I found Jon Zurn’s recent article on the state of the arts and opportunities for artists in this area very much on-the-mark. There are so many talented persons in the Cities that are not being shown or collected and might be if more of the public would take time for a closer look at what local artists have to offer before going off to buy art in other cities or states (or countries). I salute the efforts of those artists and galleries that have been able to keep their resolve in the face of what can often seem to be a disinterested general public. One venue that comes to mind when thinking about galleries that are dedicated to the promotion and exhibition of local artists—one that takes great risks at times by showing artists working from a wide range of stylistic idioms as well as mediums—is Flatland Gallery. Robyne Robinson has proven, during the two years Flatland has been in existence, her rock-solid commitment to both local artists and local art. The bottom line at Flatland (as with many other small galleries in the Twin Cities) has always been to bring artists to the public’s attention that might not get the opportunity otherwise. The fact that so many local galleries/owners are willing to keep going and stay open in spite of more and more collectors turning to large venues while collecting art should be loudly applauded!
James Michael Lawrence
Minneapolis
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