All visual disciplines welcome: painting, drawing, sewing, projections, photography, design, sculpture, collage and more.
Bring your own materials or work from our communal supplies.
Work together, collaborate, or work solo.
The creative energy in the air connects us all and inspires new ideas.
WHAT: Open art night
WHEN: Thursday, February 20th @ 9 PM – 1 AM
WHERE: Gamut Gallery Basement Studio
COST: $5
MINNEAPOLIS–Saturday, June 14, 2014, 9:01 p.m. – 5:26 a.m. Prepare to venture to another world at Gamut Gallery. The entire room will be transformed by an illuminated art installation, blossoming with interplanetary flora and live vegetation. Navigate your way through a jungle of gleaming sculptures, while the sky overhead twinkles with galaxies afar and wall-to-wall projections create a cosmic rift before your eyes. A live soundscape using rainforest and NASA space recordings as source material will immerse your senses. The truly adventurous can step into the space-art pod, to create cascading designs with just the wave of a hand using Touch Designer technology. The first 500 people to enter the “Intergalactic Garden” will receive a glowing Gamut astronaut pin to commemorate the trip through space.
Curated by: Hal Lovemelt & Jade Patrick
In Collaboration with: Hannah Howard, Matt “One Up” Guertin, Cassie Garner, James Patrick, Adam Vachon, Kurtis Johnson, Mark Dean, Edward Johnson, Rachel Andrzejewski & McGorry of Rogue Citizen
Soundscaping by: Chester Yourczek, Nathan Brende, Logan Stimmel & James Patrick
About Northern Spark
On the second Saturday in June each summer, tens of thousands of people gather along the Minneapolis riverfront and throughout the city to explore giant video projections, play in temporary installations in the streets, and enjoy experimental performances in green spaces and under bridges. From dusk to dawn the city surprises you: friendly crowds, glowing groups of cyclists, an unexpected path through the urban landscape, the magic of sunrise after a night of amazing art and experiences. Northern Spark is the one-night arts event people talk about for the rest of the year. For more information, visit northernspark.org.
About Northern Lights
Northern Spark is presented by Northern Lights.mn, a non-profit arts organization whose mission is to transform our sense of what’s possible in public space. Northern Spark is one night, but Northern Lights.mn shines throughout the year with projects such as Creative City Challenge for the Minneapolis Convention Center, The Giant Sing-A-Long at the Minnesota State Fair, and permanent, interactive public art for Saint Paul’s Union Depot.
MINNEAPOLIS – Saturday, May 10, 2014, 7:00-11:00 p.m. is the opening reception for “If These Walls Could Talk;” the exhibit runs through May 31. Danger, hands-on history, extreme sportsmanship, discovery, an artistic process; Urban Exploring combines these elements into one subversive passion. However, when you ask photographer Cameren Torgerud why he continues to explore early and mid-century American ruins, he alludes to reasons that can’t be pinned down. He has captured some of the rarest images a local digital photographer has unveiled, including subjects since demolished. Still, neither documentation or his resulting art define his expeditions; he counters: “sometimes I don’t even bring my camera.” At Gamut Gallery, Torgerud takes a departure from recent light painting exhibitions, to debut these photographs of abandoned structures. The series chronicles five years of voyages into forgotten spaces locally and in tumbled-down parts of towns across the country.
Torgerud’s photographs allow the eyes to move around these spaces as if actually there, illuminating more than the focal point to explore. His use of High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging goes beyond a basic enhancement. He applies the technique to retain essential details that would otherwise be lost to the constraints of each abandoned building’s natural light. ”Forgotten Theater” takes the viewer inside an abandoned school, draped in construction materials so aged that they are incrementally peeling from the ceiling and walls. There is a peaceful, cathedral-like effect in the still decipherable assembly hall stage, lit by bars of trespassing sunlight. Despite the meditative hold of the series, a trace of violence co-exists in the slow-motion disintegration of these abandoned stomping grounds.
Cameren Torgerud aka “Light The Underground” was raised in a family of photographers. He studies photography and digital imaging at the Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) and works as a freelance photographer. He has shown artwork consistently over the last three years at local galleries and other establishments, and has been published in several periodicals. His started making a name for himself experimenting with long-exposure light painting on urban exploring trips into buildings, sewers and caves. Torgerud’s freelance business has evolved to include portrait photography, with experience in weddings, engagements and graduation photos. He plans trips around urban exploring frequently, and has treasures like abandoned jailhouse keys to show for it.
MINNEAPOLIS – May 31, 2014, 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. – Multi-media installation and spoken word performances complete the finale for current exhibit “If These Walls Could Talk.” This debut of photographer, Cameren Torgerud’s latest series chronicles his Urban Exploring adventures. He has just begun to explore the United States in pursuit of some of the rarest sights, documenting abandoned buildings that defy entrance by the average citizen – some since demolished. Gamut Gallery immediately realized the relevance of his work and devised a plan to sponsor his way to a frontline city on the dispute over urban decay. As Torgerud’s photographs of early and mid-century American ruins hang on the gallery walls, Gamut sends him to document Detroit’s tarnished gems before the wrecking ball strikes.
From the earliest discussions of this exhibit, Gamut Gallery Director, Jade Patrick felt one city was missing. After enthusiastic responses to the idea of a travel sponsorship for this emerging artist, and after learning more details about Detroit’s current urban challenges, it became clear that Torgerud must go there. A group of architects that visited the gallery pointed out the time sensitivity of the project in the face of mass demolition. Further research into these shocking details were enough to convince the entire Gamut board that now is the time. With the final approval from Torgerud, plans were laid for an expedition within just a few weeks time.
Every day in Detroit more “blighted” structures are torn down in a covertly controversial money grab for $100 million in Federal funds. According to Capitol Reporter Jonathan Oosting, the funds were diverted into blight demolition from a foreclosure relief TARP offshoot called the Hardest Hit Fund. Not even a fifth of the 500 million awarded to Detroit has actually gone to programs for struggling homeowners. Residents do welcome demolition of fire-prone, structurally unsafe, rat or criminal-filled properties that make children afraid to walk to school. However, there are a significant amount of buildings that neighbors are fighting to keep. Some of these structures exemplify the finest in early American architecture, yet lay vulnerable to vandalization as their historical landmark applications are held up in bureaucratic delay. Many controversial tear-downs are slated for demolition in months or weeks.
Gamut member and videographer Caleb Timmerman will accompany Torgerud, collecting documentation and audio samples on site. The sounds of each unique location will be mixed into a musical composition by staff and students of Slam Academy: an electronic music school that shares space with Gamut Gallery. The resulting ambient soundscape will accompany projections of the photographs captured in Detroit. The installation will be shown for one night only in the Gamut Studio below the Gallery, during the exhibit finale. A limited number of prints of the projected works will be available for pre-order. Framed art may be taken at the end of the night or delivered.
Spoken word artists have been invited to respond to the theme surrounding the current situation in Detroit and perform other original works. Featured artists include: Neil Hilborn, Crxo Apollo, Christopher Shillock, Nikolas Martell, Paul Canada & Oliver Renee Schminkey.
This event and Cameren Torgerud’s travel to Detroit have been made possible by a generous sponsorship from the following companies: Green Rock Apartments / Altus Architecture / Isenberg + Associates / Pabst Blue Ribbon
Join us for a bike tune-up party and back alley bbq (BYOB) during special early gallery hours (noon -4pm) Sat May 17th…then pedal off in a bike mob to Art-A-Whirl in NE!
Come to the back alley behind Gamut to share with you our love of bikes, and to offer CRAZY CHEAP and HIGH QUALITY tune ups and adjustments to any style of bike (arrive early if you bike is need of some work, the last sign up spot will be at 3pm).
At 4pm we’ll mount up on our rides and pedal along our bike caravan over to Northeast to check out Art-A-Whirl.
Then at 9PM it will be time to head on over to the Waterbury Building for music by James Patrick Plays.
Gallery owner James Patrick, with 20+ years experience “wrenching”… will not only touch your bike, but even restore it to it’s originally smooth, sleek, cruising machine status.
All styles and sizes welcome: Road, Mountain, Cruiser, Track, Hipster, Hybrid, Tandem, and of course BMX (!!!!), etc..
SERVICES:
Adjustments (fittings, tire pressure, light shifting, braking, and general moving parts alignment) – $10
Tune Ups (heavier adjustments plus lubricants, polishing, and minor replacement parts) – $20
+ additional parts at wholesale prices – Tubes, cables, housing, etc
All visual disciplines welcome: painting, drawing, sewing, projections, photography, design, sculpture, collage and more.
Bring your own materials or work from our communal supplies.
Work together, collaborate, or work solo.
The creative energy in the air connects us all and inspires new ideas.
WHAT: Open art night
WHEN: Thursday, May 15th @ 9 PM – 1 AM
WHERE: Gamut Gallery Basement Studio
COST: $5
Thursday April 24th, 7-10PM – Join us at Gamut Gallery as we bid farewell to the “The Lost Art,” curated by Scott Seekins. Admission is FREE and open to the public.
This collection of hand-drawings challenges expectations of the status quo by addressing controversial issues of our time: transsexuality, war, human health, the food industry, and environmentalism, among others.
Thrash hip-hop duo G-Biz will debut music from their new EP “Tired of Being Poor” – to be released online the day of the event. http://g-biz.bandcamp.com/
DJ Miscellaneous will open and close the evening with an eclectic mix of music to expand your mind and make your body move.
FEATURED ARTISTS
Erin Sayer, Sara Syverhus, Amina Harper, Angela Sprunger, Aneesa Erinn Adams, Brookita Corazon, Justine Di Fiore, Bryce Davidson, Danielle Jambois Edstrom, Ed Johnson, Stefani McDade, Nate Stottrup, Ethan Heidlebaugh, Laura Bigger, Angel Hawari, Laurie Kigner, Nicholas Straight, Ron Brown, Jesse Quam, Scott Seekins
BEAUTIES BEHAVING BADLY
KATE RENEE’S SOLO EXHIBIT AT GAMUT GALLERY
MINNEAPOLIS – Sat., Jan. 18, 2014 7:00-11:00 p.m. – Opening for “Beauties Behaving Badly” – the exhibit runs through Feb. 22. Painter Kate Renee was awarded a Minnesota State Arts Board- Artist Initiative Grant in Jan. 2013; this exhibit is the culmination of the work it made possible. Renee began with the concept of Disney princesses with an edgy twist, replacing their happy endings with real-world problems or circumstances. Both theme and quality of work evolved rapidly over 2013, while fulfilling the grant and a Women’s Art Resource of Minnesota mentorship under Jill Waterhouse. The resulting series reexamines archetypical fairytales, relaying each passed-down parable in a new way for a new generation. Each beauty finds herself in a different predicament, often of her own choosing. In each case, she is revealing her naughty side.
Through research, Renee found her not-so-happy-endings more akin to the historical telling of these familiar fairytales. Funding and feedback spurred development of this concept, also allowing tangible upgrades to Renee’s materials. She previously used mainly acrylic on canvas or foam-core for her graphic, cartoon-like character studies. In this new series she has developed a technique of applying the acrylics to birch and setting resin over the finished piece. The natural wood grains add a subtle dimension of organic texture to her bold designs, while inspiring experimentation with the use of this rich, new background as negative space. Renee paints a story in bold iconic imagery, complete with a main character in conflict and even some adorable sidekicks – all with the signature Kate Renee eyes.
Kate Renee has exhibited nationally and internationally, receiving press and numerous awards locally. Most recently she earned a Minnesota State Arts Board- Artist Initiative Grant and was accepted as a protégé by the Women’s Art Resource of Minnesota. Renee earned a BA in Fine Arts, Art History, and a minor in design from the U of M in 2010. Renee has interned at various galleries, culminating in an assistant gallery director internship and at Altered Esthetics, where she was subsequently hired as director of solo exhibitions. She will debut her Beauties Behaving Badly series, spring 2014 at Gamut Gallery and is currently working on a series called “Naughty Neighborhood.”
Artwork above by Nicholas Kovatch
MINNEAPOLIS – Oct. 19, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. – Opening Reception for the C4W Finalists; the exhibit runs through Nov. 23. This year Gamut Gallery chose guest jurors to select the artists for their annual Open Call for Works exhibit. Ash Marlene Hane, the first solo exhibitor at Gamut, was chosen as a trusted representative of the gallery’s aesthetic and intentions. Hane then selected Nathanial Smith and Jesse Draxler as co-jurors. Her choice represents more than just a cross-section of young, current, Minneapolis-based artists. She sought out deliberators with a discerning eye, but also an unrelenting drive to create, view and analyze art. The trio has contrasting views and processes, pulling the selection of works into unexpected territory. The show, resulting in combined aesthetic of each juror, will be a decided departure from what Gamut Gallery has seen to date. The jurors describe their selected pieces as “speaking softly while saying a lot”, stark and moody, void of emotion and with a dash of surprising humor.
Works range in media from collage, sculpture, video, photography, paintings and drawings. We get a sense of the diversity that is still possible, even in a minimal show, as each juror relays the story of encountering a submission that resonated with him or her:
Christopher Atkins’ photograph: “Untitled [Milfoil],” strikes Draxler as refreshingly devoid of emotion. A near over-exposed haze slowly reveals tendrils of milfoil and the elusive surface of a lake. The image is part of Atkins’ ongoing trials with focus and depth of field during repeated walks in his neighborhood. The process drew the artist deeply into digital color photography techniques. Meaning the work is indeed less the product of emotion than what personal interpretation may hold.
Smith is drawn to Marnie Erpestad’s unique approach in photographing a museum mounted animal skeleton in “Articulated 2.” To reach the engaging result, Erpestad sought out deep emotional responses over her life, which led her back to a consuming fascination with biology. Her intent to capture the magic she found in natural history museums as a child, led to several days of experiments with some of her most cherished imagery and ultimately an unconventional perspective.
Hane decribes Jacob Spriggs’ “Inside In, Outside Out,” as “six Polaroids that together kind of made this landscape, but upon closer look aren’t a landscape at all.” This effect is a result of utter patience as Spriggs captures warm moments of every variety with vintage film. The expired Polaroids he finds at thrift-stores, leave randomly shaped “voids” of information where they have degraded. Spriggs waits months to be able to match up these fragments of varied nostalgia, transforming them from personal and emotive to purely a combination of information, which Spriggs calls a “visual landscape.”
FEATURED ARTISTS:
Nicholas Carroll
Jacob Spriggs
Joshua McGarvey
Marnie Erpestad
Morgan Pease
Christopher Atkins
Nicholas Knutson
Suzanne Mahoney
Toni Dachis
Josh Winkler
Danielle Voight
Joshua Wilichowski
Katerina Fisher
Kelsey Henderson
Nicholas Kovatch
