Saint Paul– A new exhibit featuring the art of Former Minnesota First Lady Gretchen Quie is now on display in the newly restored Minnesota State Capitol and will run through August 31, 2017.

“A life in Art” draws on a selection of Quie’s artistic works spanning seven decades and includes paintings, drawings, wood block prints, and mixed media. Gaining inspiration from her faith, people, and surroundings – the exhibit captures Quie’s passion for art and her eclectic ability to celebrate the ordinary objects of life. She was a creative citizen of Minnesota and captured the simple beauty of her times.

Gretchen Quie was able to balance an incredible range of roles as the spouse of Al Quie, whose career ranged from farmer to congressman and state governor. While raising a family, Quie maintained an active studio in their home and produced not only paintings but pottery and fabric arts. Her works are in private collections and public institutions.

The public is invited to enjoy the works of Gretchen Quie at a reception honoring the exhibit’s opening on Tuesday, June 27 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Capitol’s Exhibit Gallery. Light refreshments will be served courtesy of the Quie family.

“The opportunity to host an artistic collection of such a great Minnesotan is an honor,” said Administration Commissioner Matt Massman. “The restored Capitol gives us a great opportunity to further tell Minnesota’s story with rotating art exhibitions.”

The expanded public space within the Capitol has provided the opportunity to share Minnesota’s culturally diverse stories and to celebrate the individuals who helped create the Minnesota we know today.

Other exhibits currently featured in public space throughout the Capitol include:

• Tracks in the Snow: The Minnesota Muslim Experience Since 1880, presented by the Islamic Resource Group (IRG) gives positive insight on the state's growing Muslim population and their rich contributions to Minnesota's social landscape.
• Restoration Workers: The Men and Women that Made the Capitol Grand Again, by Senate Photographer Tom Olmscheid celebrates the diverse workforce that came together to play an integral part in transforming the State Capitol.
• Why Treaties Matter: Self-Government in the Dakota and Ojibwe Nation, presented in collaboration with the Minnesota Indians Affairs Council, the Minnesota Humanities Center, and the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian shares the story of Native nations within Minnesota and how their story is that of making treaties.

These exhibits are on display during the Capitol's regular hours of operation, and are free to the public.

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For additional information, please contact:
Curt Yoakum, Assistant Commissioner
(651) 201-2771
curtis.yoakum@state.mn.us