"10 for 10: Ten Artists for Ten Years at Veronique Wantz Gallery"

 PRESS RELEASE:

10 for 10: Ten Artists for Ten Years of Veronique Wantz Gallery

 

Opening

Saturday, October 8, 2022

5-8pm

Exhibition

Oct. 8 – Nov. 12, 2022


In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Veronique Wantz Gallery presents a special exhibition featuring work by ten artists who have longstanding ties to the gallery and who represent a cross-section of various abstract styles and media, including oil and acrylic painting, watercolor, woodfired stoneware, collage, and sculpture.  The ten artists to be featured are Laurie Borggreve; Kei Gratton; Valerie Grondin; Jim Hillegass (gallery owner); C. Anthony Huber; Samuel Johnson; Eleanor McGough; Andrew Nordin; Wendy Westlake; and Kathy Wismar. 

 The anniversary show also celebrates the legacy of founder and gallery namesake, Veronique Wantz. In 2012, French-born Veronique Wantz opened a public art gallery in the historic Foundry Building in the burgeoning Minneapolis North Loop neighborhood. From the outset, Veronique Wantz Gallery featured the work of local, national, and international emerging and established artists working in painting, works on paper, canvas, wood-fired ceramic, sculpture, textile, and glass. The gallery quickly established itself as a leading influence in the Twin Cities art world and beyond. 

 Sadly, in 2018, at age 56, Veronique passed away from a battle with cancer. Her wisdom, warmth, down-to-earth personality, passion for all-things beautiful, chic French style, and silly, dry sense of humor are still missed by many. She created not only a welcoming and important gallery, but also a special community of adoring friends, beloved artists, and loyal clients. Her scope of influence on the local art world was immeasurable. 

Veronique’s longtime partner and confidante, Jim Hillegass, honored and built on the foundation of her invaluable vision and appreciation and love of art by helping to carry on her work. Veronique’s mission of offering the public a special and welcoming space to experience the creativity of talented emerging and established artists continues today. 

 In 2017, the gallery remained in the North Loop of Minneapolis and moved a few blocks west to its current location, 901 N. 5th Street. The historic light-filled space, a former 1926 produce building, with a speakeasy that once occupied the basement, was renovated with original architectural elements left intact to provide a juxtaposition of old and new, and to accommodate and showcase the installation of larger works of art. The gallery hosts solo, joint and group exhibitions, free openings, and artist talks. 

 The 10 for 10: Ten Artists for Ten Years of Veronique Wantz Gallery anniversary show commemorates Veronique Wantz’s original mission of discovering, exhibiting, and contributing to the connoisseurship of art to bring cultural awareness to the community. The anniversary exhibition, comprised of ten artists and their stellar abstract creations, highlights the gallery’s decade-long history and involvement in championing the local Minneapolis art scene. Looking back—but also to its future—Veronique Wantz Gallery continues to enrich the community with art for all, now and beyond. 

 

Margot Rosenstein

Gallery Director 

 

For further details and sales inquiries, please email: gallery@veroniquewantz.com

 

 

 

Graphic expressionism

Striking forms and expressive gestures set the tone for this latest set of works on offer at the gallery. When does a graphical composition transition into organic humanism? How do they overlay/underly the other? We are curious to see how each artist brings their own 'self' into these compelling pieces.

New London artist, Andrew Nordin, demonstrates this contrast between sharpness and painterly moments with his graphic oil paintings portraying organization and pattern. His use of color is decisive, yet there are tonal shifts and brush marks that are the result of considered artistry. His symmetry and linear lines are, on closer inspection, not perfectly linear nor symmetrical - bringing a quiet humanity to these distinct works.

“Good Times (slight return)” Andrew Nordin acrylic and oil on canvas 80" x 64"

“Good Times (slight return)”
Andrew Nordin
acrylic and oil on canvas
80" x 64"

This month we were thrilled to embark on a new style of installation at the gallery by introducing one-of-a-kind furniture that crosses the line between art and design. The functional sculpture by local maker Concrete Pig belong in living spaces and communicate with the art that surrounds it. These bespoke chairs, side tables, and coffee tables made with metal, wood, and concrete, add conversation as well as function to any living spaces.

Bespoke furniture by Concrete Pig in situ

Bespoke furniture by Concrete Pig in situ

Allison Johanson continues her exploration into metallic acrylics with approaches of organic and expressive mark making. To a high degree of  complexity these works truly speak for themselves communicating a deep sense of emotion to their viewers. We were also delighted to add new Wendy Westlake pieces to our inventory, seeing her find success in new approaches to her mid-century style paintings. Working on raw canvas, building texture, and overall mature compositions and color selections, Westlake is getting recognition nationally as the response to her work is rapidly growing. 

“Ochre Disposition” Allison Johanson acrylic on canvas 72" x 36"

“Ochre Disposition”
Allison Johanson
acrylic on canvas
72" x 36"

“Brassy Pink Cascade” Allison Johanson acrylic on canvas 60" x 36"

“Brassy Pink Cascade”
Allison Johanson
acrylic on canvas
60" x 36"

Wishing For More Wendy Westlake acrylic on canvas 24" x 30"

Wishing For More
Wendy Westlake
acrylic on canvas
24" x 30"

Local ceramic artists Samuel Johnson returned to his roots of thinking two-dimensionally with new works that hang on the wall. These charcoal colored paintings hold a subtlety in texture and surface quality that will work in any modern home. Not too loud, but thought provoking enough to offer a raw graphic edge to quieter spaces. Finally, Laurie Borggreve has available another piece in magenta involving her intricate array of colorful components in her series for "A Peaceful Coexistence". These small colored pieces pinned into place are carefully scattered throughout the pieces bringing balance as well as amazement. 

Black Clay Painting - striped Samuel Johnson stoneware 10.25" x 10.25" x 3/4"

Black Clay Painting - striped
Samuel Johnson
stoneware
10.25" x 10.25" x 3/4"

Black Clay Painting - textured Samuel Johnson stoneware 10.25" x 10.25" x 3/4"

Black Clay Painting - textured
Samuel Johnson
stoneware
10.25" x 10.25" x 3/4"

A Peaceful Coexistence in Magenta Laurie Borggreve glass, tinted adhesive and metal on Ultraleather 6" x 26" x 2"

A Peaceful Coexistence in Magenta
Laurie Borggreve
glass, tinted adhesive and metal on Ultraleather
6" x 26" x 2"

If any of these works are of interest, call us on 612-254-2838 to make an appointment or just drop in - we'd be delighted to show you around.

Introducing Andrew Nordin

We are excited to offer these thoughtfully bold works by 

ANDREW NORDIN 

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With their touch of flamboyance, just imagine juxtaposing these pops of curious forms within carved classical moldings or above a dignified sideboard for an elegant and modern feel. We are interested in exploring how the fusion of antique and contemporary styles can create avant-garde and streamlined spaces, with occasional elements of wow!

Visit the gallery today and discover which pieces connect with you and your places.


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Andrew is invested in the problematics of painting. The pictorial and material choices, technical application, and various modes of presentation are the critical aspects he takes responsibility for in his practice. While he believes the paintings he presents are each evidence of an arrested happening, he also acknowledges that as works, they are hopeful propositions toward a longer dialectical approach rather than as examples of the endgame.

Years of working without settling down to take a position on whether to either more fully pronounce skill or accept an enchantment with provisional presentation has left a tension in the work. He is entranced with studying the glimmer and shine of cultural artifacts and master artworks from the millennia, while also practicing a “ramshackle” finish to his own works. This has catalyzed a tension in his intuitive response to materials. Also, it is satisfying to allow a painting a little freedom to diverge from the status quo of the body of work he has created, and this consistent inconsistency illustrates his imperfect, skeptical search for a dime-store sublime.

A longing for clarity compels Andrew to spend time developing and researching visual compositions and surface treatments that can be applied to either traditional panels or more sculpturally aligned substrates. It also explains what might at first seem incongruent, finely finished surfaces in league with more casual approaches. It’s a process in which he is making things he wants to see, and that tends to be a necessary exercise in failure, as his will to bring to form a scant visual notion using paint affects that mental example, resulting in the production of something completely different. And then it begins again. 
 

Please visit our website to read his full biography and see the details of each piece.

Turn Up the Volume

This month we have a collection of artists that have made us stop and listen. Art is full of 'stories'. Stories that are asking to be told, stories with ongoing narratives, or simply stories of new. Let's tune in.

One of the privileges we have as a gallery is to witness an artist finding their 'voice'. Wendy Westlake has most certainly found hers. All her work thus far has been leading to this point; as she refined, rephrased, condensed, analyzed and recalibrated. Her paintings have been successful works in their own right, but now all these thoughts seem to have synthesized into a cohesive attitude and form. So much so, the works are literally cascading out in great number and in startling compositions.

“Grays”, Wendy Weslake, acrylic on canvas, 46” x 64”

“Grays”, Wendy Weslake, acrylic on canvas, 46” x 64”

There are loud and quiet moments in these new works. Some include collage, others sketch-like workings, intuitive color palettes and, as always, a considered translucency and balance. Westlake is an artist with a lot on her mind, and we are listening.

“The Lines Have Fallen”, Wendy Westlake, acrylic on canvas, 46” x 64”

“The Lines Have Fallen”, Wendy Westlake, acrylic on canvas, 46” x 64”

Parisian artist, Valerie Grondin, has found new expressions in her recent 'Blue Series'. This next chapter follows on from the 'White' and 'Mixed' series where she uses the method of painting acrylic and paper, deconstructing and then re-assembling onto canvas - yet this time, in blue. 

“Crossed Blue 3”, Valerie Grondin, acrylic on paper on canvas, 31.5” x 31.5”

“Crossed Blue 3”, Valerie Grondin, acrylic on paper on canvas, 31.5” x 31.5”

“Blue 2”, Valerie Grondin, acrylic on paper on canvas, 31.5” x 31.5”

“Blue 2”, Valerie Grondin, acrylic on paper on canvas, 31.5” x 31.5”

Samuel Johnson's work speaks volumes in its simplicity. People are intrigued by his distilled technique of 'artist + clay + firing process' which results in the unique finishes one finds on his vessels. Where is it placed in the kiln? What is the incendiary? Was there something sitting next to it, or on top of it casting a 'shadow'? All these variables change the narrative for each piece, and sometimes you don't need words, it's just the way the pieces makes you feel.

Cake Platter / Wall Sculpture, Samuel Johnson, woodfired stoneware, 15.25” x 3.25”

Cake Platter / Wall Sculpture, Samuel Johnson, woodfired stoneware, 15.25” x 3.25”

If you talk to Eleanor McGough, you will find that inherent in all her pieces is an idea, or thought, she held in her mind as she painted. When shared, we are able to reflect on our own experiences and opinions, giving us a deeper appreciation of the work and the influences that inform her.

"Night Air" is inspired by the auditory textures created by insects chirping in the darkness. Katydids and crickets are there but we don’t see them - they are a mysterious presence, by sound only. The ghostly outline of the insect in this painting is like a symbol of these creatures that may be nestled deep into the dark shadowy foliage.

“Night Air”, Eleanor McGough, acrylic on panel, 18” x 24”

“Night Air”, Eleanor McGough, acrylic on panel, 18” x 24”

"Adapting to the Heat" ” is a hopeful work as we face the facts of our warming planet, that delicate creatures (like butterflies) which are vulnerable to rising temperatures, may hopefully find a way to adapt, and evolve in ways that we can’t anticipate. It’s that famous statement “nature finds a way” that makes her somewhat optimistic.

“Adapting to the Heat”, Eleanor McGough, acrylic on panel, 18” x 24”

“Adapting to the Heat”, Eleanor McGough, acrylic on panel, 18” x 24”

Rheanna Nelson is a fresh voice from Duluth, yet her work belies her age. The confident brush strokes talk of someone with many years of experience with the watercolor medium. Her scale is bold, neutral palette powerfully emotive and compositions all-immersive. 'Pine' has a humid intensity to it with the sharp needles piercing into the light sky - this is no shy watercolor. Can you hear it?

“Pine”, Rheanna Nelson, watercolor on paper, 39” x 48”

“Pine”, Rheanna Nelson, watercolor on paper, 39” x 48”

If any of these works speak to you, call us on 612-254-2838 to make an appointment or just drop in - we'd be delighted to show you around.

NCECA is here! 'You Am I' is on show now at the gallery!

It’s been a privilege curating this show, working with these 10 amazing ceramic artists, meeting new people and offering new perspectives to our existing clientele. Many thanks to the wonderful ceramic community and those who support it — we wish everyone an enriching, dynamic and inspiring NCECA week!

Come visit us at YOU AM I, as we celebrate our individuality and identities in a place of respect and friendship.

New watercolor artist in the gallery

Welcome to U of M Duluth graduate Rheanna Nelson!

We also are thrilled to bring some raw talent to the gallery in the form of recent University of Minnesota Duluth graduate, Rheanna Nelson! Fresh from the graduate show, these oversized watercolors take you by surprise. Larger than life florals are skillfully rendered with masterful control of the medium as well as unexpected moments of perfection. As Nelson states: 

"The true beauty of the painting lays in how the watercolor reacts to the paper, and how it moves around and dries. This creates unexpected transparencies, gradations, and color minglings which is what makes the painting beautiful. I may plan, have ideas, and intercede where I want the paint to go, but ultimately I can't control everything about it. Letting go of control and trusting that something unexpected can be better is beautiful."

Also complete with a infusion of metallic ink, these paintings are iridescent in certain lights, bringing an ethereal quality to the paintings.

RN_We Cannot Mingle with the Splendours We See, No 10_48x48_watercoloronpaper.jpg

We Cannot Mingle with the Splendours We See, No. 10, watercolor on paper, on panel, 48” x 48”

RN_We Cannot Mingle with the Splendours We See, No 6_48x48_watercoloronpaper.jpg

We Cannot Mingle with the Splendours We See, No. 6, watercolor on paper, on panel, 48” x 48”

"The Locals" show- It's a wrap!

As Super Bowl season turns to Spring, we wanted to say thank you to all who came down to see "The Locals" exhibition! We loved being able to showcase our amazing local talent and share some of the finest art that the North has to offer. 

We are so thankful to the artists who make the show possible, and of course our designers, clients and friends who support us along the way.

#minnesotaproud

Now on View: A Collection of works by Patton Blackwell

From now through January only, the Veronique Wantz Gallery will be featuring several paintings by painter Patton Blackwell.

Born in South Carolina and raised in Minnesota, Blackwell attended The Summit School in St. Paul and graduated from Macalester College in 1974 with a degree in Cultural Geography. She then went on to spend over a decade in Brazil, where she studied with painters Luiz Aquila, Claudio Kuperman, and John Nicholson.

Blackwell is an artist who is heavily influenced by her immediate surroundings. Drawing inspiration from the streets of Rio de Janeiro during Carnival as well as from extensive travels to Europe, Israel, Turkey, and North Africa, her work reflects the physical and imaginary scope of a life spent in exploration.

She absorbs landscapes spanning from the Aegean Sea to the rolling, green fields of South Carolina, and, in each brushstroke, emboldens them with emotion, intensity of color, and contrasts between light and dark. The result is beautiful, active, and impassioned, but also very controlled.

Blackwell’s art has been exhibited both nationally and internationally and has toured as part of the United States Art in Embassies program in Egypt, Qatar, Romania, Honduras, Guatemala, and Myanmar.

While her work continues to travel far and wide, she now calls Camden, South Carolina home, and she recently participated in St. Paul Academy’s annual Alumni/ae Reunion exhibition at the Harry M. Drake Gallery. We’re very happy to be presenting a selection of her paintings here on North Fifth street!

Fine Art from the Veronique Wantz Gallery is proudly featured in this year's ASID MN Showcase Home Tour

Between now and November 12th, you can find a few of our talented artists' works on display at the ASID MN Showcase House on Lake Minnetonka! We’re so thrilled to be included in the Twin Cities’ annual Interior Design event presented by ASID MN and Mpls St. Paul Magazine.

This year ASID MN is featuring a 13,000 square-foot modern chateau, built by John Kraemer & Son. The chateau has been transformed into an exciting interior design collaboration with 25 rooms to explore, and our community’s premiere designers have put their personal spin on each one.

When Kim Tucker, of Tucker Thomas Interior Design and Jen Horstman, of Lenox House Design, came together to create a beautiful modern Junior Suite with some traditional accents, they found more than enough options for art at the Veronique Wantz Gallery.

They finally settled on three paintings by Valerie Grondin, Tanja Sell, and Allison Johanson. These works don’t simply blend into the background, they set the tone for each space, helping to bring the decor and the overall design intentions to life.

If you don't get a chance to make it over to the ASID Home Tour, have a look at how Kim and Jen's room turned out in the photos below!

 

 

 

 

"A Journey in Continuity" - A joyfully grand re-opening!

As we wind down from weeks of preparation for our opening, we just wanted to take the time to thank all the artists, friends, and new acquaintances who came down in support of the Veronique Wantz Gallery last Saturday.

We were thrilled to have such a wonderful turnout, not to mention relieved to have made it through the night with a few champagne bottles to spare!

We’ve included photos of our event below. You can also have a look at two last minute additions to our walls that were both impactful and well-received -- Alain Ballereau’s large format painting on craft paper and Silvana Ravena’s paining “Waves by Sundown 1,” part of her new series on climate change that we’ll be sharing with you soon.

The celebration may be over, but we don’t want the excitement to wear off! We’re looking forward to welcoming each of you to the gallery in the months to come.

Special thanks to artists Jack Dale, Kei Gratton, Allison Johanson, Eleanor McGough, Donna Rice, Juliane Shibata, and Kathy Wismar, for putting a friendly face and conversation to your art.

Our Doors are Now Open on North Fifth Street

The Veronique Wantz Gallery invites the Twin Cities community to join us at our new home on on Saturday September 23rd.

After a few busy but rewarding summer months we've have finally opened our doors and are hard at work installing and arranging pieces for our gallery opening.

With our industrial, modern, and minimalist space, we’re more than ready to take on the future. But, staying true to our past, we’re also proud to be picking up where we left off as curators of high-quality fine art in the twin cities community and beyond.

Please come celebrate with us at our opening on Saturday, September 23rd from 4pm-8pm. We’ll toast to new beginnings, new friendships, and inspiring art.

 You’ll see that our walls have been warmed by abstract paintings both bold and serene, yet always expressive by Allison Johanson, Jack Dale, Kathy Wismar, Linda Puiatti and Debora Stewart, to name but a few.

From the world of pottery and ceramics, we’re equally excited about Samuel Johnson’s earthy, unglazed stoneware and Juliane Shibata’s delicate porcelain shapes, which bear traces of plant and ocean life. 

We’re also so pleased to share with you a variety of approaches to sculpture, from Asa Hoyt’s architecturally inspired metalwork to Donna Rice’s intricate glass art.

We hope to see you soon!  In the meantime, here are some highlights: 

Farewell: 125 N First Street / Hello: 905 N Fifth Street!

With the sale of our beautiful Foundry building, the Veronique Wantz Gallery is in the midst of moving to a new 'corner' of the North Loop & Warehouse District of Minneapolis. 

While The Foundry building is restored to its former glory and embarks on a new era as a pivotal location within the North Loop, we are continuing our gallery's journey in a restored former produce building on North Fifth Street.

We're so excited about this fresh start in a larger space, with wonderful industrial features and a full street window to display our art to the world.

Additionally, we are thrilled to be inviting new artists to join our gallery and cannot wait to share their works with you.

As many of you know, relocation can be quite a process! So, we're going with the flow and taking our time to build a space that we will be proud of and that will welcome you in the next few weeks

So, while the dust settles, take a peek at what we've been up to so far.

Wish us luck, and see you soon at 905 N Fifth Street - the all NEW Veronique Wantz Gallery!

 

*** Stay tuned for our Grand Opening in the Summer! ***

(And the many other openings and events to come...)

Silvana LaCreta Ravena DEMO artwork

We were honored to have Silvana LaCreta Ravena take part in her Meet the Artist event with a demonstration of her process. It was wonderful to see her work and, by the end of the night, she had created a beautiful piece of art! As part of the demonstration, a raffle took place so one lucky guest could bring home Silvana's piece. All of the proceeds went to The WARM, an arts organization close to Silvana's heart. Thank you to Silvana, and everyone who came out Thursday night! Hope to see you all at the next Meet the Artist event... there may even be another raffle for an original piece of art by another exceptionally talented artist!

Pop-Up Exhibition "Flutter" July 9th from 5-9pm featuring Elmira Lilic

Come explore Elmira's collection of artwork for one evening at the Veronique Wantz Gallery. She hopes to touch your curiosity and make you smile with her vibrant color combinations.

Kids are welcome.
Show time is 5pm-9pm.

There is no ticket purchase, visit Elmira's site and let her know if any piece is meant for you. RSVP for the event  here.

Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. Hummingbirds open our eyes to the wonder of the world and inspire us to open our hearts to loved ones and friends. Like a hummingbird, I aspire to influence people in my life through art in any way that I can with love, joy and celebration.

I have reached a new phase in my life where I get to explore my creativity and build my tribe both in California and Minnesota. The hummingbird’s delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning. I am showcasing "Flutter" to bring all of us together and give you a glimpse of the beauty that lies within my mind. - Elmira Lilić