GAMUT GALLERY MEMBERS’ GALA Saturday, November 9th, 7-11PM (no regular open hours at the gallery this day in preparation for the event) • 21+ event, Must be a Gamut Gallery Member to attend
Step back in time to the glitz and glamour of the Roaring 20s at our 2024 Gamut Gallery Members Gala! Join us for an unforgettable evening of art, elegance, and entertainment as we celebrate the vibrant creativity of the past and present and dream about the future!
This year’s theme, The Roaring 20s Reimagined, invites you to don your finest 20s attire (flapper dresses, tuxedos, or really anything you want that you feel fits the theme! and OF COURSE sparkling accessories as we recreate the opulence and charm of the Jazz Age, with a modern twist. Guests will be treated to an immersive experience featuring live performances, vintage-inspired cocktails, and a dance floor buzzing with energy.
Already a member? This event is FREE for you! We are so grateful for the support of Gamut community members like you and hope that you have enjoyed your experiences at our events and exhibitions. Gamut Gallery has collaborated with artists, curators, and performers to deliver thought-provoking art programming to the Twin Cities.
Renew or Become a Member by Thursday, November 8th to join the celebration! As a Gamut Gallery member, you receive free admission to all exhibition openings and closings, as well as invitations and discounted tickets to preview events, such as VIP access to our annual Raging Art On holiday marketplace. Gallery members are committed to the local art scene and we celebrate them with our black-tie Member’s Gala in the fall. The Platinum membership level receives additional benefits, most notably a 10% discount on artwork sales.
If you have any questions about the renewal process, please don’t hesitate to contact us at: Francesca@gamutgallerympls.com.
Comments Off on Film Screening: “Meat Raffle” by Aimee Chenal
Join us for an exclusive movie night at Gamut Gallery, featuring a screening of “Meat Raffle”a dark comedy-horror film set in northern Wisconsin.
Described as “a mix of Fargo, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Twin Peaks,” this campy and engaging film was written, produced, and directed by Aimee Chenal, and showcases the talents of local actors and musicians.
The event will begin with a social hour from 7:00-8:00 PM where guests can enjoy refreshments, meet the director, and enjoy live music from one of the musicians featured in the film. The movie screening will commence at 8:00 PM.
While gallery seating will be provided, attendees are welcome to bring their own comfortable chair, cushion, or pillow.
Tickets are available for advance purchase and at the door, though availability is limited.
We recommend purchasing in advance to secure your spot for this unique cinematic experience.
“Meat Raffle” A film by Aimee Chenal Thursday October 17th Social hour 7pm-8pm Film begins at 8pm 18+ due to rating
Comments Off on Call For Work:2024 Into the Madlands
Join us at Gamut Gallery for our much-anticipated annual “Call for Work” show of 2024, “Into the Madlands.” This year’s exhibition is an eclectic display of artistic expression, featuring works selected from an astounding 570 submissions by 125 talented artists.
This show is a vibrant tapestry of colorful and emotional landscapes, inviting viewers on a journey through the “Madlands.” Featuring a diverse array of media, including stonework, collage, beaded sculpture, painting, photography, and drawing, this exhibition showcases the unique voices and creative expressions of 28 exceptional artists.
Featured artists:
allison Anne, Anthony Art, Brooke Bartholomew, Del Bey, Tiffany Bolk, Renee Boynton, Jamie Davis, Aidon Dillon, Nicholas Fuelberth, Toni Gallo, Barret Lee, Madie Ley, Chuck Martens, CL Martin,Patricia Nanoff, Roya Nazari Najafabadi, Mike Olson, Özge Özdemir, Erin Peña, Kristin Maija Peterson, Denise Presnell, Morgan Seemann, Mary Catherine Solberg, Grace Stewart, Meranda Turbak, Margaret Vergara, and Jake Zirbes.
We are honored to have the illustrious Brant Kingman as our guest curator for this year’s show. A long-time supporter of Gamut Gallery, Brant Kingman is a revered figure in the Minneapolis art community. Known for his vast range of styles, dedication to community building, and extensive knowledge of art history, Kingman brings a unique and visionary perspective to the curation of “Into the Madlands.”
“I intentionally approached this curatorial task free from personal desires. I wanted to see what is on today’s artists’ minds and in their hearts. Naturally, I made my choices based on my experiences. In addition to being an artist myself, I am an avid student of art history.” – Brant Kingman.
GALLERY & GIFT SHOP OPEN HOURS Visit for FREE during our open hours: Thursday – Friday, 11am – 6pm; Saturday 11am – 4pm *Closed on exhibit opening day
Want to become a Gamut Gallery Member? As a Gamut Gallery member, you receive free admission to all exhibition openings, artist talks, and invitations to preview events, such as VIP access to Artists Preview Nights, our annual Raging Art On holiday marketplace. Gallery members are committed to the local art scene and we celebrate them bi-annually with a Spring Celebration and our black-tie Member’s Gala in the fall.
Join us for a fun-filled evening as we celebrate 12 incredible years of Gamut Gallery! This year’s anniversary party promises to be a vibrant celebration of art, music, and community spirit. This is a special anniversary party as it is the first under the new ownership team!
What to expect? Experience the creative energy of local muralists: @kimmyartco, @teejay.art and @vanholmgren painting live in our beautiful ivy filled courtyard in the heart downtown Minneapolis! Throughout the evening, we’ll be hosting exciting raffle prizes, giving you the chance to take home a piece of the magic.
Our musical lineup will keep you dancing all night long with beats brought to you by House Queens; DJ Sassy G and Michelle Muse, who will set the perfect tone for a night of celebrating Gamut and it’s fabulous community!
This is also a great opportunity to view our current exhibition, “Visage” A Contemporary Portrait show”. If you have not had the chance to check out this incredible show this will be your last chance as this show comes down after June 22nd.
Visage features 17 exceptional portrait artists from Minnesota and Wisconsin. Visage prompts viewers to reflect on the complexities of identity and perception in today’s digital age, delving into contemporary portraiture by questioning what defines a modern portrait in the 21st century.
For over a decade, Gamut Gallery has been more than just an art space; it’s been a hub for creativity, performance, and collaboration. Our community is the heart of what we do. It’s a place where people “come for the art, and stay for the party.” We remain as dedicated as ever to fostering a welcoming environment where art, music, and community thrive together!
Don’t miss this special evening as we celebrate the amazing community that defines Gamut Gallery. Let’s make it a night to remember!
GAMUT 12 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY Saturday June 22nd // 7pm – 10pm
Visage: A Contemporary Portrait Show – An exhibition featuring Amit Michaels, CL Martin, Brant Kingman, Hend Al-Mansour, Jade Patrick, Kao Lee Thao, Kelly Helsinger, Kristi Abbott, Leslie Barlow, Mat Ollig, Nell Pierce, Pam Eader, Patrizia Vignola, Stephanie Friest, Surelle Strike, Russ White and Van Holmgren – 17 artists exploring the contemporary lens of society by questioning what defines a modern portrait in a digital age. Curated by Francesca Bernardi.
Amidst the prevalence of selfies and manipulated images, identity is often blurred. In our exhibit, Visage seventeen Minnesotan/Wisconsin artists have used varied artistic styles through collage, photography, oil, and acrylic paintings to create stunning portraits of figures from their imagination, their peers, and women who have impacted society.
Visage prompts viewers to reflect on the complexities of identity and perception in today’s digital age, delving into contemporary portraiture by questioning what defines a modern portrait in the 21st century. Each portrait acts as a mirror, connecting the viewer to the subject’s image and a deeper reflection of what it means to be human and how we experience emotion while aiming to cultivate curiosity and foster connections between viewer and artwork.
“Every artist comes from a unique background, whether an emerging artist in Minneapolis or an established artist that has shown worldwide. As I curated Visage I dove deeply into the intricacies of the modern-day human experience, wanting to encourage visitors to engage with diverse perspectives and appreciate the richness of human expression.” – Francesca Bernardi, Curator
PUBLIC OPENING NIGHT: Friday, May 10th // 7–10PM Featuring: Amit Michaels, CL Martin, Brant Kingman, Hend Al-Mansour, Jade Patrick, Kao Lee Thao, Kelly Helsinger, Kristi Abbott, Leslie Barlow, Mat Ollig, Nell Pierce, Pam Eader, Patrizia Vignola, Stephanie Friest, Surelle Strike, Russ White and Van Holmgren. • $10 presale available • $15 day of the event • FREE for members • DJ Paul Frett
FIGURE DRAWING CLASS: Thursday, June 13th // 7– 9PM Loose instruction and facilitation by Brant Kingman • 18+ event • Live nude model • $20 to reserve your spot (space is limited) • Please bring your own drawing materials
GAMUT 12TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY: Saturday, June 22nd 2024 // 7 – 10PM A fun-filled evening with muralists painting live in the courtyard, raffle prizes throughout the evening plus music brought to you by House Queens; DJ Sassy G and Michelle Muse! • $15 presales coming soon • $20 day of event • FREE for members
ABOUT THE CURATOR Francesca Bernardi is the new Gallery Director and co-owner of Gamut Gallery. They are an art therapist, artist, art collector, and burgeoning curator. Through their work in art therapy, they are a skilled relationship cultivator, attentive communicator, and passionate about building community with multifaceted individuals. Visage is Francesca’s first solo curatorial endeavor. Francesca’s excitement for curating will lead to many more exhibits highlighting artists in Minneapolis.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS Amit Michael is a self-taught artist based in Minneapolis, MN. He started art at a young age after moving to Minneapolis from Be’er Sheva, Israel when he was seven years old. His first group art show was at age nine as part of a youth program at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Amit focused on music as his primary art form when he entered college, he graduated in 2015 from MCTC with an Associate’s Degree in Sound Engineering. He has played many venues as a musician, and recently in the past few years has found his way back to his brush. Much like Amit’s music, his process is improvisational and fluid. Working with a color deficiency inspires him to create high-contrast pieces, featuring many layers of bold patterns and textures within his portraits. He experiments with pronounced motifs and does not paint with a preconceived design, this allows him complete spontaneity leaving him open to the end result.
CL Martin is a queer, figurative artist working in traditional media. She creates mysterious characters who exude their own distinct identities in a kind of still performance, imbued with diverse influences from history, allegory, design, psychology, and social constructs. She has studied art all her life and received a BFA in Painting from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. In 2007, she received an Artist Initiative Grant from the MN State Arts Board and the National Endowment for The Arts. She has exhibited internationally from Italy to New York and her work resides in private collections across the globe.
Minneapolis artist Brant Kingman trained himself by studying masterworks in the great museums of Europe following graduation from Amherst College in 1976. After returning from abroad, he lived in New York City for seven years booking 62 shows in art venues such as the prestigious PS1 run by MOMA. Kingman was shot in the chest in 1982. He returned to his hometown of Minneapolis where he maintains a studio in which he paints and creates bronze sculptures for galleries across the United States and in 10 foreign countries. His most recent major exhibits include a show at the Vietnam National Museum of Art in Hanoi and, through April 2018, paintings at MoMA in NYC. Years of exhibiting objects convinced Kingman that object making is but part of the artistic process that fits into the larger envelope of experience design. The artist now considers his primary role that of creating healthy, creative communities.
As a child, Hend Al-Mansour carved large female figures into sand. Growing up, she was acutely aware of her limited opportunities as a Saudi Arabian woman. So instead of art, she studied medicine in Cairo, Egypt. For many years she practiced as a cardiologist but also built a reputation among her colleagues for the images she drew in the doctors’ rooms. In 1997, Al-Mansour relocated to the United States, where she finally was free to follow her calling: art. She earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the MCAD and also completed another Master of Art History at the University of St. Thomas. Al-Mansour’s art reflects the female culture of her hometown. Arabic and Islamic aesthetics influence her work which references gender politics in the Arab world. In vibrant colors, her screen-prints integrate stylized figures, Arabic calligraphy, and designs of Sadou (Bedouin style) and henna. Al-Mansour was awarded McKnight Fellowship in 2018, Jerome Fellowship of Printmaking in 2013/14, the Juror’s Award of the Contemporary Islamic Art exhibition in Riyadh Saudi Arabia in 2012, and Minnesota State Art Board Artist Initiative grant in 2005. She has shown her work in regional, national, and international exhibitions, lectured on Arab art and her journey, and curated exhibitions featuring Middle Eastern artists. Al-Mansour is a co-founder of the group Arab Artists in the Twin Cities and was a member of the Arab American Cultural Institute in Minnesota, where she worked to promote the understanding and expression of Arab culture in the West.
Kao lee Thaou uses the weapon of coffee my superhero powers are heightened, allowing me to create unique yet stylistic surreal and dream-like landscapes. Her world changed once I picked up a paintbrush.All of her inspirations come from her dreams and personal experiences. With every stroke Kao Lee leaves behind a window into her soul, hoping to spark inspiration in others. Her creations speak to her on a subconscious level defining what the result will be, she opens an inner channel and let my subconscious take over. Kao Lee runs her own 3D animation company called Folklore Studio where they produce animation for television and film. Animation is her window into the world, it enables her to merge her passion for art and love of storytelling to create art that is both personally meaningful and enjoyable for others.
Kelly Helsinger is a Minneapolis-based artist primarily focused on abstract expressionism. Her work strives to balance chaos and control through color and intricate lines. She holds a multidisciplinary bachelor’s degree focused on art, psychology, and creative writing from St. Cloud State University and has been selling her work professionally since 2010. From 2016 to early 2023, Kelly created under the name “MEA”, an acronym for her blog and alter-ego, Messy Ever After. Messy Ever After stood for embracing creative whims and accepting the chaos within an artistic identity and direction.
As a collage artist, Kristi Abbott is fascinated with the use of color, pattern, and texture and tries to combine these elements in her work innovatively and excitingly using a combination of papers, paints, and other embellishment materials. Kristi also feels challenged to continue to push the boundaries of technique, subject matter, and provocation. She is keen to understand some of the driving forces that shape our culture, communities, and social patterns. Therefore each piece and series is thoughtfully researched and conceptualized to tell a story through the use of familiar imagery richly layered throughout each artwork. Her influences in her work include pop art and pop culture, Hollywood, music, and fashion. Kristi’s technique is still evolving and employs an exploratory and playful process, which can incorporate costuming, photography, graphic manipulation, collage, and painting.
Leslie Barlow is a visual artist who primarily uses oil painting to embrace and investigate the entangled and elaborate web that comprises the intersections of racial identity, community, love, and belonging. Her work often captures community members in intimate forms that reveal vibrant and vital dimensions. Leslie’s work has been featured in the group exhibitions Rituals of Resistance at the Minneapolis Institute of Art (2021–2022), In Search of Lost Time at Dreamsong in Minneapolis (2021), and Creative Confinement at Minnesota’s Rochester Center for the Arts (2020–2021), among others. She has received the Jerome Hill Artist Fellowship (2021), the Cultural Community Partnership Grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board (2020), and the McKnight Artist Fellowship (2019). Leslie’s work is in the collections of the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Minnesota Museum of American Art, the Weisman Art Museum, and US Bank Stadium, among others. Barlow is also a founding member of Creatives After Curfew, a collective of mural artists formed in the summer of 2020, and a founder of Public Functionary’s PF Studios, an incubator and studio program centering on emerging BIPOC artists.
Mat Ollig is an oil painter living and working in NE Minneapolis, Minnesota. He studied at the Accademia di Bella Arte in Florence, Italy, and graduated from the Perpich Center for Arts Education in Golden Valley, MN prior to receiving his BFA in Painting & Drawing from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) in Minneapolis, MN. Mat’s large, multi-faceted paintings were a result of his continued fascination with memory, reality, and perception funneled through the lenses of history and oil painting. Ollig’s influences include the movements of Cubism, Postmodernism, and Relational Aesthetics, as well as the work of artists such as Gerhard Richter, Mark Rothko, and Alexander Ross. Mat Ollig’s work has been featured nationally, has been awarded the 2016, 2018, and 2020 MN State Arts Board Artists Initiative Grant, and has many paintings in notable permanent collections, including the Hyatt Regency, Schecter Dokken Kanter, Code42, Ogletree Deakins, BI Worldwide, and the Weisman Art Museum.
Nell Pierce is a collage artist, acrylic painter, muralist, and teaching artist who sees art as a powerful tool for telling both individual and collective stories. They are part of the muralist collective, Creatives After Curfew and have been a facilitator and teacher for over a decade, working with organizations like Telling My Story and the Speaking Out Collective to support people of all ages in schools, community centers, prisons, and other settings to connect to themselves and feel agency in creating their narratives through visual art and theater. In 2024, they started teaching art classes for adults out of their studio. In their practice, they create paintings and collages (primarily portraits) on commission. Nell is currently working on a multi-year series, Q’llage, that explores how the strategies that support them and their queer community to stay true to themselves are mirrored in the natural world — drawing from their own experience and interviews with people in their LGBTQ2IA+ community.
Pam Eader is an artist working in oils and acrylics. She focuses on stylized portraiture of women, both real and imagined. She has spent the past 30 years buying and selling antiques and collectibles and draws inspiration from vintage photographs and textiles. Although she has been interested in art from an early age, it wasn’t until 2016 that she decided to pursue it as a career. Pam works out of her home studio in Cedarburg, Wisconsin and her work can be found in studio 159 of the Northrup King building in Minneapolis.
Artistically, Patrizia Vignola’s interests have always manifested with the human form, more specifically with faces. Although she has strong abilities to capture a likeness, traditional portraiture was never her goal. It was always more about portraying something deeper, more emotional or philosophical about being human. Through the eyes of her subjects, she hopes to speak to the viewer on things about the human condition, the workings of the human brain, the individual on the inside vs. the one perceived on the outside, our connection to each other, the word we inhabit, the universe and our purpose in it. In more recent years, starting just after the birth of her daughter, these ideas began to culminate into thoughts around circumstances we are born into. From the time we are conceived, others have expectations of who we are. We “come with” a socioeconomic background, a cultural identity, stereotypes, gender norms, drug addictions, mental illnesses and so much more all built into us by the people in our family histories. These things we “come with” some wear with pride and some struggle to remove, improve, or change their entire lives.
Russ White is an artist, writer, and designer living in Minneapolis. Born and raised in the Carolinas and Mississippi, he received a BA in Studio Art from Davidson College and has maintained a studio in the Casket Arts Building in Northeast Minneapolis since 2014. White has exhibited his work regionally and nationally and is the recipient of three Minnesota State Arts Board grants (2018, 2020, & 2022). He also works as Senior Editor for MPLSART.COM and as a Communications Specialist for the University of Minnesota Department of Art. He served on the board of directors for the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association and was editor-in-chief of their annual In Studio magazine from 2018-2020.
Stephanie Friest explores how portraiture; particularly the uncanny or the unseen can connect to an audience and in doing so, create an emotional and visceral response. The motives that drive her work – as a whole – is her evocation to expose. The central themes are as diverse as her experience as being human. Drawing from these occurrences, Stepahnie’s work uncovers everyday motifs of sexuality, identity, race, gender, motherhood & death; concepts which we may partake in daily, yet sum to include as a significant part of the daily human experience. She is interested in playing with line and color; to blend the two and in doing so, construct a marriage of cohesion. I primarily use oil paints in my artworks, while the foundation of this particular body of work is illustration, which has been created through the use of charcoal and graphite.
Whether it is paint or ink, Surrelle Strike creates visual narratives and tells stories with her art. Since the beginning of time, we’ve told stories. Sometimes these tales were an escape into fantasy, but often storytelling was used as a way to teach morals and to share life-or-death advice. Fairy tales would be filled with love, and disappointment, warnings about types of men that a woman may encounter in the woods, or quiet recipes for ending an unwanted pregnancy. Fairy tales and fables were filled with the realities of both tragedy and hope. When she creates, she wants to tell a story, Surrellle wants you to think about what is happening in an image and find a way to connect with it personally. She loves weaving symbolic details into her artwork, to add to the narrative. She hopes you feel empowered, moved, excited or overwhelmed, and that her artwork speaks to you.
Van Holmgren was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and raised in central Iowa. He has worked as a professional artist for 10 years and as a full-time artist for the last six. His work has been shown across the United States and as far as London, Australia, Canada, and Brazil. There is a certain visual vibrancy that is consistently seen in his work, be it with color or content. Art is an idea, a way to present a statement to the universe and shout as loud as you can. His work depicts the modern human inevitably confronting and negotiating all of today’s experiences. Actions that have happened, will happen and possibly could happen. Much is the same with Van’s more sculptural work, where he presents the viewer with everyday objects revealing silent intentions, often juxtaposing man-made traps with arrows. He uses smoke in his work to show that humans have been there and have done something to the area. Snakes are often used to depict poisonous people who have no intention to help others than themselves. It is the artist’s job to wade through the muck of society to find truths to present to the viewer.
Jade Patrick is a photographer and visual storyteller, experienced in art curation and filmmaking. Her lens consistently gravitates towards people; unsung heroes, relationship dynamics, and whimsical explorations of light on humanity. Her short documentary “A Life in Opera” (2021) premiered at the Paris Short Film Festival and received many accolades. She loves to document events and live performances, and special moments for friends and families. She lives in the Twin Cities with her husband and four children.
An intimate evening for discussion with exhibiting artists Jessica Kitzman and Evan Weselmann, curators Cass Garner and Francesca Bernardi, moderated by Russ White
Russ White will facilitate a conversation between co-curators Cass Garner and Francesca Bernardi, delving into the inspirations behind the show, ‘Coalescence.’ Following this, we’ll explore the works of Evan Weselmann and Jessica Kitzman, gaining insight into their artistic processes and sources of inspiration. It is an honor to host both Evan Weselmann and Jessica Kitzman for this artist talk. Their captivating pieces have mesmerized viewers in the gallery with their sheer size and presence.
Each artist possesses a distinct style that immediately identifies their work. Evan’s expertise lies in illustration and animation, characterized by dynamic hues and a play of positive and negative shapes. While his artworks may convey representational elements, their execution often leans towards abstraction. On the other hand, Jessica has refined her artistic style over years of experimentation with alternative mediums. The tactile quality of her work draws viewers in, prompting them to decipher the hidden meanings behind her choice of found objects and materials. Each piece invites exploration and contemplation, offering layers of depth and complexity
COALESENCE CURATOR and ARTIST TALK: Thursday, April 4th // 7pm Russ White will facilitate a conversation between co-curators Cass Garner and Francesca Bernardi, delving into the inspirations behind the show, ‘Coalescence.’ Following this, we’ll explore the works of Evan Weselmann and Jessica Kitzman, gaining insight into their artistic processes and sources of inspiration.
This is a unique opportunity to connect directly with the artists and gain a deeper appreciation for their work! • $7 presales available • $10 day of the event, Free for Gamut Gallery Members
GALLERY & GIFT SHOP OPEN HOURS + CONTACT INFO FREE open hours: Thursday – Friday, 11am – 6pm; Saturday 11am – 4pm.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS Evan Weselmann is an artist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, working in illustration, animation, and painting. With an interest in asemic writing and automatic drawing borne from the surrealist movement, his paintings feature subtle line width and color changes, repeated on the canvas creating all-over compositions that explore the relationship between positive and negative space. Apart from illustrating caricatures of imaginary people, he thinks about movements a lot more than anything. Evan strives for his work to be fun, playful, and easy to interact with. He is represented by Closer & Closer which led him to work with clients ranging from local mutual aid funds to international advertising agencies. Evan has recently produced illustration works for Chet Faker, Kid Cudi, Polaroid, and the MN Twin
Jessica Kitzman is an interdisciplinary artist in Minneapolis, MN. Primarily working in found textiles, her art practice is a thawing of conditioning, a digestion of lived experience, and a reconnection with the body. Her visual language braids together domestic, anatomical, and botanical references as a mode of revealing identity. Jessica holds a BFA from the University of Iowa and an MAT from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Jessica lives in South Minneapolis, MN with her two children, who all share a cozy basement studio. She is a member of Embodied Material and teaches K-8 art
ABOUT THE MODERATOR Russ White is an artist, writer, and editor living in Minneapolis. After growing up in the Carolinas and Mississippi, White received a BA in Studio Art from Davidson College and has maintained a studio in the Casket Arts Building in Northeast Minneapolis since 2014, where he works primarily in colored pencil and mixed media. He has exhibited his work regionally and nationally (including a 2016 solo show at Gamut), is the recipient of two Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative grants (2018 & 2020), and works as the editor of written content for MPLSART.COM.
ABOUT THE CURATORS Cass Garner is a graphic designer, art curator, project manager, and working in Minneapolis. She co-founded Gamut Gallery, a cultural hub in Minneapolis over the past 12 years promoting the arts in Minneapolis and beyond. Cass led operations and project management for exhibitions and events while she was the Director until February of this year. She has curated dozens of exhibits within Gamut’s walls. In 2018 Cass was the solo Juror of Artistry’s 42nd Annual Members’ Juried Art Exhibition. Her curatorial practice expanded in 2020 partnering with The Coven at their St. Paul location to curate a special nook of the Coven, and she partnered with HAUS Salon in 2021 to highlight local, innovative artists from the Twin Cities producing 25 solo exhibits throughout the HAUS Salons across Minneapolis. Most recently Cass was the Project Manager for the Holidays on Nicollet and a juror for Hennepin Theatre Trust It’s the People Project.
Francesca Bernardi is the new Gallery Director and co-owner of Gamut Gallery. They are an art therapist, artist, art collector, and burgeoning curator. Through their work in art therapy, they are a skilled relationship cultivator, attentive communicator, and passionate about building community with multifaceted individuals. Coalescence is Francesca’s gallery curatorial debut however, they have hosted pop-up art galleries in their home featuring local artists. Francesca’s excitement for curating will lead to many more exhibits highlighting artists in Minneapolis.
FEATURED ARTISTS: Astralchemy, Barret Lee, Bekah Worley, Betsey Giles, Ben DiNino, Benja Wuest, Briana Auel, Crisp Motif, Derek Meier, Devin Newby, Destiny Davison, Eli Libson, Em Forbes, Emily McBride, Evan Weselmann, Heather Renaux, Iris Libson, Jake Fifer, Jake Speich, Jorie Kosel, Juliana Ferguson, Justin Snead, Kathryn Flora, Karen Caldwell, Kate Johnson, Kelly Helsinger, Lara Eckerman, Lauren Strom, Marne Skusa, Melissa Sisk, Mike Welton, MK Metten, Monica Helland, Nichole Showalter, Nicole Mueller, Olivia Kor, Patrizia Vignola, Precious Wallace, Rachel Shroder, Russ White, Rock Johnsen, Sarah Sosa, Sander Kolodziej, Sara Kahn, Sean Ferris, Sherstin Schwartz, Spacedoutlulu, Tiff Mueller, Tiffany Lange, Travis Collins and 3drd Crafts (Third Daughter, Restless Daughter).
That chill you’re feeling in the air means Gamut’s 12th annual holiday market Raging Art On (RAO) is back again to deck your halls! Since the inception of Raging Art On in 2011, we have hand-selected the artists, but leave the rest up to them, leaving it up to the artists to choose their best of the best for the holiday pop-up shop. Let our artists be your elves and continue to support our vibrant community of local artists and makers. This year we are welcoming 50 MN artists, many names and faces you may be familiar with from past RAO’s throughout the years however, we will also feature 19 NEW artists that have never shown during RAO before.
With the gallery walls filled from floor-to-ceiling showcasing original works of all price points and mediums, tick off everyone on your list in a single shopping trip at Gamut. Whether it’s pottery, fiber art, paintings, prints, apparel, jewelry, or home goods that catch your eye, everything in the collection is ready to take home with you that day – giving you plenty of time to put off wrapping ‘til the very last minute. Gamut Members of the gallery are invited to our VIP Preview night, kicking off the festivities on Thursday, November 30th from 5pm–9pm. The Gallery will open up to the public on Friday, Dec 1st at 10am, followed by six weeks of in-person shopping open to the public – Our longest run yet. Snowed in or live out of state? We’ve got you covered. RAO will be shoppable on gamutgallerympls.com so that you can support your local art community from the comfort of your home (jammies and cocoa optional). All work will remain online to shop through January 9th. Happy holidays, gallery-goers!
RAO PUBLIC POP-UP DATES: December 1st – January 6th • 11AM – 6PM WEEK 1 December 1st – December 2nd WEEK 2 December 6th – December 9th WEEK 3 December 13th – December 16th WEEK 4 December 20th – December 23rd WEEK 5 December 27th – December 30th WEEK 6 January 3rd – January 6th, 2024
Online Orders December 2nd – January 9th • Selected works available online • FREE local pick-up available • Shipping works will be available through January 10th.
Join us for a special night of art, love, and support at Gamut Gallery’s Benefit Fundraiser for Yuya Negishi!
Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 5th, 2023, for a special night of art, love, and support at Gamut Gallery’s Benefit Fundraiser for Yuya Negishi! Tickets are only $20 with all proceeds going directly to supporting Yuya Negishi’s journey to recovery and to celebrate his priceless contribution to Gamut Gallery’s heart and the wider community. Let’s rally together for an artist who has given us so much beauty and inspiration.
Celebrating the talent of a beloved artist and muralist in the Twin Cities community, Yuya Negishi’s work is a playful blend of classical Japanese calligraphy and SUMI techniques with vibrant Japanese pop culture imagery like koi, dragons, and Buddhas, infused with street-art influences from his time in urban America. His artwork is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s an expression of cultural heritage, wonder, and amusement, resonating with the energy of those around him. Many have experienced the magic firsthand during Yuya’s live painting at events and his murals across Minneapolis.
Yuya faced a challenging health crisis last year, leaving him unable to work for over 9 months. But his determination and spirit are unwavering, and he’s now on the path to reclamation, slowly returning to his artistic journey. Yuya needs the love and support of his loyal friends and community, which is why we’re coming together to show him just how much he means to us. Let’s shine our light on him, just like he has on our city! Yuya’s captivating artworks will fill the gallery and this is an opportunity to be immersed in his experiential LED light installations featuring more than 8500 bulbs that will transport your senses to the magical world of Yuya-Town. All of Yuya’s works will be for sale, with proceeds being donated directly to Yuya to help with his recovery. Don’t miss this chance to be part of something truly special!
Thursday, Oct 5th // 7-10pm Save the date, bring your friends, and be ready to be enchanted by Yuya’s latest artistic creation for ONE NIGHT ONLY! Your presence and support will make all the difference in his healing process.
• Featuring artworks & installations by Yuya Negishi. • Music by Paulski, DPC and Sassy G. • $20 All proceeds will be donated to Yuya • Pre-sale tix are closed. There will be entry at the door all night long (tix are NOT SOLD OUT)
Yuya Negishi portrait photography by Shelly Mosman
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Yuya Negishi is a Japanese visual artist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was born in Showa Village, Gunma. Yuya draws artistic inspiration from the memories and sensations of growing up in the Japanese countryside, where he would roam “like a hidden Ninja” exploring the woods, temples and mountain tops of the breath-taking Gunma region. Since relocating to Minneapolis in 2010, Yuya has been a prolific member of the city’s artistic community, involving himself in a wide range of projects. He teaches Japanese artistic styles to students in grade school through college and participates in public art projects, murals, frequently exhibits work, and has a wide portfolio of commissioned work. He also does illustrations and often performs at live paintings events. His work combines his extensive background in the classical Japanese techniques of calligraphy and SUMI with Japanese pop culture images such as koi, dragons and Buddhas, and street-art techniques influenced by his years in urban America.
Exoskeleton– A collaborative exhibit with Monty Montgomery and Tony Philippou known as Kaleidoskull, together the duo’s paintings and drawings utilize the insect as a form of armor and anonymity.Shop the Exoskeleton series today!
Originally introduced at the Sound of Art Exhibition in New York over 15 years ago, Monty Montgomery & Tony Philippou merged their unique artistic styles into Kaleidoskull, blending figurative realism and abstract geometry. Tony’s contrasting realistic human and animal forms emerge out of the structure of Monty’s precise angles of bold color, textures, and shapes.
Kaleidoskull’s latest series of works featured in Exoskeleton utilize insects as representations of the literal and metaphorical translation of our defense mechanisms we use to protect ourselves physically and emotionally. Together the duo constructs visual imagery that relates to our sense of wonder at the exquisite beauty of things masked, yet revealed. Each figure in their paintings and drawings is combined with an insect as a form of armor and anonymity. Monty and Tony wish to connect with viewers through their world of imagination, inspiring the audience to feel empowered and engaged with the world they have created.
Born and raised in the Bronx, Kaleidoskull Co-Founder Tony Philippou draws upon his own mixed cultural Puerto-Rican/Greek heritage, growing up during the burgeoning hip-hop era of the 1980s. Immersed in a culturally rich environment in his formative years, while experiencing and being surrounded by extreme poverty, enhanced his life in every aspect. As a father, he has made a conscious effort to create images of heroic women that his daughter can relate to and feel empowered by.
Profoundly affected by his upbringing in the rural Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Kaleidoskull Co-Founder Monty Montgomery’s work has always been informed by the visceral and emotional reactions to his daily experiences, whether exploring nature or trekking the streets of downtown. The divergent settings of the natural landscape and city streets imprint Monty’s artistic expression with a collision of color theory, mathematics, and abstraction; materializing into a single, unified vision.
Inspired by their combined love of geometric and organic forms, Montgomery and Philippou endeavored to create a new aesthetic that exhibited the beauty, strength, and contrast of the design elements intersecting women, insects, and color theory. Boundaries are intended to be pushed in the realm of art, design, and the remarkable synergy between nature and geometry as a definitive force.
PUBLIC OPENING: Saturday, May 13th • 6-10pm $10 presale, $15 day of the event Free for Gamut Gallery Members.
Exoskeleton is a collaborative exhibit with Monty Montgomery and Tony Philippou known as Kaleidoskull, together the duo’s paintings and drawings utilize the insect as a form of armor and anonymity. Meet Kaleidoskull Founders, Monty Montgomery & Tony Philippou on opening night. We will also be kicking off our patio season during the Exoskeleton, with Kyle King, James Patrick, and Sassy G in the courtyard all night long.
CoLab ART NIGHT: Thursday, May 25th // 7pm – 10pm • $10 // 18+ There will be limited capacity, grab your tickets early so you don’t miss it! Bring your own materials or work from our communal supplies.
Let the creative energy between the exhibit, Exoskeleton & other CoLab attendees inspire you. All skill levels are welcome! Bring your own materials or work from those we provide, and join us for another wholesome night of making art with friends! All visual disciplines are welcome: painting, drawing, sewing, projections, photography, design, sculpture, collage, and more. Work together, collaborate, or work solo!
GAMUT ANNIVERSARY PARTY Saturday, June 17th • 6-10pm $10 presale coming soon, $15 day of the event Free for Gamut Gallery Members.
Celebrate 11 years of art, music & community alongside our current exhibit, Exoskeleton. Featuring DJ’s Mama Sauce, Mplshouse, Jake Encinas & GirlE + live painting by Yuya Negishi & 10 minute portrait sessions by Daughters and Suns.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Tony Philippou was born in The Bronx, NY and attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. He currently lives and teaches in Orlando, Florida. He has been a Fine-Artist for over 20 years, but originally started out as a freelance illustrator and designer in NY, Tony blended his communication and design skill set with his love for Painting. Tony explores themes of urban decay, fashion, societal trends, and contemporary subjects with aesthetic techniques inspired by Renaissance portraiture, Graffiti, and Fantasy Illustration.
As a young New Yorker with a very unique imagination, he would often conjure images of warriors and heroes who would traverse his imaginative landscapes. By experimenting with different styles and art-historical genres, Philippou depicts detailed moments that focus on both individual and universal experiences. Contrast and balance are ever present in his paintings as a mechanism for impact and readability. His work has been seen in Major Galleries across the US from New York to Los Angeles, as well as the Honolulu Museum of Art School in Hawaii, and has artwork in the permanent Collection of the Urban Nation Contemporary Art Museum in Berlin, Germany.
Monty Montgomery was born and raised in Virginia and earned his BFA from Longwood University in 1998. He currently lives in San Diego, Ca. Monty began exhibiting his work professionally in 2002. In 2008 Montgomery launched the next chapter of his career by moving to a new studio in San Diego, CA. In recent years he has begun focusing on collaborative projects with other artists that play with the juxtaposition of disparate styles with the goal of stretching the boundaries of what each artist does individually. The first in 2012 was the “Kreashun Project” with J Feather and in 2016 he launched the “Kaleidoskull Project” with Tony Philippou. Both of these ongoing collaborations continue to evolve as does his personal work, each feeding off the other.
Montgomery loved straight lines and bright colors at a very young age. He was influenced by his mother who was a kindergarten teacher and his father’s craftsmanship. Early memories of creating in the shop beside his father along with crayons and coloring books on the kitchen table guided by his mother left an impression that reflects in his work to this day. In his teen years, Monty discovered that he connected to the world a bit differently; the realization that he was profoundly absorbing emotional and physical energy from every experience in his path led him to interpret that energy and channel it into unique creative expressions. In his junior year at Longwood University, he launched Cilli Original Designs and began spreading his word through clothing, paintings, poetry, stickers, and culture.
We have had a fantastic year featuring artists from all over the world. We are excited to end this calendar year with our 12th Annual Holiday Sale, Raging Art On. Since the inception of Raging Art On in 2011, we have hand-selected the artists, but leave the rest up to them, leaving it up to the artists to choose their best of the best for the holiday pop-up shop. Let our artists be your elves and continue to support our vibrant community of local artists and makers. This year we are welcoming 50 MN artists, many names and faces you may be familiar with from past RAO’s throughout the years however, we will also feature 19 NEW artists that have never shown during RAO before.
With the gallery walls filled from floor-to-ceiling showcasing original works of all price points and mediums, tick off everyone on your list in a single shopping trip at Gamut. Whether it’s pottery, fiber art, paintings, prints, apparel, jewelry, or home goods that catch your eye, everything in the collection is ready to take home with you that day – giving you plenty of time to put off wrapping ‘til the very last minute.
Happy Holidays! ?– The whole Gamut Crew
FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, OUR ANNUAL HOLIDAY SALE RAGING ART ON IS IN THE GALLERY THROUGH JANUARY 6TH!
There are still hundreds of works awaiting their new forever homes, make your way into the gallery before we shut down and prepare for the new ownership team to take the reigns this February. This is the last exhibit Cass Garner (aka @mplsartbabe) will be curating at Gamut, so make sure to stop in and say hello one last time!
Open Hours through January 6th: Wednesday – Saturday from 11am to 6pm
FEATURED ARTISTS: Astralchemy, Barret Lee, Bekah Worley, Betsey Giles, Ben DiNino, Benja Wuest, Briana Auel, Crisp Motif, Derek Meier, Devin Newby, Destiny Davison, Eli Libson, Em Forbes, Emily McBride, Evan Weselmann, Heather Renaux, Iris Libson, Jake Fifer, Jake Speich, Jorie Kosel, Juliana Ferguson, Justin Snead, Kathryn Flora, Karen Caldwell, Kate Johnson, Kelly Helsinger, Lara Eckerman, Lauren Strom, Marne Skusa, Melissa Sisk, Mike Welton, MK Metten, Monica Helland, Nichole Showalter, Nicole Mueller, Olivia Kor, Patrizia Vignola, Precious Wallace, Rachel Shroder, Russ White, Rock Johnsen, Sarah Sosa, Sander Kolodziej, Sara Kahn, Sean Ferris, Sherstin Schwartz, Spacedoutlulu, Tiff Mueller, Tiffany Lange, Travis Collins and 3drd Crafts (Third Daughter, Restless Daughter)
RAO Pop-Up Dates: December 1st – January 6th, 2024 717 S 10th St, Minneapolis, MN 55404 • In-person shopping through January 6th • Wednesdays – Saturdays, 11am- 6pm
Online Orders December 2nd – January 9th, 2024 • Shipping available nationally • FREE in-person pick-up through January 6th, 2024
We look forward to hosting two solo exhibitions featuring local ceramicist Rock Johnsen in February and MFA MCAD Alumni Suyao Tian in July. Bridging our solo shows, we are thrilled to be partnering up with @mplsart to bring back the MPLSART Sketchbook Project Exhibit again this March. The party continues into the spring with emerging curator Gerardo Morado, founder of the ACME Collective, for his first curatorial gallery exhibition exclusively at Gamut. This June, we celebrate our 10th anniversary with our community with a retrospective exhibit that is sure to take us all on a trip down memory lane! Artist, curator, and one of our rock-star installers, Jamie Owens, will guest curate our annual group exhibit Call for Work (C4W) this fall, followed up with a showcase of resident artists and staff from Interact Arts led by Derek Meier. Finally, we will wrap up the year with a spark of wintery inspiration with our 11th Annual Raging Art On (RAO) Holiday Sale featuring all MN artists. As always, each of our events will feature bonus art talks, music, and festivities.
The gallery was vivacious from every one of our artists and patrons that attended our exhibits and events last year, we thank you again for your support and excitement!
?- The whole Gamut Crew
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December 1st, 2022 – January 10th, 2023
Raging Art On 2022 – Gamut’s Annual 11th “uncurated” Holiday Shop in a gallery setting.
Raging Art On (RAO) will be back for its 11th year! Bursting at the seams with locally sourced art, RAO has no bounds and helps us answer that age-old question: what do you get the person that has everything? Art, of course!
The gallery is transformed, filled from floor-to-ceiling with paintings, fiber art, prints, jewelry, sculptures, and stocking stuffers to choose from. You’ll never find yourself agonizing over holiday shopping again. Raging Art On provides a unique, consumer-conscious experience that allows any adventurous shopper to find the perfect gift for anyone on their shopping list. Join us in the yuletide as we uncover all the hidden gems our local artist community has to offer!
FEATURED ARTISTS: Aaron Schmitz, Amit Michael, Ashtyn Sibinski, Astralchemy, Barret Lee, Bekah Worley, Benja Wuest, Betsey Giles (Rockin’ Octopus), Black Daze, Briana Auel, Bruno Press, Catherine Brinker, Carter Casmaer, Cassie Garner, Destiny Davison, Eli Libson, Emily Floyd, Emily Forbes, Emily Quandahl, Evan Weselmann, Genessis Lopez, Heather Renaux, Hilary Greenstein, Jorie Kosel, Josh Katzenmeyer, Juliana Ferguson (Hello Cross Stitches), Kate Johnson, Kathryn Flora, Keya Hutchins, Jenna Murphy, Jovy Rockey, Lauren Strom, Leeya Rose Jackson, Lindsee Boyer, Linnea Maas, Liza Ferrari, Madison Rubenstein, Malleus Pottery, Marne Skusa (Prajna Bodyworks), Martzia Thometz, Melissa Sisk, MK Metten(From MK with Love), Monica Helland, Nichole Showalter, Nina Perkins (Pompa Goods), Phaedra Odelle, Rachel Schroder (Ms. Stitch), Russ White, Sander Kolodziej, Sara Kahn (Imaginary Conservatory), Sari Lennick, Scott Seekins, Sydney Newman, Tiffany Lange, and Travis J. Collins.
Member Only Preview Night
Thursday, December 1st // 5-9pm
Don’t miss first dibs on your favorite pieces!
Not a Gamut Gallery member? Become one today.
• Must be a Gamut Gallery Member to attend
RAO Pop-Up Dates: December 2nd – December 23rd
717 S 10th St, Minneapolis, MN 55404
• In person shopping
• Wednesdays – Saturdays, 11am- 6pm
Online Orders
December 2nd – January 10th, 2023
• Shipping available nationally
• Shop all artworks at Gamutgallerympls.com
GALLERY & GIFT SHOP OPEN HOURS
FREE open hours: Wednesday – Friday, 11am – 6pm; Saturday 11am – 6pm through December 23rd.
We are available by appointment, please request an appointment 48 hours in advance.
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Past Exhibits:
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February 4th, 2022 – February 26th, 2022
Earth’s Alchemy – Rock Johnsen’s solo exhibition from exploring the periodic table through ceramic glazes.
With the new year in full swing, the transformative power of winter in the Twin Cities sets the stage for Gamut Gallery’s first show of 2022: Earth’s Alchemy. We are thrilled to host Minnesota State Arts Board recipient, Rock Johnsen, who shares his passion for chemistry and ceramics in his first solo gallery exhibition.
Through his experimental glazing methods, the distinctive and delicate crystal structure highlighted in Rock’s body of work evokes the familiarity of ice cracking under the weight of heavy-soled snow boots this February. From everyday objects like plates, mugs and bowls to his larger-than-life periodic table installation, Rock explores the intersection of art and science by way of the earth’s rare elements and his pottery wheel. In doing so, he shows us that elements can interact with one another within the confines of solid and functional objects.
Just like no two snowflakes are alike, each piece featured in this exhibit is one of a kind, inspiringus to remember science in everyday life and its inherent influence on societal progress and inclusivity. Rock’s work represents the certainty of constant evolution at an atomic level, the diversity that stems from these atomic interactions, and their eventual influence on our collective appreciation and interest in expressing ourselves through art.
Rock Johnsen is a 2021 fiscal year recipient of an Artist Initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. Learn more!
Featuring: Adam Denton, Alex Kuno, Alison Arens, Alison Bergblom Johnson, Amit Michael, Angel Hawari, Caitlin Karolczak, Chuck U, CL Martin, Cory Favre, Danielle Pebbles, Shade Pratt, Hibaaq Ibrahim, Jaida Grey Eagle, Josh Decker, Jesse Barstad, John Sauer, John Schuerman, Kristina Fjellman, Margarita Sikorskaia, Mary Gibney, Melissa Lee Sisk, Micah Savage, Natalia Berglund, Nicholas Harper, Oni Sakti, Piotr Szyhalski, Ramses Alarcon, Renee Chartier, Ross Auger, Samuel Fleming, Sarah Nicole, Simone Needles, Yunior Rebollar Carbonell, and Yuya Negishi.
Given the magnitude of artists and limited wall space, an open call was sent to all 70 artists and the first 35 to respond would have the opportunity to showcase their original work in the exhibition. The roster filled up with established and emerging artists, creating an eclectic exhibition featuring muralists, studio artists, street artists, graphic novelists, collage artists, and more. Gamut attendees may recognize familiar names that have been on exhibit at Gamut in the past and can look forward to 18 new artists who will be exhibiting their work in the gallery for the first time.
MPLSART will again partner with St. Paul based Revere Auctions to auction the original sketchbooks. All net proceeds from the print book and the originals will be distributed amongst contributing artists.
ACME is a collective of interdisciplinary artists from the Twin Cities promoting Art. Culture. Music. Etc. (ACME) in an intersectional and inclusive way. Throughout the years, ACME’s experimental, avant-garde stylistic events have been uniting artists from various subcultures and generations within the arts in conjunction with dance music and interactive installations. While we selected artists, we approached this exhibit based on compatibility and color palettes, representing a collection of paintings, illustrations, and textiles that serve to foster new connections between artists. Every artist has a counterpart connection to a similar style of artwork or particular element distinguishing their work/respective medium, through color and texture. Gerardo also aims for Conexión, his group exhibition to feature local and international artists who will bridge the conversation between generations and nationalities. And for the participating artists to find parallels between their art and someone else’s that may have a very different background or lifestyle as themselves.
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June 11th, 2022 – July 9th, 2022
ART IS FOR EVERYONE!
Gamut Gallery has thoroughly enjoyed a decade of art, music, performance, and collaborations! From our first location in the Handicraft Building to our current home in Elliot Park, the relationship that continues to define our space is the one we share with you every day. As we look forward to another year together, we invite you to join us in celebrating ten years by attending our first summer exhibition of the year: Art is for Everyone!
As the gallery evolves from one show to the next, the heart of Gamut’s mission remains the same: we believe that art fosters community, and everyone should have access to becoming a collector! In honor of our tenth anniversary, ten of our supporters, from dabblers to devotees, have graciously agreed to lend us one of the pieces that first caught their eyes and captured their hearts. The loaned work will be displayed in tandem with new, original pieces by the corresponding artists. Gamut is delighted to welcome back artists Aldair Dosmil, Ash Hane, Barret Lee, Bunny Portia, James Zucco, John Foster, Kristi Abbott, Rodrigo Oñate, Lora Hlvasa, and Urban Camper for this group exhibit. As a special compliment to the month-long retrospective display, portraits captured within the homes of the featured collectors will be on view along with a few words of their own stories that embody Gamut’s mission of bridging artists and their communities to life!
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July 22nd, 2022 – August 20th, 2022
Suyao Tian’s Solo Exhibition
This July, Gamut Gallery is pleased to welcome nationally recognized artist, designer and independent curator residing in the Twin Cities, and adjunct faculty at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) Suyao Tian for her latest interactive solo exhibition, In Your Own Words.
The intimate relationship Suyao has observed between her work and the unique experiences of her collectors is the inspiration behind the upcoming exhibit. Through the liberal use of water in her painting application, Suyao embraces the spontaneity of shapes as they organically unwind across her composition. “My inspiration comes from my childhood memories. I try to think like a child, without the constraints of space and time.” Her choice of vivid color strengthens this notion, illustrating whimsical scenes full of life and movement. In doing so, she encourages the viewer to embark on an exploration of their inner world, interpreting the path her paints take through the lens of their own childlike imaginations.
During the exhibition, visitors are encouraged to share their favorite pieces from the collection online, along with a few comments about their individual interpretations of her art. “I don’t try to force viewers to understand my work, more importantly, I hope my work can inspire viewers’ curiosity and a new understanding of themselves and the world.” Meanwhile, buyers will be offered the opportunity to name their piece upon purchase. In doing so, In Your Own Words sets out to weave together a narrative echoing Suyao’s recognition that we each autonomously navigate events, demonstrating how experiences color our interpretation of the world around us.
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September 9th, 2022 – October 8th, 2022
C4W:2022 Features: Analeise Jarvi-Beamer, Ash Hagerstrand, Ashley Ray, Brian Nagel, Christopher Alday, Christopheraaron Deanes, Constance Klippen, Daniel Allyn Lee, Derek Meier, Desirée Forgét, Emily Quandahl, Emma Beatrez, Erin Peña, Gary Stewart, Jake Zirbes, Jeremy Jones, Jesse Quam, Jordan Shepherd, Luis David Moran, Mara Glover, Merick Reed, Nick Knutson, Odam Art, Richard Wehrs, Tara Robinson, Tina Ford, Tony Kukich, Xiao Faria daCunha
Gamut Gallery’s annual Call-4-Work exhibition is a chance for artists to push against preconceived norms of what art “should” be. All media is accepted for submission, artists of all levels are encouraged to submit, and there is never a predetermined theme for the exhibit. After reviewing the body of submitted works, each year’s chosen guest curator is free to hand-select a group of pieces that showcase the complete “Gamut” of visual mediums. The resulting exhibit makes for a memorable, one-of-a-kind event that our space is thrilled to host each fall. With guest curator Jamie Owens behind the wheel, Gamut Gallery’s 2022 C4W exhibition, Pinky Promise, is an enthusiastic and unexpected portrayal of emerging, established, and outsider artists across North America and Mexico.
For our last small group exhibit of 2022, we are partnering up with Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts. Derek Meier, curator, working artist, and Interact Center instructor shared his collaborative vision with us for Coaction in 2019. After 3 years of Covid postponements, Coaction is finally coming to fruition this October! Coaction will feature independent artwork from Interact staff, Interact artists, and collaborative pairings. The gallery will host the “Gamut” of mediums ranging from illustrations to paintings and fiber arts to ceramics.
Interact Center’s mission is to create art that challenges society’s views of disabilities, push the boundaries of traditional art forms by including the unique perceptions of their artists, and to expand the meaning of “accessibility” beyond physical structures for artists with disabilities by playing an active role in the creative process.
Since we opened our doors a decade ago, Gamut’s mission is to foster a community that spans all disciplines, lifestyles, and backgrounds. For that reason, we deeply appreciate the opportunity to partner with Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts studio artists and their instructors to facilitate the breadth of these works within our own gallery space.
Visit interactcenter.com for more information on their art center, studio facilitators, and Interact Artist.
Balancing Act // October 22 – November 20, 2021 //A solo exhibition by Barret Lee exploring distinctions of chaos and harmony in the world around us to create balance amidst our reality. Shop this exhibition today!
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Balancing Act showcases an unreleased body of work from Minneapolis painter, Barret Lee, encompassing the characters he has been illustrating since childhood and subject matters he has expanded upon since graduating from MCAD in 2016. Drawing from his biggest inspirations: surrealism, graffiti and cartoons, Lee utilizes a combination of acrylics, spray paint and occasional collage, expressing a whimsical theme throughout his work, personifying fantastical worlds that encourage the viewer to escape from the chaos of reality.
Barret sees painting as a form of communicating unrestrained thoughts and softening the discord of everyday experience. His unique approach to surrealism stimulates the audience’s imagination and emotions. Naturally, this exhibition reveals that when we maximize our creative capacity, chaos and balance do not merely coexist but can actually live in harmony with one another.
“Those three worlds I look to mold into one of modern escapism. I create fantastical characters and floating landscapes in search of a utopian outlook on life”, says Barret. Like many of his previous bodies of work, Balancing Act features constructs of paradisal wonderlands, however this solo exhibition focuses on satirizing the state of the world and how it affects our mental wellbeing and existence. His use of poppy, saturated colors will draw viewers in as they are given an opportunity to explore the macro- and microcosms that Lee has unleashed from his mind
MEMBERS ONLY PREVIEW NIGHT: Thursday, October 21, 2021 // 6-8pm Meet & greet with Barret Lee! • RSVP Required • Memberships required, become a member today!!
PUBLIC OPENING NIGHT: Friday, October 22, 2021 // 6-9pm $7, FREE for members • Pre-sales available and recommended
• Featuring Michaelton • Entry will be available at the door • Masks required indoors
ARTIST TALK: Wednesday, November 3, 2021 // 7pm Moderated by Russ White of MPLSART $5pre-sales, $7door, FREE for members • Pre-sales available and recommended • Entry will be available at the door if pre-sales do not sell out • Masks required indoors
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ABOUT THE ARTIST
Barret Lee is a Minnesota based fine artist and illustrator with a BA in drawing and painting from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) in 2016. Barret is a multidisciplinary artist who works in a range of mediums. He paints a wide variety of subjects, including wide-eyed characters, playful landscapes, and his take on pop culture.
Since graduating, Barret Lee has participated in countless art fairs and exhibitions around the Midwest, with Gamut Gallery being a staple consistently showcasing his work since 2017. Barret has permanent collections on view at Rafter Lofts Minneapolis, Saluté Dental in Woodbury Minnesota, and Arete Lacrosse at the TCF performance center in Eagan. He currently works as a freelance fine artist and you may find him at his studio #385 in the historic Northrup King Building in Northeast Minneapolis.
