A Q&A with Denise Sorom of the Rochester Art Center

6/15/2007
Q: What would encourage someone to visit the Art Center?

A: We are flexible and can be part of your schedule. The Art Center always has something going on.
We have four gallery spaces with nationally and regionally recognized artists. We have contemporary and traditional works both in 2D and in 3D.
The Center is based on a European model called the Kunsthal – it’s German for ‘a project space’. Artists will love it here. We are constantly organizing exhibitions and each time you visit, you’ll see something totally new.

Q: Any special things you’d like a patron to know?

A: We have a gift shop with works from local artists and from the state of Minnesota at large. So you can see a sampling of Minnesota art and take home a memento. Members get 10% discount in the shop.

Q: What’s the best way to get to the Art Center on foot from downtown?

A: Get yourself on the skyway and head east toward the Civic Center. We are connected to the Center on the south side.

Q: Where should a person park?

A: Park in the Civic Center ramp. Parking is free after 5pm and on the weekends.

Q: What is one particular thing you want people to know about the Art Center?

A: Twice a month on Thursdays we do ‘Art For Lunch’ tours. You can bring a brown bag lunch, eat in the lobby and get a short tour of the gallery. It’s a refreshing lunch idea instead of going to your regular lunch spot.

Q: Do you have discounts or specials?

A: Admission is free every Thursday, we’re open until 9pm, and you can receive a 20% discount on membership dues. You get a lunch tour and a short, fun lecture on Contemporary Art 101. Other days admission is only $3, free if you’re a student, and $2 for seniors.

Q: What are some things the Art Center has that can’t be found everywhere?

A: We have a partner-city relationship with Siheung City in South Korea. It’s an art exchange with a diplomatic effort. We display the work of artists from Siheung City – a suburb of Seoul.

Q: What do you provide to the community of Rochester?

A: We have year-round active education programs for kids through adults. We provide a summer day camp that began in 1971.
We provide tours to community groups and schools to make a connection to art.
We collaborate with performing arts organizations to create events in the wonderful open space on the first floor: music events, theater, poetry readings, etc.

Q: What is one interesting fact about the Art Center that more people should know?

A: The founder of the Art Center is Newton Holland. He was a very active community member in the 40s and 50s. We have a bust of Newton Holland in the lobby with a quote from Holland, “My ultimate dream is that Rochester should become a cultural center worthy of its scientific achievements.”

Q: How long has the Art Center been in Rochester?

A: Rochester has provided an Art Center for the community since 1956. We have been at this location since May 2004. We now have 4x the overall space and 3x the gallery space. We have a gift shop.