Today we’d like to introduce you to Deneena Hughes.
Hi Deneena, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From my earliest memories, I recall always being creative and always having a wild, enduring passion for horses. I did not come from an equestrian background but independently pursued equine experiences my entire life. As my artistic skills developed over a lifetime of creative experimentation, the equine form consistently was my muse, providing me with endless inspiration. I was not particularly supported in my pursuits throughout my childhood, often criticized and misunderstood for both of my passions, but am hardwired in such a way that this drove me deeper into them rather than being dissuaded. As an adult, I reached a point where my artwork was taking over my home, so I sought ways to send it out into the world. Once again I encountered regular criticism over the use of my subject matter. And once again, I was not dissuaded. I began to seek out like-minded creatives and discovered a whole community of equine artists who were equally frustrated with their endeavors in the art world. This inspired me to create an art gallery that was a platform that supported local equine artists, amplifying our creative voice and elevating our presence in the arts community. I believed in the mentality that a rising tide lifts all boats and that we are stronger together. This was the foundation from which Gallery Equus was born. Carefully curated for artistic excellence and a wide range of styles to broaden the appeal, the gallery was welcomed with vigor in the local arts and equine communities. Strategically located in the heart of the vibrant Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, Gallery Equus recently celebrated their 7th anniversary. Ever evolving, the artists rotation throughout those 7 years has been a showcase of the best of regional Midwest equine artists. I am remarkably proud of each of them and of the platform that Gallery Equus has been and continues to be!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Within days after celebrating the 2nd anniversary of Gallery Equus, everything changed dramatically around the whole world when Covid hit. Our doors were promptly closed and art galleries were dubbed “unessential.” As the weeks dragged into months, I began to see the need to re-envision my fledgling gallery in order for it to not perish in the heap of collateral damage left in the wake of the pandemic. For two years we switched to a format of themed exhibits that rotated every 6 months rather than our former set up of individual displays by each artist. The creative prompts provided by each exhibit provided the artists inspiration and motivation to keep creating new work as well as a sense of community at a time when we were all desperately seeking connection. The exhibits were initially online only and eventually returned back to live exhibits once businesses were allowed to reopen their doors. During this time, we lost one of our dear founding members to cancer. While we mourned and felt her absence deeply, it additionally fueled the fire to keep the gallery going in honor and memory of her passion and support.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Like many other artists, I pursue multiple creative outlets. I am a painter, a poet, and a seasonal sculptor (ice/snow). My painting style is best described as abstracted realism with horses featured predominantly in my subject matter. I lean towards western wildlife themes from roots that began in Alberta, Canada. The abstract elements in my paintings serve to provide a signature dynamic energy to my work. I have many journals full of poetry, which is how I process thoughts and emotions. Often my poetry will find itself interwoven in a painting, providing the inspiration for form, movement, and other compositional elements lending a deeper presence to the visual artwork.
Sculpting in ice and snow has been a hobby born from being a restless creative living in a northern climate dominated by cold half of the year. First introduced to me over 30 years ago by my fellow-creative husband before we were married, I fell in love with the intensity and uniqueness of working these temporary mediums. In the same way much of creation is impermanent in nature, I find it brings a deeper appreciation to something beautiful that you know is only with you briefly.
One of my accomplishments I am most proud of is building a team of all women who were inexperienced in ice sculpting and leading them to a first place win at the St. Paul Winter Carnival in the multi-block ice sculpting competition, a venture normally dominated by men. It is my tenacity and internal drive that sets me apart from others whether it’s tackling a 3000lb sculpture in the bitter cold or opening an art gallery on the conviction that naysayers are not the ones who succeed.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I continue to have great dreams and aspirations for Gallery Equus as there has been such an outpouring of support over the past 7 years, indicating that we indeed have an important presence in our industry. I continually am amazed at the talent of fellow Midwest equine artists and would love to expand the gallery to a larger venue that could include more regional artists from the states beyond Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. At the same time, I’m personally at a stage in my life where I am seeking to simplify and minimize, which sounds contradictory to these aspirations, leading me to ponder whether or not franchising is an option for future development. Time will certainly tell…but for now, the Minneapolis gallery remains a vibrant teacher as long as I remain willing to learn as I go.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.deneenahughes.com AND https://www.galleryequus.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artistdeneenahughes AND https://www.instagram.com/galleryequus
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artistdeneenahughes AND https://www.facebook.com/galleryequus
