Elegant Art Gallery: A Perfect Venue for Exhibitions and VIP Receptions
The Ames Center, formerly known as Burnsville Performing Arts Center, opened in January 2009. Along with the 2,000 square foot Art Gallery, the venue features two theaters, a large rehearsal room, meeting rooms and an impressive two-story glass lobby that offers sweeping views of Nicollet Commons Park, the Minnesota River Valley, and the Minneapolis Skyline. It also provides space for banquets, special events, and receptions. The Ames Center Art Gallery boasts a 2,000-square-foot space featuring expansive white walls and elegant dark natural wood flooring. This creates an ideal setting for visual art exhibitions and serves as an intimate reception area for VIP clientele, either before or after the show. The gallery welcomes visitors during regular daytime hours, as well as during scheduled evening events.
events.
The mission of the Ames Center is to foster the growth, development, and appreciation of the performing arts through a diverse range of cultural, entertainment, and artistic activities. It serves as a home for the community's major performing arts groups and as a community center for visual arts, business, and educational meetings. The center also contributes to the economic vitality of Burnsville and the surrounding region by hosting a broad spectrum of events, thereby supporting the creation of a vibrant and active downtown area.
Metrics
Sq Foot Gallery
Events per year (combined)
Annual Visitors (combined)
Services
Pre-Opening & Construction
Full-Service Facility Management
Operations
Accounting & Financial Services
Event Booking & Sales
Event Management and Operation
Food & Beverage Operations
Venue Branding & Marketing
Human Resources
Environmental Stewardship
Emergency Planning & Security
Community Engagement
Miss Teen USA & Miss USA (Minnesota/ Iowa)
Bravo National Dance and Talent Competition
Dakota Valley Symphony & Chorus
Young Artist Concert
Burnsville Rotary
School District Children’s Art Festival
Legacy Dance Championship
Hall of Fame Dance Challenge
Celebration Talent Competition
Veteran Tickets Foundation
Burnsville Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director
Brian Luther
Brian Luther brings over 25 years of leadership and venue management expertise to the VenuWorks team. With a proven background in managing Performing Arts Centers and Arenas across multiple Midwest markets, Brian’s strategic vision and ability to foster growth have set him apart in the industry.
Since becoming the Executive Director of the Ames Center in 2021, Brian has played an instrumental role in enhancing the venue’s programming and increasing event revenues. Under his guidance, the VenuWorks team in Burnsville has consistently exceeded budget expectations, solidifying the Ames Center as a leading, sustainable Performing Arts Center in the Minneapolis/St. Paul market. His collaborative approach and foresight have positioned the Ames Center as a vibrant hub for cultural and economic activity.
Beyond his professional achievements, Brian is deeply committed to the Burnsville community. He serves on the Board of Directors for both Experience Burnsville and the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce, contributing his expertise to local initiatives and fostering strong community relationships.
Renowned for his skillset in programming, budget and financial management, and community engagement, Brian partners effectively with the City of Burnsville to ensure the Ames Center remains a source of pride and enrichment for the community it serves.
Contact Brian Luther and the Ames Center Art Gallery Team!
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