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Twin Town High (vol. 8) |
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The Warren: An Artist Habitat
Wednesday 03 January @ 17:29:32 |
 by BETSY MOWRY
Located in the Camden neighborhood of North Minneapolis, The Warren sits inconspicuously at the intersection of Osseo Road and 44th Street, cozily situated amongst local restaurants and hobby shops. What started out as a personal workspace is gradually evolving into a center for artists and community members - the very definition of community arts.
 A nonprofit organization, The Warren opened in June and already has a strong artistic presence in the neighborhood. Its mission is to develop a place for local artists to display their work and conduct educational meetings about their research, work and artistic techniques. As an integral part of the community it resides in, The Warren provides exhibition opportunities, networking, 'hangout' space, performance space and a meeting space for artists.
Managing Director Duane Atter Jr., a nature and wildlife photographer, says, 'We bought the space as a location for me to get out of the house and have somewhere for my photography. [sic] But I'd like to see even more activity going on here for artists and community members … The Warren is a place where art and community come together with the hope of enriching each other.'
The name 'The Warren—An Artist Habitat,' came from Atter's belief that the facility acts as a destination and gathering place for artists—much like a rabbit's warren. A former garage, the office space in front is used as a retail shop featuring Atter's own vivid photography along with exhibiting artists, and the office is used for his digital work. The spacious garage is set up for artist's receptions and theater productions. In fact, local company Workhouse Theater has already held readings in the facility, and is communicating with Atter about possibly having a permanent presence at The Warren. The last segment of the building is the gallery, where artists of all abilities and disciplines exhibit their work on a monthly basis.
In January the gallery is displaying work by artist Christi Furnas titled Crazy in Love. The show includes an array of figurative oil paintings and drawings that evolve into the abstract. Furnas has displayed at many local galleries, including Outsiders and Others, Stevens Square Center for the Arts and the Sister Kenney institute. She sees this location as an excellent way to unveil her current body of work and stage a solo show.
Atter hopes The Warren will provide a supportive educational environment where local artists can practice their art, or just hang out and learn about different perspectives. He is pleased that community groups have already taken advantage of the facility for meetings and get-togethers. Local schools Cityview and Patrick Henry High School have also contacted him about student exhibits, and the county is interested in exploring the possibility of children's and youth art classes at some point in the future. These initiatives clearly demonstrate areas of need that The Warren seems to be filling.
Atter didn't count on being a community leader, but he has enthusiastically accepted the role, and it seems to suit him. According to Atter, future plans for The Warren include selective shows of local artists and small art fairs.
The Warren is already building a dynamic website that will allow artists and others to network online based on discipline. The organization is also hoping to develop collaborations with established arts organizations in the North Metro. ||
The Christi Furnas exhibit runs through Jan. The opening is Sat. Jan. 6, 6–9 p.m. The Warren is located at 4400 Osseo Rd., Mpls. For more information, including gallery hours, call Duane Atter Jr. at 612-703-9609 or e-mail thewarrenhabitat@comcast.net.
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