Tag Archive: MN Artists

  1. Astroturf

    Comments Off on Astroturf

    ​​FEATURED ARTISTS: Genie Castro, Human Shaped Animal, Neal Breton, Nicole Mueller, in partnership with Blu Dot. Envisioned by Siobhan Mulloy and curated by Cass Garner.


    [bscolumns class=”one_half”]

    Installed in place of grass from as early as the 1950s, AstroTurfforgoes naturally growing grass for the carefree ease of owning an evergreen front lawn. In mid-century America, the synthetic material was marketed to homeowners as a means of signaling status to their neighbors through perfectly manicured landscaping year-round. Mirroring our current consumer culture of filtered images and branded content, Gamut Gallery’s first show of 2023, AstroTurf, plays with the idea of appearances vs. authenticity through the iconic influence of SoCal architecture, pop art, and post-painterly abstraction. Astroturf peers over the neighbor’s hedge to sneak a peek at how the Joneses really live. 

    Gamut’s multimedia exhibit, in collaboration with Blu Dot , features local MN artists, Genie Castro and Nicole Mueller, along with returning SoCal artists, Human Shaped Animal and Neal Breton. Embracing bold and vivid colors, hard-edge lines, and geometry, this selection of work celebrates the resurgence and influence of the mid-century movement and pop-culture Southern California suburbia. 

    Genie Castro’s renditions offer a nod to the midcentury design through her vibrant mono-prints and nine accompanying pieces from her 2022 collection, Lily. While Human Shape Animal incorporates tropical foliage with post-painterly abstraction to produce sculptural, yet functional, wall fixtures that incorporate living plants. Nicole Mueller’s potent images from her annual pilgrimages to Palm Springs highlight mid-century modernist architecture, with the quiet stillness of manicured lawns and majestic palms. Also lending a nod to the leisurely lifestyle, Neal Breton’s works from his Strange Paradise Collection reveal inviting pool scenes we all long for during these cold winter months. Blu Dot’s selection of locally designed furniture elevates the modern aesthetic, immersing the viewer in the movement’s all-encompassing influence on art, design and culture. [/bscolumns]

    [bscolumns class=”one_half_last_clear”]

    MEMBER PREVIEW NIGHT
    Thursday, February 16th// 5-8pm
    Don’t miss the first dibs on your favorite pieces!
    Not a Gamut Gallery member? Become one today.
    • Must be a Gamut Gallery Member to attend

    PUBLIC OPENING:
    Friday, February 17th // 6-9pm
    $10 day of the event / $7 pre-sale / FREE for Members
    Featuring Genie Castro, Human Shaped Animal, Neal Breton, Nicole Mueller & showroom pieces from Blu Dot.

    GALLERY & GIFT SHOP OPEN HOURS
    Please note: Gamut Gallery is closed on exhibit opening days
    FREE open hours: Wednesday – Friday, 11am – 6pm; Saturday 11am – 4pm[/bscolumns][bscolumns class=”clear”][/bscolumns]


    ABOUT THE ARTISTS

    Genie Castro is a community leader in the arts. She creates unity with projects she is involved in by connecting with people. She encourages students and clients to get into the creation process and learn through that exploration. Castro is director and owner of a printmaking studio in the Casket Arts Building in Northeast Minneapolis called SuperCharged Printmakers. It is there she and other printmakers create an inviting space for artists to create freely in the medium of printmaking and have showing opportunities. Her artworks hung alongside artists Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Frank Stella, Robert Longo and Donald Sultan. Castro’s art is featured in the homes of many private collectors and in public and corporate collections.

    Human Shaped Animal a.k.a Rachel Barnes currently resides in Santa Cruz, California. After receiving a B.A. in Painting and Digital Design from Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania, she relocated to Upstate New York for some soul searching. Completely enamored by the ever-changing landscapes and energy that came from West Coast, she soon relocated to Santa Cruz, California in 2016. Expanding in multiple directions from her experience as a painter and muralist, Human Shaped Animal creates a striking bouquet of multimedium pieces. By cross-pollinating her original designs with digital fabrication and live plants she has reaped a mind-bending garden of complex form and moving stillness.    

    Neal Breton, orginally from New Hampshire, has been a professional artist for over twenty five years. He studied painting at Pasadena City College in the 90s, and has curated and shown his own work all over the United States. After living in the suburbs of Los Angeles, he now resides on the Central Coast in the quirky beach community of Los Osos.

    Nicole Mueller is a Minneapolis photographer, printmaker, and real estate agent with a penchant for modernist design and architecture.  Her most recent body of work was inspired on holiday in Palm Springs, California.  Nicole’s photographs are color-saturated, timeless portraits of the homes that line the streets of Palm Springs’ iconic neighborhoods. Shot at eye level from the road, they seem almost like a view from a window of a neighboring home.

  2. 2023 Exhibit Calendar

    Comments Off on 2023 Exhibit Calendar

    Happy Holidays!

    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

  3. 2022 Exhibit Calendar

    Comments Off on 2022 Exhibit Calendar


    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


    ••••

    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.

    ••••

    Past Exhibits:

    ••••

    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, inspiring us 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!

    ]••••

    March 18th, 2022 – April 9th, 2022

    Minneapolis Sketchbook Project – All works will be available for $500 or less!

    Featuring: Adam Denton, Alex Kuno, Alison Arens, Alison Bergblom Johnson, Amit Michael, Angel Hawari, Caitlin Karolczak, Chuck UCL 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.

    ••••

    April 23rd, 2022 – May 28th, 2022

    Conexión curated by Gerardo Morardo of the ACME Collective

    Featuring: Anihail Alvarez, Claire HickmanCristian YbarraEmily QuandahlEvan WeselmannJoshua McGarveyJohn Alspaj, Joshe Montaño, and Nichole Showalter.

    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.

    ••••

    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!

    ••••

    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. 

    ••••

    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. 

    October 22nd, 2022 – November 19th, 2022

    ••••

    COACTION

    FEATURING: Interact artists – Bill Crane, Janice Essick, Michael Engebretson, Kramer Hegenbarth, HML, Ashlea Karkula, Cyrus M., and Lucy Picasso – alongside eight artist instructors – Joli Grostephan (@ariesmoonrise), Jeremy Jones @jeremy.jones.art), Presley Martin (@presley), Derek Meier (@derek_august_ ), Phoebe Mol (@dogwithnoteeth), Simone Needles (@paintinkflowersyarnwine), Jonas Specktor (@specktorart) and Nora Rickey (@noradolora).

    For our last small group exhibit of 2022, we are partnering up with Interact Center for the Visual and Performing ArtsDerek 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.

  4. Balancing Act by Barret Lee

    Comments Off on Balancing Act by Barret Lee


    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! 


    [bscolumns class=”one_half”]

    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

    [/bscolumns][bscolumns class=”one_half_last_clear”]

    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
    $5 pre-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

    [/bscolumns][bscolumns class=”clear”][/bscolumns]


    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.

  5. Balancing Act Art Talk

    Comments Off on Balancing Act Art Talk

    An intimate evening with solo artist Barret Lee and Moderator Russ White exploring distinctions of chaos and harmony in the world around us to create balance amidst our reality.


    [bscolumns class=”one_half”]

    We invite you to join us for an evening of conversation with exhibiting solo artist, Barret lee, and moderator Russ White. Balancing Act turns Gamut Gallery into a bright world of imagination full of unreleased works that encompass the characters Barret has been illustrating since childhood and subject matters he has expanded upon since graduating from MCAD in 2016. His unique approach to surrealism through the use of squids, birds, bears and humans stimulates the audience’s imagination and emotions, communicating unrestrained thoughts and softening the discord of everyday experience. 

    His use of poppy, saturated colors will draw viewers in as you are given an opportunity to explore the macro- and microcosms that Lee has unleashed from his mind. 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. 

    [/bscolumns][bscolumns class=”one_half_last_clear”]

    BALANCING ACT ARTIST TALK:
    Wednesday, November 3, 2021 // 7pm
    Moderated by Russ White of MPLSART, followed by open Q & A
    $5 pre-sales, $7door, FREE for members
    • This is 30 person limited capacity event
    • Pre-sales available and recommended
    • Entry will be available at the door if pre-sales do not sell out
    • Masks required indoors

    [/bscolumns][bscolumns class=”clear”][/bscolumns]

     


    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 pop culture. 

    Since graduating from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), Barret has participated in countless art fairs and exhibitions around the Midwest and has been displaying his artworks at Gamut Gallery beginning with our group exhibition Brightside in 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.

    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.

  6. MPLSART Sketchbook Project Exhibition Artist Talk

    Comments Off on MPLSART Sketchbook Project Exhibition Artist Talk

    Saturday, May 1st
    A round robin-style artist talk featuring Destiny DavisonChristopher Carrallison anneDerek MeierStacey CombsLeeya JacksonReggie LeFlore from the 2020 MPLSART Sketchbook Exhibition.


    [bscolumns class=”one_half”]

    This is not your typical artist talk. This talk will be a Q&A Chain — a method where the curator begins by selecting a piece that intrigues them and asks the artist a couple questions. From there, each chosen artist picks the next one, opening up the dialogue and inviting the artists to respond to each other. There will be seven artists, each having the opportunity to speak about their piece for approximately 5-10 minutes, and will conclude with closing remarks from the curator, Blaine Garrett and Gamut’s director, Cassie Garner.

    ABOUT the EXHIBITION
    MPLSART and Gamut Gallery present the MPLSART Sketchbook Project Exhibition. The exhibition has no defined theme, only a set of guidelines – works had to be new originals and available for under $500. Many artists drew inspiration from their sketchbook pages. In addition to featuring 35 original works, the exhibition will also be an opportunity to see the five original sketchbooks first-hand before going to auction at St. Paul based Revere Auctions.[/bscolumns]

    [bscolumns class=”one_half_last_clear”]

    MPLSART SKETCHBOOK PROJECT EXHIBITION ARTIST Q & A Chain
    Saturday, May 1st, 2021 • 11am-12:30pm
    Moderated by curator Blaine Garrett
    •  Pre-sales Required
    • $10 General Admission
    • $5 for Gamut Members
    • 15 tickets available
    • Masks Required
    • We also livestream the talk on our Instagram: @gamutgallerympls

    [/bscolumns][bscolumns class=”clear”][/bscolumns]

     

     

     

     

     

     

     


    ABOUT the ARTISTS

    allison anne is a collagist, mail artist + graphic designer living in Minneapolis. Their work is the result of years of self-directed experimentation with many mediums, but explorations with paper collage have become their focus. Working with rescued, found or recycled materials as often as possible, allison uses collage, zine-making and correspondence art as ways to explore intersections and interactions between media, medium and function in their art practice. allison is a member of theTwin Cities Collage Collective that strives to provide an inclusive, safe space for individuals at all levels of creative ability to learn about collage.

    Christopher Carr is a mixed media artist originating from Atlanta, GA. He has shown work in various Atlanta area galleries including AmericasMart, Elevation Gallery and Lambert Gallery of Art. Christopher moved to Minneapolis in 2008. Most recently Christopher has shown in group exhibitions at Shrine NYC and The Minneapolis Institute of Art. His work often explores themes of escapism through imagination, and typically reflects his perspective of the world around him at the time the piece is created. He is also a thoughtful and enthusiastic collector of folk art.

    Derek Meier‘s work focuses on material exchange, immediacy, visual play and aesthetic dialogue. Deletion is a critical step in his creative process. He typically utilize paint and mixed media collage elements and work very fast and instinctively on many different pieces at once so that the body of work grows together. From there Derek identifies and isolates the moments he found to be successful and delete what he considers to be irrelevant. The deletion is often achieved by building small and large bodies of unmodulated color fields. Resting these next to other fields allows him to create honest, sculptural lines and forms by pinching paint together. The way landscapes are constructed is something that informs many of his paintings: the different ways their visual space is carved up and shared between natural and man-made elements and their varying agendas.

    Destiny Davison is a writer, illustrator, and multi-media artist exploring the real, the unreal, and the in-between from the Midwest.

    Leeya Rose Jackson is a painter, designer, and Art Director born and raised in Detroit, Mi. Her paintings and linocuts largely explore Black femme identity.

    Reggie LeFlore is a visual artist who creates to praise individual and collective stories through human portraiture.  His inspirations are drawn from the concepts and philosophies of Street Art culture and Illustration – using aerosol, acrylic paint and various graphic design techniques to construct pieces in varying styles, scales and surfaces. Reggie uses visual arts to amplify both his surrounding environments and the narratives contained within them.

    Stacey Combs aka stace of spades, is a freelance artist + illustrator living in South Minneapolis. She is self-taught, but have had a little help here and there. Stacey enjoys good food, music, travel, grungy ink line work, and walks (of any length) on the beach. 75% of the time she works while listening to classical renditions of video game soundtracks. Much of the work that she does is portraiture. While she does make a fair amount of fan art, Stacey often works with themes of environmental and social justice, drawing attention to unfairness and outdated social norms. Looking at her work, it might seem that she draws inspiration from the darkness in life. While that may be true, it all comes from a place of compassion and appreciation. she tries to shine light on, and even make light of, that darkness when she can… which is really the best that any of us can do.

  7. 2021 Exhibit Calendar

    Comments Off on 2021 Exhibit Calendar

    We’re ready for you, new works, new artists, new year.


    UPCOMING EXHIBITS in 2021

    December, 2nd 2021 – January, 10th 2021
    Raging Art On 2021 – Our annual “uncurated” holiday shop in a gallery setting.

    Gamut’s 10th annual holiday market Raging Art On (RAO) is back!  We’re bursting at the seams with locally sourced art, helping you answer that age old question: what do you get the person that has everything? The gallery is transformed, filled from floor-to-ceiling with paintings, fiberart, 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! With the exception of selecting the participants, Gamut leaves the rest up to the local artists to decide the amount of work they show and where to show it.

    ​​FEATURED ARTISTS: Third Daughter Restless Daughter, Astralchemy, Alexis Politz, allison anne, Anton Horishnyk, Amit Michael,  Ashley Nichole, Bekah Worley, Benja Wuest, Biafra, Black Daze, Cassie Garner, Carter Casmaer, Destiny Davison, Eli Libson, Emily Forbes, Emily Quandahl, Evan Weselmann, Flahn Manly, Heather Renaux, Jamie Owens, Jenna Richardson, Jordan Wiebe, Jorie Kosel, Juliana Ferguson, Kathryn Flora, Lauren Storm, Linnea Maas, Liza Ferrari, Lora Hlavsa, Lucy Comer, Manthra Studio, Martzia, Marne Skusa, Nichole Showalter, Pompa Goods, Olivia Kor, Phaedra Odelle, Philipo Duyali, Rachel Schroder, Roland & Darwin Patrick, Russ White, Sara Kahn, Scott Seekins, Sherstin Schwartz, stace of spades, Suyao Tian, Tierney Houdek, Tiffany Lange, Tom Jay, Trace, Zach Julen


    PAST EXHIBITS in 2021

    Cancelled – We regret to inform you, but Future Forms has been cancelled due to logistical complications. Keep following both orgs to see what other exciting events they have planned for the year.

    Future FormsJuxtaposition Arts and Gamut Gallery present Future Forms, a multimedia exhibition featuring artwork from current JXTALabs youth apprentices and recent program alumni. These exhibiting artists affirm that the visionary genius and interdisciplinary approaches of our young people are integral to the growth of the Minneapolis community and beyond.

    Featuring: 
    Alex Vaquerano, Avahnii Lewis, Bereket Weddall, Cameron Downey, Elijah Buchanan, Essence Enwere, Ethan Nevelinen, Hans Forsline, Hawwa Youngmark, Isaiah Hunter, Justice Jones, Makeda Parrish, Micah Brekke, Namir Fear

    Curated by: Alex Smith, Adrienne Doyle, Greta Kotz

    ••••

    April 10th, 2021 – May 8th 2021
    Minneapolis Sketchbook Project MPLSART and Gamut Gallery present the MPLSART Sketchbook Project Exhibition, representing 35 new original works from local artists featured in the project. All works will be available for $500 or less!

    The 2020 MPLSART Sketchbook Project is a unique survey of the Twin Cities visual arts community during a most challenging year. 68 local artists contributed 120 pages of original work to a series of five traveling sketchbooks. The sketchbooks have been compiled into a beautiful 88 page hardcover book available for presale via Kickstarter March 2nd with all net-proceeds split among the featured artist.

    MPLSART is also partnering with St. Paul based Revere Auctions to auction the original sketchbooks. All net proceeds from the print book and the originals will be distributed among contributing artists! This is MPLSART’s way of helping artists during this difficult year.

    Featuring: AK Garski, allison anne, Annie Hejny, Ben DiNino, Betsy Alwin, Black Daze, Christopher E. Harrison, Christopher Carr, Christopher Aaron Deanes, Colee Recke, Derek Meier, Destiny Davison, Hend Al-Mansour, Jamie Owens, Jennifer Davis, Jesse Quam, Jon Reischl, Kar-Keat Chong, Kelsi Sharp, KJ, Krista Anderson-Larson, Kristine Fretheim, Leeya Jackson, Lora Hlavsa, Lizardman, Nicholas Straight, Niky Motekallem, Noval Noir, Philipo Dyauli, Reid Olson, Russ White, Sean Ferris, stace of spades, Tony Cheng, Tyler Faketrap

    ••••

    May 29th 2021 – June 26th, 2021
    Setting the Groundworka solo exhibition by Reggie LeFlore exploring his take on the multidimensional elements of creating, storytelling, and relationships with space and time.

    Setting the Groundwork is Reggie LeFlore’s visual autobiography. Through the use of six portraits, each representing a different chapter of creativity in his life, viewers will have the opportunity to get a look into his inspirations as a child and to his collaborations across his life, highlighting his connections to community and the environments that surround it. Each foundational portrait represents a piece of LeFlore’s methodology, supported with elements containing his past, future and his current bookmark resounding on identity, afrocentricity and purpose. These experiences and influences create a larger than life, bold, vibrant story; a mural per se of his life, from his roots in Omaha to his life in Minneapolis.

    Reggie Leflore is visual artist who creates to praise individual and collective stories through human portraiture.  His inspirations are drawn from the concepts and philosophies of Street Art culture and Illustration – using aerosol, acrylic paint and various graphic design techniques to construct pieces in varying styles, scales and surfaces. Reggie uses visual arts to amplify both his surrounding environments and the narratives contained within them.

    Curated by Cassie Garner

    ••••

    July 15th, 2021 – August 21st, 2021
    Singula – An international group exhibition honoring rare elements that shape our identity

    Featuring muralists Los Calladitos, 2MIL, Lelo Zaa and Roco Drilo from Mexico, (sub)urban warrior, Liz Flores and Elloo from Chicago, Chuck U and Joy Spika from Minneapolis, all whom incorporate whimsical characters and dream-like imagery.

    Singula (adj.) derives from the Latin word, singulus, meaning single or separate; each one being individually unique and particular, possessing its own essence. As individuals experiencing and interpreting distinct realities– from our physical surroundings to our imaginations deep within the subconscious realm; Singula honors the distinguishable and rare elements that continuously shape our identity and understanding of the world.

    Singula is curated by Rodrigo Oñate and features muralists he has invited from Mexico, Chicago and Minneapolis, all whom incorporate whimsical characters and dream-like imagery to explore their cultural origins and storytelling practices that embolden critical connections across identities. Through a combination of colors, textures and intricate shapes and figures, this collection of muralists reveres the accessibility of public spaces to create vibrant and eclectic works that connect directly with the community. By highlighting everyday human experiences and marginalized narratives, this exhibition affirms street art is a powerful form of expression and solidarity among communities, stimulating the imagination and activism necessary for transformative change.

    We hope this work engages the viewer to reflect upon their own innermost identities and the dreams that we carry with us throughout our lifetime. This Summer, we invite you to enter the gallery filled with environments most commonly found in our flights of fantasy.

    Curated by Rodrigo Oñate

    ••••

    September 10th , 2021 – October 9th, 2021
    C4W:2021 – 
    Gamut Gallery’s annual Call-4-Work exhibition.

    The beauty of C4W is that there’s no predetermined theme and it is not a show that influences what art should be. Instead, Candida Gonzalez, this year’s guest curator, brings their unique perspective and interpretation of the submitted works ranging the full “Gamut” of visual media.

    Through our guest curators lens & perspective they have curated the theme Elemental for this C4W. This exhibit will feature artworks that Cándida has chosen to represent one of the building blocks of life, from the four elements and human connections to life and death. For Cándida, these selected works represent some form of elemental energy that invites us to drop down from the chaos into the essential foundation of existence as life twists & changes around us.

    C4W:2021 Features: Aidan Dillon, Alexandra Beaumont, Alondra M. Garza, Atzín Rayas, Ayana Figueroa, Ben DiNino, Ben Hering, Benjamin Wuest, Bo Young An, Buddah Jankey, Caryn Ann Bendrick, Christopher Harrison, Christopher Palbicki, CL Martin, Corinne Teed, Daniel Allyn Lee, Derek Meier, Emily Forbes, Helene Woods, Human Shaped Animal, Ilya Natarius, Ivonne Yáñez, Jacob Docksey, Jessica Kitzman, Jes Lee, Jordan Wiebe, Jorie Kosel, Kat Moon, Katie Robinson, Kristine Fretheim, Laurie Borggreve, Liza Ferrari, Lucy Comer, Lynda Mullan, Madison Rubenstein, Maria Quinn, Margaret Vergara, Nate Woodard, Sarah M. Sosa, Tchana Pierre, & Tiffany Lange

    ••••

    October 22nd, 2021 – November 20th, 2021
    Balancing Act – 
    A solo exhibition by Barret Lee.

    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.