FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 20, 2005

Media Contacts: Tammy Pleshek, P.R. Specialist, (612) 870-3171; Lynette Nyman, P.R. Manager, (612) 870-3173

SOUTHERN EXPOSURE:
NEW ORLEANS AND THE GULF COAST

THE MINNEAPOLIS INSTITUTE OF ARTS
OCTOBER 18, 2005–JANUARY 2006

Minneapolis – As the world responds with both moral and financial support for the victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, The Minneapolis Institute of Art also honors the wonderfully diverse communities of the Gulf Coast with the new exhibition “Southern Exposure: New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.” The exhibition, including ceramics and paintings drawn from the museum’s permanent collection, was on view at Orchestra Hall as part of “Art Spirit: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief.” “Southern Exposure,” now augmented with photographs and works on paper, opens at the Institute on October 18 in the General Mills Welcome Gallery.

The exhibition celebrates the rich cultural and artistic fabric that has defined New Orleans and the Gulf Coast for more than two hundred years, and acknowledges the essential, enduring place in the heart of the nation. Highlights include photographs from Walker Evans, Toby Old, and Edward Weston; ceramics by Newcomb College Pottery and George Orr; and images of New Orleans, Mardi Gras, and Louis Armstrong.

The Institute is committed to preserving the art that flourishes in this unique region of the country, witnessed most recently in two landmark exhibitions, “Walker Evans” and the popular “Currents of Change: Art and Life Along the Mississippi River, 1850–1861” which recently had an extended showing at Louisiana State University.

ABOUT THE MINNEAPOLIS INSTITUTE OF ARTS
Ranked among the top ten comprehensive U.S. art museums, The Minneapolis Institute of Art is dedicated to bringing art to life for everyone. Located in a beautiful landmark building near downtown Minneapolis, the museum houses approximately 100,000 works of art, representing more than 5,000 years of world history. General admission is always free. Some special exhibitions have a nominal admission fee. Museum Hours: Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Closed Monday. Please allow plenty of time to park, as construction of our exciting expansion project is under way. For additional information, call (612) 870-3131 or visit www.artsmia.org.

###