ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. — At the Shops at West End, artist Shawn McCann and his team are quickly transforming an empty storefront into Canvas Convergence, a winter and Minnesota-themed pop-up gallery full of optical illusions and photo ops.
"We've had four days in here [so far]," said McCann, the project's owner and operator. "With the help of the West End and Discover St. Louis Park, this has been made possible. This was a space that, after the Halloween Express left, it was one of those things that this became open."
The style of murals they're painting on the walls and floors is called 3D anamorphic art.
"It's something that, when you first come upon it, it kind of is distorted if you're not seeing it from the exact vantage point," McCann explained.
And so, once the gallery opens Nov. 25 through Feb. 28, visitors and their photographers should look for floor markings to know where to stand for the best possible photo. Done correctly, and the person being photographed will appear to be part of the painting.
The illusions are set to begin from the moment you walk into the building at 1632 West End Blvd., as there will be a large painting of an ice ravine covering the floor. Watch your step!
The space also features a wooden, cabin-like structure. This isn't a painting but a real structure, and the artists are working on transforming it into a Northern Lights experience.
"You're going to walk into this structure that is painted to look like an ice cave," McCann said. "You're going to have some Northern Lights that are undulating on the ceiling. We have a projector with that. There will be some sounds that give you the arctic feel, and then we'll have some fans with a little bit of a breeze to bring that ambiance."
McCann says the name, Canvas Convergence, is a nod to the way around nine artists from in and out of state are converging to get the art done and the gallery open in time. For example, featured artist Chris Carlson flew in and out from Denver to get his yeti-inspired piece done in a matter of days.
McCann says the artists involved are also skilled in 3D chalk art, but says this is a little more permanent as it involves paint and the exhibit will be open for months. Plus, all but one of the murals are viewable from indoors.
"I'm fortunate to be able to have so many talented, amazing artist friends that have come in to be a part of this," McCann said.
The artists also plan to offer a variety of classes, including one on 3D art. While admission to the immersive gallery is free, classes will be offered for a fee.
"We're going to constantly be creating some new pieces," McCann said. "We're going to have lots of different classes, from painting to writing to mindfulness, mandalas."
There is also a gift shop to help support the artists, and donations are encouraged. For more information, visit Discover St. Louis Park.
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