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2026 Exhibitions : We Hold These Truths

January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026
January 1, 2026 December 31, 2026 America/Chicago 2026 Exhibitions : We Hold These Truths 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? Read more about the theme Exhibition Schedule Q1: Truths of Culture and HistoryOn view January 12–April 3, 2026 Fur Trade Nation: An Ojibwe’s Graphic HistoryCarl Gawboy Ojibwe Adornment In Ribbons, Cloth, Beads, and FurWendy 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 ShowTheme: 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 MermaidJonathan Thunder, Vera Bianchini, Camila Guillen Send FlowersCody 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 [tribe_events tag="We Hold These Truths" view="list"] 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 Duluth Art Institute

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Annual Member Show 2026

April 21, 2026 at 7:00pm - July 10, 2026 at 5:00pm
April 21, 2026 July 10, 2026 America/Chicago Annual Member Show 2026 EXHIBITION OPENING 7:00PM, APRIL 21 WITH THE AMS RECEPTION. GALLERIES WILL BE CLOSED PRIOR TO 7:00PM. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening celebration of art, community, and legacy at the Duluth Art Institute Annual Member Show. This year we made it bigger and better than ever! Thank you to our presenting event sponsor, Krenzen Auto. Theme: We Hold These Truths Our 2026 AMS centers on reflection, inspiration, and the enduring power of art in shaping truth and community. Evening Highlights AMS Pre-Reception Cocktail Fundraiser & Jazz Concert5:00PM – Sip cocktails (members: first one is on the DAI Board of Directors!), enjoy live jazz, and celebrate the legacy of the Duluth Art Institute while supporting the arts for generations to come. Register for the Concert Fundraiser Member Meeting6:30PM – Offsite gathering for DAI members to connect, discuss, and envision the future of our institute. RSVP for the Member Meeting AMS Opening Reception7:00PM – Step into our newly curated art reception celebrating local and regional artists. Register for the AMS Reception VolunteerWant to help make the AMS the best it can be? We're looking for volunteers to help out with art drop-off, art pick-up, and the opening night events. AMS Volunteer Page What’s New This Year Enhanced legacy-focused fundraising experience Seven additional weeks on view Buy AMS artworks with our convenient online storefront More About the Theme Something new is coming to the Annual Member Show! For the first time, the AMS will center around a theme: “We Hold These Truths.” This theme continues throughout the 2026 exhibition schedule, contributing to a broader conversation about American art. This year’s AMS is a chance for our member artists to weigh in on the conversation, expressing their truth through their art. Truth can take many forms. It can emerge from cultural heritage, lived experience, artistic process, or community connection. When brought together, artwork creates a collective conversation, showing us the richness and diversity of perspectives within our community. Each voice contributes to a broader dialogue about who we are and what we hold to be true. Add or renew your DAI membership Timeline March 9, 2026: Application closed at 11:59pm CST March 10–April 8, 2026: Accepted applicants will be contacted via email with details regarding schedule, artwork delivery, and may be asked to supply additional support materials. April 6, 2026 Shipment Date: Artwork must be shipped through Fed Ex. Include or email a prepaid return label for Fedex. Artywork must arrive by to April 6. April 9, 2026, 9:00am–6:00pm CT: Artwork Drop-Off Day. Accepted artworks must be delivered to the DAI galleries during this time. Accommodations may be available prior to April 9. Contact Exhibition Manager by email. April 21, 2026, 5:00–6:30pm: Pre-Reception Cocktail Fundraiser & Jazz Concert (Tickets available soon) April 21, 6:30–7:00pm: Annual DAI Member Meeting April 21, 2026, 7:00pm–9:00pm CT: AMS Reception, open to the public April 21, 2026–July 10, 2026: Exhibition on view in the DAI Downtown Galleries July 14, 2026, 9:00am–5:00pm CT: Artwork Pick-Up Day. Artworks must be picked up from the DAI galleries during this time by the artist. Contact the DAI Exhibitions Manager by email, if alternative pick-up plans are needed. Duluth Art Institute

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