Mixing Skyscrapers And Tree Bark In New Art Show

Minneapolis mixed media sculptor Shannyn Joy Potter shows her work at Gallery 360.

The geometric will meet the organic this Saturday, when abstract wood sculptor Shannyn Joy Potter’s latest show opens at Gallery 360. “Opposites always coexist,” said Potter. “I like the dualities and how they work together.” The show, entitled “Triggers … Sculptural Abstractions in Wood,” includes 11 mixed media sculptures. Nine of the pieces are wall reliefs, but the show also includes two freestanding sculptures — Potter’s first in more than ten years. Potter, who also played a significant role in the show’s curatorial and installation process, considers her work to be the result of a dialogue with the materials. She manipulates the wood — painting, staining and greying it or coating it with Venetian plaster. Potter’s sculptures have a …

• Photos (4)

Former Local Explores The 'Jungles' of Kentucky

Ex-Minnesotan Bethany Kalk practically sculpts her subjects—the environment of her current home in Appalachia.

The Divine Spirit of the Feminine

From pornographic film stars to his friends, local artist Nicholas Harper turns women of all types into worship-worthy works of art.

Nicholas Harper has the power to make erotica author Anais Nin look as wholesome as a Midwestern housewife and make porn stars downright divine. It’s enough to make you question your instincts. And that, said Harper, is exactly the point. Born and raised locally in a house full of women, he spent his childhood largely in church while his mother worked as a choir director. Harper now pays homage to what he refers to as “the divine spirit of the feminine” through haunting portraits that beckon viewers closer and divulge Harper’s true talent and genuine reverence of the feminine—and humanity in general. “Whatever anybody’s done, we all have the same divine spirit and the same worldly nature,” Harper says. And so when an adult film star peers …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (10)

Brant Kingman: Creative Catalyst

The prolific Minneapolis artist opens a solo show at Gallery 360 and discusses the role of the artist.

When he was young, Brant Kingman dreamed of becoming a cowboy. And before he could outgrow the Western temptation of a Minneapolis youngster, the pull of a big sky and soaring lassos, he made the dream come to life, securing work at a ranch for six summers beginning at age 13.   Not long after realizing that vision, Kingman discovered while studying at Amherst College that his “purpose on earth” was to be an artist. He began chasing that dream with the same cowboy’s doggedness.  “The trick of having a fantasy is to make sure you follow it until you get across the goal line and then decide if that’s really the thing you want to follow or not,” Kingman said. “And I haven’t gotten across the goal line with my artist fantasy yet." For those …

• Photos (20)

(PHOTOS) Former Southwest Artist brings Jewelry to Gallery 360

Karen Gilbert, who used to create and sell her jewelry in Southwest Minneapolis, visited Gallery 360 for a trunk show.

Jewelry artist Karen Gilbert, formerly of Minneapolis and originally from Oregon, dropped by Gallery 360 Monday evening–and she came bearing jewelry handmade from materials as diverse as laboratory glass and metal to precious stones. After Monday's trunk show featuring some of Gilbert's latest work, Gallery 360 now has an updated selection of the artist's unique and experimental pieces.  

• Photos (9)

An Activist, Finding Escape Through Art

Jill Van Sickle's show, titled “Fauna...,” opens tomorrow evening at Gallery 360.

Though she describes herself as fiery and political, you won’t find any incitements to protest or hidden activist messages beneath the surface of Jill Van Sickle’s skillfully crafted botanical paintings. In fact, she hopes you’ll find the opposite, a glimpse, perhaps, of what the paintings are to her: a respite from the noise and chaos of an often unnerving world.  “Art is my escape from the whole world,” Van Sickle said. “If I can steal away a couple hours and find a way to deal with something that’s not heartbreaking or shocking or political, then maybe someone can look at my piece and feel that way for a second too.” Van Sickle’s paintings are uncomplicated compositions of simple beauty — inspired largely by the natural world around her…

• Photos (7)

GALLERY: Sarah Wieben’s 'Elements of Nature' Opens

The show runs through Aug. 14.

Mother Nature cooperated Saturday night for the opening of painter Sarah Wieben’s show “Elements of Nature” at Gallery 360. Though the skies were conducive to a good turnout, Wieben confessed she had been hoping for a thunderstorm to accompany her theme. Instead, the night was mild and hot. From 7 to 10 pm, guests visited with each other, the artist and Gallery 360 staff while enjoying chilled beverages and hors d’oeuvres prepared by the artist herself.  All 15 oil paintings in the show are new works from the Minneapolis artist, with one completed only hours before the show was hung. That painting, “Green Light,” is Wieben’s favorite.  Feeling partial to the final piece in a collection is not uncommon for her. “The last one finally comes …

• Photos (34)