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Twin Town High (vol. 8) |
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Stevens Square Center for the Arts
Wednesday 19 November @ 13:11:34 |
 by Valerie Valentine
The latest art venue in Minneapolis evolved naturally due to location. Stevens Square is home to many artists, in part due to a high concentration of people. Its proximity to the MIA and other cultural institutions makes the neighborhood a thriving space for the creatively minded. For two years now, the Red Hot Art festival in the heart of Stevens drew people out to meet each other. By spreading the word through community organizations, neighbors got organized.
More and more often, artists are taking exhibition of their work into their own hands. In doing so, they eliminate the middleman who may take profits from sales or limit artistic license. Artists at Stevens Square Center for the Arts can take money and put it back into the building’s rent and costs for materials. Unfortunately, they lack the built-in audience and patronage of many established galleries. Still, it’s a bold venture that just might work.
In a time when fancy condos and other expensive development hovers over the ‘hood, this group got it together not a moment too soon. Many emerging artists are not rich, so the chance to combine forces lets them share expenses for space and exposure. The SSCA cooperative effort aims to help raise the profile of Stevens Square as an area where artistic things happen.
Above 3rd Avenue Market, in the former police sub-station, a spacious main room serves as the gallery. A mirrored window reflects the room, offering a greater sensation of grandeur. The vast collection serves as testament to the great talent and diversity inhabiting Stevens. Photography, acrylic and oil painting, collage, linoleum prints, textile art, charcoal drawings and sculpture fill the arena. Down a hallway lined with pictures, several artists have studios; many are involved with the show.
Medical by Patrick Smith
Patrick Smith, a local painter, is one of the coordinators. He lives right across the street. “I can walk over without a coat on,” he said. His glowing oil paintings suggest biology and mythology. Smith attended the Atelier School of Classical Realism, and so is an accomplished realist artist as well.
Amanda Miller has a studio next to Smith’s. Her tonal mixed media paintings sing with subtle harmonies. One of the most striking pieces here is Miller’s series of hanging sculpture, “And Then She Could Return Home.”
Hand sewn, paint-splashed organza dresses waver in front of the window like flags. The title is appropriate, as these 12 artists are all representing their neighborhood, and can finally express themselves within it. This art opening is certainly a homecoming of sorts.
The exhibition runs through December 13. Stevens Square Center for Art, 1905 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. Hours: Saturdays from 3 –7 p.m. 612-414-5910.
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