Twin Cities Fine Arts Organization
 

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

The Perfect Match

“But it’s too much exposure,” Kären Nemer, artist, recalls saying to her friend Andy Rush.

It was no use. Andy, owner of Rush’s Bridal on Nicollet Mall, was persuasive. And the opportunity was ultimately too valuable to pass up.

The result? Kären opened The Kären Gallery in the lower level of the renowned Rush’s Bridal boutique and started a new adventure. Though always an artist, her first career was 25 years in the medical field.

Kären Nemer

A Little Help from My Friends
Kären (pronounced car-inn) immediately began thinking of her network in the local arts community. Her roots here run deep since she was born, raised (in Grand Rapids) and trained as an artist here.

“I thought—I have to share this with my friends!” Kären said.

That’s what she’s doing. Michael Frey’s work is in hanging alongside her own. She studied under him at The School of Realism at the Edina Art Center. She also spent time at The Atelier Studio Program of Fine Art.

The 900 square foot space is already full. The art in The Kären Gallery features mainly classical realism and varies by medium: portraits, mosaics and pottery. In addition to Kären and Michael, Nancy Acker, Karla Bach, Brad Benn, Barb Bindgen, Penny Galinson, Margie Grinnell, Carolyn Kleinberger, Steve Rouch and Barb Steen are all among the first to display. More will join the roster in the near future.

The artists’ success with prior clientele and wise use of the space both get the gallery off to a positive start. She recognizes the economic conditions are harsh. But, as she said enthusiastically, “We’re not going to stop being artists just because the economy is bad!”

Distinguishing Features
Kären is already finding ways to differentiate the gallery. Accessibility seems to be a driving theme. A live artist (usually Kären) will paint on site Saturdays during business hours. An open discussion on the craft and art process is encouraged. They welcome questions and ideas.

Kären currently offers portrait commissions. Her talent in portraiture is evident just by strolling through the gallery space and peeking at her portfolio. Her style is likely to really connect with visitors of Rush’s Bridal. She also creates still life pieces for clients who want to capture the essence of a special object: heirloom jewelry, a bride’s bouquet or anything that holds special meaning to someone.

We invite you to take a stroll through The Kären Gallery and enjoy a conversation with Kären or other artists present. You will leave the gallery feeling energized about art all over again. Kären’s enthusiasm is most certainly contagious.

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The Kären Gallery will be open in conjunction with Rush’s Bridal business hours. The originals in the space range from $500 to $10,000. Prints of many pieces are also available.

The Kären Gallery
927 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402

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