Angela Maki North - Painting Spells

The collected art work of Angela Maki North
Opening night is Thursday August 1st from 7-9pm
Gallery hours
Sat and Sunday 11am-4pm
Weds 7-9pm
Closing night Friday August 30th 7-9pm

Angela Maki North is a local artist who has lived and raised her family in the Powderhorn neighborhood the last 25 years. Angela has been creating art for most of her life. She is a painter as well as a community artist and is a regular contributor to the Art Shanty's, Barebones Halloween Extravaganza and the Saint Urho's day Parade in Finland MN. Her day job for the last 20 years has been in HIV/AIDS Housing and is a long time proponent of Harm Reduction/ Housing First. Angela is a practicing Witch in the reclaiming tradition and approaches her paintings as spells. Painting has always been a tool of self care as well as a way to address her own personal challenges and victories. Each piece has a deeply personal intention behind it.

The work presented here reflects the life experience of a woman who has gone through her Maiden and Mother phase and is dipping her toes into the crone years. The Era's of a Women's lived experience; from birth, through death, raising children, divorce, partnership and always following that dream, wherever that dream may lead.

Andrew Moore - The Promised Land, Connecting the Uncomfortable Truth.

As a 26-year neighbor of Andrew Moore, it is my honor to host this extraordinary art installation that embodies the culmination of his artistic journey. "The Promised Land" is a provocative exhibition that unveils the hard truths and intense imagery surrounding racial injustices towards BIPOC communities and the persistent systemic racism that plagues our nation and world.

Andrew Moore, as an artist, understands the transformative power of art to evoke emotions, challenge perceptions, and spark introspection. He firmly believes in the boldness of his art, allowing it to speak for itself and draw people in, inviting them to engage in a profound dialogue with the themes he presents. In "The Promised Land," Moore intentionally creates an immersive experience where viewers are encouraged to spend time with each sculpture, allowing their own interpretations and connections to emerge, and to embrace the discomfort that accompanies conversations about race and systemic oppression. By providing a space where the polltcal, spiritual and emotional art to engage in conversation, Moore empowers individuals to navigate through their discomfort, confront their own biases, and actively engage in the pursuit of a deeper understanding and empathy of the current condition, urging us to ask ourselves. “what has changed, and what can we will to change?”

Moore, a multifaceted artist, father, grandfather, Black Panther, ex-convict, and sculptor, has devoted over three decades to crafting sculptures that intricately intertwine thematically rich narratives. His unyielding message has been refined over the years, ingeniously linking various themes through color-coded PVC pipes and collaborating with a talented friend to manifest his visions into tangible visceral installation art. A true outsider artist, Moore has persistently defied marginalization and societal constraints. As an artist pushed to the periphery, he boldly exhibited his larger-than-life sculptures on the corner lot of his property at Bloomington Avenue and 33rd Street for many years. However, due to mounting complaints and citations from the city, he was ultimately forced to vacate. Yet, the urgency for his message to be fully received remains long overdue.

"The Promised Land" serves as a catalyst for introspection, challenging viewers to confront their own biases, assumptions, and complicity in perpetuating systemic racism. Through his art, Moore seeks to help individuals become comfortable within their own uncomfortableness, fostering a safe environment for self-reflection and growth. By engaging with his sculptures, visitors are encouraged to question their own perspectives, expand their empathy, and deepen their understanding of the racial injustices that persist in our society

Moore's sculptures are carefully crafted and rich in symbolism, inviting viewers to delve into their intricate details and messages. By providing visual narratives infused with hard truths and intense imagery, he compels visitors to confront uncomfortable realities. Yet, rather than imposing his conclusions upon them, Moore aims to create a space for personal exploration and contemplation. He understands that genuine growth and understanding arise from within, as individuals grapple with their own discomfort and arrive at their own conclusions. Moore's intention is to create a profound and lasting impact on each person who engages with his art. He believes that by allowing individuals the freedom to draw their own connections and arrive at their intended conclusions, he can empower them to become active participants in the ongoing fight against systemic racism. Through this process, Moore hopes to facilitate a transformative experience that leads to greater empathy, awareness, and ultimately, positive change. Prepare to be challenged, moved, and transformed by the creative power of this installation, a testament to enduring spirit of resilience, hope, and the unwavering fight for justice.

July 5- September 9

Opening reception Wednesday July 5 from 6--9pm

Gallery hours 12-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays and by appointment

Please call Ephraim at 612-382-9477 for an appontment