The Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) will host its Spring New Look Weekend from May 15-17, 2026, celebrating the opening of two new exhibitions: “Gordon Coons: Gidibaajimomin / We Tell Stories” and “Myths & Legends of Minnesota: An Exhibition of the Minnesota Plein Air Collective.” The weekend features a Friday dinner at Nosh Scratch Kitchen with a marine-themed menu by Chef Greg Jaworski, and a full Saturday of programming including a Paint-Along Demonstration with Nelia Harper French, drop-in printmaking with Gordon Coons, a Meet the Artist tour, a plein air paint-out, and a social gathering. Both exhibitions run through August and September 2026.
The event matters because it exemplifies how regional museums foster community engagement by blending visual art with hands-on activities, outdoor painting, and culinary experiences. It highlights the work of Indigenous artist Gordon Coons, whose exhibition centers Ojibwa storytelling traditions, and supports local plein air artists through the Minnesota Plein Air Collective. The weekend also underscores MMAM's role as a cultural hub in Winona, Minnesota, connecting art, place, and diverse audiences.