Thursday, May 8, 2025 | 6-7:45pm
Tickets: $10 | $12 at the door | MMAM Members Free
Join us for an inspiring evening with artist Erik Jon Olson, whose striking quilted installations turn discarded plastic waste into thought-provoking works of art in his new exhibition, Waste Not. As part of our Thursday Night Series, Olson will present his talk, “Quilted Plastic Waste: The Medium IS The Message”, at 6p, exploring how repurposed materials can challenge our views on sustainability and consumerism.
After the lecture, step into the gallery for an open Q&A and casual conversation with the artist from 6:45–7:45 PM. Prefer to skip the talk? Arrive at 6:45 PM to meet Olson and experience his exhibition, Waste Not, at your own pace.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage with an artist who redefines waste as art.
About the Artist
Erik Jon Olson grew up on a hog farm in northwestern Iowa, where he discovered his talent for resourceful creativity. With a degree in advertising design from Iowa State University, he embarked on a 25-year career as a creative in the advertising industry in Minneapolis. Alongside his professional work, he explored various multimedia approaches to artistic expression. After retiring, Olson lent his expertise to a friend’s business that repurposed single-use plastic waste into functional items. He embraced a challenge to use his design skills to create art from the discarded remnants of that manufacturing process. Using quilted plastic waste as his medium, he demonstrated its viability, earning recognition through numerous awards, local and national exhibitions, and art sales. Olson Currently resides in Plymouth, Minnesota, where he operates from his home studio. There, he crafts large-scale artworks that merge his creative abilities with his commitment to sustainability, all through the transformation of plastic waste.