The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is currently hosting an exhibition titled “Water | Craft” that delves into the intersection of art, craft, and environmental concerns. Situated on the banks of the Mississippi River, the museum is uniquely positioned to explore the significance of water in our lives and the impact of climate change on our ecosystems.
The exhibition features works by seven artists whose practices incorporate weaving, pottery, basketry, glass, and textile arts. Among them are Tali Weinberg and Nicole McLaughlin, known for their mixed-media pieces that reflect on interconnectivity and multi-disciplinary approaches. Weinberg translates ecological data into intricate installations and weavings, while McLaughlin’s ceramic platters reference Pre-Columbian cultures and the continuum of human history.
Other artists in the exhibition include Rowland Ricketts, Sarah Sense, Therman Statom, Kelly Church, and Tanya Aguiñiga. Aguiñiga’s intricately knotted wall works featuring terracotta forms cascade gently to the floor, while Ricketts’ large-scale installation, “Bow,” suspends strands of indigo-dyed linen in a gallery space, evoking the movement of water or the silhouette of a boat.
The museum describes the artists in “Water | Craft” as carrying on traditional craft practices that continue to evolve in response to environmental changes. Just as water flows through landscapes and cultural histories, craft knowledge is passed down through generations, carrying with it technical skills and cultural values.
The exhibition will run until December 27 in Winona, offering visitors a unique opportunity to engage with art that reflects on water, the environment, and the evolving practices of craft. If you are interested in supporting independent arts publishing and gaining access to exclusive benefits, consider becoming a Colossal Member today. By doing so, you can help fund art supplies for K-12 classrooms and receive a 15% discount in the Colossal Shop, among other perks.
