Giving Back
By Colby Johnson
Photo by Eric Moore
There’s a new addition to St. Paul’s shopping Mecca, Grand Avenue. Benevolent Acorn, which opened in September, showcases the work of local and national artists, including sculpture, photography, jewelry, and paintings. “The pieces are functional though fine art,” says owner Jan Gillen, a Twin Cities native who recently returned to Minnesota after living for 25 years in Los Angeles, where she managed high-end art galleries. “I wanted to get back to showcasing art for ‘every man’ rather than just the elite.” Gillen reserves the back of her store as gallery space, where she rotates the work of one or two artists every six weeks. Portions of the store’s proceeds are donated to the non-political, non-profit organization of the artist’s choice. “The store is here to support local artists and give back to the community. That’s where the name came from,” Gillen says. “I’m planting little seeds that hopefully will grow into something bigger.”
Photos by Eric Moore
A GLASS ACT Hand-blown jade glass slumped into steel by Bonnie Hinz, $235.
THE SOUNDS OF SCULPTURE Sound-making, limitless media sculpture by Jesse Haug, $950.
FLOWER POWER Pressed flower side table by Maggie Sullivan, $150.
Bevenolent Acorn, 1087 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-291-3848, www.BenevolentAcorn.com
6 ISSUES (1 YEAR)
