Friends Newsletter
President’s Letter, April 2025
Dear Friends,
We are heading into a very busy and exciting April!
Our lecture on Tues, April 9 at 11am will be given by Megan Emery, chief conservator at the Midwest Art Conservation Center (MACC). This little-visited center is located on the floor below Mia, so basically right under our noses. MACC conservators provide museum-quality treatment and consultation plus other collection care services. They have done many projects with Mia. The April lecture will be preceded by our members’ pre-lecture tours and followed by our spring luncheon in the Target Reception Hall. Don’t forget to get your tickets, available at tickets/artsmia.org.
Art in Bloom has a couple of new events this year! Make beautiful hand-tied bouquets at the “Make & Take Workshop” at 11:00 on Friday, April 25. Then on Saturday, April 26 at 11:00 learn the art of Ikebana, which is a centuries-old Japanese way of arranging flowers. Ikebana translates loosely to “making flowers come alive.” Attendees will make their own arrangement during the workshop. Both workshops are ticketed and sure to fill up quickly.
Read on to see what other enticing events are happening during Art in Bloom, and don’t forget to grab your friends and join us for Party in Bloom on Friday, April 25.
See you soon among the art and flowers!
My best,
Barbara Proeschel
President, Friends of the Institute
Important April Friends dates:
- April Friends Lecture: Thursday, April 10, 11am
- Seasonal Spring Luncheon: Thursday, April 10, 12pm
- April Friends Book Club: Friday or Saturday, April 18 and 19, 10am
- Art in Bloom 2025: Wednesday, April 23 to Sunday, April 27
April Friends Lecture: Midwest Art Conservation Center
Thursday, April 10, 2025, 11 AM
Pillsbury Auditorium
Have you ever wondered how art works are preserved? Come join us for a review of the Midwest Art Conservation Center (MACC). MACC is a non-profit organization for the preservation and conservation of art and artifacts, providing treatment, education, and training for museums, historical societies, libraries, other cultural institutions, artists, and the public.
The discussion will be led by Chief Conservator and Special Objects Conservator, Megan Emery.
Learn how Mia and many other institutions ensure their invaluable collections are preserved for the benefit of all visitors. Tickets for the lecture are free. Sweet treats are offered with our pre- lecture coffee.
April Friends Book Club – Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Friday, April 18, 2025, 10 am
Saturday, April 19, 2025, 10 am
Friends Office
When Tom Lake by Ann Patchett was picked by Time Magazine as one of the 100 must-read books of 2023, the reviewer described it as …” a wistful yet performative recollection of youth, one that has the potential to clarify family secrets and heal old wounds. The enchanting novel captures at once the slow burn of a summer spent in a sprawling, camp-like setting, where half a day feels like “a solid six months,” and the seemingly endless span of cloistered life during COVID-19 lockdown.”
As a member of the Friends, you can immerse yourself in a discussion of this story of Lara’s long-ago love affair with the famous actor Peter Drake, while they performed in a summer stock production of Our Town, and her current life, picking cherries on the family farm with her three grown daughters.
You have the choice of joining us on either Friday, April 18 or Saturday, April 19, starting at 10 a.m., for a one-hour discussion in the Friends office, located on the first floor of the museum, behind the coffee shop. On both days, the discussion will be followed by a one-hour tour of objects in the museum’s collection that relate to the theme of the book.
Space is limited and advance 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, either by calling the Friends office at 612-870-3045 or emailing friends@artsmia.org.
Meet the Honorary Chairs Bringing Art in Bloom to Life: Ken and Linda Cutler
Taking time out of her busy schedule, Linda sat down to answer a few questions that give insight into why we are so honored to have her and her husband, Ken, as this year’s Honorary Chairs.
Q: What sparked your interest in Latin American art?
I traveled to Latin America and worked with our offices in Latin America during my 39 year career at Cargill. Ken and I have also vacationed in several countries in Latin America. When we travel, we enjoy visiting art museums and galleries. What initially drew us to Latin American art was the geometric abstraction movement there with leading artists such as Carlos Cruz-Diez and Jesus Rafael Soto.
Q: Have you traveled and collected your own art pieces?
We do collect art, both from Latin America and elsewhere. We particularly like abstract, geometric art, and there are a number of excellent Latin American artists in that genre.
Q: Do you have any favorite places in the Latin American world, and if so, what are they and why?
Difficult question. We have enjoyed all the countries we have visited!
Q: What made you become involved with Art in Bloom as Honorary Chairs this year?
We were asked to be honorary chairs most likely because we had endowed the curatorship in Latin American Art and decided to accept because we have enjoyed Art in Bloom for many years. Katie Luber along with her leadership team, including Matthew Welch and Julianne Amendola, recognized the gap in Mia’s collection (as well as in most U.S. museums), and approached us knowing of our interest in Latin American art.
When asked if she had any favorite artwork on display during Art in Bloom, Linda demurred that there are too many wonderful pieces to single one out. Ditto with flowers. “I love them all!” she says, and who can blame her?!
Art in Bloom 2025
Wednesday, April 23 – Sunday, April 27, 2025
Join us for Art in Bloom 2025! This year, we embrace the vibrant culture and beauty of Latin America as we contemplate the serene elegance of our signature piece, Las Vendedoras de Flores by Alfredo Ramos Martínez. Come experience a weekend of “fiesta en flor”—a celebration in flowers!
Friends Open House
Wednesday, April 23, 2–4 PM
Kick off Art in Bloom with the annual Friends Open House! Stop by the Wells Fargo Room at Mia for refreshments, coffee, and treats while reconnecting with Friends. This event is free to Friends, but space is limited—please reserve your ticket.
- Tickets free for Friends members: tickets.artsmia.org
Friends Fundraiser at The Woman’s Club
Wednesday, April 23, 5–7 PM
Unwind in an intimate setting at The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis, a historic gem of the city. Savor a glass of wine and appetizers while enjoying the strains of a Brazilian guitarist. Valeria Piccoli, who is the Ken and Linda Cutler Chair of the Arts of the Americas, will also share insights on Las Vendedoras de Flores and other highlights from Mia’s Latin American collection.
- Cost: $100 per person ($65 tax deductible)
- Limited space availability – tickets at tickets.artsmia.org
Pedestal Floral Artists & Commercial Floral Artists
Thursday, April 24 – Sunday, April 27 (during museum hours)
Free and open to the public, Art in Bloom presents breathtaking floral interpretations of Mia’s artwork by over 100 individual and commercial florists. Stroll through the museum and experience the beauty and fragrance of fresh floral designs!
Art in Bloom Lecture: The Art of Designing a Brand with Ashley Fox
Thursday, April 24, 6–7 PM
Renowned floral designer Ashley Fox brings her expertise to Art in Bloom! A master of editorial styling and luxury floral design, Ashley has been featured in VOGUE.com, Martha Stewart Weddings, BRIDES, and more. In her talk, she’ll explore the creative process behind balancing personal artistry with client vision.
- Cost: $30 per person
- Capacity: 280 participants
- Tickets available at tickets.artsmia.org
Food trucks will be available before and after the event.
Floral Workshop: Hand-Tied Floral Bouquets with Sarah Arnold (Bloomcraft Dahlias)
Friday, April 25, 11 AM–12:30 PM
Create your own floral masterpiece! Sarah Arnold of Bloomcraft Dahlias will guide participants through making a beautiful hand-tied bouquet.
- Cost: $45 per person
- Capacity: 30 participants
- Ages 14+
- Tickets available at tickets/artsmia.or
Party in Bloom: A Fiesta en Flor
Friday, April 25, 6–10 PM
Mia’s annual Art in Bloom gala celebrates Latin American art with an unforgettable evening of music, flowers, and festivity. Arrive through the Third Street entrance to a dazzling display of light, scent, and sound. Select galleries open for viewing floral arrangements and art. Enjoy champagne, appetizers, a seated dinner, complimentary hosted bar, and valet parking.
- Cost: $300 per person ($195 tax deductible)
- Tickets available now at tickets/artsmia.org
Floral Workshop: Ikebana Make & Take with Sarah Arnold (Bloomcraft Dahlias)
Saturday, April 26, 11 AM–12:30 PM
Explore the art of Ikebana, the Japanese tradition of floral arrangement. Learn about its history, philosophy, and techniques while creating your own arrangement.
- Cost: $45 per person
- Capacity: 30 participants
- Ages 14+
- Tickets available at tickets/artsmia.org
Art in Bloom Family Event: May Baskets
Sunday, April 27, 11 AM–2 PM
A favorite for all ages! Celebrate spring by crafting a May Basket filled with fresh flowers to take home.
- Location: Target Reception Hall
- Free event!
Art in Bloom: Behind the Scenes
What is the process of selecting and pairing floral artists with specific art pieces?
Pedestal Floral Artist (PFA) Committee Chair Diane Morrison tells us that Mia curators send a list of artwork they’ll make available for Art in Bloom floral interpretation. Next, each PFA ranks the artwork they’d like to interpret based on what inspires them. PFAs are randomly assigned a lottery number which determines the order of artwork matching. And finally, Each PFA is matched with an individual artwork.
In March, the artists meet for an evening of inspiration as described here by one of the PFA committee members, Faith Tibbits:
“As a second year PFA, I had such a fantastic experience last year that I wanted to get more involved with AIB on the PFA planning committee. We had a great turnout at Bachman’s for the PFA ‘Meet and Greet” last Monday. Bachman’s provided tables full of stems and a terrific opportunity for PFAs of all experience levels to collaborate and meet each other. I had a wonderful time helping first year PFAs who were overwhelmed, and I enjoyed the company of those who still have the new artist ‘butterflies.’ I’m eagerly looking forward to the beautiful floral works of art that the PFA community will create this year.”
Come and enjoy!
The beginning of inspiration… flowers provided by Bachman’s during the PFA’s early “Meet & Greet.”
Art in Bloom: Volunteer with Us!
The time is finally here! The best part of spring – Art in Bloom – is on its way, and we need your help! For all of you who have volunteered in the past, thank you, and we hope you will join us again. For anyone new, we would love to add you to our volunteer team. This is a big, fun undertaking and we need many hands to make it a success.
New this year is the chance to be trained before the event. You can choose either April 13, 1:00-2:00 OR April 15, 2:00-3:00. You will be able to meet your fellow volunteers, pick up your t-shirt and get excited for the fantastic floral weekend ahead! We hope you will join us!
To join the fun and choose your shift, please click the link below. We can’t wait to share this year’s Art in Bloom magic with you. Don’t wait—sign up here!
May Friends Lecture: Joe Earle and the Kondō Porcelain
Thursday, May 15, 6pm
Pillsbury Auditorium
Join Joe Earle, former Head of Asian Art at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, for an insightful lecture on Mia’s exhibition Transcendent Clay: The Kondō Family’s Path of Porcelain Innovations. Drawing from his extensive experience and work on two major Kondō-related projects, Earle will explore the evolution of this distinguished ceramic lineage—from Kondō Yūzō’s early 20th-century influences to Kondō Takahiro’s groundbreaking contemporary practice.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert insights into the artistry, tradition, and innovation that define the Kondō family’s legacy.
As always, Friends members can call Mia’s Visitor Experience at 612-870-6323 on April 15 and secure lecture tickets before they are available to the general public.
Tickets available on Mia’s website
Volunteer Opportunity: Mia 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 Days provide 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 Sunday, April 13 or Sunday, May 11. Each month offers new activities that range from storytelling, dance performances, art projects and gallery hunts.
Read more about Mia’s’ Family Day here. If you have questions or would like to volunteer, please contact Pat Gale at friendsvolunteers@artsmia.org or 612-868-1079.
Celebrating the life of Samuel Dennis McCullough
Samuel Dennis McCullough, a lifelong champion of the arts, passed away on February 23, 2025. For sixteen years, Sam served on Mia’s Board of Trustees, shaping the institution with his leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication. Alongside his wife, Patty, he was an active member of the Decorative Arts and Paintings Curatorial Councils, drawn to Mia by their shared passion for antique furniture and American folk art.
In 1984, the Decorative Arts Curatorial Council launched the first annual Minneapolis Institute of Art Antiques Show and Sale, an event that, over its twenty-five-year history, raised significant funds to enrich Mia’s collection in Architecture, Design, Decorative Arts, Craft, and Sculpture. Sam played a vital role in this success, serving for several years as council president.
His contributions extended far beyond the councils. A devoted fundraiser, Sam was instrumental in the Bring Art to Life campaign, supporting projects such as the Target Wing. His generosity and leadership touched every corner of the museum.
Sam and Patty were also dedicated supporters of the Friends of the Institute, rarely missing an Art in Bloom and always championing Friends programs. At every event, Sam’s dapper style and warm spirit made him a standout presence.
Mia was shaped by Sam’s dedication, and his impact will be felt for generations to come. He will be deeply missed.
Recent Friends Events
Friends-Only DISCOVERING: Inside the Violin Maker’s Studio
Did you know it takes at least 65 hours to craft a single violin or viola?
On March 5th, our Friends-Only DISCOVERING series offered an exclusive look into the world of violin making. In collaboration with the Friends of the Minnesota Orchestra and Maestro Thomas Søndergård, we stepped Inside the Violin Maker’s Studio with master luthier Greg Sumners and Will Bartruff of the Violin Guild of America.
Will, a maker and dealer of fine stringed instruments since 1972, guided us through his St. Paul workshop, sharing stories of restoration, craftsmanship, and mentorship. From preserving an 18th-century cello to selecting wood for future instruments, his passion was evident at every turn. Now, through the Violin Guild of America, he is passing on his expertise to a new generation of luthiers.
A heartfelt thank you to Mary & Greg Sumners, Will Bartruff, and Maestro Søndergård for an unforgettable evening!
P.S. Don’t miss Secrets from a Forest at the Bell Museum’s Planetarium for another fascinating look at the art of stringed instruments. Secrets from a Forest: Behind the Scenes
Mia Guide News
On exhibition in the Guide Lounge is the artwork of Michelle Combs! Also new is a check-out system for the many books the lounge houses. Spring cleaning and organization is in the air!
Friends Only Events
Our year of DISCOVERING unique treasures of art, architecture, and history around the Twin Cities is coming to a close. We thank you for your curiosity, engagement, and stretching our Friends community to include new opportunities to connect.
Unfortunately, our upcoming April and May Friends Only gatherings are FULL with a waiting list begun for each event.
Our Highlight of the Year ~ JUNE 4th!
June 4th will be our final event and a beautiful way to welcome summertime to Minnesota! All aboard for our boat tour and lunch exploring the historic boathouses of Lake Minnetonka! Hosted by author Melinda Nelson, we’ll step back in time to float past some of the most enchanting boathouses on the lake to learn about the matriarchs and patriarchs who shaped the Twin Cities and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. This is a Friends & Friends Event: We encourage you to invite a friend along to experience the benefits of Friends membership!
June: Historic Boathouses of Lake Minnetonka Boat Tour & Luncheon
- Date & Time: Wednesday, June 4, 10–1 p.m.
- Location: 5201 Piper Road, Mound, MN 55364 / Al & Alma’s Marina
- Cost: $75 per person (Available to 40 guests); payment: Venmo @Lezlie-Pinske
- RSVP Deadline: Thursday, May 15, by noon – only 10 spots remain!
REMINDER ~ Don’t Dilly & Don’t Dally…RSVP NOW! Payment is required for this event by Thursday, May 15th at noon by contacting Lezlie Pinske.
A Memorable Evening with Mia Friends
The Friends recently hosted a wonderful evening of art, history, and community in a beautifully restored 1893 Theron P. Healy home. Guests gathered to enjoy lively conversation, engaging presentations from Mia curators, and the warm company of fellow art enthusiasts. The evening featured insightful talks from Galina Olmsted and Max Bryant, who shared fascinating perspectives on Mia’s latest exhibitions.
With the generous support of attendees, the event reinforced the vital role of art and cultural preservation in our community. A heartfelt thank you to our hosts, speakers, and guests—your enthusiasm and generosity make these gatherings so special. We look forward to seeing you at our next event!