A.M.F. Gallery - Star Tribune’s 2026 Minnesota’s Best Art Gallery 2026

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

A Discussion with Amira Freidson, Owner, A.M.F. Gallery

The Star Tribune’s 2026 Minnesota’s Best votes were tallied and A.M.F. Gallery in the Northrup King Building, won Best Art Gallery for the third year in a row. We spoke to A.M.F. owner, Amira Freidson, about the award and why winning multiple years in a row is meaningful to her. She shared with us information on the art buying audience in Minnesota and tips for starting out as a collector. If you’re looking for a gift or are interested in building an art collection, A.M.F. might be the first place to look for something unique, meaningful and one of a kind. It will certainly be award-worthy!

Q: You’ve been recognized as Minnesota’s Best Art Gallery by the Star Tribune’s Minnesota’s Best for three years in a row - 2024, 2025 and 2026 – congratulations! What do you think resonated with the voters?

A: Thank you! The artists have filled every shelf, every wall, and every case with work that is fun, approachable, and modern. We have art in every medium, and across a wide variety of prices! There are usually 30 artists represented at any time, and there is something new to explore at every turn. People are usually smiling as they walk through the gallery, connecting with the perfect gift or piece for their home. I strongly believe those smiles are what build the connection that resonates with the voters.

Q: You say that the gallery initials A.M.F. stand for “All My Favorites.” What makes an artist or a piece become one of your favorites? What do you look for in the people you represent?

A: It's an amazing honor to represent the artists in the gallery. Each artist brings a unique voice, style, and talent to their work. When I engage with artists and their work, I look to connect with them as individuals and as a part of our larger group.

Their personalities and styles are all very different, but they all share one common trait. They are the most genuine group of people, and what they put into their lives comes out in their art. I absolutely love surrounding myself with their creations!

Amira (right) with artist Kate Whisler (left) in front of her work

Q: How do you discover artists? Are you more likely to find someone through a studio visit, social media, an art fair - or simply by seeing something that stops you in your tracks?

A: All of the above! I regularly explore art fairs and social media. I consider myself very lucky that the artists in the gallery regularly refer their friends to contact me! It speaks a lot about the relationships and group that we have created. And, of course, I love the emails I receive and artists stopping by the gallery to chat and share their work with me! I keep lines of communication open, and am always happy to look at new artists and new art.

Q: Your art-consulting service works with a wide range of budgets. How can someone start collecting art without feeling intimidated - or feeling that they need to spend a fortune?

A: Stop by the gallery or send me an email! I'm happy to help anyone get started. Collecting art can start with the smallest purchase! The trick is to find something you love, something that brings you joy. One of my favorite pieces of art was a piece I purchased from an emerging artist at a local art fair. It was $5 and it makes me smile every day! 

Q: How has the Northeast Minneapolis arts community influenced the personality of A.M.F. Gallery?

A: The gallery is in the heart of a very art-centric neighborhood, in the largest indoor art complex in the Midwest. Getting swept into the energy that the artists and local community bring through our doors is one of the best parts of being in Northeast! And we strive to maintain the friendly and approachable atmosphere that so many have grown to depend on. 

Q: What changes have you seen in the Minneapolis art-buying audience over the years?

A: Watching the art-buying audience expand into new groups has been so much fun! People are realizing that handmade is so much more meaningful than mass produced items. Younger people are coming in and buying small pieces of jewelry, recognizing the quality difference, and the importance of supporting the arts. They walk out with original works of art that they love and get to share with the world every day! I’ve also seen many people focusing on the emotion of the art that they purchase. They are no longer looking for art that matches their couch, but have shifted to art that matches the way they want to feel.

Q: What does being a gallery owner actually look like behind the scenes? What part of the job do people never see?

A: I’m not going to sugarcoat the work that goes into curating and running a gallery. It is a lot of work! The best part that no one sees? It’s all of the emojis! When I tell artists that their work sold, that people connected to them and their art, the artists all respond the same way. I’s a million emojis. I do happy dances on the other side of the line. It’s the happy ending to the story they were sharing, and it makes all of the work and all of the hours worth it!

Q: If you could change one thing about the way people in Minneapolis think about art and buying art, what would it be?

A: When you look for art, focus on what brings you joy. It doesn’t matter how big or small it is, it doesn’t need to match the other art that you own or the color of your walls. When you look at it and love it, when you look at it and love how you feel, that’s the goal! 

Q: We will all want to stay current on your news – what is the best way?

A: The gallery website is a great resource! A lot of the art is listed there. Instagram will have fun posts that can feature pieces not on the website. And, of course, come on in to the Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson Street NE, Studio 152. Nothing beats wandering the gallery and seeing the art in person.