Questions answered by David Salmela
When did Creative Electric Studios officially open its doors?
Our first show was "Tenderness Can Be Learned" in February 2003. It featured artwork by Brock Davis, Mike Brady and Tony Mogelson; we're planning to do a follow up to that show this fall.
Who started the gallery and who else is involved?
Jeremey Ackerman, Karl Raschke and Kurt Froehilich and I started the gallery. Jenny Adams joined us about a year and a half ago.
Why did you start the gallery?
I had purchased a storefront building with the idea of creating some sort of performance/creative space. It struck me that an art gallery was the best fit because it allows us to have music and art shows when we want to, do our live radio show, and even shut down the store and use the space as a studio to create art, music, movies, whatever we want.
How do you select artists and their art for shows?
We try to proactively seek what we're looking for. We have meetings every month or so and people show the work they've found. I regularly keep in touch with artists and put out feelers to artists I like.
What have been some of your favorite art shows you've had at the gallery?
Rogue Taxidermy (the Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists) debuted here, which was interesting because it raised a lot of questions about art and taxidermy and animals. It's a pretty fresh topic. I was very surprised to find out the National Taxidermy Association was disturbed by what they were doing, yet no animal rights activists were offended. Other favorite shows include our current show, Negativlandland. Pattie Chalmers, a sculptor who makes whimsical, yet dark, ceramic sculptures of people and animals. Wyatt McDill, who did a series of paintings based on a script he'd written called "Snowbird." And Mark Mothersbaugh (DEVO), of course. We also read his script as part of that show.
What do you think about the Twin Cities art scene?
I think it's a very good scene. We have high quality museums like the Weisman and the Walker Art Center and a lot of smaller galleries. I joined the Minneapolis Arts Commission this year, so I'm constantly reminded about what an exceptional and vibrant arts scene we live in.
What's the hardest part about running Creative Electric Studios?
It's difficult to be in a position of evaluating other people's work. Also it's a lot of work putting shows together, keeping the space maintained, etc.
What's the best part?
Mostly, we get to meet a lot of people in the arts and neighborhood communities and we are bringing people together. Also, it's great being able to do something you like to do, and being around people who are doing what they like to do.
What does the gallery have coming up in the future?
Pattie Chalmers is our next show; she's on June 23rd. After that, we have the Squad 19 Cardboard Box show, which should be interesting.
Our next season starts with Jeremy Ackerman, who we've never shown before. Another "Tenderness Can Be Learned" with Brock Davis will follow that. Then Tony and Mike Brady, and then Chris Larsen, who will concurrently have a show at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
www.creativeelectricstudios.com
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