Friends Newsletter
President’s Letter, June 2026
I don’t know about you, but I am feeling breathless! This has been a year packed full of gathering, learning, and fun. In addition to our nine monthly lectures, we’ve had book clubs, luncheons, member outings all over the Twin Cities, Art and Architecture tours to Milwaukee and Santa Fe, Coffee & Scones meetings, Great Gatherings, and more. We offered a record $42,000 worth of school bus grants, representing 10,000 student visits to Mia. Art in Bloom brought in its second highest total attendance ever, with 58,000 people visiting Thursday through Sunday. This has been a stellar year of doing what the Friends do best: building community while supporting Mia in making great art accessible to all.
And while our fiscal year is coming to a close, the fun isn’t over quite yet. We have one more (sold out) Friends Member Outing before our summer break, to Franconia Sculpture Park on June 3 with lunch at Winehaven Winery afterwards. In addition, Coffee & Scones meets June 16, where you can meet other Friends, learn more about the organization, and get information on how to deepen your relationship with Friends through volunteering. Finally, the last book club before the break will be June 19 and 20, where we’ll discuss The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger.
Your next newsletter will be sent at the end of August. By then, we’ll be full of plans for another stellar year of good work and good times, led by a mix of new and experienced committee chairs. To our current chairs and their committees, I extend a heartfelt “Bravo!” My first year as president has been a joy because of you, your commitment, and creativity. And to all of you members, dear Friends all, I thank you for being a part of this special organization. Our work together, in time and in financial contributions, enhances the work of the museum we love and broadens access for all. We do this work together, and it matters.
Until August. Enjoy your summer.
Liz Short
President, Friends of the Institute
June Dates
• June 3, 2026: Friends Member Outing: Franconia Sculpture Park
• June 14, 2026: Mia Family Day Volunteer Opportunity
• June 16, 2026: Meet New Friends: Coffee & Scones
• June 19 and 20, 2026: Friends Book Club: The River We Remember
Volunteer Opportunity
Mia Family Day
• Sunday, June 14, 2026
• Sunday, July 12, 2026
• Sunday, August 9, 2026
• Sunday, September 13, 2026
We’re looking for volunteers for Mia’s Family Day to help families with art projects. The shifts are just two hours, and the atmosphere is fun and casual. No art experience is needed, just a willingness to support families as they explore the arts.
Our next Family Day is Sunday, June 14, and monthly throughout the summer. If you’re interested in becoming a Family Day volunteer, please email Family Day.
Meet New Friends: Coffee & Scones
• Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 10 a.m.
• Friends Office
Curious about the Friends of the Institute? Join us on Tuesday, June 16, at 10 a.m. in the Friends Office for coffee, scones, and conversation. RSVP today.
June Friends Book Club
• The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger
• Friday, June 19, and Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m.
• Museum tour, 11 a.m.
• Friends Office
• Free; registration required
This year, my family had the meaningful opportunity to participate in Art in Bloom by purchasing a floral dedication in honor of our parents, John and Theresa Cox. We selected a work of art that had been previewed during Party in Bloom, making the party experience even more celebratory.
When our parents discovered the dedication, they were completely surprised and genuinely delighted. It was a heartfelt moment that truly made their evening, one we’ll all remember for years to come. The dedication was our way of expressing gratitude for everything they’ve given our family: their unwavering love, constant support, and the foundation they’ve built for all of us.
The experience became even more unforgettable as Art in Bloom continued. Throughout the weekend, friends sent text messages to my parents after seeing the dedication.
Art in Bloom floral dedications offer a beautiful way to celebrate loved ones, blending art, flowers, and personal storytelling into a truly unforgettable experience. For our family, it was more than just a display—it was a tribute filled with love, gratitude, and connection.