Located in the Shoreview Library’s Community Room, Gallery 96 is a non-profit organization dedicated to displaying artworks made by local artists in Shoreview. In the 26 years since its creation, the gallery has garnered 81 members to contribute varying types of art pieces. 

Currently serving as President of the Gallery 96 board, Tom Reynen does many tasks in managing the organization, such as maintaining the email for inquiries, writing the newsletter and overseeing art shows. 

Originally, the opening of Gallery 96 was just meant to be a club for displaying art. Inspired by other local cities like White Bear Lake’s art communities, Gallery 96 began to build an art community for local Shoreview residents, featuring art forms from 2D paintings to 3D sculptures. 

One thing about Gallery 96 that Reynen believes stands out is the low cost, at only $25 for a yearly membership. The membership gives people the ability to contribute their art and participate in art discussions groups every second Tuesday of the month.  

One important aspect of these discussion groups is giving the artists the opportunity to not only show off their works, but also learn and interact with other artists. “Artists can bring in a painting that they’re working on and get people’s opinion on it. You know, ‘what do you think of this? Too dark, too bright, too green, too red?’” said Reynen. They can also bring in ideas for art projects, get feedback on art techniques and share art resources. 

Gallery 96 also offers seven shows annually, with three shows at the Shoreview Library and four at the Shoreview Community Center, where they use the seven glass cases in the fireside room to display art. “We’ve gotten a lot of support from the Shoreview City council, the Shoreview mayor, the Shoreview Community Foundation, so it’s been a pretty easy organization to run,” said Reynen. Along with those locations, Gallery 96 also pops up at other locations like the Slice of Shoreview. 

For each art show, there is always a corresponding theme. For example, in the past, they have had “Tangled Up in Blue” or “Small Works,” where artists must make a piece of art that is 7×7 inches or smaller. Each show flaunts creativity from the artists who choose to display their art, whether it be paintings, photography, jewelry, stained glass, pottery or even wood carvings. The artists can choose to place a price on their works and sell it at the shows, allowing artworks to be shared with others. 

Along with displaying art, Gallery 96 also provides art classes. “I’ve taught classes on iPhone photography. We have another member who is a high school art teacher, and she taught the planear outdoor painting classes,” said Reynen. These classes are open to the general public and often inspire people to become members of Gallery 96. 

Another perk about Gallery 96 is that it connects artists with bigger opportunities and resources. For example, the Taste of Scandinavia Bakery looks for art works to be displayed in its bakery and likes to reach out to the organization’s artists.

Gallery 96 brings not just inspiring work, but art into the community it serves. The goal of the gallery is to bring artists together to enjoy each other’s work. This summer, the gallery is planning a tentative project to paint a mural in a nearby tunnel from the Shoreview Community Center. While the project is not fully approved, the mural aims to show the skill that Gallery 96 has. “If we get the funding for the mural, we’re then going to try to recruit as many people as we can, both our members, but also in the community to come in and help paint the mural,” said Reynen.