Photography Exhibit Tells Stories of Our State at the Minnesota State Capitol

For immediate release

Release dated: May 6, 2024

MNHS media contacts: Allison Ortiz, 651-259-3051, allison.ortiz@mnhs.org or Nick Jungheim, 651-259-3060, nick.jungheim@mnhs.org

“Willmar: What Comes to Your Mind?!” Opens May 9

ST. PAUL, Minn (May 6, 2024) – The next installment of Minnesota stories will be on display at the State Capitol starting May 9. Willmar: What Comes to Your Mind?! is a photography exhibit by John Salgado Maldonado, designed to challenge the way our society thinks about diversity and variety. Maldonado calls himself an ARTivist, percussionist, and photographer who contributes to community awareness through his art. 

The exhibit opens at the Third Floor Exhibit Gallery at the Minnesota State Capitol on May 9 and runs through October 31. The gallery is located in rooms 320 and 321 on the third floor of the State Capitol, and is free to the public during regular building hours. 

There is a free opening reception for the exhibit on Thursday, May 9 from 4 pm–7 pm, with remarks at 5:30 pm. 

Willmar: What Comes to Your Mind?! is part of a public art gallery that exists for Minnesota artists to tell Minnesota stories. Artists are selected by the Capitol Art Exhibit Advisory Committee and approved by the State Capitol Preservation Commission. 

The selection process ensures a range of artists are considered and that, over the course of many exhibits, the art reflects the broad diversity and experiences of Minnesotans. Preference is given to artists currently living in Minnesota or who were living in the state at the time the art was portrayed.

This activity is funded in part with a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council made possible by the voters of Minnesota, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

About the Minnesota Historical Society

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS 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, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories, and connects people with history.