Today we’d like to introduce you to Kolman & Reeb Gallery.
Hi Kolman &, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Anita Sue Kolman, Partner, Kolman & Reeb Gallery:
My path into the art world was far from linear. In 1977, I completed my formal education, achieving a Ph.D. in Sociology. For the next 24 years, I engaged in multiple activities using my professional skills to conduct research, teach undergraduates, and evaluate mental health, social service, and educational programs. Although it was meaningful work, both personally rewarding and financially successful, I eventually realized I needed a change.
One day, while having lunch with an artist friend, I told her about my frustration and that I was looking for something new and worthwhile to do. My friend said to me “Why don’t you help me sell my art?” I laughed and said, “I don’t know anything about selling art.” After thinking about her suggestion, I realized that my passion was sharing art with others as a Docent at the University of Minnesota’s Weisman Art Museum. I also realized that, despite my lack of formal art training, I had transferable skills that could help artists sell their artwork. I accepted my friend’s suggestion to help her to sell her artwork and have never looked back!
The Kolman & Reeb Gallery grew from that passion. Today, the gallery is built around supporting Minnesota’s most compelling creative voices.
Jodi, Partner, Kolman & Reeb Gallery:
At the age of five years old, I realized I wanted to be an artist. My friend and I spent an afternoon making crayon drawings of animals on large sheets of newsprint. The drawings were the largest I had ever made, and I decided to try and sell them. This was the 1970’s when door-to-door sales were prevalent, so why not me? I rolled up the drawings and fastened them with rubber bands. I went about pulling them around the neighborhood in my wagon, knocking on doors, offering them for sale at a dollar each. Success! I went up and down the block and two neighbors bought the drawings as well as one person gave me a $1.00 donation. I was so excited about this new possibility! It started to rain before I got home and the remaining drawings got wet, but I was inspired. It was in that moment I knew I wanted to be an artist and thought that it was possible. Since then, I have become an artist, partner and curator at the Kolman & Reeb Gallery in Minneapolis.
Fast-forward through many years of creating, exhibiting, and building a career, I joined Kolman & Reeb Gallery as an artist in 2012. I soon became involved in sales and installation, and in 2022, after a decade of growing with the Gallery, I became partner and curator.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like many galleries, our path has been anything but predictable. Art sales are discretionary and fluctuate year to year. Our strongest year has been five times the size of our most challenging one.
The most significant disruption, of course, was COVID-19. Before the pandemic, nearly all sales came from in-person visits. Suddenly, our doors were closed for months, and we had to rethink how we connected with our audience.
We pivoted quickly, expanding our social media presence, creating illustrated posts showing how our artists create their work, producing short videos, and launching an online Marketplace so collectors could purchase directly from our website. These efforts didn’t just help us survive; they expanded our reach. Today, we’re connecting with collectors across the U.S., and our online audience continues to grow.
This fall marks our 15th Anniversary, and that milestone is a reminder that resilience, reinvention, and staying connected to our community are why we’re still here.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Kolman & Reeb Gallery is a contemporary art gallery dedicated to exhibiting the work of Minnesota’s most compelling artists. We specialize in contemporary and abstract artwork across diverse media, and we’re known for the strong relationships we build with both artists and collectors. Our collaboration is unique: Anita brings decades of experience as an arts advocate and patron, while Jodi brings the perspective and sensibilities of an established artist and curator. Together, we’ve created a space where artistic vision, thoughtful curation, and genuine human connection all intersect.
At our core, we help make meaningful connections between artists and the people who collect their work. We represent established artists whose aesthetics continue to evolve, and we intentionally mentor emerging artists showing significant promise. Many collectors come to us because they want artwork with depth, intention, and a strong point of view—pieces that elevate their living and working spaces and reflect their identity. We love helping people find the artwork that feels personally resonant.
What sets us apart is our commitment to fostering community and expanding the dialogue around contemporary art in Minnesota. Over the last 15 years, Kolman & Reeb has become an integral part of the Twin Cities’ visual arts landscape. We host and participate in open forums, panel discussions, and public programming that advance the understanding of art, art collecting, and the professional growth of artists. We want everyone—from new collectors to seasoned enthusiasts—to feel welcomed, informed, and inspired.
Brand-wise, one of the things we’re most proud of is our Project Space Grant, now in its fifth year. This program provides artists with funding, studio space, and support to create a significant new body of work—projects that often mark turning points in their careers. Supporting artists in such a direct, meaningful way has become one of our signature contributions.
Ultimately, Kolman & Reeb Gallery is more than a place to view or purchase art. It’s a community resource where visitors can discover distinctive artistic voices, learn about the creative process, and experience exhibitions that are both thought-provoking and deeply engaging. We want readers to know that our mission is rooted in connection—connection to art, to artists, and to each other. Whether someone is a lifelong collector or new to the art world, we welcome them into the conversation.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The art world is changing fast, and honestly, it’s exciting to watch. One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing is the move toward a more hybrid experience. People still love walking into a gallery, getting close to the work, and having that in-person moment—but they also want the option to browse, learn, and even purchase online. The galleries that blend both worlds are the ones who will really thrive.
We’re also seeing a growing appreciation for regional and local artists. There’s so much incredible talent here in Minnesota, and more collectors—locally and nationally—are starting to take notice. It feels like the spotlight is widening, and that’s great for artists and the whole community.
Another trend we love is that collectors are looking for connection, not just something interesting for their walls. They want to know who the artist is, how the work was made, and the story behind it. That deeper engagement is changing how people buy art.
And finally, we’re seeing more support for artists outside the traditional gallery model. Programs like our Project Space Grant—which gives artists funding, space, and mentorship—are becoming more important because they help artists take bold steps forward in their careers. We expect to see more initiatives like this in the future, where galleries aren’t just showing art, but actively investing in the artists themselves.
The industry will keep evolving, but the heart of it stays the same: people are always going to be drawn to honest, powerful, authentic creative expression. That part never changes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kolmanreebgallery.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolmanreebgallery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kolmanreebgallery
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitasue/
