Sometimes, an artist’s notoriety can obscure a viewer’s take on a piece. You see the name “Picasso” or “Van Gogh” and a painting that you may have otherwise thought to be ugly or uninteresting suddenly becomes unique and thought provoking. Likewise, an artist’s anonymity can also sway one’s opinion. Take away the names, however, and suddenly the playing field has been leveled: you like a piece simply because you like it. Period.
That’s the idea behind Art 4 Shelter, a benefit exhibition supporting Simpson Housing Services. For tomorrow night only, more than 1,000 pieces from emerging and established artists will be on display and for sale at Circa Gallery in north Minneapolis. Each piece will sell for $30, is made on a 5-by-7-inch piece of paper, and is signed by the artist on the back. That way, you won’t know if you’re getting something by someone famous or someone who will soon be famous. All the proceeds go to Simpson, a nonprofit organization based in south Minneapolis that seeks to house, support, and advocate for people experiencing homelessness.
Browse new works, add to your art collection, give to a good cause: What better way to spend a Thursday night?
Art for Shelter
May 5, 2011
Preview: 5–6 p.m.; sale: 6–9 p.m.
Circa Gallery, 210 N. First St., Mpls.
Art4shelter.org
