Today we’d like to introduce you to Merry Beck
Hi Merry, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story starts by coming into the current Gallery 360 space on the corner of 50th and Xerxes in SW Mpls after a funeral with a friend of my moms who wanted to introduce me to the space. The business was named Triptych Winchester Gallery and I was immediately taken by the intermixing of fine art and handmade products, with a designated gallery space in the rear. It had a very eclectic but interesting appeal. I was introduced to one of the former owners, Peggy Ryan, who hired me as a sales associate and has become a lifelong friend. My journey with Triptych Winchester Gallery lasted about a year and a half until the owners went through a divorce and liquidated that business. I came in as owner of Gallery 360 with help from my parents and husband, and we re-named the business Gallery 360 because we had literally done a 360 degree turn around with the closing of one business and opening of another. Peggy Ryan, the former owner, was involved for the first six months and then left to pursue a career in mortgages. I continued on with the help of Laurie Meurett, who was a former employee of Triptych Winchester Gallery. Without Laurie’s support and friendship I would never have been able to build it into the business it is today. We are experiencing our 25 year anniversary as a business this year.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been an incredible roller coaster of very high and low times. Surviving through world events like the 911 Twin Towers Crash, the recession of 2008 and bail out, and the pandemic have made us stronger and helped build a tried and true customer base that has weathered through many storms. I am incredibly fortunate to be able to do what I do in such a supportive community.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Gallery 360 is a boutique art gallery specializing in local and original art and craft. Our combination of works is unique in the way that we mix a wide variety of handmade goods with art creating an approachable space to experience both mediums. Our gallery exhibit space rotates every six weeks with an ever-changing selection of artworks that focus on categories such as painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media works. Our jewelry counters house an extensive collection of handmade jewelry from impulse priced pieces to investment quality works, customers love to peruse and enjoy our rotating collections. Other categories include hand blown glass, ceramics, tabletop sculpture, and a wide variety of handmade gifts. We are known for offering a diverse selection of contemporary art and craft sold at affordable prices and shown in a uniquely curated environment that changes frequently. We build long term relationships with both our artists and customers which creates a friendly family of talents and patrons, only good energy prevails at Gallery 360!
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was always interested in craft, my mom was incredibly creative and would host craft shows in our basement. In high school I was drawn to art, and language. I studied as an exchange student after high school in Denmark which exposed me to great Scandinavian design. From there I attended the University of Minnesota in the design department and then transferred to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City to major in product development. My diverse educational background is now a strength with owning the business, as is my waitressing background, owning a gallery is a juggling act, in the most amazing sense!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gallery360mpls.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gallery360mpls/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gallery360mpls
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gallery360mpls/videos
