Coalescence Art Talk
An intimate evening for discussion with exhibiting artists Jessica Kitzman and Evan Weselmann, curators Cass Garner and Francesca Bernardi, moderated by Russ White
Russ White will facilitate a conversation between co-curators Cass Garner and Francesca Bernardi, delving into the inspirations behind the show, ‘Coalescence.’ Following this, we’ll explore the works of Evan Weselmann and Jessica Kitzman, gaining insight into their artistic processes and sources of inspiration. It is an honor to host both Evan Weselmann and Jessica Kitzman for this artist talk. Their captivating pieces have mesmerized viewers in the gallery with their sheer size and presence.
Each artist possesses a distinct style that immediately identifies their work. Evan’s expertise lies in illustration and animation, characterized by dynamic hues and a play of positive and negative shapes. While his artworks may convey representational elements, their execution often leans towards abstraction. On the other hand, Jessica has refined her artistic style over years of experimentation with alternative mediums. The tactile quality of her work draws viewers in, prompting them to decipher the hidden meanings behind her choice of found objects and materials. Each piece invites exploration and contemplation, offering layers of depth and complexity
COALESENCE CURATOR and ARTIST TALK:
Thursday, April 4th // 7pm
Russ White will facilitate a conversation between co-curators Cass Garner and Francesca Bernardi, delving into the inspirations behind the show, ‘Coalescence.’ Following this, we’ll explore the works of Evan Weselmann and Jessica Kitzman, gaining insight into their artistic processes and sources of inspiration.
This is a unique opportunity to connect directly with the artists and gain a deeper appreciation for their work!
• $7 presales available
• $10 day of the event, Free for Gamut Gallery Members
GALLERY & GIFT SHOP OPEN HOURS + CONTACT INFO
FREE open hours: Thursday – Friday, 11am – 6pm; Saturday 11am – 4pm.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Evan Weselmann is an artist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, working in illustration, animation, and painting. With an interest in asemic writing and automatic drawing borne from the surrealist movement, his paintings feature subtle line width and color changes, repeated on the canvas creating all-over compositions that explore the relationship between positive and negative space. Apart from illustrating caricatures of imaginary people, he thinks about movements a lot more than anything. Evan strives for his work to be fun, playful, and easy to interact with. He is represented by Closer & Closer which led him to work with clients ranging from local mutual aid funds to international advertising agencies. Evan has recently produced illustration works for Chet Faker, Kid Cudi, Polaroid, and the MN Twin
Jessica Kitzman is an interdisciplinary artist in Minneapolis, MN. Primarily working in found textiles, her art practice is a thawing of conditioning, a digestion of lived experience, and a reconnection with the body. Her visual language braids together domestic, anatomical, and botanical references as a mode of revealing identity. Jessica holds a BFA from the University of Iowa and an MAT from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Jessica lives in South Minneapolis, MN with her two children, who all share a cozy basement studio. She is a member of Embodied Material and teaches K-8 art
ABOUT THE MODERATOR
Russ White is an artist, writer, and editor living in Minneapolis. After growing up in the Carolinas and Mississippi, White received a BA in Studio Art from Davidson College and has maintained a studio in the Casket Arts Building in Northeast Minneapolis since 2014, where he works primarily in colored pencil and mixed media. He has exhibited his work regionally and nationally (including a 2016 solo show at Gamut), is the recipient of two Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative grants (2018 & 2020), and works as the editor of written content for MPLSART.COM.
ABOUT THE CURATORS
Cass Garner is a graphic designer, art curator, project manager, and working in Minneapolis. She co-founded Gamut Gallery, a cultural hub in Minneapolis over the past 12 years promoting the arts in Minneapolis and beyond. Cass led operations and project management for exhibitions and events while she was the Director until February of this year. She has curated dozens of exhibits within Gamut’s walls. In 2018 Cass was the solo Juror of Artistry’s 42nd Annual Members’ Juried Art Exhibition. Her curatorial practice expanded in 2020 partnering with The Coven at their St. Paul location to curate a special nook of the Coven, and she partnered with HAUS Salon in 2021 to highlight local, innovative artists from the Twin Cities producing 25 solo exhibits throughout the HAUS Salons across Minneapolis. Most recently Cass was the Project Manager for the Holidays on Nicollet and a juror for Hennepin Theatre Trust It’s the People Project.
Francesca Bernardi is the new Gallery Director and co-owner of Gamut Gallery. They are an art therapist, artist, art collector, and burgeoning curator. Through their work in art therapy, they are a skilled relationship cultivator, attentive communicator, and passionate about building community with multifaceted individuals. Coalescence is Francesca’s gallery curatorial debut however, they have hosted pop-up art galleries in their home featuring local artists. Francesca’s excitement for curating will lead to many more exhibits highlighting artists in Minneapolis.