Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Ellis.
Hi Joe, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story really starts in the late 1990s, walking the tracks in Uptown Minneapolis and seeing graffiti for the first time. Those paintings—wild, bold, and deeply coded—were unlike anything I had experienced. They spoke to something in me. Those early moments were catalysts for everything that followed.
I first interacted with graffiti as an outlet for creative expression, and second, as a force that builds community. That evolved into a deeper interest in painting and art history. As a high school student, I took PSEO classes at MCAD, then went on to study painting and art history at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. My foundation is the study of painters and painting, but I’ve always been drawn to how art functions in the world—who sees it, who collects it, and how its meaning shifts depending on context.
My experience spans artist management, collections care, curating exhibitions, and handling private and institutional acquisitions. I learned how to broker artwork by watching great gallerists—how they framed artists’ stories and connected them to collectors. Over time, I realized I had a unique ability to interpret and contextualize contemporary art through both an academic and intuitive lens. I saw that this has real value for collectors, institutions, and the artists themselves.
I returned to Minneapolis to care for my mother as her health declined, and to start a family. That return home became the foundation for Joe Ellis Art. I built the business to serve as a bridge—between a fine art world and a radical style of regional painting, between under-recognized artists and collectors who care deeply about meaning and context. I work closely with artists, collectors, and institutions to place artwork thoughtfully, tell the stories behind it, and build long-term value in the process.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a smooth road—but I’ve come to see the struggles as essential to the work.
Like many people in the arts, I’ve worn a lot of hats to stay afloat—freelance gigs, side jobs, art handling, construction, gallery work, you name it. There were years when I was working around art more than I was making it or engaging with it meaningfully. I’ve also experienced deep personal loss, the challenges of becoming a parent, and the ongoing work of staying connected to a sense of creative purpose through it all.
One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to build a sustainable business in a field where relationships, reputation, and trust are everything. I didn’t come from money, and I didn’t have a safety net. I’ve had to learn how to negotiate, how to advocate for myself and the artists I work with, and how to stay focused when progress felt slow or invisible.
There’s also the challenge of working in a part of the art world that isn’t always taken seriously—graffiti, post-graffiti, regional painting with deep cultural roots. I’ve had to learn how to frame the work in a way that collectors and curators can understand, without diluting its authenticity or energy. That balance is at the heart of what I do.
The road hasn’t been easy, but it’s been real. Every step—every mural, every sale, every late-night conversation with an artist—has brought me closer to building something that feels true to who I am and what I believe art can do.
As you know, we’re big fans of Joe Ellis Art LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Joe Ellis Art is an impermanent gallery, art advisory, and brokerage service rooted in Minneapolis and connected to the broader art world. I specialize in helping collectors buy, sell, and understand both historical and contemporary artwork—with a focus on post-graffiti painting, printmaking, and regional artists.
As an impermanent gallery, I don’t operate from a fixed location. Instead, I activate spaces as needed to create exhibitions, pop-ups, and public art projects that reflect the moment and the community. This flexibility allows me to meet people where they are—whether that’s in a museum, a warehouse, a neighborhood wall, or a private collection.
I work in three main areas:
• Sales & Advisory – I help collectors, heirs, and institutions evaluate and sell artwork, often acting as an intermediary between private owners and the broader market. I work with both contemporary pieces and historically significant works.
• Artist Representation – I represent a small group of artists whose work I believe is important culturally, creatively, and historically. I organize exhibitions, produce limited edition prints, and help guide the long-term trajectory of their careers.
• Curating & Collaboration – I curate public murals, artist talks, and community-centered art projects that elevate painting as a living cultural practice—especially as expressed through the lineage of graffiti and regional styles.
What sets Joe Ellis Art apart is the way I connect a deep knowledge of art history with real-world market experience. I can talk to a museum curator, the head of sales at Christie’s or a graffiti writer in the same day and understand all of the conversations. I also bring a high level of care to everything I do—whether I’m packing a rare print for a collector or organizing a mural with 15 artists.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust I’ve built. Artists trust me with their stories and their legacy. Collectors trust me to place their artwork with care and integrity. I don’t overpromise. I listen. I find creative solutions. And I work hard to make sure everyone involved feels respected and informed.
At its core, Joe Ellis Art is about connection—between people, between artwork and meaning, and between communities and the creative energy that lives all around us. Whether you’re trying to understand a painting on your wall or figure out what to do with an inherited collection, I want people to know they can come to me with questions. That’s where the work begins.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people who know me through Joe Ellis Art probably see the organized, thoughtful side—the broker, the curator, the person who shows up with a plan. What they might not know is that I started as a graffiti writer—and that part of me is still very much alive. There’s a part of my brain wired for improvisation, movement, and raw creative energy. I’ve slept in cars, climbed fences, and painted at 3 a.m. just to feel connected to something bigger than myself.
They also might not know that I’m an introvert. I spend a lot of time thinking and reflecting, and my work is as much about listening as it is about speaking. I’m interested in people’s stories—especially the ones that don’t fit neatly into categories—and I think that’s what helps me build trust with both artists and collectors.
And on a more personal note: I love cooking. It’s one of the few places where I can focus entirely on the process and care for people in a direct, tangible way. That same instinct runs through my work—I want people to feel nourished by the experience of engaging with art, whether they’re buying a piece, seeing a mural, or just having a conversation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joeellis.art
- Instagram: @josefellis
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeellisart/
