Biz Buzz: Bob Lyksett, Stillwater Art Guild Gallery

Photo courtesy of Bob Lyksett
Photo courtesy of Bob Lyksett

Business: Stillwater Art Guild Gallery

Your Name: Bob Lyksett

Job Title: Gallery Owner/ Photographer

Give us a brief overview of your business and what services you provide the community: 

We are a Fine Art Gallery located in the Historic area of Stillwater, at the north end of Main Street. We currently show approximately 90 local artist from various mediums of the art world to include Oil painting, Glass, Jewelry, Pottery, Sculpture and Photography. We jury all artist to enter the gallery in effort to maintain a high quality of art to our clients. We constantly see new talent walk through the door with exciting and beautiful work. We offer art framing and décor consulting to help each client with their personal home or office needs. We are a “go to” location for many interior designers throughout the Twin Cities Metro and St Croix Valley. Our new Instagram is a thrill to follow!

How many years have you been in business? 

This gallery has been open for more than 23 years and weathered many storms, to include the 2008 financial crash and most recently the business shut downs from the Corona Virus that effected many galleries throughout the country. 

What’s something unique we should know about your business? 

We originally started out as a Co-Op with the artists each pitching into work and run the gallery. Due to growth and my purchasing of the gallery from key stockholder about a year and a half ago, I have decided to take us on a somewhat newer approach in the 2022 world of art. We are showing much larger pieces of work and more Abstract artists are now in the gallery and our jewelry has expanded! 

What’s your favorite thing about your job? 

As an artist, I feel I have reached a goal that many artists only dream of; “…I own a Fine Art Gallery!”  Every day I am surrounded by high quality art. What could be more satisfying and comforting than the beauty of so many different styles of art and creations from talented people? As one painting is sold, another treasure replaces it! It’s exciting and educational each and every day. It’s heaven.

What’s the best thing about working with the LGBTQ community? 

Kind, educated, open and accepting to all. I try to give to the LGBTQ Community what the LGBTQ Community has given to others, an opportunity to be in a comfortable place with a common interest between us, no matter who you are. That bond is the appreciation of great art and discussion with a smile. 

Does your business have anything new, fun or unique happening on the horizon?

We are trying to reinstate our “Gallery Night” once a month, as we did before Covid, in which we had a guest speaker or artist present a subject of their knowledge. These were fun, low key events with a taste of wine and cheese and just good artsy talk. All are welcome to attend even if you are not a formal artist but love just being around the comforting atmosphere of art for an evening!

If you weren’t doing your current job, what would you be doing?

I would continue on in the sports photography arena along with my outdoor photography. I’m originally from northern Utah and love the mountains, hiking and skiing.

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