Art Under $300

January 2007

Whether you’re interested in buying original artwork as home décor or you’re ready to start building a serious collection, taking the first step can be intimidating. What galleries should you visit? Can you find original pieces that won’t break your budget? How do you know if an artist is worth collecting? What is good art?

Mpls.St.Paul Magazine lifestyle editor Jayne Haugen Olson and galleries columnist Stephanie Xenos have taken the first step for you. They visited nearly thirty galleries and arts-focused shops and found twenty-five refined, thoughtful pieces in a variety of media for less than $300—many are by Twin Cities–based artists.Though we can’t answer all your questions—tastes in art are wide-ranging and very personal—we do know this: If it speaks to you, buy it.

Produced by Claire Joubert, Jayne Haugen Olson, Stephanie Xenos

Dancing Family by Boris Kramer

Forged steel, 12 inches high, $265

The Grand Hand Gallery
The pieces you’ll find here might well be described as art for everyday life. The gallery is full of beautiful handmade objects, many surprisingly affordable. It’s an ideal place for art collectors and tasteful gift-givers alike. 611 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-312-1122

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

3 Times Pop by James

Mixed media on metal, 10 inches square by 7 inches deep, $290

Art Resources Gallery
Of the places we explored, this gallery has the largest assortment, including fine crafts, blown glass, paintings, textiles, sculpture, mixed media, and ceramics by local and national artists. Ask for assistance—we were also tempted by some unframed pieces stored flat in drawers. Bonus: The basement at the St. Paul location is a clearance room filled with framed posters, prints, vintage pieces, and original works. 494 Jackson St., St. Paul, 651-222-4431, also Galleria and International Market Square

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

Four Birds in Crabapple by Laura McCaul

Blackware ceramic, 7 by 11 inches, $230

Clay Squared to Infinity
Mixing functional art with fine art, Clay Squared has tons of handmade tiles, mosaics, and other glazed ceramic art pieces deserving a place of honor on a wall or tabletop. 34 13th Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-781-6409

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

On Seventh Street by Ron Merchant

Giclee, 13 by 15 inches, framed, $140

Art Resources Gallery, St. Paul

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

Under the Pink II by Bethany Kalk

Mixed media, 18 by 14 inches, $250, unframed

Soo Visual Arts Center
Part of Soo Vac’s mission is to make art affordable, and that comes through in the many options available for less than $300 at this über hip Uptown spot. Sometimes edgy, sometimes ironic, sometimes humorous, the prints and other art objects are accessible in more ways than one. 2640 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls., 612-871-2263

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

The Delegation and a Bridge by Brian Sago

Solar plate intaglio print, 14 by 16-1/4 inches, $175, unframed

Highpoint Center for Printmaking
More than thirty artists working in a variety of styles, from stone lithography to etching, belong to this cooperative workshop and gallery. Many offer at least some pieces for $300 or less. Buying art takes a little more legwork here since each artist represents his or her own work, but it’s worth the effort. 2638 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls., 612-871-1326

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

Small vases by Laurie Shaman

Slab-built earthenware, 5 by 3 by 2 inches (medium), 2-1/4 by 3-3/4 by 1-3/4 inches (small), $65 (medium), $40 (small)

Northern Clay Center
Choosing between the many options may be the hardest part about visiting this gallery and adjoining store. The styles—Asian, modern, romantic, rustic—and selection of affordable ceramic art are impressive. 2424 Franklin Ave. E., Mpls., 612-339-8007

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

My Three Sisters by Star Wallowing Bull

Limited-edition lithograph, 22 by 29 inches, $250, unframed

Bockley Gallery
Most pieces are geared toward art collectors with well-padded pocketbooks, but there are exceptions. Smaller pieces and limited-edition prints by Native American artists can be had at more plebeian prices. 2123 W. 21st St., Mpls., 612-377-4669

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

Pear Tote by Amy Rice

Mixed media, 12 inches square, $240, framed

Outsiders and Others Gallery
Something for everyone (and every price) sums up the selection at this gallery dedicated to the work of self-taught artists. Nearly everything is less than $300, so you’ll be awash in options, from a wide selection of Amy Rice’s work to the whimsical seed-covered creations of Lillian Colton. 1010 Park Ave., Mpls., 612-338-3435

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

Nest Series by Sharon Meyer Postance

Jute, raffia, wire, silk, and cornhusk paper, 7 by 10 inches, $300

The Grand Hand Gallery

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

Landscape by K. Daphnae Koop

Mixed media on carved wood, 5-3/4 by 5 by 2 inches, $150

Five Two Six Gallery
Among the fine assortment of lighting, textiles, jewelry, and vintage and antique furniture, the mindful gallery director has woven in contemporary pieces by local painters, printmakers, sculptors, photographers, potters, and ceramic artists. 526 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-3839

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

Jersey Girl by Kari Maxwell

Oil painting, 8-1/4 by 10-1/2 inches, framed, $225

Artist Mercantile
This quaint artist-owned shop/gift store includes functional wares, jewelry, and wearable art, as well as pottery, paintings, and photography primarily by local artists and craftspeople. 24 7th Place W., St. Paul, 651-222-0053

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

Portal by Dick Brewer

Back-painted relief carved Plexiglas, 6 inches across, framed, $295

Gallery 360
On any given day you can walk through the doors of this contemporary gallery/boutique and take in works by more than 100, mostly local, artists. The pieces range from investment-quality art to smaller gift items created from nearly every conventional medium. 3011 W. 50th St., Mpls., 612-925-2400

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

Untitled by John Orth

Acrylic on paper, 11 by 15 inches, $300, unframed

Gallery 13
You can’t please all the people all the time, but Gallery 13 comes close, offering a little of everything, from Edward Gory–esque drawings by Alexsandra Rozenman to colorful woodcuts by Joshua Norton. 302 13th Ave. NE, Mpls., 651-592-5503

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

The Hero by Marcia Casey Cushmore

Color photograph, 10 by 12 inches, $300, framed

Flanders Contemporary Art
Flanders is one of those galleries you might not think to visit if you’re planning to spend hundreds rather than thousands. But call ahead, lay out your budget, and this purveyor of contemporary paintings, drawings, and sculpture will have a selection of art for you to view. 3012 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls., 612-344-1700

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

El Abuelo by Xavier Tavera

Color photograph, 16 inches square, unframed, comes with MCP sponsor membership, $250 value

Minnesota Center for Photography
The Minnesota Center for Photography shows work by both established and emerging photographers, which makes it a great place to scout for up-and-comers. You’ll find more fine art photography books than prints in the retail area right now, but the selection is growing. 165 13th Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-824-5500

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

Lake Street Series, artist unknown

Prints purchased at Minneapolis College of Art and Design student sale

14-1/2 by 31-1/2 inches, framed, $250

Mitrebox Framing Studio
This North Loop frame shop has a hip vibe and an urban sophistication. Besides offering great framing services (even for works you buy at other galleries), the owners seek pieces by local artisans, then frame them to sell. 213 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-676-0696

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

Mickeys Diner by Karen Mazzarella

Giclee print, 9 by 18 inches, $35, unframed open-edition print; print from original oil, 24 by 48 inches, $150

AZ Gallery
You never know what you’ll run across at this artists’ co-op gallery located in the Northern Warehouse Building in St. Paul’s Lowertown. The selection tends to reflect the works currently on exhibit, but affordable prints from a variety of co-op artists are guaranteed. 308 Prince St., St. Paul, 651-255-6624

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

For You by Ann Wood and Dean Lucker

Mechanical picture, 8 by 12 inches, framed, $168

Gallery 360

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

Within Reach by Christine Herman

Monotype, 8 inches square, $250

Three Rooms
This boutique/gallery’s strength is its edited collection of home wares and artworks by American artists. Some pieces are mass-produced, but most are handmade originals, including our pick from Stillwater artist Christine Herman. From the whimsical to the refined, the contemporary assortment has made this shop an Edina mainstay. Galleria, Edina, 952-926-1774

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

Tulipe and Closures by Tressa Sularz

Ratan with shell buttons, 14-1/2 by 5 by 7-1/2 inches, $175

Textile Center of Minnesota
When it comes to this gallery, most people think of wearable art, but a healthy portion of the offerings in the center’s store are for hanging on walls, not in closets. Baskets, framed embroidery, and wall hangings all have a place in this bastion of fiber arts. 3000 University Ave. SE, Mpls., 612-436-0464

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

Vine Vase by Jennie Lanners

White stoneware, 9-1/2 inches tall, $200

Corazon
This spot functions more like a store than a gallery, though many items are created by local crafters and artisans. Mass-produced items with a handcrafted look fit in beautifully with the handmade objects in the well-edited assortment, which includes apparel. 204 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-333-1662

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

Small Nature Series #21 by Ingrid Restemayer

Etching on handmade paper with hand-stitched cotton thread, 9 inches square, $190, framed

Rosalux Gallery
You might not notice Rosalux if you don’t know it’s tucked into Open Book. Make your way downstairs, and you’ll find a cross-section of affordable work by the two dozen or so members of this co-op gallery. 1011 Washington Ave. S., Mpls., 612-747-3942

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

Unusual by Jennifer Davis

Mixed media, 8 by 10 inches, $300, unframed

Rogue Buddha Gallery
Don’t be deceived by the pricey pieces in the main gallery. Walk to the smaller room at the back of this Northeast gallery for affordable work by the likes of Jennifer Davis, Ernest Miller, and other local artists. 357 13th Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-331-3889

Photo by Michael Hendrickson