Minnesota Artists' Association Records

The Minnesota Artists' Association was founded in 1937 by a group of 12 artists, struggling to make it through the depression. The organization's constitution states that "the purpose of this organization shall be to promote the welfare of Minnesota artists and, in general, to encourage the active arts in Minnesota, and more specifically to hold periodical exhibitions; to exert influence towards the purchase of Minnesota art by contacting individuals and civic groups, municipal and otherwise; to promote such legislation as will benefit the arts in Minnesota; to co-operate with other organization having similar ideals and purposes; and finally, to encourage a spirit of professional co-operation between individual members." The assocaiton continues to actively promote Minnesota artists and their art. Their web site states that "Over the years, the MAA has evolved into an organization which assists and promotes artists working in all media: oil painting, watercolor, acrylic, gouache, pastel and collage as well as drawing, photography, sculpture and hand-pulled prints."