Real people: Kim Cameron

Updated: June 14, 2012 - 10:34 PM

Kim Cameron

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Kim Cameron

Principal, Art Partners Group

In 2006, Kim Cameron combined her passion for art and experience in business and launched Art Partners Group, a corporate art consulting company she co-owns with Brian Knudsvig.

Cameron, who has an art history degree, grew up working for her family's business. Her father, Jack Cameron, owns Appliance Recycling Centers of America. She learned from how to run a business and the importance of keeping a close eye on financials.

She ran the firm out of her dining room before moving into an Eden Prairie office, which has state-of-the-art framing and a full-service installation shop. Cameron works with Fortune 500 companies, developers, architects, interior designers, financial institutions, hotel operators and health care providers on their artwork needs.

Projects include the local headquarters for CBRE and Welsh Cos. (now Colliers International), TCF Bank Stadium and Target Field, where she produced and installed 1,000 images. She provided sculptures for the Ackerberg Group's MoZaic development in Uptown Minneapolis and is working with Hempel Properties on its renovation of One Financial Plaza in Minneapolis.

QHow do you work with clients?

AWe go in and say, "What's your vision for your walls?" We can take that floor plan and say, "When you walk in, you're going to see a graphic. When you look here, you'll see vinyl lettering. A display will be here. A piece of commissioned artwork there." We brainstorm with them.

QWhat are your goals when placing art?

AMake sure it's aesthetically pleasing, ties into a budget and tells their story.

QAre people intimidated by art?

AI think they are, because they don't deal with it every day. We try to educate and break it down and give price ranges so we tie it into a budget. We want to keep it real with what they can do. ... We're creative people who like process and spreadsheets.

QDid the recession affect your firm?

AIt was a wake-up call. We said we've got to get diversified, so if the economy ever does that again, we'll be ready. ... We hired people experienced in graphics and in installing vinyl and bought printing equipment. We've diversified into vinyl, wall coverings, history walls and graphics.

Liz Wolf is a freelance writer in Eagan. She can be reached at wolfliz99@aol.com.