Grand Hand Gallery Relocation: A New Chapter for St. Paul‘s Premier Art Destination
Are you a lover of fine art and handcrafted goods in the twin Cities? Then you’ll be excited to learn about a significant change for a beloved local institution. The Grand Hand Gallery, a cornerstone of St. Paul’s art scene for over two decades, is relocating! This move signifies not just a change of address, but a continuation of the gallery’s commitment to showcasing exceptional artistry and fostering a vibrant creative community.
This article dives deep into the details of the relocation, the gallery’s rich history, and what you can expect from this exciting new chapter. We’ll also explore the impact of the closure of Treadle Yard Goods, a fellow creative hub, and provide insights into the evolving landscape of art galleries in the Twin Cities area.
A Legacy of Artistry: The History of Grand Hand Gallery
Founded in 2004 by Ann Ruhr Pifer,the Grand Hand Gallery quickly established itself as a haven for both established and emerging artists. Starting in a small storefront, the gallery’s popularity led to a move to a larger space on Grand Avenue in 2007. Pifer’s vision was to create a space where artists could thrive and collectors could discover unique, high-quality pieces.
In 2018, Mary Whitney and Cathy Weyerhaeuser took the reins, continuing Pifer’s legacy. More recently, in late 2022, Jim Jacobson and Rachael Hartzler – previously of the Grand Micro Gallery – became the current owners, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to the gallery. They’ve consistently championed artists and innovative exhibition formats,as evidenced by their commitment to paying artists even when work doesn’t instantly sell,a practice highlighted in a recent Twin Cities Pioneer Press article.https://www.twincities.com/2023/05/27/at-this-st-paul-exhibit-artists-get-paid-even-if-they-dont-sell/
moving to a New Home: What to Expect
The Grand Hand Gallery will be closing its doors at its current location on January 12th. But don’t worry, art lovers – this isn’t a farewell, but a “see you soon!” The gallery is moving to the former location of Treadle Yard Goods, at the corner of Grand and Hamline Avenues. While an official reopening date is still to be announced, the owners anticipate a swift transition, estimating about a week for the move.
One of the key benefits of the new location? Increased parking availability. This is a welcome improvement,addressing a common concern for visitors. You can stay updated on the reopening date and any related events by following the gallery on social media.
Here’s a swift rundown of the key details:
* Current Location Closing: January 12th
* New Location: 1338 Grand Ave, St. Paul
* Website: https://thegrandhandgallery.com/
* Phone: 651-312-1122
The Impact of Treadle Yard Goods’ Closure & The Changing Retail Landscape
The move to the former Treadle yard Goods space is especially poignant. Treadle Yard Goods,a beloved fabric store known for its extensive selection and expert staff,closed its doors in June 2025 as owner Michele Hoaglund focused on her cancer treatment. https://www.twincities.com/2025/06/06/treadle-yard-goods-closes/
This closure, along with similar shifts in the retail landscape, highlights the challenges faced by independent businesses. However,it also presents opportunities.The Grand Hand Gallery stepping into this space demonstrates the resilience of the creative community and the continued demand for unique, locally-sourced art and craft. According to a recent report by the Americans for the Arts, spending on the arts and
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