Fine Art at First and Fifth – Kickernick Gallery is Now Open!

Minneapolis has a new addition to its art gallery scene. Brought about in part by Minneapolis’ Arts & Culture Vibrant Storefronts Initiative, Kickernick Gallery, located in the much-coveted corner unit of the Kickernick Building at First Avenue and Fifth Street, offers passersby a glimpse of some of the incredible work of Minnesotan artists while they wander this downtown-adjacent portion of the Warehouse District.

The seven-story Kickernick Building, located on the 400 block of First Avenue, has been a part of Minneapolis for nearly 130 years. Originally a shoe factory, this boxy, brick building was eventually purchased by the Winget Kickernick Company, which is where it got the name it retains to this day.

Given its long history, it is not surprising that the use and ownership of the building have changed over the years. After a particularly hard stretch around the COVID-19 pandemic, the building was purchased by new owners in early 2024 with an updated dream for the property. At the time of purchase, the building was almost entirely empty. “It was 99% vacant,” says Kickernick Gallery Curator Christy Frank.

The new owners have already brought in a couple of new restaurants (Hyderabad Indian Grill is taking over Hark’s old space and Tropico Columbia Cocktails will take over Kickernick Cafe), but beyond that, the building promises to be a haven for local creatives.

“The owners, passionate about fostering artists and creative businesses, are dedicated to revitalizing First Ave. as an artistic hub, much like it was in decades past,” says Frank.

Under its new ownership, the Kickernick building is providing affordable studio spaces for artists that start at $795 per month and has already made itself home to a few small businesses that also have an artistic bent.

With this vision of the Kickernick building as an artistic hub, the new owners knew they wanted to do something special with the corner of First and Fifth.

“This corner is the focal point of the building, and they believed an art gallery would be the perfect addition, bringing vibrancy and enhancing the aesthetic of First Ave.,” says Frank. “With downtown Minneapolis in need of a fine art gallery, it felt like the perfect match for them as well as the building.”

Kickernick Gallery had its grand opening in late September with a show that featured a wide array of local artists, many of whom Frank knew from her experience hosting art shows at the furniture store and custom frame shop she used to own.

“I started with my own artist database and then I dove into some of the artist directories in town,” Frank says. “I also looked at some of the artists I have always appreciated but have not had the opportunity to work with.”

Artists featured at Kickernick Gallery’s grand opening included Sarah Edwards, Ben Labuzzetta, James Gabbert, Evan Abrahamson, Sandra Felemovicius, Gina Gaetz, Cathy Bratter, Cynthia Holien, Rita Dungrey, Laurie Borggreve, Mary Meuwissen and Emily Donovan.

The current collection, which will remain open through January 2025, is a delightful collection of paintings, collages, glass art, sculptures, photography, and other multimedia works. The gallery uses space well, intermingling pieces by different artists across the gallery in a way that allows the diverse art styles to complement one another.

“We plan on having around three to four shows a year,” Frank says. “Any artists that are interested in showing at the gallery can contact me via the contact form on our website.”

Although it is fun to simply walk by the building and take in the show from the sidewalk, it is well worth an actual visit to the gallery to enjoy the collection.

“I encourage patrons, or anyone curious about the gallery to stop by Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” Frank says. “Those are our hours for now.”

“We also plan to have many more events going forward,” says Frank, “we plan on keeping the buzz going on the corner of First & Fifth!” If these future events are anything like the grand opening, I can promise delicious bites, interesting people, themed cocktails, beautiful art, and maybe even a red carpet or two.

The best place to keep up with Kickernick Gallery’s upcoming events is on Instagram (@kickernickgallery) or via their website, listed below.

Keep your eye on the space to see what they bring to the space next!

@kickernickgallery
www.kickernickgallery.com

430 N. First Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55401