Cafesjian Art Trust Museum: A Beacon of Creativity in Shoreview

The Cafesjian Art Trust Museum (CAT) in Shoreview, MN, has quickly become a vibrant cultural hub since its opening in October 2022. With a focus on modern and contemporary art, particularly glass sculpture, the museum is a testament to the vision of its founders and the dedication of its team.

A Collection Rooted in Family and Community

The museum houses the collection of Gerard Cafesjian, a passionate art collector whose legacy is carried forward by his daughter, Kathie Cafesjian Baradaran. "My family has lived in the northern suburbs of St. Paul since 1961," Baradaran notes, highlighting the deep roots and local connections that made Shoreview an ideal location for the museum. This strong community presence has fueled local enthusiasm and support for the museum's offerings.

Unique Visitor Experience

One of the distinguishing features of the CAT is its intimate size. Baradaran explains, "Our visitors are able to enjoy our outstanding exhibitions in a space that is accessible and welcoming. I wanted to create a museum that would not be overwhelming to visitors. We strive to create a relaxed atmosphere that nonetheless introduces our guests to a world-class art collection, expanding their understanding of new art forms.”

Expanding Educational Outreach

The museum's commitment to education is evident in its growing list of programs. Laura Steefel-Moore, the Director of Education and Community Engagement, has been pivotal in expanding these offerings since joining the museum in January. "We've seen tremendous success with our family programs, which include Story Time at the CAT and Preschool Pals," says Baradaran. “There’s a common misconception that a museum featuring fragile glass art can’t be a place for children, but we’ve demonstrated that it absolutely can be!”  Additional educational initiatives include a Teen Council, collaborations with local schools, and access programs for people with disabilities. 

Marketing and Online Engagement

Despite its small size, the CAT has made a big splash with its online presence. Social media, particularly TikTok, has been an outsized success, with one video highlighting the work of glass artist Jon Kuhn garnering over half a million views. The museum also launched an e-newsletter and blog to keep the community informed and engaged. "Our Director of Communications and Events, Linnea Seidling, has done a fantastic job of sharing information about the museum and its exhibitions in a fun and engaging way that often goes viral," Baradaran remarks.

Dazzling Exhibitions 

The museum presents a new exhibition every four to six months, presenting a thematic grouping of artworks selected from the museum’s collection of more than 4,000 objects. The inaugural exhibition showcased Gerard Cafejian’s friendship with renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, followed by an exhibition of highlights from the collection demonstrating the depth and breadth of the museum’s holdings. More recently, the museum hosted Fooling the Eye, an exploration of Op Art and prismatic glass sculpture. Its current show, From Origins to Horizons, provides an overview of the American studio glass movement. 

Looking Ahead

As the CAT moves forward, Baradaran envisions building on current successes while remaining open to experimentation. "We’re still a new museum," she says. “We’re continuing to define ourselves in relationship to our community and the art world at large. And that means we’re trying out a lot of new things and seeing what resonates.” One of those new initiatives will be the museum’s first-ever Family Festival on Saturday, September 21, a chance for families from the metro area to get acquainted with the CAT.

A Close-Knit Team

The museum's staff of nine is supported by over 20 dedicated volunteer docent tour guides.  "Our volunteers are fantastic and are essential to providing an excellent visitor experience," Baradaran emphasizes. “Visitors love the chance to learn from them on tours.” Teamwork is paramount at the CAT, with everyone pitching in to make sure every program and initiative is a success. “We have such a fantastic work culture here,” remarks Baradaran. “We all support one another to get the job done!”

As the Cafesjian Art Trust Museum continues to grow, it invites the community to stay connected through its newsletter and social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or TikTok.) Baradaran is optimistic about the future, promising exciting new additions and programs to further enhance Shoreview's cultural landscape. "We are looking forward to cementing our reputation as a beloved hub of the northern suburbs and greater Twin Cities.”

The Cafesjian Art Trust Museum is not just a place to view art; it is a dynamic space where community, education, and creativity converge, making it a cornerstone of Shoreview's cultural identity. You can visit https://cafesjianarttrust.org to learn more about CAT and its upcoming exhibits.