We had the good fortune of connecting with Suzie Marty and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Suzie, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
Doing what I love everyday! The passion I have for Art, the Art Community, and the customers who appreciate it makes me smile and brings me great joy.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Everett & Charlie Gallery is a gallery where art meets experience. Named after my two Grandsons, and hopefully future artists, the Gallery hosts over 70 Artists at any given time. I’m so proud to say we represent only Minnesota Artists. Keeping it local has been amazing. There is a lot of talent everywhere but my passion is local and small businesses in Minnesota. Everett and Charlie is a small woman owned small business and every one of the artists represented in the Gallery is also a small business. We are very proud of that. There is no shortage of talent and creativity in Minnesota.
I am very passionate about art. All forms of art, and the artists who create it. I love the creativity and stories behind each piece of art and the artists. At Everett & Charlie, we like to celebrate retelling those stories around the gallery “campfire.” The Gallery is a welcoming, non-intimidating space where art enthusiasts gather, share, learn, and experience art. Whether you are searching for that perfect painting above your fireplace, a new pottery mug for your coffee, or one-of-a-kind earrings to wear to a special event, we have it for you. Everett & Charlie is that welcoming experience for visitors to explore, discover and purchase beautiful things.
The Gallery is constantly bringing in new art to keep things fresh. Paintings, pottery, glass, jewelry, textiles, sculpture, and more. Everett & Charlie is also an experiential gallery with an active calendar of Openings, Pop Ups, Artists Talks, Workshops, Demonstrations and Live Music – even an occasional intimate dinner party with artists!
Like all small businesses, we have had our challenges. We have learned to pivot and explore new ways to show and sell art since being shutdown through Covid. Currently, our “Grand Salon” approach of floor to ceiling art with a wide variety, and the fact that we represent only Minnesota Artists, has been successful. We also believe in partnering with other local businesses and supporting community events. Recently, we have also started a new Art Fair called, “Art on The Edge”. It is a one day Festival in the Summer with over 50 Artists/Vendors. Because of the limited space in the Gallery, this gives some new Artists a selling opportunity associated with the Gallery. It’s a ton of fun!
Going into our sixth year of operation we have learned so much. Thinking outside the box of “normal” Gallery/Retail operations has been both a challenge and a gift. We have learned to let go and “color outside the lines”. We welcome new ideas from all our artists, clients, customers, and community members.
The Everett & Charlie Gallery is also very proud to share that we have been voted the “Best Gallery” in Minnesota three years in a row. I think this reflects not only the quality of the Art but the energy and experiences we share.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Only a week ? Minneapolis is a jewel with so many fabulous things. The tour would have to be a combination of so many cultural experiences including dining, museums, theatre, live music and some great outdoor spaces.
We are a foodie town for sure with unique restaurants in every neighborhood. Some of my favorites are in South Minneapolis. To name a few, Harriet Brasserie, Tilia, Borders Pasta Bar, Petite Leon. Downtown and the Warehouse District has some favorite Happy Hour Bars and Speakeasy’s. I couple regular visits on my list are Bar Lurcat and Monte Carlo Club.
Some great Museums and Art Districts not to be missed are the Russian Art Museum, Mia, and the Northrup King Building in Northeast Minneapolis which hosts a collection of Artists studios and galleries. They have two great open studio events a year, Art-A-Whirl and Art Attach. During the Summer, you can probably find an Art Fair every weekend in Minneapolis.
Our Theatre scene is amazing. From Broadway productions at the Orpheum and State Theatre downtown Minneapolis to other great theatre’s like Theatre in the Round and The Jungle.
Live Music is one of my favorite things to do. Especially at small venues with local musicians. Top of the list is probably The Dakota Jazz Club. They do a great job with both local and national musicians. Other places to visit around town would be The Aster Cafe, First Avenue, Crooners, The Lake Harriet Bandshell and the sidewalk outside the Everett & Charlie Gallery. Yep, we host local musicians busking three evenings a week during the Summer. It’s a lovely experience to grab dinner on the patios of the next door restaurants and listen to some great acoustic music on a beautiful Summer evening.
You can’t come to Minneapolis without checking out our city lakes either walking or biking. Known as the “Grand Rounds”, we have 4 great city lakes near each other and connected by walking and bike paths. Each lake has something unique to offer. I would also include on the outdoor tour Minnehaha Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge over the Mississippi River in downtown.
These suggestions are just a drop in the bucket. Minneapolis has so many great locations and I guarantee you’ll also meet amazing people along the way.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I give the credit to all the fabulous Minnesota Artists. They are the creative ones who pour their soul in making amazing art for all of us to enjoy. I found this statement once that I have posted in Gallery that says it so nicely, “When you buy something from an artist, you’re buying more than an object. You’re buying hundreds of hours of errors and experimentation. You’re buying years of frustration and moments of joy. You’re not buying just one thing, you are buying a piece of a heart, a piece of a soul…a small piece of someone else’s life.” Beyond that, the shoutout goes to the Minneapolis community, friends and neighbors, who support small businesses like the Everett & Charlie Gallery. We have all gone through some “speed bumps” the past few years. I like to remind people that every one of the Artists in the gallery are also a small business. We are in it together and support one another. We appreciate every purchase large or small. So a big shoutout goes to those who support the Arts by purchasing a concert ticket, going to a museum, and of course buying local Art !
Website: https://www.EverettandCharlie.com
Instagram: Everett.and.Charlie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EverettandCharlie
Youtube: Www.youtube.com/@everettcharlieartgallery2199