Susan Clayton is the Grand Hand gallery manager and has been on staff since October 2004. She is a former curator of art at the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, where she earned an MA in Art History and Art Exhibition. Susan’s academic research focuses on Minnesota artists and arts institutions.
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Linda LaNasa came to The Grand Hand as a longtime collector of Minnesota craft. Linda is especially knowledgeable about our local artists and their work, and has a knack for finding the perfect hand crafted piece to enhance your home, your wardrobe or to give as a gift.
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Joanna Scavone recently launched and now coordinates the gallery’s online shopping services. She is a painter and a graduate student specializing in Arts and Cultural Management at St. Mary’s University in Minneapolis.
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Brad Homan brings his gifts for organization and “getting it done” to our gallery space. He is a packaging specialist at General Mills and is also a patent-holding inventor!
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Jan Painter, a photographer, art collector and neighborhood resident, has been a helpful friend to the gallery since it began and pitches in behind the sales desk when we need her most. (Jan is wearing pieces by her friend – and gallery artist – Lori Bacigalupi.)
Tessa Somermeyer is a life-long lover of craft who, since childhood, has been visiting exhibitions and artist studios with her mother, Jan Painter. She is currently a graduate student at the University of Minnesota. (Tess’s scarf is by gallery artist Randy Darwall.)
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Teresa Engeltjes is focusing on corporate and private art consultation, and is available to come to your home or place of business to assist you with selecting artwork that will be a fit for both your space and your budget. Originally from Iowa, Teresa comes to us with extensive experience in the art world, from owning her own gallery in Iowa, to working with galleries in Santa Fe, NM and the Twin Cities.
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Owner Ann Ruhr Pifer opened the gallery on the basis of her love for high quality fine craft. The artwork featured in the gallery reflects Ann’s particular affinity for work that conveys a strong sense of authenticity – that shows “the hand of the artist” at work; the processes used to create each piece; and frequently the influence of the particular time or place in which the artist was working.
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