Finding Minnesota: Allen Christian's House Of Balls
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Twin Cities has no shortage of art galleries featuring the unique work of both local and nationally recognized artists.
There's one gallery in Minneapolis that's known for its one-of-a-kind pieces, because they push the envelope on what many consider conventional art.
The House of Balls has a 30-year history of showcasing the unique pieces of Allen Christian. Once visitors arrive inside, they quickly realize it isn't the typical gallery.
"Some artists tend to go inward, I try to go outward," Christian said.
On any given day, any passerby can see his latest creation.
"The door is open to the public to allow them to see one artist's process," Christian said.
He is currently working on a piece utilizing pieces from a piano. He's grinding down hundreds of piano hammers and dampers to fit them to the torso of a mannequin. Collectively, the pieces look like a suit of armor.
"For me, it's about taking them and trying to make something as beautiful as a piano," Christian said.
Once complete, the mannequin will have a space in his gallery.
"That is the House of Balls," he said. "Without an explanation, people's minds go all over the place."
The backstory behind the name isn't as provocative as one might guess.
"I'm about the only bowling ball carver you'll ever find," Christian said.
Years ago, Christian discovered an unexpected canvas hidden inside a bowling ball. By grinding away at the tough exterior he found an interior that could be transformed into shapes and faces.
Yet Christian didn't stop at bowling balls.
He's always been able to see potential in the most mundane objects. His gallery is filled with sculptures created from pipes, brushes, duct work, even metal washers. For Christian, re-purposing is an important part of his craft.
"How can we revalue these things we find to be waste and give them new life? We don't have to throw them into ground, we don't have to incinerate them. We can make something new fresh and valuable with them," he said.
Christian creates sculptures to provoke the imagination.
"I think weird is just out of the norm, so yeah, I'm definitely out of the norm," he said.
His unorthodox approach to art isn't found in just the display. How visitors can view Christian's work is also unique.
"It's great to see their face, especially when they come in and realize they can wander, they can touch," he said. "It's about really giving them the immersion element you can't find in a museum."
The House of Balls is better described as a creative space than formal gallery. The actual production can be the focal point over the finished pieces.
Christian welcomes visitors to watch his creative process and ask questions with the hopes of inspiring their own creativity.
"I think a lot of people are afraid of art, and when you open the door to it, and not give it something to be afraid of, that's when people will enter," he said.
The House of Balls is open most Saturday afternoons and often around midnight. You can also make an appointment.
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