually opening it up to the public as a place where creativity meets community.
The Polka Dot House is home to the Kelly Carámbula Studio and Gallery in Excelsior. “But I also love people, art and building community, so having a space that I could share with other people who had passion—but not a place—felt like the perfect way to share this wonderful building that I am so grateful to have,” she says.
Various community groups, including members of The Sunshine Stop, can be found at The Polka Dot House.
The first floor features two galleries, open weekends May–December and by appointment, with rotating exhibitions and events. The main gallery highlights Carámbula’s art, which she alternates on a regular basis. The overflow gallery is dedicated to her work and other events.
“I love to team up with other creatives who have a passion but not a space,” says Kelly Carámbula, who looks “forward to building on this in the coming years.”
“At first, I intended to do pop-ups and art events every month or so. Then I crossed paths with the Sunshine Stop, a local nonprofit that teaches people with disabilities job skills,” she says. “They were looking for a space to have two events a week over the summer where they sold lemonade, as well as made and sold art. It was a no-brainer for me.”
Even the outdoor space is utilized. Patios on the front and back of The Polka Dot House allow for plenty of outdoor events. “So far, we’ve hosted Social Saturdays, an opportunity for community to come together, have coffee and make art together,” Carámbula says. “In the coming years, I’d love to have music and other events in the backyard. But that’s one of the great things about The Polka Dot House—it is an evolving project.”
The Polka Dot House
Instagram: @the.polka.dot.house
