Juan Mendez in residence at Interact Gallery

Interact is thrilled to announce Juan Mendez's residency at Interact Gallery this summer.

Mendez, who has practiced at Interact since 2017, finds inspiration in his memories of time spent out west and in a wistful desire to go back. In his drawings, paintings, and fiber works – featuring brooding cowboys, iconic family members, prized vintage cars, vibrant sunsets, and lone palm trees – California is a place that feels both tangible and spun from dreams. As Mendez described in a recent interview, "There are no laws out there. No neighbors, no animals. It's more peaceful." Mendez uses his practice to reach beyond the everyday routine. "I like to draw places I've never been," he says. "My drawing takes me places."

Mendez will use Interact's Gallery B as his studio space, installing recent and in-progress work and testing new ideas. His residency is the sixth installment of Interact's experimental residency program, which began in May 2022. Without a specific end goal, the residency is an open opportunity for Interact artists to take risks and leverage the space for new ideas.

The gallery will be open to the public during Mendez's residency. Juan is excited to discuss his process and work with visitors. 

 

DETAILS

Juan Mendez, Artist in Residence

July 8 – August 8, 2025 (Tuesdays and Thursdays)

Visiting Hours | Please reach out to us to arrange a visit.

Interact Gallery | 1902 Minnehaha Ave W, St. Paul, MN 55401

Please note that Interact Gallery has moved.

 

ACCESSIBILITY

Please visit this page for more comprehensive information. Interact strives to be a welcoming and accessible place for all visitors. If there is something we can do to make it easier to visit us, please contact us at gallery@interactcenter.com. We welcome all suggestions and requests.  

 

 

Image description:

[Top of page] A photo of Juan Mendez working in the Interact studio shows the artist at a desk, pencil in hand. He is working on a large drawing on paper.