Best Free Art Activities In Minnesota
If you have a passion and appreciation for art but cannot afford a trip to the Louvre or even one out of the state, many of the events and galleries in Minnesota have got you covered. Art activities throughout the state range from free poetry readings to exhibitions of remarkable works of art. Drawing upon the inspiration of a beautiful state, local contributors to galleries are often available for meet and greets as well as mindful discussions of art and culture. Spend a day touring a gallery or enjoying creativity at any of these fine places.
PrØve Gallery
21 N. Lake Ave.
Duluth, MN 55805
(612) 227-8015
www.provegallery.com
A relatively new venture in downtown Duluth, PrØve Gallery has a mission to bring a wide range of unique ideas and art to the northern Minnesota area. This new and unusual gallery celebrated its first year of existence just this past month. Exhibitions are juried and all art forms and artists are considered. Contributors are frequently local, national and international and are often well renowned for their talents. Gallery openings occur on the second Friday of each month and admission is free. The shows run for two weeks at a time.
Walker Art Center
1750 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 375-7600
www.walkerart.org
The Walker Art Center was the first public art gallery in Minnesota and continues to be one of the best places to enjoy visual, performing and media arts. Exhibitions rotate throughout the year and contain modern and contemporary pieces. After touring the galleries inside the center, one can make his or her way outdoors to the famous Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. The Walker Art Center has free admission on Thursday nights from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and the first Saturday of every month. To encourage the younger generation's love of art, Saturdays often offer activities geared towards the museum's younger visitors.
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Minneapolis Institute of Arts
2400 3rd Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(888) 642-2787
www.artsmia.org
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) is a fascinating destination dedicated to bringing art from around the world to Minneapolis. The main exhibitions include art forms such as sculpture, textiles, paintings, photography, media and decorative art. Explore the diverse art of Africa, South America and Asia as you travel through the galleries. MIA also offers educational programs and encourages school groups to book tours. Admission to MIA is free.
Weisman Art Museum
333 E. River Road
Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 625-9494
www.weisman.umn.edu
Located on the University of Minnesota campus, the Weisman Art Museum is a teaching museum that focuses on encouraging interest in art and creating appreciation among all who visit. The building itself is also considered a work of art with its unique stainless steel structure and modern design. Permanent collections housed in the Weisman Museum include exhibitions of modern art, ceramics, Korean furniture and many other unique and fantastic artifacts and pieces. Enjoy free admission daily and wander the university campus as well. Public art displays are located throughout the school.
Minnesota Marine Art Museum
800 Riverview Drive
Winona, MN 55987
(507) 474-6626
www.minnesotamarineart.org
This museum houses an incredible collection of art dedicated to the theme of water and marine life. In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, the Minnesota Marine Art Museum helps increase Minnesotans' appreciation of water. Paintings and fine art depict serene lakes, beautiful waterfalls and stormy ocean waters. One of Vincent Van Gogh's first paintings can be seen here as well. The weathervane that tops the museum is a work of art as well as a stainless steel piece weighing 650 pounds. Tuesdays offer free admission to all.
Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for eight years. She loves covering all things Minnesota and her work can be found on Examiner.com.
