Outsiders and Others Art Gallery… Unique Themes - Unique Artists
Tuesday - October 28, 2003 10:00 AM posted by Diane Ingram

I know little about the art world. I probably couldn't tell a Dali from a Picasso or a Monét from a Manét. Like the artists being featured at Outsiders and Others, a new gallery in the Elliot Park Neighborhood of Minneapolis, I am an untrained "outsider".

Last March Outsiders and Others was heading into the final week of renovation of their rented space in the Enger Building at 1010 Park Ave and I was recruited to help Executive Director, Yuri Arajs, and the rest of his team get ready for their first opening. While the electricians completed installation of lighting, volunteers cleaned tables, washed floors and ooo'ed and ahhh'ed as the artwork was brought out to be arranged on the freshly white washed walls. It was the beginning of my continuing support for Yuri's vision.

In an article for the Autumn 2002 Access Arts Newsletter (VSA Arts of Minnesota) Yuri is quoted, "Art is Art is Art, regardless of who or under what circumstance it is created." This philosophy has brought his nonprofit gallery and mentorship program the support of community partners Task Unlimited and Elliot Park Neighborhood Inc and private funding from a variety of corporate sponsors. Each month a new show theme, Artists with Disabilities - Senior Artists - Teen Artists - Tattoo Artists - Lawyers as Artists ("A" listed in City Pages) - Women's Spirit, features a group of six to ten undiscovered individuals. Each show is as unique as the artists themselves.

I'm not trained to offer an opinion, but as an "outsider critic" I'll make one comment. The visual experience is worth frequent visits to Outsiders and Others. Like me, you might just find a piece that speaks to you... and isn't that what art is really all about?

Outsiders and Others Art Gallery is open to the public. HOURS: W, F, S -- 12 to 5 p.m. & Th -- 12 to 7 p.m. Contact Yuri at 612-338-3435 or email yuri@yuriarajs.com