The student weekly of St. Olaf College

An ardor for art

By Betsy Pedersen
Staff Writer
Friday, May 10, 2002

It seems as though the only way to escape the summer heat is to stay indoors. You might as well make the indoors enjoyable and spend time exploring the art that Minneapolis has to offer. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts The Minneapolis Institute of Arts (M.I.A.) is considered by many to be the Twin Cities finest art museum. Located at 2400 Third Avenue South, M.I.A. features art and artifacts from around the world, from drawings and paintings to sculptures and photography. Best of all, admission is free. M.I.A. has several current and upcoming exhibitions. Bridging America with Frank Lloyd Wright runs now through July 7. Rembrant as Printmaker runs now through June 23. The Industrial Design Aesthetic, 1900-1950 runs now through Sept. 27. Jim Dine Prints, 1985-2000 runs May 12 through Aug. 4. These are five of dozens of exhibitions. For a complete list, call 888-MIA-ARTS. The Walker Art Center The Walker Art Center, located at 725 Vineland Place in Minneapolis, may be the best bet for summer arts entertainment. The Walker is known for its major exhibitions of 20th century art and for its presentation of cutting-edge music, dance, theater, and film. One caveat: the Walker charges four dollars admission for students, except for on its free day. As the school year winds down, the Walkers current exhibition draws to a close. Vital Forms: American Art in the Atomic Age, 1940-1960 at Walker Art Center ends on May 12. Two other exhibitions, however, run into the middle of the summer. American Tableaux, commissioned short stories which add a literary twist to an introspective American exhibit, ends June 16. Continuing Reflections, which focuses on civil and human rights, also ends on June 16. Adjacent to the Walker is the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, which covers 11 acres of land and contains over 40 pieces of artwork. The sculpture garden is perfect for a sunny, mid-afternoon stroll or a romantic, moonlit walk. And, unlike the Walker, admission is free. The Weisman: The Weisman is located on the University of Minnesota campus at 333 East River Road and is best known for its collection of 20th century American art. Like M.I.A., admission to the Weisman is free. Its current exhibition opened April 21 and continues into the summer, ending Aug. 4. Titled On the Edge of Your Seat, this is an exhibition of popular theater and film in early 20th century American art. If summer is your season and art is your ardor, head to the Minneapolis galleries and museums. Let the arts be your free, or at least cheap, ticket to summer fun.

The Manitou Messenger is a student publication of St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn. It is published weekly during the academic year except during vacations, exam periods and interim. The cost for one year's subscription is $45.00. Postage is paid in Northfield, Minnesota. Manitou Messenger
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