It is the mission of the Minnesota Historical Society to record the voices and stories of each generation of Minnesotans, including present day. For the past 30 years, MNHS has been focusing on collecting art work which demonstrates this contemporary voice. View a selection of these pieces in the exhibit "Recent Acquisitions: Art Since 1985," on view May 15 through Nov. 9, 2014.

MNHS has collected more than 600 works of art since 1985. The exhibit showcases nearly 40 of these works created by such distinguished artists as Harriet Bart, Dan Bruggeman, Michael Kareken, Barbara Kreft, Mike Lynch, Melvin Smith and Francis Yellow.

According to Brian Szott, head of collections, the exhibit showcases a diversity of expression, from lighthearted, playful and ironic, to the deeply personal and the simply beautiful.

The exhibit is included with the cost of house tours at $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and college students, $6 for children age 6 to 17 and free for MNHS members. Visitors can also view the exhibit only for $2.

"It Takes a Whole Lot of Human Feeling". Oil on paper by Rose J. Smith, 2005.	"Titanium [Lake Superior]". Oil on canvas by Mary Jo Van Dell, 2008.

"Drake". Mixed media on board by Dan Bruggeman, 2010.	"Magnet". Oil on canvas by Michael Kareken, 2009.

About the James J. Hill House

Completed in 1891, the Gilded Age mansion was the residence of James J. Hill, builder of the Great Northern Railway, and his family. The home is located one-half block west of the Cathedral of St. Paul at 240 Summit Avenue. It is open for regular tours year-round, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 1 to 3:30 p.m. Sundays. Reservations are recommended. For more information, call 651-297-2555.

The Society’s calendar of events is posted online at www.mnhs.org/calendar. The website also has information about all of the Society’s programs, museums and historic sites.

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. The Society collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, the Society preserves our past, shares our state’s stories and connects people with history.

The Minnesota Historical Society is supported in part by its Premier Partners: Xcel Energy and Explore Minnesota Tourism.