Moments of Memory: Minnesota Landscapes Painted from Life
On view January 27–May 26
Plein air painting is the art of capturing outdoor scenes from life. Named from the French for “open air,” this form of painting from life moves artists out of the studio to study real landscapes, focusing on how light and shadow interact with things in particular places. The result is a snapshot of a moment in time, one that might be remembered, but never repeated.
This exhibition is a partnership between the Bell Museum and Minnesota Plein Air Collective (MPAC), a statewide collaboration dedicated to helping all artists, from beginner to expert, capture the beauty and diversity of the state’s natural landscapes through painting. The exhibition is centered on MPAC’s second annual juried exhibition of landscape paintings, and features recent paintings completed by artists during Minnesota’s premier plein air festivals held in the Driftless Area, Prairie Lakes, and North Shore regions.
Visitors will learn about the art of painting outdoors, its importance in the field of natural history, and its role in the making of the Bell’s dioramas. They will see a variety of outdoor painters’ equipment and have the opportunity to learn more about plein air painting how-tos.
Joshua Cunningham, A Hush Above the Rush, 2023
Artist Joshua Cunningham Nocturne painting near Goodhue.
Joshua Cunningham, A Hush Above the Rush in situ photograph, 2023
MPAC is a collaboration of Art of the Lakes Association, Outdoor Painters of Minnesota, and Red Wing Arts, the nonprofit organizers of Minnesota’s three premier annual plein air painting competitions, in Battle Lake, Grand Marais, and Red Wing.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Activities & Special Programming
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Moments of Memory: Gallery Talk and Reception
March 16, 1:30 pm–3:30 pmExplore the exhibition Moments of Memory: Minnesota Landscapes Painted from Life with Frederick Somers, an internationally acclaimed pastel and oil painter and exhibiting member of Minnesota Plein Air Collective.
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Moments of Memory: Gallery Tour
April 05, 1:30 pm–2:30 pmExplore the exhibition Moments of Memory: Minnesota Landscapes Painted from Life with Kami Mendik, a plein air painter and member of the Minnesota Plein Air Collective.
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Quick Paint
May 11, 10:00 am–2:00 pmJoin us on May 11 for a Quick Paint. Participating artists and visitors will be provided with materials, and will compose and complete a painting in the morning, with votes for best in show, an informal exhibit of work, and a chance to meet the artists in the afternoon.
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Moments of Memory: Gallery Tour
February 10, 1:30–2:30pmExplore the exhibition with Bob Upton, an exhibiting member of the Minnesota Plein Air Collective and popular juror of plein air painting competitions. Upton will lead a guided tour of the exhibit focusing on criteria he developed for evaluating plein air paintings, criteria that are useful for both painters and collectors.
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Moments of Memory: Paint with the Painters
January 27, 10am–2pmJoin us to celebrate the opening of the exhibition Moments of Memory: Minnesota Landscapes Painted from Life. Visitors will have the opportunity to paint their own outdoor scenes, and may leave their work behind for inclusion in the exhibit, or take it home.
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