Jan Johansen Gallery

Thank you so much to Jan Johansen for your generous donation and for sponsoring our art gallery!

One issue many new and working artists experience is where to show their work. Our mission is to provide many opportunities and support the artwork of local artists. Gallery spaces bring the community together and creates a greater appreciation for art and conversation. Selected artwork may be available for sale.

Upcoming Shows

• Larry Homan – The Color of Dreams: June 7, 2025 – July 5, 2025
• Julie Krahenbuhl – Whimsy, Nature, and Elegance and Rum River Open Studio Artists – Art In Community: July 12, 2025 – Aug 2, 2025
• Christine Tauer and Cherene Bebeau: August 9, 2025 – September 6, 2025
• Emily Robinson: September 13, 2025 – October 11, 2025
• Call for Entry: October 18, 2025 – November 8, 2025
• Holiday Show and Shop: November 15, 2025 – December 20, 2025

Gallery Hours

Summer Hours (6/2 – 8/31)
Monday – Friday: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Saturday, June 7th: 12pm – 4pm
Saturdays 6/21, 6/28, 7/12, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9, 8/16, 8/23: 10am – 3pm
Closed Sundays
Closed June 30th – July 6th
Closed Saturdays 6/14, 7/5, 7/19, 8/30

Current Gallery Show: The Color of Dreams

The Rumriver Art Center’s Jan Johansen Gallery is thrilled to present The Color of Dreams which exhibits the work of local emerging Minnesota artist Larry J. Homan. On Saturday, June 7th from 2 pm – 4 pm the Jan Johansen Gallery will be hosting an opening reception for Homan’s show. On Friday, June 13th starting at noon Homan will be providing an artist talk in conjunction with a demonstration of his practice. Individuals are invited to meet the artist on Friday, June 20th between 10 am and 12 pm.
Larry began his artistic journey in high school, becoming a self-taught airbrush artist with over 25 years of experience running his own business until 2019. He specializes in acrylic painting and drawing, utilizing various mediums such as gel pens, watercolor, and ink on paper, with a primary focus on acrylic brush painting on canvas.
Inspired by nature, Larry captures picturesque sunsets, landscapes, and vibrant colors in his work, though he has recently explored black and white pieces using gel pens on black paper. His innovative approach includes applying color to canvas backgrounds before layering scenes with ink and paint pens, resulting in unique effects. This eclectic style reflects his love for experimentation and variety.
In addition to his personal art, Larry has dedicated over 15 years to helping individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia create beautiful paintings through a 1:1 process learned from the Art Without Boundaries Association. The impact of this work on families has been profoundly rewarding, with examples included in this exhibition. He has also taught group painting classes for the past five years at various venues and locations.
Larry also enjoys woodworking, carving, and making coin ring jewelry, learning new techniques through online resources.
This solo show fulfills a long-held dream for Larry to become a recognized artist, both nationally and internationally. While he has received awards for his work, his primary focus remains on personal expression. As he embarks on this new chapter, he looks forward to entering more competitions and sharing his art with a wider audience.
Join us for the opening reception and experience the wonder and joy of Larry J. Homan’s art!
The exhibition will open June 7th and run until July 5th, 2025.

Next Tandem Gallery Show: Whimsy, Nature, and Elegance

The Jan Johansen Gallery of Rumriver Art Center is excited to announce the opening of a new art exhibition: Whimsy, Nature, and Elegance by artist Julie Krahenbuhl. On July 12th from 2 pm – 4 pm there will be an opening reception for Krahenbuhl’s show. On Friday, July 18th from 3 – 4 pm Krahenbuhl will be providing an artist talk. Both events are free to attend.
Julie is a wire-wrap jewelry artist working with semi-precious stones, pure copper and sterling silver wire. Her handmade pieces range from complex to simple and swirly. She never uses any kind of adhesives, soldering or heat of any kind. Some of her inspiration comes from nature and she uses the metal wires to create leaves, trees and even mountains against the backdrop of a beautiful stone. Other times just creating something elegant is desirable.
While she pulls from her experience as a painter to help with balance, color choices and overall aesthetic, she generally allows the piece to speak to her and just goes with the flow.
Above all creating is how she keeps her sanity, and a bit of her heart is built into each piece. The journey is for her, the end result is for you.
Krahenbuhl says: “When I make jewelry, I like to think of a place where whimsy meets elegance.”
This exhibition will be shown in tandem with Art in Community by the Rumriver Open Studio Artists. The exhibition will open July 12th and run through August 2nd.

Next Tandem Gallery Show: Art In Community

The Jan Johansen Gallery of Rumriver Art Center is proudly presenting the Rum River Open Studio Artists gallery show Art In Community. The Rum River Open Studio Artists is a drawing and painting community, based out of the Rumriver Art Center in Anoka, MN. Their group grew from students in structured classes to a mix of artists, practicing art together. On Saturday, July 12th from 2 – 4 pm there is an opening reception. Individuals are also invited to meet some of the artists on Monday, July 14th from 1 – 3 pm, Wednesday, July 16th from 10 am – 12 pm, and Friday, July 18th from 10 am – 12 pm. All events are at Rumriver Art Center and free to attend.
The Rum River Open Studio Artists come from a variety of backgrounds and experience and all have a passion for creating. This show features work from the members Dianne Novak, Greg Gilborn, Holly Willis, Mark Sawyer, Virginia Sanderson, William Ohland, Linda Boyer, Donna Turner, and Benjamin Suehler.
Doing art in community strengthens each member’s talent and ability to share their artistic eye. This gallery show includes new and past works, showing a wide range of mediums and styles. They have also collaborated on a project, where each artist presents their version of the sailing ship, Hjordis, on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota.
Dianne Novak of the Rum River Open Studio Artists says “Our group is honored to include a memorial to our mentor, Paul T. Boecher, and fellow member, Mona Hughes, both of whom passed in early 2025. Paul founded and taught our group for over eight years and his spirit of creativity and encouragement continues to impact our work and community today. Mona was an expressive artist and an integral part of our group each week. We’re honored to show some of their work alongside our own pieces in this show.”
They are always open and welcoming to fellow artists looking to grow their practice with others, meeting weekly on Wednesday mornings at the Rumriver Art Center or (during the summer) en plein air around the Anoka area. To join, please visit www.rumriverart.com.
This exhibition will be shown in tandem with Whimsy, Nature, and Elegance by Julie Krahenbuhl. The show opens on Saturday, July 12th and runs until Saturday, August 2nd.

Past Shows