Minnesota’s incredible art scene has long been a cherished part of local communities across the entire state, touting everything from world-class galleries and museums to the largest open studio tour in the country. The dynamic and diverse arts landscape today is thanks to a rich legacy of artists, gallerists, organizations and other supporters who have continually advocated and worked to build up the vibrant arts scene. One such force was the Women’s Art Registry of Minnesota (WARM), which was founded in April 1976 in Minneapolis’s warehouse district.
Photography by Linda Gammell
LEGACY: The Women of WARM Gallery Opening Reception
Sunday, April 12 | 2–5 p.m.
Kickernick Gallery, 430 N. 1st Avenue, Minneapolis
Created at a time when women artists were routinely overlooked by galleries, museums and curators, WARM began as a bold act of visibility: a 35mm slide registry created to promote the artwork of women artists in the Twin Cities. It evolved into a feminist cooperative gallery that operated for 15 years — the largest women’s art collective in the country. What followed was a decades-long legacy of artistic excellence, mentorship and activism.
On April 10, Kickernick Gallery will unveil a landmark exhibition honoring the pioneering feminist art movement. Marking the 50th anniversary of WARM Gallery’s founding, LEGACY: The Women of WARM Gallery promises an extraordinary showcase of 73 groundbreaking women artists who have shaped Minnesota’s artistic landscape and helped redefine feminist expression. Ahead of the exhibition opening, we chatted with WARM founding member and artist Harriet Bart and Kickernick Gallery owner Kristi Oman to get an insider’s look at the historic exhibition and the importance of sharing WARM’s story.
Photography provided by Kickernick Gallery
What does this exhibition mean to you?
Harriet Bart: This exhibition celebrates a legacy earned and achieved by the many women who participated in the grand collective experience of WARM. The organization touched the lives of so many women by believing in their potential and offering them an opportunity to exhibit their work. We mentored each other, and then we reached out to mentor more emerging artists. We brought in visiting artists and feminist art historians from across the country to place WARM in the context of a national conversation. This exhibition is a celebration of WARM and its half century commitment to women artists.
Kristi Oman: This exhibition celebrates and commemorates a pivotal moment in women’s art history. It shines a light on the figures who have set the stage and created a path for those who have followed. It’s also a way to honor how their work continues to be respected, both in the Minneapolis community and across the country.
What do you hope people take away from the exhibition?
KO: I hope visitors leave with both a sense of inspiration and a deeper appreciation for WARM’s significance. This is a celebration of the work of these pioneering artists, while also honoring the powerful movement they built together. Fifty years later, as art returns to downtown Minneapolis with renewed energy, it feels especially fitting to celebrate the women of WARM in the place where it all began.
HB: The power of community to make change by working together. The significance, integrity, beauty and brilliance of work by women artists.
Photography provided by Kickernick Gallery
Harriet, you now have a permanent studio in the same building you were working in when WARM was founded. How does it feel to bring your practice back to Kickernick Gallery?
HB: In an echo from a much earlier decade, I find comfort in returning to a studio in the same building where my career began fifty years ago. As we celebrate this exhibition, I think how perfect it is that the Kickernick building is owned by a woman.
Has the landscape for women artists changed since WARM’s founding in the seventies?
HB: Things are so much better for women artists. Their work is more often exhibited in galleries and museums. Women artists have a significant presence in art department faculties. I believe they are still under-represented in private and public collections.
KO: The playing field for women artists is becoming more level, but there is still room to grow. Women still need support from the community and from other artists. The Kickernick Building is proud to be home to the studios of nearly 20 women artists, and they have created their own community of support. It’s wonderful to see very established artists getting to know some of the up-and-coming artists and how they inspire and help each other within our building and beyond.
Original poster artwork by Patricia Olson
Do you have any advice for female artists today?
KO: I would encourage female artists today to challenge themselves to set the bar even higher. The work of WARM needs the next generation to keep the momentum going and continue to find ways to raise each other up.
HB: There is strength in community. Support and challenge each other. Be fierce in your commitment to your work.
What are the best ways to support women in the arts today?
HB: Collect their work and, if possible, support their projects as so many women in this community have done over the years.
KO: Support starts with showing up, sharing their work and collecting when possible. For those with platforms, it’s about creating space where women are not only included, but truly seen and celebrated.
