MAEP Artist Salons
Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program (MAEP) Artist Salons at Mia bring the creative community together for an afternoon of inspiration and exchange. Dive straight into a 30- to 45-minute staff-led workshop, then transition into a collaborative segment to workshop ideas with peers or explore the galleries. Wrap up the afternoon by unwinding and mingling.
Upcoming Events
July 17, 2026 | Working with Curators
Leslie Ureña, Associate Curator, and Dennis Michael Jon, Associate Curator
Join Global Contemporary Art associate curators Leslie Ureña and Dennis Michael Jon for a candid conversation about how artists enter the museum’s orbit. Designed with artists in mind, this session offers insight into building relationships, navigating institutions, and positioning your work within broader conversations. Come ready to connect, ask questions, and gain a clearer view of how museums engage with artists today.
Tickets available June 17. Limited to 50 guests.
August 21, 2026 | Artists Books and Print Study Tour
Lori Williamson, Supervisor of the Herschel V. Jones Print Study Room
Get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at Mia’s Herschel V. Jones Print Study Room while exploring artist books up close on an intimate tour with Lori Williamson, supervisor of the Print Study Room. The Print Study Room is a unique museum space, offering an opportunity to experience works on paper—prints, drawings, and artist books—in a small-group setting designed for close viewing and discovery.
Tickets available July 21. Limited to 20 guests.
September 25, 2026 | Learn From Mia’s Framing Technicians
Sam Molstad and Jeannine Becker
Before you make framing decisions, consult Mia’s experts. Framing technicians provide hands-on recommendations on secure mounting, appropriate hardware, and display-ready finishing techniques. They help artists present their work safely, consistently, and in alignment with museum standards.
Tickets available August 25. Limited to 50 guests.
October 13, 2026 | MAEP Artist Talk with Ziba Rajabi
Join us for a conversation with Ziba Rajabi, a Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program (MAEP) artist. The afternoon features a discussion on the role of grief, community, and heritage in the context of Rajabi’s exhibition. The event is part of the exhibition “Ziba Rajabi: Belly Laugh at a Funeral,” on view at Mia until October 25, 2026.
Immediately following the talk, Rajabi will be in the U.S. Bank Gallery to meet visitors and answer questions. The event is part of the Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program.
Free tickets available September 14.
November 20, 2026 | Lending Artwork to Museums
Maggie Davis, Assistant Registrar for Loans
Learn from Maggie Davis, Mia’s assistant registrar for loans—and MAEP’s registrar since 2015, about exhibiting with museums, including how to build checklists, why timelines are long, and the role of a registrar.
Free tickets available October 20. Limited to 50 guests.
December 18, 2026 | Winter Solstice Happy Hour
Warm up your network this December at Mia’s Artist Happy Hour. Connect with Minnesota-based artists, spark new collaborations, and build relationships in an easy, welcoming environment. It’s all about community, conversation, and creative exchange.
Free tickets available November 18. Limited to 85 guests.
January 2027 | Artist Talk with Rotem Tamir
Join us for a conversation with Rotem Tamir, a Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program (MAEP) artist, for a discussion on the impact of place, transition, and tradition in the context of Tamir’s exhibition. The event is part of the exhibition “Rotem Tamir: Latitude 33°,” on view at Mia November 21, 2026–February 21, 2027. The event is part of the Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program.
Check back soon for exact date.
February 26, 2027 | Working with Museums
Get hands-on insights into exhibitions, collaborating, and art world know-how.
Free tickets available January 26. Limited to 50 guests.
March 26, 2027 | Photographing Your Work
Dan Dennehy, Charles Walbridge, and Joshua Lynn, Visual Resources
Learn insider tips on documenting your artwork from Mia’s Visual Resources team. The team serves as Mia’s one-stop shop for photographing, documenting, and sharing images of the collection and exhibitions. This event offers practical guidance rooted in professional archival and documentation practices.
Free tickets available February 26. Limited to 50 guests.
April 9, 2027 | Working with Curators
Casey Riley, Chair of Global Contemporary Art and Curator of Photography & New Media
Join Casey Riley for a candid conversation about how artists enter the museum’s orbit. Designed specifically for photographers and artists, this session offers unique insights into building professional relationships, navigating institutions, and positioning your work within a broader contemporary context. Come ready to connect, ask questions, and gain a clearer perspective on how museums engage with artists today.
Free tickets available March 9. Limited to 50 guests.
May 21, 2027 | Crafting and Designing your Brand Narrative
Bobby Rogers, Head of Design and Editorial
Bobby Rogers, head of Mia’s Design and & Editorial team and a member of the Bureau, presents helpful tips for navigating the intersection of brand identity and marketing entrepreneurship for artists. Discover how to craft and design your brand narrative from one of the industry’s creative leaders.
Free tickets available April 21. Limited to 50 guests.
June 18, 2027 | Summer Solstice Happy Hour
Celebrate summer with Mia’s Artist Happy Hour, a laid-back gathering built for connection. Meet fellow artists, share what you’re working on, and grow your creative network. Come for the conversation, stay for the community
Free tickets available May 18. Limited to 85 guests.