LJ Bergren has opened Collected Gallery in Northeast Minneapolis, a small house-turned-gallery that prioritizes affordability and accessibility. The gallery sells a range of mediums including prints, ceramics, jewelry, and lithography, with artists on six-month contracts to ensure a rotating selection. Bergren, an artist and collector herself, aims to make art available to all budgets, offering shipping nationwide and planning extended summer hours as many employees are students at Minneapolis College of Art and Design. The grand opening in April drew a wide community response, with visitors praising the approachable atmosphere and accessible prices.
This matters because Collected Gallery challenges the traditional art market model that often prices out lower-income buyers. By selling prints and artisan goods alongside original works, Bergren addresses a gap in the local art scene, making visual art a viable purchase for everyday people. The gallery’s emphasis on community, artist support, and sustainability—such as weekly shipping to reduce carbon footprint—reflects a growing trend toward inclusive, locally rooted art businesses. Its success could inspire similar models in other cities, broadening who can participate in the art world as both buyers and sellers.