The Art of … Phyllis Downs Ames Wiener

Phyllis Wiener was born on September 17, 1921. She studied under Cameron Booth in the early 1950s and again in the early 1960s and she was one of the first women artists in Minnesota to embrace the abstract expressionist movement. In the 1970s Phyllis was one of the founding members of the Women’s Artist Registry of Minnesota (WARM). Her artwork was created and signed with her different last names through her life. From 1939 - 1961 her work was signed Phyllis Downs, from 1962 - 1968 she used Phyllis Ames, and from 1971 - 2012 she signed her work as Phyllis Wiener.

Her work is included in numerous permanent collections, including … the Minnesota Historical Society, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Walker Art Center, Mayo Clinic, Briggs and Morgan law firm, Thrivent Financial, Total Petroleum Company, 3M Company, and the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum.  

Phyllis taught art at the Walker Art Center, University of Minnesota in the Extension Division and General College, Minnetonka Art Center, Normandale Jr. College, and the College of St. Catherine. Her impact on art in Minnesota spanned over seven decades. Phyllis Wiener passed away on New Year’s Day, 2013.

This is a rare opportunity to view some never-before-seen oils, watercolors, and drawings by Phyllis, many of which, are coming directly out of her estate.

Gallery 5004 invites you to experience the fascinating artwork of this distinguished Minnesota artist!

Show hours at Gallery 5004:

Saturdays, May 4, 11, and 18 from Noon – 4:00 PM

Sundays, May 5, 12, and 19 from Noon – 4:00 PM

Image: Phyllis Wiener, acrylic on canvas, 44" x 69"