Introducing the 2026 Exhibition Theme
As we planned our exhibitions for 2026, the 250th 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
Events
AMS Pre-Reception Cocktail Fundraiser & Jazz Concert
Get your ticket today to reserve your FREE PARKING SPACE IN THE HOLIDAY CENTER RAMP for the evening! The DAI is hosting this legacy building fundraiser to help reach our goal of raising $60,000. Join…
Annual DAI Member Meeting
Directions Park on the street or in the Holiday Center Ramp, entrance on 1st Street between 2nd and 3rd Ave W. If you are also planning to attend the AMS Reception later in the evening,…
Annual Member Show Reception
The region’s beloved event, the Annual Member Show, showcases the work of DAI member artists. Everyone is welcome to celebrate these talented artists at the reception, including the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice…
Peyote Stitch Keychains with Airlea Defoe
From the instructor: "Boozhoo! My name is Airlea Indaniss DeFoe. I'll be showing you how to make a peyote stitch keychain with leather fringe. You will learn how to do peyote stitch, make leather fringe,…
Ocarina Making with Karen Keenan
3 Sessions | Learn how to make and play stoneware clay ocarinas with musician and potter Karen Keenan. In the first class session, hand-build ocarinas—a type of fipple flute. In the second session, learn about…
Circle Weaving with Tiffany Fenner
A beginner-friendly fiber art workshop. Learn to weave colorful wall hangings using circular embroidery hoops or metal rings. Learn how to warp a circular weaving frame, weave basic over-under patterns, and build texture using yarn,…
Beaded Earring Making with Tashia Hart
1 Session | Learn basic jewelry-making skills to design your own beaded earrings with award-winning artist and writer Tashia Hart.
Branch Weaving with Tiffany Fenner
Create woven wall art using natural forked branches as a frame and simple, natural fiber materials. Prepare a branch for weaving, create warp threads between the branch points, weave yarn and fibers into patterns and…
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