History of MAEP
In 1975, a group of Minnesota artists came to Mia with a proposal: an exhibition showcasing the rich diversity of artists across the state. Mia was intrigued, and the idea evolved into a series of shows in a dedicated gallery—a space, according to the museum’s associate director at the time, where regional artists “would be treated with respect and dignity.”
The first show of the Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program, “State: State of the Art / Art: Art of the State,” opened in December 1975 and included work by George Morrison, Judy Onofrio, Stuart Klipper, and twenty other artists. The second, “Artists Choose,” opened the following spring and highlighted a unique and ongoing aspect of the MAEP: the showcased artists are selected by the artists themselves. It featured six artists, all women.
Over the past fifty years, the MAEP has staged more than two hundred exhibitions and supported more than three thousand artists. The exhibitions have covered a wide array of topics, viewpoints, and artistic styles. They have ranged from solo and group shows to concerts and films, as well as the once-every-decade “Foot in the Door” exhibition, where anyone from Minnesota can show their work.
What began as a short-term experiment is now a cornerstone of Mia’s commitment to Minnesota artists. It remains the only program like it in a major American museum.
Interviews with MAEP Artists
Notable Exhibitions and Programs
See the complete list of past exhibitions and programs.
“Foot in the Door 5”
July – August 2020
Presented virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Austin Swearengin: Sweetheart the Rent is Due”
July 21 – September 15, 2016
The first exhibition in the U.S. Bank Gallery at Mia.
MCAD@MIA
2010 – 2015
Students from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design were offered the opportunity to create site-specific art installations at Mia. Participants included Carla Rodriguez and Ethan Holbrook (2011); Luke Axelson and Josh Ritenour (2012); Josh Manoles and Linnea Stephan (2013); Jamie Owens and Claire Victoria (2014); and Mercedes Knapp (2015).
“Daniel Kaniess: Energy Palimpsest” and “Yang Yang: The 3rd Megaton”
April 7 – July 23, 2006
The first two exhibitions presented in what became MAEP’s space for a decade: galleries 264 and 265 in Mia’s Target Wing.
“Cy Thao: The Hmong Migration”
May 21 – July 11, 2004
The exhibition featured Thao’s fifty-painting series, The Hmong Migration, 1993–2001. The series was acquired by Mia in 2010.
“Frontera Lake Street”
October 12 – December 2, 2001
One of the first exhibitions of contemporary Latin art at Mia. Works by Salvador Espejo Benitez, Luis Fitch, Alexa Horochowski, Douglas Padilla, Marcela Rodriquez A, and Xavier Tavera.
Quincentennial Chicano/Latino Mural
October 13 – November 29, 1992
This mural in Mia’s Sculpture Court was designed by Armando Gutierrez G. and painted by Armando Gutierrez G., John Acosta, Carlos Menchaca and Michael Russel.
Loading Dock Live!
1987 – 1991
This concert series on Mia’s loading dock and in the Pillsbury Auditorium combined music, visual arts, and film.
MAEP Tenth Anniversary Celebration
February 15 – April 20, 1986
Curated by Joe Aiken, Carole Fisher, Judith Onofrio, Nancy Randall, Tom Rose, and Phyllis Wiener. Eighty-five artists were accepted.
Minnesota Film/Video Artists Series Exhibitions
1985 – 1991
Co-sponsored with Film in the Cities and curated by Bo Smith, FITC Exhibitions Coordinator.
“8 Native Minnesota Artists”
June 4 – July 25, 1982
The first exhibition dedicated to contemporary Native artists at Mia. Artists included David Bradley, Carl Gawboy, Charles Huntington, George Morrison, Steve Premo, Robert Rose-Bear, Kent Smith, and Kathleen Westcott.
MAEP Curated Painting and Drawings Show for the Kiehle Gallery, St. Cloud
March 12 – 28, 1980
The first MAEP exhibition to travel outside the Twin Cities. Exhibiting artists included Kinji Akagawa, Terry Genesen Becker, Alvin Carter, Bruce Charlesworth, Carole Fisher, Frank Gaard, and Susan McDonald.
The “Foot in the Door” Show
April 4 – May 25, 1980
The first “Foot in the Door” exhibition celebrated the MAEP’s fifth anniversary.
MAEP Slide Reference and Resource Library
1977 – 2009
A collection of slides of artworks and publications by Minnesota artists.
MAEP Publications
1977 – 2015
From 1977 until 2013, the MAEP produced a number of printed publications in various formats in collaboration with exhibiting artists. Notable publications include the exhibition catalogue Morrison’s Horizons (1998), which was the last publication produced with the artist; the Playing by Ear (1986) catalogue and 33 ⅓ record, which received the AAM Award of Distinction in 1987 for museum publications.
State: State of the Art/Art: Art of the State
December 10, 1975 – March 7, 1976
The first MAEP exhibition following a broad survey of regional artists. Exhibiting artists included Joe Aiken, Dee Axelrod, Edwin Beylerian, Lee Bjorklund, Joe Breidel, James Byrne, Tom DeBiaso, Gary Hallman, Stephen Hartman, Barry Kahn, James Kielkopf, Stuart Klipper, Linda Klosky, Andrew Leicester, George Morrison, Stuart Nielsen, Judy Onofrio, Timoty Ray, Tom Rose, Jerry Rundquist, Paul Smith, Steven Sorman, Phyllis Wiener.