Introducing the 2026 Exhibition Theme

As we planned our exhibitions for 2026, the 250^th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the DAI team and a panel of regional arts professionals asked one powerful question: What is American art?

We reached a clear conclusion: American identity holds many truths—complex, diverse, and sometimes contradictory—and art uniquely expresses every story, perspective, challenge, and hope that shapes our nation’s past and present.

In 2026, we invite you to explore these truths with us. Throughout the year, we’ll host exhibitions, classes, and programs that celebrate the many facets of American art and identity.

Reflect, create, and share with us: What does your truth look like?

Exhibition Schedule

Q1: Truths of Culture and History
On view January 12–April 3, 2026

Fur Trade Nation: An Ojibwe’s Graphic History
Carl Gawboy

Ojibwe Adornment In Ribbons, Cloth, Beads, and Fur
Wendy Savage

Part of our 2026 “We Hold These Truths” programming.
Funding provided by the Minnesota Humanities Center and the National Endowment for the Arts

Q2: Truths of Community

2026 Annual Member Show
Theme: We Hold These Truths

Part of our 2026 “We Hold These Truths” programming.
Funding provided by the National Endowment for the Arts

Q3: Truths of Visual Language

Ish Meets a Mermaid
Jonathan Thunder, Vera Bianchini, Camila Guillen

Send Flowers
Cody Paulson and Stephen Pestalozzi

Part of our 2026 “We Hold These Truths” programming.
Funding provided by the National Endowment for the Arts

Q4: Truths of Self and Materials

Lauren Faherty, Robb Quisling, and Andrew Webster

Part of our 2026 “We Hold These Truths” programming.
Funding provided by the National Endowment for the Arts

We Hold These Truths Events and Classes

Thank You to Our 2026 Exhibition Advisory Panel

Christina Woods, Deb Eagle, Tia Keobounpheng, Paul LaJeunesse, Wendy Savage, Jesse Switters, Madeline Kayser, Aurora Webster, Meg Litts, Robb Quisling, Jonathan Thunder, Sam Zimmerman