Landscape painting of trees and rushing waters in the foreground and a road and buildings in the distance in the upper right.
St. Croix Rapids, at Taylors Falls, Minnesota, 1933. Ernest Dewey Albinson, American, 1898–1971. Oil on canvas. By subscription: Mmes. John Washburn, Preston King, Mrs. C. C. Bovey, C. D. Velie, John Crosby and Harriet Clarke Hanley. Messrs.: E. C. Gale, James F. Bell, P. Dana McMillan and Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Webber, Miss Emily D. McMillan, Miss Margaret Crosby. 33.32

Friends Newsletter

President’s Letter, March 2025

Dear Friends,

In the image above you’ll see a painting by Ernest Dewey Albinson of nearby St. Croix Rapids in March. Note the signs of winter releasing its grip as the river breaks free of ice. We sense the pent-up energy of the water and the feeling of movement toward…spring.

A similar momentum is carrying our hardworking Art in Bloom committee and Mia staff toward our singular celebration of spring, Art in Bloom. I hope you have your calendar set for April 24–27. Our amazing community celebration is about to burst forth with the beauty and joy of art and flowers.

Here are some things of note for this year’s Art in Bloom. On Wednesday, April 23, from 2 to 4 p.m., we’ll once again hold a Members Open House in the Well Fargo Room. Stop by for a break, some treats, and refreshments, and to say hello to fellow Friends. This event is free to Friends members, but you do need a complimentary ticket.

Also on Wednesday, April 23, make your way to the Woman’s Club of Minneapolis for a ticketed fundraising reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Relax and mingle in the genteel surroundings of the Woman’s Club with a glass of wine and appetizers while listening to remarks from Valeria Piccoli. She’s the Ken and Linda Cutler Chair of the Arts of the Americas and Mia’s Curator of Latin American Art.

We are especially grateful for the support and generosity of our Art in Bloom 2025 honorary chairs, Ken and Linda Cutler.

The Art in Bloom lecture will take place on Thursday, April 25, at 6 p.m. to accommodate all the fans of Ashley Fox, an award-winning floral designer and entertainment expert. This is a ticketed event that you won’t want to miss.

Lastly, mark your calendars for the Latin-inspired Party in Bloom gala on Friday, April 25, from 6 to 10 p.m. This festive, seated dinner with Latin fare will have you wishing you could dance the salsa, rumba, or samba.

Read on for more information on Art in Bloom 2025. Additional details and tickets will be available in early March.

For now, anticipation…

My best,

Barbara Proeschel
President, Friends of the Institute

Celebrating the Life of Carol Burton Gray

White woman with shoulder-length brown hair wearing a red blazer smiling as she looks at the camera

Carol Burton, long-time supporter of the Friends, recently passed away in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she lived with her husband, Steve Gray. Even from far away, she continued to support our efforts, such as the acquisition of Eugène Delacroix’s still life painting.

Having served as Friends president in 1995, Carol never stopped working for the Friends. Former Friends President Katie Searl fondly remembers Carol and the work they did together, including chairing Art in Bloom in 2008 and presenting vintage fashion at the 2013 Art in Bloom.

Mia’s Chief Curator and the Mary Ingebrand-Pohlad Deputy Director Matthew Welch greatly admired Carol’s giving the best of herself to every endeavor. “With her advanced academic training in anthropology, Carol was a quick study. As a museum guide, she was knowledgeable about the entire collection, but took a particular interest in the Asian collections. Whenever an important group was visiting the museum and I was traveling, I knew I could depend on Carol to provide an excellent tour. She and Steve traveled to Japan with me in 2015, and it was a delight to see her recognize so many works I had presented in training sessions. On top of all of that, she was a lovely person with a gentle and positive soul.”

The Friends will always be grateful for the energy, generosity, and joy Carol brought us.

February Friends Lecture: William Barnes, Associate Professor of Art History, St. Thomas University
Sunday, March 9, 2025, 2 p.m.
Pillsbury Auditorium

Photo of a white man with short brow-gray hair wearing a white button down shirt with the collar open and a black suit jacket looking at the camera

You’re invited to join Professor William Barnes as he shares his amazing research on the art of ancient Mexico focusing on Central American sculpture and Mesoamerican manuscript painting. With this year’s Art in Bloom showcasing Latin American art, this is a perfect precursor to April’s celebration!

Barnes holds a bachelor’s degree in art history from Arizona State University and an MA in art history from Tulane University. He earned an interdisciplinary PhD in art history and archaeology at Tulane, where his dissertation focused on depictions of Aztec rulers in the imperial art of Tenochtitlan. His current work focuses on calendrical rhetoric and state ideology in Aztec public art. His talk will address the importance of contextualizing ancient American art within the cultural practices and belief systems of its artists and patrons.

For even more about Mesoamerican art, join the Friends pre-lecture tour at 1 p.m. on March 9. Call 612-870-3000 to register.

Friends April Lecture: Colin Turner, Executive Director, and Megan Emory, Chief Conservator and Special Objects Conservator, Midwest Art Conservation Center
Have you ever wondered how art works are preserved? Join us on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 11 a.m. to hear how Mia and other institutions ensure their invaluable collections are preserved for the benefit of all visitors. Tickets for the lecture are free and a paid luncheon follows the lecture. Stay tuned for details in the next newsletter.

March Friends Book Club
When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill
Friday, March 21, 2025, 10 a.m.
Saturday, March 22, 2025, 10 a.m.
Friends Office

Book cover art of When Women Were Dragons, by Kelly Barnhill

As a Friends member, you have an opportunity to dip your toes into a fanciful world of speculative fiction by attending the book club gathering on Friday, March 21, or Saturday, March 22.

And what might that fanciful book be? When Women Were Dragons by Minneapolis writer Kelly Barnhill. The book is described as a rollicking tale set in 1950’s America where thousands of women have spontaneously transformed into dragons, exploding notions of a woman’s place in the world and expanding minds about accepting others for who they are. In this timely and speculative novel, the author boldly explores rage, memory, and the tyranny of forced limitation. The book exposes a world that wants to keep women small—their lives and prospects—and examines what happens when they rise en masse and take up the space they deserve.

We’ll meet for a one-hour discussion on both days at 10 a.m. in the Friends office, located on the first floor of the museum behind the coffee shop. Following Friday’s discussion, you can join a one-hour tour of objects in the museum’s collection that relates to the theme of the book. For this month only, there will be NO tour following Saturday’s discussion.

Space is limited and advanced registration is required. The Book Club is an increasingly popular benefit of Friends membership, so if you want to be part of one of these stimulating discussions, sign up soon. Call the Friends office at 612-870-3045 or email friends@artsmia.org

If you’re inclined to plan ahead for your reading calendar, in April we’ll talk about Tom Lake by Ann Patchett.

Meet the Volunteers Bringing Art in Bloom to Life

Every spring, Mia bursts into bloom as flowers and fine art come together in a beloved tradition: Art in Bloom. This event, made possible by the hard work and dedication of Friends volunteers, transforms the museum into a celebration of color, creativity, and community. Behind the scenes, a team of passionate volunteers ensures that every petal is in place. Meet four of the volunteers who are shaping this year’s event.

Sharon Secor: A Family Tradition in Bloom

White woman with shoulder-length blonde hair wearing a black sweater facing the camera and smiling

Now in her fourth year volunteering for Art in Bloom, Sharon Secor first got involved by organizing Flowers after Hours workshops. “It was a great way to begin volunteering for the Friends,” she recalls.

For Sharon, Art in Bloom is more than an event, it’s a family tradition. “My favorite memory is bringing my daughter to help at workshops and then seeing the flowers with her afterward,” she says. “It remains a favorite mother-daughter thing to do each year.”

A longtime volunteer for Twin Cities organizations like the Friends, Sharon is a journalist and marketing communications professional. She moved to the area 24 years ago with her husband and two young children—and has even learned to love winter as much as summer.

Julie Holland: The Magic of Set-Up Day

White woman with short white hair wearing glasses and a white shirt with a rainbow-colored necklace facing the camera and smiling

For Julie Holland, Art in Bloom has been part of her life for two decades. She’s served on numerous committees, co-chaired the event in 2014, and now co-chairs Party in Bloom, the Friends’ annual fundraising event.

Julie’s favorite moment of the event happens behind the scenes. “Wednesday, set-up day, is the best. Cars and vans unload, and the flowers roll into the galleries. Florists meticulously arrange their designs but always take time to visit and share stories. The fragrances are heavenly.”

A longtime Mia volunteer, Julie has been an Art Adventure guide, docent, guide, and Friend of the Institute. She moved to Hopkins in 2000 with her husband and four sons, and has been an active member of the museum community ever since.

Renee Kessler: From Visitor to Volunteer

White woman with shoulder-length blonde hair wearing a red jacket facing the camera and smiling

Before she became a dedicated Friends volunteer, Renee Kessler looked forward to Art in Bloom each spring as a visitor. “For many years, my girlfriends and I eagerly anticipated our annual visit to Mia during Art in Bloom weekend,” she recalls. “The creative floral displays lifted our spirits and marked the transition from winter to spring. As soon as I joined Friends, I knew I wanted to volunteer.”

Since retiring, Renee has taken on several leadership roles within the Friends, serving as board treasurer and treasurer for Art in Bloom in 2023 and 2025. She also co-chairs Party in Bloom and has played key roles in Friends fundraising efforts and travel programs.

A Minnesota transplant for more than 40 years, Renee built a career in financial services as a certified public accountant. She met her Southern husband here, raised two sons, and is now a proud grandmother. She’s also deeply involved with Giving WoMN, a collective women’s giving organization.

Diane Morrison: Spreading the Joy of Art in Bloom

White woman with shoulder-length blonde hair wearing a red, white, and blue striped tank top facing the camera and smiling

For Diane Morrison, Art in Bloom is all about joy. “How can you go wrong with beautiful flowers and stunning art in an incredible museum like Mia?” she asks.

Diane has volunteered for the event for five years, including two years as co-chair. This year, she’s coordinating the floral artists, ensuring that each arrangement beautifully complements the artwork it accompanies. In addition to her Art in Bloom work, Diane has served on the Friends board and executive committee.

With a background in nonprofit leadership, Diane has worked as a financial analyst, fundraiser, and communications specialist for organizations both locally and internationally.

Art in Bloom thrives because of passionate volunteers like Sharon, Julie, Renee, and Diane. Want to be part of the magic? Become a Friend now and volunteer!

Art in Bloom 2025 Activities
Wednesday, April 23–Sunday, April 27, 2025

Painting of a procession of young women wearing traditional Mexican dress and long, braided hair carrying baskets and trays of fresh flowers on their heads and in their arms.

The Art in Bloom 2025 signature piece Las vendedoras de flores painted by Alfredo Ramos Martínez

Friends Preview Open House: Wednesday, April 23, 2–4 p.m.

If you’re in the museum on set-up day, stop by the Wells Fargo room for the Friends Open House. We’ll provide refreshments and space to put up your feet, have a cup of coffee and catch up with Friends. Tickets will be available at the end of March.

Friends Fundraiser at the Women’s Club: Wednesday, April 23, 5–7 p.m.

Relax and mingle in the genteel surroundings of the Woman’s Club of Minneapolis with a glass of wine and appetizers as we celebrate this year’s Art in Bloom in a more intimate setting. With the focus on Mia’s Latin American art, Valeria Piccoli, the Ken and Linda Cutler Chair of the Arts of the Americas, will share her insights. She’ll talk about our signature piece, Las vendedoras de flores, painted by Alfredo Ramos Martínez, and highlights of her department’s collection. Tickets are $100. Call the Friends office at 612-870-3045 or email friends@artsmia.org to reserve your ticket.

Art in Bloom Lecture: Thursday, April 24, 6 p.m.

We’re delighted to welcome Ashley Fox of Ashley Fox Designs. She’s an internationally known floral artist who creates weddings and special events in exclusive settings. Ashley’s work has been featured in Vogue, Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, and many other publications. She’s a big fan of Art in Bloom and lives here in the Twin Cities. Stay tuned for details about tickets.

Party in Bloom: Friday, April 25, 6–10 p.m.

This year’s gala celebrates Mia’s growing collection of Latin American art. The fiesta en flor (party in flowers) features the sights, sounds, and beauty of a fiesta night in Latin America. Arrive via the Third Street entrance and step into the glow of lights, scent of flowers, and rhythm of Latin American music. Enjoy champagne and appetizers, followed by a seated dinner. Complimentary hosted bar and valet parking are included with your Party in Bloom ticket. Take a small-group tour of select Art in Bloom galleries during the social hour.

We sent Patron Letters and Art in Bloom postcards with additional details in early February. If you didn’t receive yours, please let us know! Party in Bloom tickets are $300 and go on sale on March 4 on the Art in Bloom website.

Art in Bloom Family Day: Sunday, April 27, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Who doesn’t love flowers—especially when they’re part of a May Basket? Art in Bloom’s Family Day will feature basketmaking as an activity for adults and children. Fill your basket with fresh flowers, donated by Bachman’s, and take them home to enjoy in anticipation of spring! This annual event is free and takes place in the Target Reception Hall.

Art in Bloom: Volunteer with Us!

It’s that time of year again! We’re dreaming of flowers and can’t wait to bring the community to the museum for our grand celebration of spring. This is a huge undertaking, and we can only do it with your help. Love Art in Bloom? Enjoy working with people and being at the center of the excitement? Then we hope you’ll be part of our volunteer team!

Sign up now to express your interest, and we’ll reach out in late March with specific opportunities to choose from. Don’t wait—get involved today! Thank you for being part of this blooming tradition!

St. Cloud Friends News

group photo of 20 adults standing in a foyer of a historic home looking at the camera and smiling

On February 4, the St. Cloud Friends of the Institute welcomed Carter Averbeck from Omforme Design to the Foley Mansion Event Center to lead a tour of the stunning transformation of the property he restored for owners, Carmen and Allen Arvig.

Built in 1889 by a lumber and railroad magnet, the mansion has been boarded up and vacant since an electrical fire gutted it in 2002. The structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as The Foley-Brower-Bonner House and is an example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. Notable features include a conical tower, decorative stonework, stained and curved glass windows, and elaborate interior woodwork.

Friends enjoyed sweet and savory treats with a glass of champagne. We also presented a transportation grant to the Boys & Girls Club of Central Minnesota for their March 4, 2025, spring break guided tour of Black American arts and artists at Mia. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this exceptional evening!

Mia Guide News

This fall we welcomed 20 new guides into training. They’ll start giving school tours this spring. In addition, we’ve launched a new initiative to promote mentoring and fellowship of Mia guides. The program, called Guides to Guides in the Galleries, or G3, has been well received. It’s a chance for guides to learn from one another and share ideas and insights. We’re also transforming the Guide lounge into an art display space where Guides who are artists can showcase their artwork!

Our History Preserved and Open to Viewing

Art in Bloom books displayed on a bookshelf

The History Committee continues to curate and archive Friends records and has recently collected Art in Bloom records from inception through 2021 in yearly notebooks. Do you have programs, bookmarks, postcards, photos, or gala invitations for 2022, 2023, or 2024? We’d love to add them to the collection.

If you’re involved in planning an event—from Art in Bloom to Art & Architecture to a wine-tasting party—please share information with the committee so we can include it as part of our history. Suzanne Payne, Betsey Whitbeck, Jeanne Scheiderer and Robin Keyworth (committee chair) invite you to drop by their monthly meetings or call any of them for a special tour.

Friends Only Events 2025

The following is a lineup of unique opportunities to explore the treasures of art, architecture, and history, specially reserved for us. RSVP for all Friends Only Events by contacting Lezlie Pinske.

All events are open for registration, so feel free to sign up for one—or all—today! Just be sure to RSVP before the deadlines and before spots fill up.

1. March: Violin Guild of America Studio

Go inside the Violin Makers Studio and enjoy an evening of music, craftsmanship, and a bit of social aperitivo at the shop with Greg Sumners and master luthier Will Bartruff.
This is a joint event with the Friends of the Minnesota Orchestra.

2. April: Walker Art Center

Enjoy a private tour of the “Ways of Knowing” exhibition.

3. May: Lakewood Cemetery

Enjoy a 1.5-mile walking tour of the grounds and buildings of Lakewood Cemetery and learn about its history.

4. June: Al & Alma’s Lake Minnetonka Boat Tour & Luncheon

Take a boat tour of the historic boathouses of Lake Minnetonka, hosted by author Melinda Nelson. Learn about the matriarchs and patriarchs who shaped the Minneapolis Institute of Art. This is a Friends & Friends Event: Invite a friend to experience the benefits of Friends membership!

  • Date & Time: Wednesday, June 4, 10–1 p.m.
  • Location: 5201 Piper Road, Mound, MN 55364
  • Cost: $75 per person (Limited to 40 guests); payment: Venmo @Lezlie-Pinske
  • RSVP Deadline: Thursday, May 15, by noon

Volunteer Opportunity
Family Day
Sunday, April 13, 2025, and Sunday, May 11, 2025

Are you looking for a way to do good and feel good? Mia’s Family Day provides an easy and fun opportunity to volunteer. Our volunteers say they feel good contributing to the community and have fun in the easy, casual atmosphere. If you’re interested in volunteering for a few hours as a greeter or helping families with art projects, consider joining us Sunday, April 13, or Sunday, May 11. Each month offers new activities that range from storytelling, dance performances, art projects, and gallery hunts.

If you have questions or would like to volunteer, please email Pat Gale or call 612-868-1079.