Walrus wants to be a resource for North Minneapolis artists
Photos and text by David Pierini, staff reporter
An old bricking building that once housed a machine shop at 4400 Lyndale Ave. N. begins a new life as a space for launching art careers, especially those who live in North Minneapolis.
Katherine Story-Sutter, artist and Walrus volunteer inside the new gallery.
Walrus is an art gallery and consignment shop that opened on March 4. While it shares a name with the large flippered mammal, owner Michelle Courtright chose a name that nods to the type of art curated within the gallery’s three rooms – only pieces meant for hanging on a wall.
When Courtright signed the lease on the former Machine Specialties Manufacturing Company, she framed her business model with three pillars; feature framed art, curate to make art accessible and affordable and give a generous amount of space to artists from the neighborhood.
“We appreciate being a part of the Northside and we want to prioritize artists from the Northside,” Courtright said. “We want art that is completely attainable to the average person but we also want to support the artist and their need to pay the bills. We are reaching out to people and now, artists are starting to find us.”
Gallery manager Madison Rubenstein and Walrus owner Michelle Courtright price a print for the shop.
Walrus is open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and artists can send queries via the website www.walrus.style.
The gallery works with the artist to set the price, which could range from $25 for a small canvass to $2,500 for a large painting. Walrus works with artists on a consignment agreement of 50 percent or 70 percent, if the artist is willing to volunteer.
Among the first North Minneapolis artists to show at Walrus is Ron Brown, who describes his painted portraits as “Afro anime illustrations.” Brown has volunteered to organize events at Walrus.
An old machine shop on Lyndale now has new life as a shop promoting the works of local artists.
One event being planned will address some of the biggest costs to artists, framing. A frame has the power to elevate a piece, but the cost can often keep an artist from showing in a gallery. To frame 10 or 12 items could cost hundreds of dollars. The workshop could bring in seasoned artists who know affordable workarounds, such as DIY framing or using thrift store frames for repurposing.
Another Northside artist and resident, gallery coordinator Madison Rubenstein, said her email inbox has been flooded with queries from artists who are excited about connecting with Walrus.
“For some of the artists, this is going to be maybe their first experience,” Rubenstein said. “I think we can fill a gap where people don’t know how to necessarily get their work out for it to be seen by people on a consistent basis. We are trying to be a resource in this space.”