May 21, 2008

 
Contact:         
Phil Borreson
651-266-1036
pborreson@mmaa.org

Digital images available to the press by request.

The Minnesota Museum of American Art presents
Crate 1 of 2: Paintings & Sculpture from the Collection

Exhibition dates: June 13 – August 28, 2008

St. Paul, MN– The Minnesota Museum of American Art (MMAA) is pleased to announce the opening of the first of two exhibitions, Crate 1 of 2: Paintings & Sculpture from the Collection. This exhibition highlights masterworks from the MMAA’s permanent collection. These selections encompass the breadth and stylistic diversity of American art in the museum’s holdings and bring to light the strengths of nationally known masters and locally renowned talents.

With roots dating back to the 1890s, the MMAA is one of the oldest visual arts institutions in the region. MMAA began as an art school founded by several local artists and community leaders. The organization was founded as The Saint Paul School of Art in 1926, and only began as a collecting institution in the 1940s. With over 3500 objects in the collection at present, this exhibition showcases both the first American painting and sculpture accessioned into the collection, as well as over 80 other paintings and sculptures accessioned throughout the history of the museum.

Crate 2 of 2: Crafts and Works on Paper from the Collection will be on view Summer 2009.

Artists included in the exhibition (partial list)

Paintings by:
Thomas Hart Benton
Cameron Booth
Nicholas Brewer
Henry Carling
William Merritt Chase
Arthur B. Davies
Alexis J. Fournier
William Glackens
Childe Hassam
Clement Haupers
Robert Henri
James Jerome Hill
Elsa Jemne
Paul Kramer
Ernest Lawson
Mac LeSueur
Luigi Lucioni
George Luks
Mike Lynch
Clara Mairs
Reginald Marsh
Kenneth Hayes Miller
Joan Mitchell
George Morrison
B.J.O. Nordfeldt
Charles Wilson Peale
Walter Quirt
John Sloan
Moses Soyer
Phyllis Wiener
Grant Wood
 

Sculpture by:
Klaus Ihlenfeld
Luise Kaish
Jacques Lipchitz
Paul Manship
George Morrison
Louise Nevelson
Evelyn Raymond
George Rickey
John Rood
William Zorach

Featuring Davina and the Vagabonds with Spaghetti Western String Co.
Hors d’oeuvres by McGee Catering and cash bar by Great Waters Brewing Company.  Become a new member the night of the opening and receive 2 complimentary tickets to the party!

Free Education Programs

Family Art Day
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Drop in 1-5pm
Make your own treasure box, view other kids’ collections & learn how to spot a forgery!

Art Dialogue
Date -to be determined
Museums and Art Collecting
Local experts discuss the collecting strategies, legal issues and ethical concerns associated with obtaining cultural property.

 
 
ABOUT MMAA
Experience and explore the energy and depth of American visual culture at the Minnesota Museum of American Art in downtown St. Paul. MMAA's Riverfront Gallery at Kellogg Boulevard and Market Street is a place for the traditional and the unconventional. At MMAA the diversity of art and artists—past, present, and emerging—is revealed through visual and performing arts. For more information call 651-266-1030 or visit www.mmaa.org.

Hours:
Tuesday 11am-4pm
Wednesday 11am-4pm
Thursday 11am-8pm
Friday 11am-4pm
Saturday 11am-4pm
Sunday 1-5pm
Closed Monday and Major Holidays

 
Admission: FREE
For more information:
www.mmaa.org
651-266-1030