“Owning an art gallery is not as glamorous as you might think,” says owner of Flow Art Space Melissa Metzler, “but the hard work is completely worth it at the end of the day; It is what I love to do.” Melissa opened the gallery just over a year ago, in the lower level of the Keg House Arts Building, to celebrate art and ideas showcasing local and national artists.
The name evokes different images: “Flow, like the creative flow you get once you get started on something. And like the flow of the Mississippi River just a couple blocks away.” An artist herself, Melissa lives and works in Northeast Minneapolis and her gallery displays art in several mediums including scratchboard, digital print, mezzotint, fiber, oil, acrylic, ink, watercolor, photograph, copper, aluminum and mixed media assemblage.
Her concurrent shows, “Ruminate and Create” and “Never Before”, examine work formed over several years and showcase pieces never seen outside of the artists’ work space. “This is my biggest show yet with 34 pieces.” Melissa explains, as there is nearly no free space on the gallery walls, “Artists from all over the country submitted their work. There is even a piece from an artist based in Hong Kong.”
Flow Art Space is unique because artists are involved with every aspect of the selling process as they set their own prices and handle their own transactions. They then have the chance to establish ongoing relationships with buyers.
“People are always amazed to learn about this part of town, the arts as well as the businesses and restaurants. My husband and I are addicted to El Taco Riendo on Central, I love stopping by Diamonds Coffee Shoppe and having SiP Coffee Bar just upstairs is very convenient.” Living in Northeast Minneapolis, Melissa encourages residents and out-of-towners alike to make a night of it when visiting Flow.
With a list of restaurants that are in walking distance on her website, and as a member of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (NEMAA), it is her hope that guests will “Maybe attend a class, go to a show or an opening, visit Flow then get dinner at a nearby restaurant, all in the Northeast Arts District.” Events like the annual Art-A-Whirl and the Fall Fine Arts Show have been integral in her exposure as well as enjoyment of the local arts; she strongly encourages the involvement of these to other local artists and spectators.
Though only a year old, Flow is always looking to grow and create more in depth, thought provoking work, ideas and conversations while displaying art. Admission to Flow Art Space is always free. Artists keep 100% of sales from pieces sold and the gallery regularly announces new calls for art on the website. Melissa is also open to inquiries about hosting private events and meeting space at the gallery. Flow Art Space newsletter is released monthly and artists are highlighted on the Flow website along with more information about past, current and future shows.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/FlowArtSpace
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Flow-Art-Space-LLC/238663166156445
Lower Level of the Keg House Arts Building, 34, 13th Avenue NE, Suite B002B, Minneapolis Minnesota 55413.
Hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 1-6 pm, Saturday 12-4 pm or call 612-564-3569 to schedule an appointment.
Other Keg House Tenants:
Brain Injury Association http://www.braininjurymn.org/
Clay Squared to the Infinity http://www.claysquared.com/index.php
Consortium Books http://www.cbsd.com/
Max It Pawn http://www.cashnpawn.com/
Power Massage http://www.powermassagemn.com/
SIP Coffeebar http://sipcoffeebar.com/
Share/Save/Spend http://www.sharesavespend.com/
Vava! Veve! http://www.vavaveve.com/
Web of Life http://www.weboflifemn.co/
Yunker Associates Architects http://www.yaarch.com/
Nearby Bars & Restaurants:
1029 Bar http://www.the1029bar.com/
331 Club http://www.331.mn/home.php
Anchor Fish & Chips http://theanchorfishandchips.com/
Dusty’s Bar http://dustysbaranddagos.com/
Element Pizza http://www.elementpizza.com/
Erte http://www.ertedining.com/
Modern Cafe http://moderncafeminneapolis.com/
Northeast Social http://northeastsocial.com/
Psycho Suzi’s http://www.psychosuzis.com/
Sample Room http://the-sample-room.com/
Please note, Flow Art Space has moved to Lowertown above Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar, 308 Prince Street #218, St Paul, MN 55101. Phone is still the same, 612-564-3569. Hours during shows are W, Thurs, Fri 2-7, Sat 11-3. Thank you!