Frogtown Artist Lofts
Wednesday 28 February @ 13:56:47 |
 by BETSY MOWRY
Tucked off University Avenue just west of Rice Street in St. Paul sits the Frogtown Family Lofts, the lesser-known cousin of the St. Paul's Lowertown Lofts. As a cooperative living space for artists and their families, these unique, multi-leveled units were originally built in 1917 as a printing press factory. Renovated by Artspace Projects in 1992, Frogtown Lofts now include 36 apartments. Residents share landscaped gardens, a children's play area and a common art gallery/atrium, where tenants can exhibit their work in the gallery.
 As with the initial state of many artists’ communities, when the Frogtown Family Lofts opened, the neighborhood was in serious decline. The infusion of the artists and their families brought stability to the area, and has inspired beautification projects and community gardens (see artspaceusa.org).
Last weekend, while most of us were literally buried in snow, stuck in traffic or too apathetic to leave the house, the Frogtown Loft artists held an opening for their annual Winter Group Show, Cross Country.
More than 13 visual artists have work on display, ranging from classic oil paints to drawings, lithographs, mosaics, sculpture and multi-media pieces. Artists include Arlinda Henderson, Francesca Del Gado, Lori Markie, Julie Pfoser, Sarah Moores, Justin Terlecki, Mark and Galilee Wojahn, Brently Michael Davis and Sasha Piunti. And because the Frogtown Lofts are family friendly, children from the co-op are exhibiting their work as well.
“This annual event is an opportunity to meet our artistic peers and new neighbors, to invite our patrons to share art with each other and the greater community,” said Justin Terlecki, co-organizer for the exhibit. “What's exciting about the show is that performing artists, like musicians and dancers, get to participate as well.”
Musician Todd Harper and his band performed at the opening, as did Irish musician Brian Miller. Terlecki’s roommate Jennifer Mack performed a solo choreographed piece in her studio space, and was joined by fellow dancer Deborah Jinza Thayer.
Terlecki said the annual exhibit has been going on for 15 years. “It changes over time, sometimes there has been a day event, too, where people open up their homes. There is a diverse group of people living here, and it fluctuates as to how many artists exhibit their work.”
Cross Country runs through March 25 and is available for viewing by appointment. If you missed the opening, fear not! On March 25 at 1 p.m. exhibitors are holding an artists’ talk in the gallery. Visitors will be able to see the wide variety of work and speak directly with the artists about their motivation, inspiration and techniques. ||
The Atrium Gallery in the Frogtown Artist Lofts is located at 653 Galtier St., St. Paul For more information call 651-487-5375, Justin Terlecki at 651-487-0911 or email Mark Wojahn, Atrium Gallery director, at xlart@comcast.net.
|
|
 |
|
