Off the Wall: The M’s Love Affair with the Minnesota State Fair
The M is the only major art museum in Minnesota—or, really, anywhere—to acquire an artwork from the Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition every year, a practice in place since at least 2011. It’s just one example of how the M is committed to supporting living Minnesota artists, sending the important message that art made here is valuable, treasured, and unique.
The emphasis on fine art at the State Fair dates to Clement Haupers, superintendent of the Fine Arts Department of the Minnesota State Fair from 1931 to 1942. Prior to Haupers, the Minnesota State Fair only showed works from galleries in Chicago and New York. But Haupers was determined to help Minnesota artists find success in their home state. The M State Fair Purchase Award honors that Minnesota-first intention. It celebrates and supports regional living artists while allowing their stories to be shared from within the museum’s collection.
As you browse through these State Fair acquisitions, you’ll notice the variety of pieces represented, further proof of the M’s mission to inspire “understandings of identities, experiences, and complex truths through art and creativity.” The M also aims to acquire at least one artwork from each co-curated exhibition.
Congratulations to all the winners—past, present, and future!
All purchases from the Acquisition Fund, Minnesota State Fair Purchase Award.
