SmartArt Program
The SmartArt Program by Art Force provides rotating artwork from local professional and emerging artists. These pieces of fine art are on display throughout the hallways of the Convention Center and are available for purchase.
Minneapolis has a wealth of creativity and artistic talent. The SmartArt Rotating Art Program introduces visitors of the Minneapolis Convention Center to rich artistic offerings from local visual artists living and working in Minneapolis.
Walking Guide
Take a self-guided tour at the Minneapolis Convention Center to see all the artwork. Use the guide below to navigate through the hallways and see all your favorite pieces!
Art Force
Art Force is an art consulting firm located in the heart of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District. In 2014, Art Force partnered with the Minneapolis Convention Center to develop and implement the SmartArt Rotating Art Program.
Call for Artists
CALL FOR ARTWORK: MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER
Art Force requests submissions of original, two-dimensional artwork by Minneapolis artists for the SmartArt Rotating Art Program at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The goal of the exhibit is to highlight the spectacular visual art created by local artists. Artwork will be displayed from August 2022 - January 2022
Consideration will be Given to Artists:
- With a cultural or geographic perspective that is unique or appropriate to Minneapolis
- Who could be considered emerging in their development
- Who work on large scale (see SUBMISSION DETAILS below for size requirements)
SUBMISSION DETAILS:
- Artists submitting work must live or work within the city limits of Minneapolis.
- Because these are on public display nudity, religious, and political content, and the inclusion of expletives are not appropriate.
- Due to the amount of wall space to fill, MCC requires large scale works of art – minimum: 3 feet vertical, 3 feet horizontal; maximum: 6 feet vertical, 12 feet horizontal.
Install will be around early July 2022; artwork that is submitted must be available to be dropped off at Art Force mid-June 2022. All artwork must be installation-ready, with hanging apparatus (D-rings or wire preferred). If the piece is framed, the frame and acrylic must be in excellent condition.
Please Note: Artists are responsible for transporting artwork to Art Force and to picking it up at Art Force after the completion of the exhibit if it does not sell.
If your artwork is selected, the program requires that you agree to commit your artwork to the program for a minimum of six months. The proceeds of the monthly art subscription fee are divided between the artist and Art Force. The artwork is also available for sale to Art Force clients.
DEADLINE: 11:59 p.m. Sunday, April 24, 2022
Please submit the following to Lpr@artforce.org by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, April 24, 2022. Please be sure to note that it is for the Convention Center Call:
- Digital image of artwork (jpg), up to 10 images
- Image list - title, medium, size
- Artist address and contact information, biography, statement
Gallery
Artwork is collected biannually through an open Call for Artists with specific parameters in alignment with the City of Minneapolis Public Art Policies & Procedures Guide and the Minneapolis Arts Commission Selection Process. All images received are reviewed by a committee of panelists who are appointed by the Office of Ward 7 Councilwoman Lisa Goodman, Citizens for a Loring Park Community, and the Minneapolis Arts Commission.
To inquire about purchasing a piece of art contact Art Force at info@artforce.org or call 763-567-2200
Level One
"Painting #104 af" by Scott Helmes. Digital Print 60" x 30"
"Painting #7 af" by Scott Helmes. Digital Print 48" x 48"
"Painting #88 af" by Scott Helmes. Digital Print 48" x 48"
"Starburst" by Suyao Tian. Watercolor & Mixed Media on Paper 40" x 50"
"Royal" by Suyao Tian. Watercolor & Mixed Media on Paper 40" x 50"
"Random Fun" by Ruth Lais. Paper Mosaic on Board 48" x 60"
"Squirrel, Dog, Zebra" by Kelly Anderson. Melted Crayon on Canvas 36" x 43"
"Happy Farmer" by Jimmy Longoria. Acrylic on Canvas 36" x 48"
"Native Girl Lost" by Jimmy Longoria. Acrylic on Canvas 48" x 72"
"Connie's Flowers" by Jimmy Longoria. Acrylic on Canvas 36" x 48"
Level Two
"Blooming Canopy" by Rebecca Froehlich. Mixed Media 4" x 3"
"Uff da Gestalt" by Nate Flink. Mixed Media on Linen Panel 60" x 72"
"Within and Outward" by Nate Flink. Mixed Media 48" x 60"
"Plus Equals What" by Nate Flink. Mixed Media on Linen Panel 72" x 84"
"Visitors Triptych" by Own Brown. Acrylic on Canvas 72" x 45" x 3"
"Spring Peonies" by Viki Underland-Rosow. Dye on Silk Mounted on Canvas 41" x 48"
"Rebirth" by Juan Parker. Acrylic on Canvas 48" x 36"
"Heron & His Lunch" by Vicki Underland-Rosow. Dye on Silk Mounted on Canvas 44" x 44"
"Peony Trio" by Vicki Underland-Rosow. Dye on Silk Mounted on Canvas 36" x 36"
"Often I am Permitted to Return to a Meadow" Series by Owen Brown. Painting 24" x 24" x 4"
"Painting #113 AF" by Scott Helmes. Digital print 48" x 48"
untitled by Ruth Lais. Paper Mosaic on Board 156" x 48"
"Kansas in the Day" by Owen Brown. Diptych 44" x 52" x 2"
"Creation" by Susan Gangsei. Handwoven Tapestry 47" x 59.5"
"Seal Skin Soul Skin" by Susan Gangsei. Handwoven Tapestry 36" x 60"
"Passing" by Matthew Wiig. Acrylic on Canvas 70" x 46"
"Talking Heads" by Susan Gangsei. Handwoven Tapestry 41.5" x 41"
Mezzanine Level
"Painting #89 af" by Scott Helmes. Digital Print 4" x 6"
"Painting #111 af" by Scott Helmes. Digital Print 4" x 6"
untitled by Keith Larson. Photo on Canvas 70" x 40"
Lower Level
"Frankenthaler 5 af" by Scott Helmes. Digital Print 35.5" x 60"
"Dance With Me" by Juan Parker. Acrylic on Canvas 48" x 36"
