PARK RAPIDS — Art is growing in Park Rapids. With more art comes the need for more galleries to showcase art — galleries like the newly opened Tin Ceiling Gallery.
Candy Christensen is the gallery instructor and manages public relations for the Hubbard County Developmental Achievement Center in Park Rapids. The DAC, which is partnered with the Tin Ceiling, provides specialized services to people with developmental disabilities and mental illness. According to its website, these services promote personal growth, dignity and development of work and social skills, while providing opportunities for becoming part of the community.
"Joy is what I’m hoping for as they walk out the door."Candy Christensen, Tin Ceiling Gallery
Some of the center’s clients are artists, and they are showcased at the gallery along with local emerging artists.
“I feel like it's showing that we are a growing arts community,” Christensen said during an Area Voices interview on the KAXE Morning Show.
The gallery features a variety of art styles including watercolor and oil paintings, multimedia arts and even knives. The art is available for purchase as well, and some are printed as note cards and Christmas cards.
The origins
The Tin Ceiling used to be an antiques and collectible store. With issues of revenue as well as a burgeoning art community, the new incarnation shows the shift of Park Rapids.
The antiques and collectibles part of The Tin Ceiling still exists but is now online through Ebay. Donations can still be dropped off but will not be in a traditional storefront — instead, either online or at the other store, Bearly Used.
“People are so generous, and they want to give, and they want to support us, and now we can offer them art in return for that. I feel like it's just going to build it more and more,” Christensen said.
As for what she hopes people take away from the gallery? “Joy is what I’m hoping for as they walk out the door.”
The Tin Ceiling Gallery is located at 113 Main Ave. S. in Park Rapids, and is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
Tell us about upcoming arts events where you live in Northern Minnesota by emailing psa@kaxe.org.
Area Voices is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.