Tamara and Michael Root have created one of the largest, most diverse collections in the Twin Cities of studio ceramics from the 20th and 21st centuries. For nearly 35 years, they have followed the Minnesota ceramic arts scene and collected nationally and internationally, assisted by knowledgeable dealers. Now retired professors, they truly lived with these works, showing a large selection in museum-worthy displays in their South Minneapolis home.

For more than 10 years, the Roots have donated singular works to Mia and provided generous funds for new ceramic acquisitions. They are now moving forward with the collection as a promised gift to Mia. Two complementary exhibitions celebrate their generosity while showcasing the Roots as thoughtful collectors of Japanese as well as North American and European ceramics.

This exhibition focuses on the Roots’ North American and European holdings, featuring more than 50 objects in sections exploring mingei (folk-craft) influences and Minnesota pottery, mid-20th century minimalism, American ceramic sculpture, and contemporary studio ceramics. Artists include Laura Andreson, Stephen De Staebler, Ruth Duckworth, Maren Kloppmann, Steven Young Lee, Warren MacKenzie, Gustavo Perez, and Amy Sabrina.

The concurrent exhibition “The Root Collection: Living with Japanese Ceramics” is on view in galleries 251, 252, and 253 from August 19, 2023 to February 18, 2024.