Weekend Showcase: “Wrestling with the Arts” at Robbin Gallery
Did you know Minnesota has a rich history in the sport of wrestling?
Carol Castle does. She’s the director of the Minnesota Wrestling Hall of Fame. She says Robbinsdale is the birthplace of Minnesota wrestling.
Wrestling with the Arts
In the first show of the new year, Robbin Gallery pays tribute to professional wrestling with their show called “Wrestling with the Arts.”
“The one l really like is Jesse,” says Castle, who gave us a tour of the exhibit. “He’s throwing Jesse Ventura and the caption “That’s the way to the state capitol.”
There is a tribute wall to Robbinsdale’s own Larry ‘The Ax’ Hennig, who died just last month. There is also tribute space for another Minnesota wrestling icon, Mean Gene Okerlund, who died this past week.
Some of the artwork features imagery about wrestling, like Joe Klander’s. Several of his drawings are wrestling themed and are on display. He has drawings of himself, Jerry Lin, Doctor X and Rick Rude.
Some of the artwork is not about wrestling, but by people who have connections to the field. Larry ‘The Ax’ Hennig’s grand daughter, Kennedy Strain, is a graphic design artist and has several pieces exhibited.
Doctor Don Matheson who is as a sports medicine physician has his abstract artwork featured.
“He would certify wrestlers in the ring for going into the ring and be on hand if difficulties would occur. He goes way back in time,” said Bob Meyer, Art Director for “Wrestling with the Arts.”
Besides the art, there’s a bit of history in this exhibit so you can learn more about Minnesota’s connection to the sport of wrestling.
The Grand Opening for “Wrestling with the Arts” is Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and several artists will also be in attendance. The exhibit at the Robbin Gallery runs through January 22.
