Myths & Legends of Minnesota: An Exhibition of the Minnesota Plein Air Collective
on view May 16 - September 13, 2026
Joshua Cunningham, Not Very Skinny Dippers, 2025 Oil on mounted linen. Courtesy of the artist.
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.
Upcoming Programming
Support Comes From
This exhibition project was organized by the Minnesota Marine Art Museum and Art of the Lakes Association, Outdoor Painters of Minnesota, and Red Wing Arts; member organizations that make up the Minnesota Plein Air Collective.
MMAM acknowledges sustaining support from generous contributions from members, donors, foundations, corporations, and volunteers, including ongoing support from our Board of Directors, the Mardag Foundation, the Elizabeth Callender King Foundation, and the Morgan Family Foundation. Special thanks to our lead sponsor, Hiawatha Broadband Communications, and the operating support from Minnesota State Arts Board.
Lead sponsor:
Exhibition partners:
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.