Brand new Friedli Gallery in Saint Paul’s West 7th’s Arts District spotlights local and national artists with sole mission, Building Community
Award winning artist Heather Friedli knows what it's like to be out there trying to make a living from her art. From the gallery scene, marketing local art events, to independent sales and art fairs- she has done it all. Motivated by the pandemic and other difficulties facing society, Friedli wants to use her skills as an organizer to create a unique community space in the heart of West 7th.
“Being a solo artist during the pandemic and our changing world has been a lonely time without direct interaction with others. As a result I have been very engaged with the idea of what it means to live in, to create and be a part of a community. After much reflection I realized that COMMUNITY was the answer to many of society’s greatest questions, and that now more than ever we need to come together to tackle what lies ahead. I realized what I could do was build community through the arts.”
With the support of former Saint Paul City Councilman Dave Thune, Friedli will be taking over the Thune Gallery space on West 7th Street across from the Keg and Case and creating "Friedli Gallery and Studio". She will create her oil paintings there and utilize the gallery to support exhibitions featuring both local and national artists, teaching classes, giving artist talks, and having special events.
“My objective is to help our arts community through supporting fellow creators with their art sales, promotion, events, classes and more! As a gallerist I operate on mutual respect, responsibility, and caring for others and their work in the arts. We all do better when we all do better together!”
Friedli Gallery and Studios' Mission is to be "An inclusive gallery and community space in Saint Paul, Minnesota. By an artist, for artists and our community." and is "Art Centered, Artist Led."
Many professional, well established artists from across the country as well as emerging artists have reached out and have decided to be a part of Friedli’s project. This exemplary list includes 2020 McKnight Fellowship winner ceramicist Brad Menninga, 2020 McKnight Distinguished Artist Award winning indigenous author Marcie Rendon, and Brooklyn-based musician, artist and medium Jocelyn Mackenzie (Best known as the singing drummer from indie-pop trio Pearl and the Beard and currently on Annie Defranco’s personal label Righteous Babe Records.)
“It’s really important to me that the definition of “Artist” doesn’t just mean 2 dimensional wall art. Having graduated as a fiber and textile major and now oil painter and competitive snow sculptor, I know and understand a full breadth of art and want to share that joy with the community at large.” says Friedli. “That’s why I have a diverse lineup of artists, writers, musicians, 2D and 3D artworks, and will be offering classes and talks from those in our community. My experience living in West 7th is that this community takes pride in it’s arts and artists. Friedli Gallery allows access for the community to be a part of the arts, and I can’t imagine being anywhere else!”
Friedli Gallery’s Grand Opening night is Friday October 1st, 6-8pm with their “Community Showcase” Exhibition.
Friedli Gallery has a burgeoning calendar of events, exhibitions and classes check out the gallery website at http://www.friedliartsgallery.com
About Heather Friedli: Artist and St Paul Art Collective MemberHeather Friedli is a land and heritage inspired artist. She’s won many awards, including the 2019 Saint Paul Art Collective Winter Members Show Best of Show Award and People’s Choice for her work “Resilience”. Heather is also a state and national award winning snow sculptor. Her team, “Team Dino Fight!”, was the Reigning National Snow Sculpting Champion in 2019. Heather Friedli is best known for her contemporary impressionist Oil Paintings and Snow Sculptures, depicting her family heritage and the land in which she lives.
