Weinstein Gallery 20th anniversary
To cynical art folks, Minnesota is the land of 10,000 grants and zero art dealers. The reliance on free money, the lack of real commercial galleries here — and the frustrating absence of a local collector base — have been a bugaboo in the scene for decades. But there is one man who still treats art like a luxury good rather than a public utility: Martin Weinstein. For 20 years now, his eponymous Southwest gallery has been a de facto major museum, on par with Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Institute of Art, thanks to its showcasing of major photographers, from the historic and national (Gordon Parks, Robert Mapplethorpe) to the local and upcoming (Alec Soth). How has this guy stayed in business for 20 years? No one knows, but the gallery celebrates its big birthday this weekend. In addition to major league photography, expect work from museum-roster artists like Charles Biederman and James Turrell, as well as blue-chip up-and-comer Ruben Nusz. (Opening reception 6-8 p.m. Fri., 908 W. 46th St., Mpls. Free. weinstein-gallery.com)
GREGORY J. SCOTT
