Myths & Legends of Minnesota: An Exhibition of the Minnesota Plein Air Collective

Joshua Cunningham, Not Very Skinny Dippers, 2025 Oil on mounted linen. Courtesy of the artist. 

Opens May 16, 2026

Myths & Legends of Minnesota: An Exhibition of the Minnesota Plein Air Collective seeks to celebrate Minnesota’s rich tapestry of folklore, cultural heritage, and oral tradition as expressed through the landscape, focusing on the lakes, rivers and other waterways of Minnesota. Artists in this group exhibition aim to interpret legends, tall tales, folklore, or personal narratives through visual art created in direct engagement with the natural environment and aquatic ecosystems of Minnesota.

The Minnesota Plein Air Collective is a collaboration between the 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, Minnesota. These groups join together in a different Minnesota venue each year to present an annual exhibition, spreading awareness throughout the state and bringing the joy and beauty of landscape painting to wider audiences. 

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Support Comes From

MMAM acknowledges sustaining support from generous contributions from foundations, corporations, individuals, members and volunteers, including ongoing support from our Board of Directors, the Elizabeth Callender King Foundation, and the Morgan Family Foundation.

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 & cultural heritage fund.