Art Flows Here

A bold vision is taking shape at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum.

We are exploring opportunities to strengthen our campus, deepen our connection to the Mississippi River, expand access to art and learning, and ensure MMAM continues to serve our community for generations to come.

Interested in learning more? Contact our Development team at hello@mmam.org

About

• About the Project

• Capital Campaign Committee Volunteers + Leadership

• Flexible Ways to Give

• Donor Recognition

Campaign Documents

• Art Flows Here: A Campaign for the Minnesota Marine Art Museum [PDF Download]

• Phase One: A New River Experience [PDF Download]

About the Project

Since opening in 2006, the Minnesota Marine Art Museum has grown into a nationally recognized arts and cultural center with a focus on water. To mark this significant achievement and prepare for the next, MMAM is launching a multi-year, multi-phased capital campaign to transform its 7-acre, riverside site into a vibrant campus experience.

The Art Flows Here Campaign is a transformational investment in the future of MMAM, creating a place where art, water, nature, and community flow together to inspire generations of visitors.

Your support will help deepen relationships with the river, update and enhance indoor and outdoor spaces, expand learning through programs, and strengthen the organization’s financial sustainability, securing MMAM’s future as an arts and cultural anchor for generations to come.

Phase One consists of six interconnected investments that work together to create an immersive visitor experience that reconnects people to the Mississippi River while advancing the Museum's mission to explore our relationship with water. 

The Shoreline

The Shoreline is the heart of Phase One, transforming the Museum's hardened river edge into a living landscape that reconnects people with the Mississippi River. By restoring native habitat and improving ecological resilience, the project creates new opportunities for visitors to experience the river firsthand while demonstrating how art, conservation, and community work together. 

The Art Deck

The Art Deck will extend from the museum over the water, transforming creativity into an immersive outdoor experience. Connected to the Open Studio, this three-season classroom and gathering space will support artist residencies, workshops, demonstrations, and community events. Visitors will step over the water to watch towboats and barges, observe seasonal bird migrations, and experience the ever-changing rhythms of the river.

Integrated lighting and signage

Integrated lighting and signage will transform the Museum campus into a welcoming destination, upon arrival and long after sunset. Energy-efficient architectural lighting will illuminate pathways, gathering spaces, public art, and native landscapes, extending the visitor experience beyond gallery hours while enhancing safety and accessibility. New signage along Riverview Drive will increase the Museum's visibility, creating a stronger sense of arrival. 

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Capital Campaign Committee Volunteers + Leadership

MMAM Board of Directors

Bill Hoel, Chair of the Board | Financial Advisor, Baird Investments (Retired) 

Mark Haakenson, Treasurer | Controller, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Leanne Poellinger, Secretary | Children’s Museum of La Crosse, Marketing & Development Director (retired)

Danilo Bojic | Professor of Design, Winona State University

Sabina Bosshard | Attorney, Bosshard Parke LTD

Laura Armstrong | Winona County Master Gardener & High School Teacher (retired)

Nancy Blankfard | Vice President, Principal in the Arts, Community and Education Practice, HGA Architects and Engineers

Laura Cederberg | Director of External Communications, Hormel Foods

Edward Hoffman | Executive Director, Lake City Chamber of Commerce

Mary Beth Magyar | Artist & Educator

Marlena Myles | Founder & Owner, Wíyoukihipi (We Are Capable) Productions

Jose Pelaez | Founder, Graphic Designer + Print Specialist, Pelaez Creative & Studio Humbl

Anne Scott Plummer | Professor Emerita of Studio Art, Winona State University

Jennifer Knapp Severson | Attorney, Libera Knapp, P.A. (Retired)

Peter Shortridge | Senior Managing Director, Global River Inc.

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Flexible Ways to Give

Your generosity will shape the next chapter. 

We invite you to make a gift in the way that best reflects your philanthropic goals. 

Many supporters choose to make a multi-year pledge, allowing their investment to be fulfilled over as many as five years. Others prefer an outright gift that immediately advances the campaign. Both options make a meaningful difference. 

The Museum gratefully accepts a variety of charitable gifts, including: 

• Cash and personal checks 

• Appreciated securities and other marketable assets 

• Donor-Advised Fund distributions 

• Qualified Charitable Distributions (IRA gifts) 

• Real estate and other appreciated property 

• Employer matching gifts 

• Planned and legacy gifts 

• Gifts-in-kind, including materials, equipment, and professional services 

Our Development Team would be pleased to work with you and your professional advisors to identify the giving strategy that best meets your charitable and financial objectives. 

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Donor Recognition

Donors may choose how their names are listed within these recognition levels.

MMAM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. Gifts of $500 or more will be publicly acknowledged during the course of the campaign without identification of amounts. A donor may choose to remain anonymous. All contributions of $1,000 or more to the campaign will be permanently recognized on a Donor Recognition Wall. Donors may have their names or the names of others engraved on the wall, or can make the engraving in honor of someone, in memory of someone, or in recognition of specific events or accomplishments.

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