Rifle Sport Gallery
| Company type | Art gallery |
|---|---|
| Industry | Art |
| Founded | September 1985 |
| Founder | Colleen Barnett |
| Defunct | 1988 |
| Headquarters | Minneapolis , United States |
Area served | Twin Cities |
Rifle Sport Alternative Art Gallery was active from 1985 until 1988, situated in the Block E district along Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. It served as a significant platform for underground and punk art scenes within the Twin Cities. Author Andy Sturdevant highlighted its enduring impact on regional artists, likening its cultural significance to that of a Jacques-Louis David masterpiece.
Established in September 1985 by artist Colleen Barnett, the gallery derived its name from a now-defunct arcade whose signage remained visible. The Block E area attracted an eclectic crowd of punks, creatives, and musicians, partly due to the proximity of bars such as Moby Dick's and Brady's Pub, which also brought elements of criminal activity and homelessness.
Throughout its three-year tenure, approximately 130 artists and performers utilized the venue. Notable exhibitors included Shannon Brady, Phillip Johnson, Michael Joo, Ruthann Godollei, Jan Elftman, Frank Gaard, Melissa Stang, W. Joe Hoppe, Julia Scher, The Slime Clowns (Zingo & Bloppo), Steve Grandell (Venus De Mars), Mann Hawks, Robert Grassel, and Ken Avidor. Musical acts featured The Slime Clowns, The Swabs, Ting Kong, Lies Inc., and Chris Strouth's King Paisley and The Pscho-del-ics.
In 1988, the entire Block E complex was demolished as part of downtown redevelopment efforts, resulting in the gallery's displacement. It subsequently reopened near Loring Park but ceased operations after one year; its concluding exhibition showcased works by Stuart Mead and Dean Lucker.
Separately, a local band named Rifle Sport, also inspired by the original arcade, had been formed earlier in 1981.
External links
- Rifle Sport Gallery at mrgosh.com