Remembering Douglas Flanders

We're deeply saddened to share that Douglas Flanders, longtime gallerist, curator, mentor, and friend to many, passed away on November 13th. His death marked the end of a remarkable life devoted to the celebration of art and the people who create it. While the Twin Cities art community grieves profoundly, it also reflects with immense gratitude on a man whose impact will endure for generations.

In an email to Doug's massive network of artists, clients, art dealers, and friends, Douglas Flanders & Associates Gallery registrar and manager Syril McNally shared the news of Doug's passing. Many replied to the email with deep condolences and fond memories of Doug. As the news spread, many took to social media to honor Doug and his impact on the local arts community over the past 50 years.

Since 2019, Douglas had battled a series of heart problems, enduring extended hospital stays —sometimes lasting up to two months at a time. In the winter of 2024, he was hospitalized for congestive heart failure, requiring three major surgeries. A GoFundMe was started to help the gallerist with medical costs, raising nearly $13,000 from over 90 donors. Ultimately, Doug passed away due to complications from a cardiac event on his way home from his namesake gallery. He was 75.

We were deeply saddened by the news. Doug and his gallery were longtime supporters of MPLSART throughout the years. In honor of Doug, we share a bit of his life and legacy from our original 2020 profile by Bridget Kranz.

Doug’s love of art began with his grandmother, who took him to museums and taught him to really see —pointing out technique, brushwork, and composition. Those early visits shaped the discerning, intuitive eye he became known for.

After studying at the University of Minnesota, Doug’s curiosity led him to New York, where he worked under the renowned pop-art dealer Denise René. The experience gave him the practical skills and creative confidence that would guide his next 50 years in the art world.

In 1972, at just 22 years old, Doug returned home and opened Unicorn Galleries in Downtown Minneapolis. Part gift shop, part art space, it was an unusual but welcoming venue for a city still developing its contemporary art identity. His first organized exhibition featured Georgia O’Keeffe works. Though none sold during the show, Doug’s enthusiasm never wavered; he later sold them through auctions and continued reinvesting in the collection that would define his career.

Over the next decades, Unicorn Galleries evolved into Douglas Flanders & Associates (DF&A), one of Minnesota’s most enduring and respected galleries. Doug’s collection grew from just over a hundred pieces to more than 15,000, encompassing local, national, and international artists.

Even after nearly 50 years in the arts, Doug continued to evolve. In 2020, he opened a second DF&A location at 5025 France Avenue South in Edina, nearly tripling the gallery’s footprint. The space included exhibition areas, dedicated viewing rooms, and a library of art books designed to help visitors explore and learn — an embodiment of Doug’s belief that a gallery should educate, welcome, and inspire. With Doug's increasing health issues, the Lake Street location was shuttered and operations were consolidated exclusively to the Edina location. 

Before his passing, Doug made plans to ensure that his life’s work would continue. As Syril shared in her email, the gallery will remain open and has no plans to close. She will serve as the new Executive Director, supported by a board of directors chosen by Doug himself — a testament to his foresight and dedication to preserving a legacy larger than one lifetime.

In the coming weeks, DF&A will announce arrangements and a special memorial service where friends, artists, and community members will gather to honor him. ◼︎ 

 

John Grider's exhibition Brand New Car, is currently on view at DF&A through November 29th. Opening December 6th is Luke Hillestad's exhibition Graces and a special exhibition of the Dayton's Christmas Holiday displays.