New Gallery Fifty is nifty in historic Building 50

May 11, 2005

With its 19th century brick walls and fairytale castle setting, Gallery Fifty oozes the kind of atmosphere that most gallery owners can only dream of.
For Christie Minervini, that dream came true last November when she and her husband Raymond opened Gallery Fifty in historic “Building 50” at the Grand Traverse Commons in Traverse City. The gallery follows (and is next to) Trattoria Stella, the first restaurant in the massive renovation project.
The 850-square-foot gallery is evidence of the Minervini’s faith in the preservation of the Commons in that Raymond Minervini II is a partner with the family-centric group which is redeveloping the former Traverse City State Hospital.
Christie has her own “hands on” interest in the arts. “I have a jewelry business and have been making beaded jewelry for about five years now,” she says. “My degree is in design and I’ve been making jewelry as a fun way to exercise my design skills.”
She earned her degree in fine art from the University of Iowa and then spent 15 years in marketing, sales and promotion. In the five years prior to launching Gallery Fifty, she was a sales rep for Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine.
“It feels like I’ve come full circle. The appreciation for art has always been there, but now I’m better prepared to run the business side of the gallery,” she says.

IDEAL LOCATION
Minervini didn’t have to look far for the proper location. “Building 50 is part of a Renaissance Zone, so the tax advantages are key,” she explains, “but economics aside,
the building is an ideal location for a gallery. The stripped-down industrial finishes in combination with the original blond
brick provide a perfect backdrop for showcasing art.”
Gallery Fifty is focusing on functional art and fine craft or “art with purpose.” The mix includes ceramics, glass, fiber, metal, wood, painting, photography and furniture. An emphasis has been put on art jewelry.
Minervini also offers work that reflects the history of the building. Themes of antiquity and mystery; work created with aged materials or made to look old; “found art” and recycled or repurposed pieces are given special prominence.
She is especially enthusiastic about the Japanese “wabi sabi” aesthetic tradition of intentionally imperfect art, including asymmetrical designs and purposeful flaws which bring a unique sense to each work.

MONTHLY SHOWCASE
You’ll find about 45 regional and North American artists represented at any time at Gallery Fifty. Every month, Minervini also features a different local artist in her gallery and in the public space adjoining the Stella restaurant. Her well-attended receptions on the third Thursday evening of each month are already a big hit with local art lovers.
Amy LeJeune Harper is one such artist, featured in May. Harper has recently moved to Northern Michigan from Chicago, the inspiration for many of her abstract aerial landscapes.
“The series allows us to showcase regional artists while providing another entertainment option for our customers,” says Minervini. “Stella does a beautiful job catering the events, and we like to highlight local wine, too.”